Omegas Unchained (The Rogue Pack Book 8)
Author: Cayto, Samantha
Date: 2019-02-17
Publisher: Samantha Cayto

Omegas Unchained

Copyright 2019 Samantha Cayto

Published by Samantha Cayto

Cover Art by Syneca Featherstone

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Chapter One

Ryan woke early, as he did every day, a good hour before anyone else. Milo made it easy to stick to this routine. The pup was a poor sleeper, always had been. It was different these days, though. Ryan didn’t have to escape his room before Milo woke a vicious alpha who took the interruption of his sleep out on Ryan’s hide. Lorcan never seemed to mind the pup’s antics. The man was a new kind of alpha. The Rogue Pack wasn’t a place of constant fear, and for that fact alone, Ryan was determined to be a useful member.

That meant taking advantage of his early morning rise and getting a jump on kitchen chores. There was always something to do when it came to feeding the pack, most of whom still relied on the longhouse for their meals. That had been true even before the gathering had begun. It was doubly so now that nearly a dozen additional dominants from the visiting Green Mountain and Strongblood packs required at least three big meals a day.

Oh, and there was also one visiting omega, a fact that still puzzled Ryan. Not that the Green Mountain boy ate much. Far from it. He’d blended seamlessly into the gathering so far and had also lent a hand with domestic tasks the previous day. Ryan supposed it all came down to Alpha Elijah being as untraditional as Lorcan. And the man didn’t need to explain his decision to anyone, especially not to him. Ryan knew his place—merely an omega who lived on Lorcan’s sufferance.

Hefting Milo on his hip, Ryan padded down the hall with practiced silence. Milo, too, seemed to understand for a change that he needed to be quiet. He rested his head against Ryan’s shoulder and chewed on a hank of Ryan’s hair. There was no one about, although of course, there were dominants on patrol. While Ryan knew nothing about such things, he imagined that there was more vigilance, not less, now that strange shifters occupied pack lands.

The kitchen was empty when he arrived. That wasn’t always the case. Sometimes head-cook Joey beat him to it with his own son snuggled in a sling as the omega started breakfast prep. Ryan had never known of an omega being in charge of a kitchen. That was just one more thing about this pack that was outside the norm for their species. The good news was that Joey wasn’t possessive or insecure in his position. He never minded Ryan making himself at home in the other boy’s domain. He seemed genuinely appreciative of Ryan’s efforts, so this routine was a win-win all around.

Unlike Joey, however, Ryan liked taking advantage of one of the highchairs that the alpha had permitted. It was so much easier to knead dough and work the stove without a pup in the way. Besides, Milo was big for his age, and Ryan was small even for an omega. His old mate, Haldon, had been impatient. He’d insisted on trying again to breed an alpha heir after too many failures with previous mates. He hadn’t been willing to wait for Ryan to mature. He’d mated and mounted Ryan before he’d gone into his first heat, leading to an early maturing and ultimately a difficult delivery. Ryan and Milo had been lucky to survive it.

Luckier still, was that Lorcan had killed Haldon in battle shortly afterward. What could have been the beginning of a life of misery, had turned out to be one of relative luxury and peace. Ryan understood how fortunate he was and wanted to give back to his pack as much as he could.

“Okay, honey, let’s get you settled,” he said, dragging a highchair out of a corner.

Milo was complacent being strapped in. That hadn’t been the case the first few times. The pup had grown used to being constantly carried around. But he’d adapted readily enough, especially once he understood that being in the chair meant getting something more interesting to eat than his father’s milk. Ryan still nursed Milo as his primary source of food to keep from going into heat and he was grateful that his alpha was fine with that. He wasn’t ready to breed again. Milo’s voracious appetite was proving problematic, though.

Not that Ryan had anything to complain about. Milo was his heart. Ryan would forever be in debt to Lorcan for not killing his enemy’s pup outright. Ryan had feared for his son’s life when he’d followed the others to the Rogues, yet he’d known better than to lie about Milo’s lineage. Lies always came back to haunt one, he’d learned.

In the end, everything had turned out for the better anyway. They all had a safe place in the Rogue Pack. Ryan and Milo had been incorporated into the alpha’s family and the Alpha Mate, Kyle, Ryan’s stepson technically, had been genuinely kind to them. Ryan hadn’t a complaint or worry to his name anymore, and still he fretted over the future.

He settled Milo in the highchair and littered the tray with some breakfast cereal. Milo bounced his chubby legs in excitement before grabbing at the pieces. He gave his father a slobbery grin when he managed to pop the first one into his mouth. Ryan could see the beginnings of yet another tooth coming in. He winced inwardly. His poor nipples were already getting a lot of bites. He didn’t complain, however. Anything was better than going into heat before he was ready. It wasn’t that he didn’t want more pups‒he did. It was simply a matter of having a say over when and how it happened.

Ryan had a plan.

Running a hand over his son’s downy head, he moved away to begin the bread dough. Joey had complimented him on his skill with this particular food, so by an unspoken agreement, Ryan had taken over the majority of the bread-making. It was easy, and he loved kneading. The rhythmic slapping and pressing allowed him to fall into the mindless task, and at the same time, work out his frustrations. The big stand-up mixer facilitated the making of multiple loaves within a short period of time.

Once he’d fed the yeast, he allowed himself to grab a quick bite of his own. Although he knew he could eat anything he wanted, he never took his position for granted or allowed himself to get ahead of his position. So, he toasted a couple of pieces of the previous day’s loaves and spread some peanut butter on them. It was enough to hold him until breakfast time. He didn’t bother brewing any coffee, not being a drinker himself. He would leave that until someone else wanted it. Later, when the dominants would be waking to take their turn on the perimeter, they’d be looking for a hit of caffeine beforehand. It was a modern thing, this coffee drinking. He doubted the Strongblood dominants did it. At least he hadn’t seen them do so, although he steered clear of those nearly feral shifters.

As he stood by the kitchen window with half his attention on Milo and the other half on his own meal, a flash caught his attention. Griffin. His heartbeat quickened the way it always did at the sight of the beta from his birth pack. Griffin should have scared him because dominants by their nature were something to fear. This one never had, however. He’d been endlessly kind in small ways from the moment that Ryan had come out from behind his mother’s skirts, and even while Ryan had endured being mated to Haldon. The beta had risked much in doing so. Ryan would always be grateful.

More, though, he was desirous of the man. The attraction had always been there, percolating under the surface of Ryan’s natural shyness and anxiety. Now, having been given a certain freedom, he could allow his feelings to come to the fore. The beta’s virility called to him on the most primitive level. That was a bonus.

The real value in his attraction to Griffin, however, was that it gave him the perfect solution to his problem. Eventually Milo would have to be weaned for his own good. When that happened, Ryan would go into heat again. He wanted to be mated in advance of that eventuality, and to someone whom he could trust to take good care of him and Milo and future pups. He knew Griffin was that shifter. The only barrier was now that they lived in a safe pack, Griffin mostly kept his distance. If there was going to be any progress on that front, Ryan had decided that he needed to make the first move. The idea of being so bold made Ryan’s stomach ache and jangled his nerves. He’d been raised to be a proper omega–reserved and obedient. The idea of trying to seduce a dominant into mating was unheard of in his life. And yet he was determined to pull it off. The question was, when and how?

This morning, the answer to the problem involved starting coffee. Griffin was that rare man who liked a cup even as he came off his turn on patrol. These days, with Griffin’s strength still not a hundred percent from his encounter with a bear, the alpha made the guy take shorter runs. Ryan wasn’t surprised to see him come out of the woods a few hours before the others would. If it were up to him, the beta would be resting still. It wasn’t, of course. Ryan had no say in such matters and didn’t expect to.

He was the one, though, who’d nursed the beta back to health after the bear attack. He understood more than anyone, other than the healer, just how bad it had been. A shudder ran through him. It had been a terrible time, the worst thing that had happened since joining the Rogues. He’d been grateful that the alpha had allowed him to take on the duty. More, he was heartened that Griffin hadn’t objected.

As he filled the brewer with water, he kept his gaze on the powerful wolf bounding across the backyard. The brown coat was nothing special, but the grace of his movements despite his size and the confident manner of his lope was impossible to ignore. And all of that was nothing compared to his human form. Griffin shifted at the bottom of the porch stairs, rising slowly to stand on his two feet. His golden skin glistened in the early sunlight as he stretched and ran his hands over his short hair. Corded, bulging muscles bunched and twisted with his movements. The sight of the thick, long cock swinging between his Griffin’s legs gave Ryan a quivery feeling low in his belly.

He looked away quickly, not wanting to be caught staring. He fumbled with the coffee grounds and worked to even out his breathing. Any overt signs of his attraction could work against him. Griffin had been nothing but kind and patient. Still, dominants were naturally attracted to reticent, biddable servients. It made it easy for them to care for the most fertile and vulnerable members of the pack. Ryan had those attributes down pat, too, notwithstanding his almost radical plan to make the beta his own. He needed to show them now because he wanted Griffin to like what he saw. Otherwise, what Ryan hoped to accomplish would come to nothing.

The kitchen door opened a second after he got the coffee brewing. Milo let out a screech in welcome, which Ryan instinctively moved to silence. “Easy, honey. No need to wake the entire longhouse.” Ryan sprinkled down more cereal and again ran his hand over the pup’s head.

“He’s not that loud.”

The sound of the deep, low voice both calmed and excited Ryan. He closed his eyes a second to appreciate the soothing quality and pointedly ignored the other. When he felt his reaction was well-hidden, he turned to greet the beta. He was disappointed and relieved that the guy had put on a pair of jeans before coming in. It seemed as if Ryan was constantly being buffeted by two disparate reactions to the beta’s presence.

With his gaze downward, he gave an appropriate greeting. “Good morning, Beta. Coffee will be ready in a few minutes.” He swallowed down his nerves. “May I fix you some breakfast?”

Griffin approached with that easy gait conveying his confidence. He had always been so, even when he was a young dominant joining the alpha’s inner circle. “I’ll pour myself a cup, thanks, and no need to put yourself out with food. I know you’re in the middle of bread-making.”

Ryan cursed inwardly in a very un-omega way at the reminder. He’d allowed Griffin’s presence to distract him, and that wouldn’t do. There was no chance the alpha would ever give him a say over who Ryan mated with next if he couldn’t first prove to be a reliable pack member.

He dared to shoot the beta a smile of thanks before returning to his bread. The sounds of the man rummaging around, getting a mug, pouring the coffee, were hard to ignore. Ryan did so with difficulty, especially because Griffin didn’t simply leave the room. Instead, he leaned against the counter near the spot where Ryan worked and quietly drank.

Ryan let his subconscious and muscle memory carry him through the motions of mixing the dough, turning it out, and dividing it into the right portions for loaves. He sprinkled flour on the surface of the prep island and began kneading the first piece. He favored the slapping form, followed by folding and pressing with the heel of his palm to activate the gluten. Milo gurgled and banged his tiny hands on the highchair tray as Ryan put on the show. He smiled at his son, and the tingle at his pecs reminded him that it had been a couple of hours since he’d last nursed the pup. Gods, he hoped his milk wouldn’t let down before he was ready to feed Milo. Wouldn’t that be an embarrassing thing to happen in front of the beta?

“He’s gotten big.”

The casual observation caused Ryan’s movements to falter. He swallowed down some more of those nerves before saying, “Yes, his appetite is endless. It seems like it, anyway.”

Ryan could hear the awkwardness in his voice. He shouldn’t have been surprised by it. He wouldn’t have been perhaps, except that things had been different when he’d acted as a nurse to the beta. It had been easy to cast aside his own interests and focus instead on what was immediately necessary to help the man while he healed. Ryan had gone about his tasks with self-assurance and had even been surprisingly assertive whenever the beta had balked at taking care with himself. It was only now that their lives had returned to a normal pattern that he’d lost a lot of his confidence.

“Looks like he’s about finished with his cereal. Should I give him some more?”

Ryan paused long enough to glance over and confirm that Milo had indeed scarfed down what had been in front of him. If he ate a little more, it would buy Ryan time to finish getting the loaves rising before he had to nurse. He didn’t like asking a beta to do pup care, however. That wasn’t a role for dominants.

He paused in his kneading. “Thanks, but I can do it.”

“No worries, I’m on it. You’ve got your hands full–literally–with dough.” Pushing away from the counter, the beta reached inside the jar of cereal and pulled out a fistful. “Here you go, little omega.” Griffin squatted down in front of the highchair while he sprinkled the food out on the tray. Milo gurgled and waved his hands.

Ryan couldn’t hold back a smile. “Thank you.”

Griffin flashed a grin at Ryan. “I’m happy to help. He’s such a sweet pup, it’s hard to resist him.”

Ryan felt his cheeks heat up at the attention. Griffin was not only powerful, he was the most handsome man Ryan had ever seen. Having all that masculine beauty directed at him was unnerving. He returned his focus to his task. “I’ll be done soon here, and I’m happy to make you some eggs, if you’d like.”

“I’d appreciate that, thanks. I don’t want you to go to any trouble, though. You’re busy as it is.”

“It’s no trouble, really.” Ryan set the portion of dough he held in an oiled pan to rise. Then, he picked up the next one. “Milo’s taken to the highchair. It’s a real help having my hands free.”

“Yeah, he’s a good pup. Aren’t you?” Milo gurgled some more at whatever the beta was doing. “You haven’t weaned him yet, huh? Not that it’s any of my business,” Griffin hastened to add.

Ryan glanced at him. “Um, no, and it’s fine to ask. The alpha said I can nurse Milo as long as I want to keep my heat at bay.”

Griffin took a long drink of his coffee and straightened. “That’s good. I don’t expect you’re in any hurry to mate again.”

Slapping the dough on the counter, Ryan pondered how to respond to that observation. Or, whether to do so at all. Surely the beta didn’t mean anything by it. He wasn’t fishing for any kind of information, like how Ryan might feel about mating again. Was he? No one really expected an omega to have a preference about such things, despite the appearance that some in this pack had been allowed to choose.

Like Loki. What kind of freedom did a forcibly mounted and breeding omega really have in picking his mate? Not that Ryan had forgiven the boy for putting Griffin in danger, even if it had been an accident as Loki claimed. He still felt sorry for him. Loki appeared to be happy with Bard, but was he really, or was he simply making the best of the situation? Ryan didn’t know. What he did understand was that if his future was going to be better than his past, he had to take some initiative. Maintaining a conversation with Griffin was the first step.

“I, um, don’t mind that idea, actually. I mean, that’s my nature, to mate and breed, so I’m not opposed to it. It’s only that I’m hoping for someone who will be good to me and Milo, of course.”

Griffin returned to his previous spot against the counter. Even with the summer heat seeping into the kitchen, the warmth emanating from the beta’s big body reached Ryan. Goosebumps perversely raised up on his arms and his nostrils quivered at the dominant’s heavy scent.

“You should take that as a given,” Griffin said in gentle voice. “I understand why you don’t, but Lorcan won’t allow someone to claim you unless he’s sure the guy will live up to his duty. This alpha would do that even if you weren’t a member of his family. That you are, adds equal protection. You know that, right?”

Ryan nodded. “I do, yes.” The next loaf was set to rise, and he started on another. “He’s also told me I will have the final say once he’s approved someone.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised.”

Neither of them spoke for a couple of minutes. The only sound in the kitchen was Ryan’s pounding on the dough and Milo’s happy eating.

Griffin broke the silence. “There’s certainly a lot more choices for you now that the gathering has started.”

Ryan thought he heard something in the beta’s tone. Worry maybe. No, that made no sense. What did a guy like Griffin have to be concerned about? Certainly not that Ryan would want some foreign shifter as a mate when he had Griffin available.

Before he could think of a suitable reply, the back door opened, and Ethan, the Green Mountain omega stood on the threshold. He flashed Ryan a smile. “Mind if I come in?”

Ryan’s first reaction was irritation. He didn’t appreciate the interruption when things were going well with Griffin. A second later, he chastised himself for being silly and jealous. It wasn’t like he had a claim on Griffin. Besides, Ethan was no one to worry about or envy. The poor boy was barren. How horrible would that be for an omega? Breeding pups was the whole reason for their existence.

And, as much as Ryan hated thinking it, the sad truth was a beta like Griffin would have no interest in such a shifter. Only an alpha could afford to mate with a non-breeder as part of his harem. So long as he had others to give him pups, taking an omega for pure sexual pleasure would be considered acceptable among their kind. Other dominants were different. While they were expected to have what fun they wanted with sigmas, mating was serious business. It was a way to pass their blood line along. Every dominant wanted that.

Ethan approached with a broad grin that didn’t fade. He seemed unfazed by the presence of a dominant. “Anything I can do to help? I promised my brother I’d make myself useful to the host pack if he brought me.” He scratched at the back of his neck and quirked his lips. “The truth is I rise early and I’d go crazy with nothing to do.”

“Oh, um…” Ryan looked over at Joey’s white board where the omega always wrote out his menu for the next day before retiring. “Looks like it’s omelets this morning, so if you don’t mind prepping the veggies?”

“Sure. Happy to. Is everything in the fridge?”

“Yes.”

“Great, on it.”

Ethan could feel the other omega’s eyes on him the whole way over to the massive refrigerator. Used to scrutiny and ignoring it, he went about the mundane, yet welcome, task of finding and prepping the vegetables. It was easy, mindless work, and the Rogue’s kitchen was pretty modern. As much as the one for his Green Mountain Pack, notwithstanding how newly-formed the Rogues were. Their alpha, Lorcan, seemed cut from the same mold as Ethan’s brother, Elijah. So it wasn’t surprising really that in a short period of time, the Rogues had modernized their pack lands.

He pulled out peppers and mushrooms and brought them over to the sink to wash. “Do you want onions, too?” he asked the room in general. He wasn’t sure of the omega’s name.

“Yes, please. Onions are a pack favorite.”

“No problem, I can handle that.”

“Really, that’s not necessary. You’re a guest.”

Ethan snorted as he broke open and seeded the peppers. “That’s nice of you to say so, but really my brother is the guest. I’m just along for the ride.”

“It was kind of him to allow that.” This from the beta who stood a little closer to the other omega than was strictly necessary. And from Ethan’s brief assessment, he was drinking his coffee at a glacial pace.

“Yes, sir, it was. Elijah spoils me, I have to confess.”

“That’s easy to do with an omega,” the man replied.

Ethan smiled briefly in response. The other omega–damn, what is his name?–slapped the dough in his hand hard against the counter. He stiffened, as well, although subtly. O-kay, things were becoming clearer by the second about the lay of the land in the room. It was obvious the omega was interested in the beta, and vice versa, if Ethan was any judge. And, he was. He understood the way of dominants, and as a formerly mated omega, he knew desire when he saw it. That was true even when it was carefully banked, as it was with this particular beta.

The omega wasn’t hiding his emotions nearly so well. Then again, omegas usually didn’t. Ethan was atypical in that respect. After all that he’d been through, masking his feelings came easily. That was particularly true when it came to his pain. He hated for anyone to see how much it hurt to be what he was–a barren omega, a thing so rare, everyone had refused to believe it until a year of daily mountings had produced no heat and no pup.

Humiliating.

Heartbreaking.

My life.

No amount of crying or feeling sorry for himself was going to change it, either. The only thing he could do was pretend it didn’t bother him. It also cost him nothing to avoid antagonizing someone like this omega who clearly had his heart set on the beta in the room. Where the pup had come from, he wasn’t sure. There was a lot about their host pack that he knew nothing about, though it was clear from the scents that the beta was not the pup’s sire.

Not wanting to give either the beta or the omega the impression that he was trying to entice the dominant or cause trouble in the host pack, Ethan concentrated on his job. The built-in wooden cutting board was in a prep area closer to the highchair. He moved everything over to that spot and grinned at the happy pup sitting there before grabbing a knife. The pup babbled at him and waved his fists.

“Sorry, little one, I don’t think there’s anything here your father would let me give you.”

“No, there isn’t,” the omega confirmed. Wiping his hands on a towel, he came over and reached for his son. “It’s mostly a milk diet still with some cereal and fruit.” He hefted the surprisingly big pup out and settled him on his slender hip.

“It seems to be doing the trick. He’s a big boy.” Ethan kept his eyes on his task. It hurt a lot to see another omega with a pup.

The omega chuckled. “Yeah, he is.”

“I’ll get out of your way,” the beta said, putting his mug into one side of the wide sink.

“Oh, no,” the omega replied, even as he sat on one of the kitchen chairs. “I was going to make you eggs.”

The beta smiled as he shook his head. Gods, he was a handsome one. “It’s fine. You’re busy, and I can wait until breakfast. Really,” he added with that dominant tone that meant the discussion was over.

“Thanks for the coffee, Ryan.”

Ryan, of course.

“See you later, Ethan is it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m Griffin.” On that final note, the beta headed for the great room.

“Bye, Griffin.” Ryan uttered the words softly and with a dejected tone. Then he lifted his shirt to give his pup access to a nipple.

Ethan made a conscious effort to not look. Nursing was the most natural thing in the world next to mounting and breeding, and nothing anyone in a pack would pay any attention to. Normally. But for him, it was the hardest part of his barrenness to get past. To never have the chance to nurture his own pup was almost unbearable. Hiding his feelings was difficult enough without letting Ryan see his expression.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

Ethan paused his cutting, surprised that Ryan had not only picked up on his feelings, but was willing to ask about them head on. It was refreshing, actually. Everyone in his own pack tended to tiptoe around the issue as if it didn’t exist. Not wanting to make one of his hosts feel like he had to leave his own kitchen, Ethan dismissed the notion.

“No, certainly not. You need to feed your pup when he’s hungry.”

“Yeah, I know. I just thought maybe given your, um, situation, it wasn’t something you like seeing.”

Ethan shrugged. He opened his mouth to lie again, then closed it. “You’re not wrong,” he admitted, although he wasn’t sure why.

Maybe it was because his time with Ryan and the other members of the Rogue Pack was limited. It was nice to have a chance to speak more freely with a peer without worrying about getting endless looks of pity for the rest of his life. He got plenty of that already even with his pretend indifference.

He looked up from his chopping and grimaced. “It’s only been about six months since my mate sent me back to Green Mountain. Up until the time he did, I kept hoping things would change. Obviously, that can’t happen now. I haven’t had a lot of time to get used to being barren.”

“I’m sorry,” Ryan said in a soft voice. Then he winced and repositioned his pup.

Ethan’s eyes widened of their own volition. “Did he bite you?”

“Yes,” Ryan hissed. “More teeth are coming in.”

“And you don’t want to wean him because you’ll go into heat again?” Barren or not, Ethan knew the drill. All omegas did.

Ryan nodded. “That’s right. I’ll put up with bloody teeth marks if I must to keep control over my life a while longer.”

Ethan moved on to the last of his vegetables. “Is that a thing here? I mean, your alpha is cool with that plan? Or, are you mated?” He realized that was unlikely given how much the omega was telegraphing his interest in Griffin, but he didn’t want to make assumptions.

“My mate is dead, so it’s only Lorcan who has to agree. He’s fine with it.”

Now it was Ethan’s turn to say, “Sorry. Losing your mate must be tough.”

“Not for me.” Ryan switched his pup to the other breast. “I hated my mate and was glad when Lorcan killed him. It was a short war, and not one of Lorcan’s choosing.”

“I heard about it.” Ethan hadn’t realized the dead alpha, Haldon, had left a mate, let alone a pup. “And, Lorcan let you keep the boy?”

Ryan nodded slowly. “Yes. He’s very kind.”

“I’ll say. Of course, Elijah would have done the same. I think our packs are going to get along really well.”

“It seems so,” Ryan agreed.

Because he found he liked Ryan and their conversation had flowed easily, Ethan dared to ask, “So, Griffin?”

Ryan’s eyes flashed. “What about him?”

Ethan grinned. “I take it he’s your end game. You want him as your mate,” he clarified when Ryan’s expression indicated confusion.

Now the omega’s cheeks pinked up. “What if I do?”

“No worries, dude. I’m not trying to horn in on your action.” He scraped all of the cut vegetables into a bowl. “How about I start in on softening all of this for the omelets?”

“Joey–the omega in charge of the kitchen–does like everything to get a quick sauté before going into the omelet. You don’t have to do it, though.”

“I want to.” So saying, Ethan wasted no time grabbing two cast iron skillets and setting them on the large stove. He turned up the heat before hunting down oil.

“You’re not interested in Griffin?”

Ethan answered while he coated the pans. “Why would I be?” He glanced over his shoulder. “He’s gorgeous, don’t get me wrong. But I’m not in the market for sex, even outside my own pack where there’d be no strings attached. And, Elijah’s modern views notwithstanding, he wouldn’t like anyone who isn’t my mate touching me. I don’t want to upset him or cause him to pick a fight over my honor.”

Although he meant every word he said, an image of the massive Strongblood alpha, exuding raw power, flashed through his mind. A spark of deep desire jolted him. It had been like this ever since the man had pinned him with a hungry look. His wolf yipped in response. He tamped down the feelings and quieted his wolf. They could only get him into trouble.

“Besides,” he added as he dumped the vegetables in the sizzling pans, “Griffin barely noticed me. He’s way into you.”

“You think?”

The hopefulness in the question had him turning to face Ryan. The boy’s eyes were wide. “Yeah, ‘course I do. Don’t you?”

The light in Ryan’s eyes dimmed a bit. “I’m not sure. It’s what I want. I know Lorcan will approve since he let Griffin join the pack. If only Griffin would offer for me, I’d happily mate him.”

Ethan gave the veggies a stir. “How would that be for you, mating with a beta after being an alpha-mate? It’s a step down rank-wise.”

“I don’t care about any of that,” Ryan scoffed. “All that matters is that my next mate be a good man.”

“Griffin seems nice.”

“He is. He’s the best, most honorable shifter I know.”

That declaration caused Ethan to abandon his task for a moment while he stared at the other omega. He’s in love. He wondered if Ryan realized that his goal involved more than a practical solution to his inevitable problem. Probably not. Love wasn’t something their species had truly recognized until recently. Sure, the old ones spoke of this fated-mate thing. No one these days believed in that stuff. It had likely been a primitive way of expressing the emotion. And, omegas like Ryan had been raised to accept whatever life they were ordered to. That Ryan dared to set hopes for his own future was amazing enough.

“Hey, what’s up?” The omega in charge of the kitchen, Joey, came in carrying a pup in a sling.

“Good morning, Joey,” Ryan said as he detached his pup and patted his back. “Ethan wanted to help out, so I asked him to cut up the vegetables for the omelets. I hope that was okay.”

“Sure.” Joey fixed his attention on Ethan. “And, you’re softening them? That’s awesome. I appreciate the help.”

Ethan relaxed a hair, not realizing until he did that he’d feared a negative reaction. He was mindful of how he was the interloper here. “You’re welcome.” He turned off the heat on both burners. “I think they’re done. Is there anything else I can do?”

Joey pursed his lips and hummed. “The rest of the kitchen staff will be here shortly, so no, thanks.” Grabbing a banana, he peeled it half-way down, broke off a chunk and handed it to his enormous pup. “Here you go, L.C.” The pup didn’t hesitate to shove most of it in his mouth.

Ethan chuckled. “He’s got a good appetite.”

Joey grimaced. “Don’t I know it. He’s draining me dry these days. I’m going to have to wean him.”

Ryan sighed. “Oh, Joey.”

“It’s okay. I likely won’t go into heat until fall and I’m fine with breeding again so soon.” He shrugged. “When you mate with a gamma, you can’t be surprised when you pop out ginormous and voracious gamma pups.”

Ethan watched as the father gave the rest of the banana to his son, then headed for the corner where the highchairs were stored. That was a sign that the Rogues were prosperous. Having human conveniences was a luxury that not all packs had or wanted. But when Joey tried to seat his pup, the boy shrieked and thrashed.

“Damn,” Joey said, giving up. “This is what I get for carrying him around in the sling all the time. I can’t cook with you in your pouch, L.C.” The pup responded by slapping his banana smeared hands on his father’s cheeks.

“I’ll take him,” Ryan offered, standing.

Ethan knew there was a better solution. “How about I hold him? I don’t have anything else to do.” He pasted a smile on his face and reminded himself that he had to be able to be a useful pack member. If he couldn’t breed his own pups, he may as well get used to caring for others.

Joey looked at him skeptically. “Are you sure? L.C. is hefty, and you’re not very big.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Like any of us are? Come on,” he added, approaching with his arms outstretched. “I’m stronger than I look.”

“All right, if you’re sure?” Joey handed the pup over. “He’s sticky, though.”

“I don’t mind.” He didn’t, either. When the pup eyed him suspiciously, Ethan grabbed one of his hands and sucked on the fingers. “Hmm, banana.”

The pup thought it was hilarious, and just like that, they were friends. Ethan sat down on a nearby chair, because the kid was very heavy, and watched Joey whirl around the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After putting his own pup back into a highchair, Ryan went to help him.

“So, did I see Griffin come in earlier from patrol?” Joey asked the room in general.

Ryan answered, awkwardly to Ethan’s ears. “Ah, yeah. He just wanted coffee.”

“Which you kindly made even though you don’t drink it,” Joey observed. There was a lightly teasing tone to his voice.

“It’s no more than I’d do for any dominant.” Ryan’s cheeks pinked up as he spoke.

“Of course.” Joey winked at Ethan, then started cracking eggs in a large bowl. “It’s nice having the beta fully in the pack, though, don’t you think? He’s gorgeous.”

“Joey!” Ryan’s eyes flashed. “What if your mate heard you say that?”

“What? Liam knows I didn’t go blind when I mated with him. And, he’s very secure in my love. I was only making an observation and one I bet you’ve made yourself.”

“Maybe.” Ryan busied himself with slicing day-old bread. “I’ll prep the French toast.”

“Thanks.” Joey looked over his shoulder. “What do you think of Griffin, Ethan?”

Although he was surprised at being so included in the conversation, Ethan was more than happy to join in. Coming to the gathering was turning out to be a good idea. He was having fun already.

“He’s certainly an eye-catcher, but not exactly my type.”

“Ooh,” Joey cooed. “So, tell us what is.”

“Hmm.” Ethan refocused his attention on the pup, suddenly uncomfortable with the turn the conversation had taken at his own instigation. “I don’t know. Just different, I guess.”

He left it at that, except he wasn’t being open. He did know, but the truth unnerved him. And no amount of effort deny it would succeed for long because he had a very clear idea of his perfect mate–wild, dangerous, and not quite civilized–the exact opposite of what he should have been attracted to given his upbringing.

And, that very guy had walked out of his dreams and onto the Rogue Pack’s land, offering to buy him.

Chapter Two

Graydon used the barrel of rain water to wash off the last of the blood and gore that stuck around his human mouth. The morning was already dawning bright and hot. His run hadn’t done much to cool his blood, although the game he’d killed and eaten had taken the edge off his hunger.

Kael ambled up, tugging at the crotch of his borrowed jeans and holding a piece of denim in his fist. “Here,” he said, holding out the offering. “Not even Lorcan has something that will fit you, so his mate cut down a pair of pants.”

Graydon snatched the cloth from his beta and held it up. He scoffed. “Cut-offs? What a ridiculous thing for me to wear.”

“With respect, sir, nothing you do is such because you are the alpha.”

Graydon snorted. “Don’t try to flatter me. You’re terrible at it.”

Kael grinned. “I am, I really am, but I’m also right. You can pull off the look. I promise that pretty Green Mountain omega will be duly impressed by the way this bit of cloth will hug your junk.”

The snarl erupted from him before he could keep it in check and he bared his teeth. “Do not speak of him. Don’t so much as think of him.”

Kael went from easy-going friend to submissive pack member in an instant. He dropped his gaze and bared his neck. “Sorry, Alpha, I meant no offense.”

Graydon forced down his ire. He was really trying to rein in his own aggressive behavior. It had its place, of course. Being strong and quick to act was the way to keep his pack both prosperous and safe. That was especially true as it got bigger, and the humans expanded more and more into shifter territory. Still, he didn’t want to perpetuate the old standard of the vicious alpha. His pack deserved better than that. He would never be the easy-going type like Elijah, but having more patience wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.

The omega will expect it.

He put his hand on Kael’s shoulder. “I know you didn’t.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to apologize, except that would take things too far. His sire’s lessons of what it meant to be a strong alpha were too ingrained for him to change that much.

An explanation, however, wasn’t amiss. “You weren’t to know that the boy is my fated mate.”

Kael’s eyes went wide. “I should have guessed given your reaction to seeing him.”

Graydon winced inwardly at the mention of his intemperate reaction. Knowing what he did of the Green Mountain Pack, he should have understood that their alpha wouldn’t simply sell his brother. The impulse to claim the boy destined for him had been too great for such consideration, however.

“Yes,” was all he said, ignoring the flare of deep need as thoughts of the omega crowded in.

“May I ask, what’s it like to meet the one?”

It’s like having a tree fall on you, a kick to the balls, and a stone weighing on your heart. Those were his thoughts, but he couldn’t say any of it. He was the alpha and couldn’t afford to show such sentimentality to anyone, not even his oldest friend from puphood.

“It is powerful,” was all he would allow.

His dick, naturally, lacked any kind of discipline. Despite his efforts, it rose up like a club in testament to how much the mere mention of the omega filled him with uncontrollable desire.

Kael’s gaze flicked down, and he held out his hand. “Sir, with no sigmas available, may I help you with that?”

Graydon appreciated the offer. Like any dominant, his second in command was willing to provide sexual services to a superior when needed. It didn’t diminish his standing. A hand job was little enough, too. It didn’t require much interaction, and if he closed his eyes, he could pretend it was the omega. Except, no, that wasn’t right. Now that he’d met the one shifter in this world intended for him alone, he didn’t want anyone’s touch other than his.

“No. Thank you,” he added because courtesy cost him nothing. “I’ll take care of it myself. I’d better or I’ll never fit into these shorts,” he added with a grin.

Dropping his hand, Kael returned the look. “Yeah, well if there’s anything else I can do, like distract Elijah to give you a clear path?”

Graydon’s grin widened. “You know me so well. I am going to have to find a way around the boy’s alpha. Otherwise, I will have to fall back on tradition, and I really don’t want to abuse our host’s hospitality by challenging his other guest.”

“Just say the word, sir, and I’ll do what I can.”

Graydon simply nodded before adding, “I’m going to find a place of privacy because that seems to be a thing around here. I’ll meet you for first meal at the longhouse.”

“Breakfast, sir,” Kael corrected, as Graydon had already told him to do. He wanted them to fit in with the others for the gathering.

“Right.” He turned and stalked off to the woods, one hand fisting the shorts, and the other already grabbing his straining dick.

He felt stupid tending to a perfectly natural need while hiding behind a tree. But he’d come to this gathering committed to broadening his pack’s allies. He wanted, as well, to advance to a more modern way of life, so long as it didn’t mean giving up the important traditions of shifters. Integration with humans didn’t have to mean total assimilation. Or if it did, they could count him out. He was determined to be an alpha in the best sense of the word—doing what was good for his pack without giving into the false narrative that everything human was better than uniquely shifter customs.

He planted his legs in a firm, wide stance as he jerked his cock. He didn’t draw out the process or savor it. This was a need being met, nothing more. It was no different than eating first meal. Breakfast. Gods, as if what one called the basics of eating mattered. He knew how to pick his battles, however, and terminology didn’t make the cut. Fulfilling his destiny with his fated mate did. He just had to go about doing it in a way that didn’t cause a fight, or worse a war.

His balls tightened as he tore the climax out of them. With gritted teeth, he worked his dick until his seed spilled. He uttered a muted grunt while his wolf howled in both relief and frustration. Ever since seeing the Green Mountain omega, the beast inside had been difficult to control. The concept of diplomacy didn’t mean anything to his wolf. The sight of the boy, the perfect mate for him, had sent the creature into a frenzy. Not shifting had been excruciating, one of the hardest moments of his life.

Thinking of the boy made him come again, less powerfully and with a mere dribble of seed, but testament to how on edge he’d become. He wiped his hand clean on nearby leaves before yanking the shorts on. It took effort to stuff his still half-hard dick into the worn material, but he managed. Enough of him was covered to meet his host’s standards. At least he assumed as much. It was a ridiculous thing to worry about. Nudity was natural. If wearing clothing had been a requirement for this gathering, then why hadn’t the Rogues said so?

Not that he had much clothing anyway. He stayed as far away from humans as possible on a daily basis. A few times a year, he would venture into their domains to help with his pack’s basic needs. It hadn’t occurred to him that he’d have to cover himself among his own kind. He scowled as the button on the jeans gave way under the pressure of his too big body. This is ridiculous. Irritated beyond what the situation called for, he stalked back to the compound and over to the longhouse.

The food was being laid out already along trestles set up on the porch. He hadn’t been inside the main building but could tell from the outside it wasn’t big enough to comfortably hold all of those gathered. This wasn’t the type of pack, either, that had the dominants sitting down first to eat while the servients waited their turn. He approved of this policy, as it happened. He employed the same one. While servients were destined to do just that, serve, dominants had a duty to protect. Making sure the weaker pack members were well fed was a part of that.

His sire wouldn’t have agreed, one of the reasons Graydon hadn’t hesitated to overthrow the old fucker. In that sense, Graydon knew he was more like Lorcan and perhaps the perplexing Elijah than it appeared. He agreed with his sire, however, in believing that an alpha took what was his and held onto it without apology or even explanation. As he approached the porch, the sight of the omega destined to be his mate reminded him of that.

Ethan. Graydon’s wolf howled and prowled under his skin. He was calling to the omega’s wolf in the timeless way of their kind. Except there was no answer. The connection that should have formed instantly when they met didn’t exist. Not on the omega’s side. Gods, how had something basic to their species’ physiology gotten lost in such a short period of time? Evolution had somehow changed that among most of the modern shifters.

Graydon inwardly scoffed. Devolution, more like. Many might disagree with him, but to him, this was a step backward. If Ethan’s wolf could recognize his mate, then he might have already had him. Thoughts of mounting the boy caused his cramped cock to twitch and strain within its confines. He told it to calm the fuck down. The same went with his wolf. If Ethan was to be his, he’d have to go about convincing the omega they were destined for each other. From everything Graydon had seen, Elijah indulged his brother. Surely if the boy wanted Graydon, the deal would be made.

How to go about it, that was the issue. He’d have to woo the boy, like a sigma would when trying to get a mate. It involved talking sweetly. Not exactly Graydon’s strength. He was used to barking orders, literally. And, Omegas liked gifts, didn’t they—soft, pretty things? Yeah, that was outside his area of expertise, as well. He’d do it, though. He had to, otherwise he’d spend the rest of his life in torment.

“Enough whining,” he muttered to himself.

He found his men standing to one side of the larger group. They all wore the bare minimum to cover their nakedness. Even so, they stood out among a crowd populated with impressive dominants. He was proud of that fact. His betas and gammas carried themselves with the raw power and physical attributes that had served their species well over the millennia of their existence.

“Alpha,” they said in unison with the respect he took for granted.

He joined them with his legs planted and his arms folded. “From the smell of things, our host is being most generous with his food.”

“Indeed,” Kael replied. “We’ve been told that the breeding members and the pups are being served first. I don’t think the Rogue dominants do personal hunting in the mornings, either, so I assume the servients ensure there is plenty to go around.”

Graydon merely grunted at the obvious. His gaze kept returning to where Ethan wandered back and forth from the kitchen to the porch. Each time he disappeared inside, Graydon stayed focused on the door until the boy reappeared. It spoke well of the omega that he was helping out. This was no pampered pup, and learning that made Graydon want him more. Not that he had a choice in his desire. Still, it was helpful if he at least liked the boy.

The approach of the Rogue’s alpha forced him to refocus.

“Good morning, Graydon.” Lorcan held out his hand.

Graydon clasped it in the old shifter way, forearm to forearm, before responding. “To you, as well, Alpha Lorcan. Your pack puts on an impressive meal.”

“We were fortunate in our harvest last year and trade well with humans. I invite you to come eat inside my office with Elijah and me. I think an alpha meeting to discuss issues vital to all of our packs is the best way to begin our gathering in earnest.”

Graydon nodded his head. “I agree and accept.” It would also possibly bring him closer to the omega, who was once more out on the porch.

He waited for Lorcan to turn before falling into step beside him. No orders for his men were necessary. Kael and the others already knew that their duty was to socialize with the others of their ranks.

Within a few feet of the steps, Elijah materialized from around the corner. “Morning, Lorcan. I hear a private breakfast is in the works.”

“Yes, if you’re amenable.”

“Sure.” He flashed a grin. “Graydon.”

“Alpha Elijah.” He hadn’t given either of these alphas leave to be informal with him. Understanding that they had a different way of doing things, he didn’t make an issue out of it. That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to adhere to his own code of conduct.

“Just Elijah, please,” the Green Mountain shifter said. “If we’re going to form alliances, we should become better acquainted on a personal level.”

“Agreed,” Graydon allowed, appreciating the man’s acknowledgment of his customs. “I am honored to be on a first name basis with you both.”

“This makes for a good start, then,” Lorcan interjected.

They walked up the steps, both Graydon and Elijah giving way to Lorcan as the host to go first. There wasn’t sufficient room for them to walk abreast. Besides, it gave Graydon a chance to switch his attention to Ethan. The omega stood beside the long table, helping to plate food for the other servients.

The boy’s gaze flicked in his direction, then returned and for a few seconds, their gazes locked. Graydon couldn’t help inserting his desire in that look. The omega’s eyes widened and his cheeks turned a fetching pink. That meant something, didn’t it? The boy was embarrassed or intrigued. Not scared, though. Graydon was sure nothing like that showed through the omega’s stare.

His wolf chuffed before howling full force yet again. His impatience was irksome. Except because Graydon’s focus remained on Ethan, he saw how the boy jumped and dropped some utensil he’d been holding. That’s when the omega broke their connection and busied himself with resuming his task.

Interesting. It might have been nothing more than coincidence. His instincts told him otherwise. Although he couldn’t detect it, he thought the omega’s wolf might have heard his own. Happier than he had been a few minutes ago, Graydon followed Lorcan into the house, graciously letting Elijah go before him.

“Oops, sorry there.” The Green Mountain alpha issued the apology as he reached out to steady some omega he’d bumped into.

The boy fumbled with the platter in his hand. “Forgive me, sir. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

The omega kept his gaze down, the perfect example of a shy and obedient servient. Comely as the boy was, he held no interest for Graydon. None could with Ethan around. Not so Elijah. The guy turned on the charm, giving the omega a broad smile.

“No, it was my fault entirely. And how awful would it have been if I’d caused you to drop all that delicious smelling bacon. Mind if I take a slice?”

The omega’s face flushed red, although from embarrassment or shyness, Graydon couldn’t tell and didn’t care. He simply wanted to get inside before his wolf convinced him to go over to Ethan, bend him over the table, and mount him—food be damned. His sexual appetite mattered more than any other at the moment.

But no one cared about his needs. The omega was holding the platter up. “Please help yourself, sir.”

Elijah plucked up a strip and bit it in half. “Hmm, fantastic. Did you finish it off with a bit of maple syrup?”

Oh for fuck’s sake!

Graydon would have muscled his way past the other alpha except he couldn’t do so without pushing Elijah into the boy. So, he tamped down his impatience and gave into the temptation to watch Ethan some more. If the omega’s brother was going to create the opportunity, no reason for Graydon to take the noble route.

“I, um, didn’t make it, sir,” the Rogue omega replied.

“Oh, well tastes like it.” The guy popped the rest of the piece in his mouth. “I’m Elijah. And you’re…?”

“A member of my family by way of my mate.” This from Lorcan, who must have finally realized his guests were no longer following him. He didn’t look particularly happy to find one of them chatting up the omega.

Elijah didn’t seem fazed by Lorcan’s arrival. “Really?”

“Yes. It’s okay, Ryan. Continue with what you were doing.”

The boy rushed to escape.

Elijah trailed him with his gaze before following Lorcan back into the longhouse. With a last look at Ethan, Graydon brought up the rear. He hadn’t seen the inside before and he was impressed with the level of construction. He knew the other packs thought his lived in caves still. Which wasn’t entirely untrue, and they were right in thinking his pack lacked the sophistication of the Rogues. One of the things he hoped to learn from this gathering was information on construction matters, such as electrical wiring and better plumbing.

Lorcan led them down a hall and into a room dominated by a large table. It was laden with various food and drink. “Help yourselves. I hope you understand that the kitchen sigmas are busy and I don’t want to reassign one to serve us.”

“No problem, man. I can make do for myself.” Grabbing a plate, Elijah did just that. “So, this Ryan is unmated?”

Graydon didn’t need to be waited on, either, and did the same. He had to give the Green Mountain alpha credit for having larger balls than first appearance had indicated. He was already pursuing a member of Lorcan’s family while eating at his table. Gutsy.

“He is now, yet still nursing his first pup. His mate was my enemy and also sire to my mate.” Lorcan’s gaze turned flinty. “Why? Are you going to offer for him?”

Elijah flashed a grin, the kind that could easily earn someone a punch or a bite. “Maybe. Is there a problem with that?”

Graydon’s estimation for the guy was going up by the second. It also gave him potential ammunition in his own endeavors where Ethan was concerned. That was especially true with the next exchange.

Lorcan paused in his own serving efforts. “Not as such, no. But I must warn you that while I reserve my natural right to choose his next mate, I’ve also given him the final say. If you want the boy, you’ll have to court him.”

Elijah was in the process of pouring coffee, a stupid adaptation to human life, in Graydon’s estimation. The man chuckled. “I’m down with that. I approve of it, actually. I did the same with Ethan.”

His face fell and he fumbled the pot as he put it back on the table. “Of course, that didn’t turn out so well.”

“Because you gave him to a weak alpha,” Graydon couldn’t help interjecting. When Elijah glared at him, he wasn’t cowed into silence. “A strong one would have kept his mate no matter what.”

Of that, he was certain. Even if Ethan were truly barren—a ridiculous notion that he emphatically rejected—it wouldn’t stop Graydon from claiming him as his fated mate.

Elijah grimaced. “Yeah, well, I won’t make that mistake again.”

“No,” Graydon agreed. “You won’t.”

****

With his fingers curled into tight balls, Griffin clamped down on his wolf. The urge to shift and pee in a circle around Ryan would have been laughable if it didn’t hurt so much. Gods, he was a mess and getting way above his station. Bad enough that he entertained thoughts of mating one of the alpha’s family, to act on his desires would be stupid in the extreme. That was especially true given that he’d come off probation only recently, and they were in the middle of a freaking gathering to boot.

What is my problem?

So the Green Mountain alpha had practically knocked Ryan to the ground, and had then spent molar-grinding minutes chatting him up? That was a good thing. Elijah seemed like a decent guy and had a great reputation as a fair and modern-thinking pack leader. As the widowed mate of an alpha, Ryan deserved to achieve that status again. He shouldn’t have to settle for a beta, especially one that was starting from scratch with little status and nothing to his name.

This was what he got for allowing his imagination to run wild. Those days during his recovery, in which Ryan had been an almost constant companion, had been the best in his life. Even with his horrible injuries. Ryan’s gentle, warm touch had proven to be a balm to all of Griffin’s physical and emotional pain. Their time together had been easy, in which Griffin had felt that he could let down his guard and simply be himself. Ryan, too, had appeared to relax around him. No awkwardness, although the omega was always sweetly shy. Little Milo’s frequent presence had given the illusion of their being a family. For a short while, Griffin had given into the fantasy of that.

But the reality was that Ryan wasn’t his mate, never would be. Lorcan would find the boy a suitable alpha, someone who would cherish him the way he deserved. No vile dominant like Haldon would brutalize and control the omega ever again. Griffin was sure Lorcan could be trusted to do right by Ryan. He already had by allowing Milo to live, then taking them both in as part of his family instead of turning them away or shunting them to the lowest level of the pack.

Any thoughts to the contrary would only serve to make Griffin miserable. He needed to shut down that train of thought, and no more lingering in the kitchen, either. Gods, he was pathetic, drawing out his coffee break while watching Ryan go about his duty. Playing sire to Milo when he had no right to care for the pup. He was taking advantage of Ryan’s sweet nature. Of course the omega offered to fix him a special breakfast. The omega had always been hard-working and an asset to any pack. It didn’t mean anything. Nor did Ryan’s nursing him back to health. Griffin had been kind to him, so Ryan was taking a turn at doing the same.

“Relax, they won’t be staying long.”

Griffin jerked at the sound of his friend’s voice. He’d been so absorbed with watching Ryan, he’d missed Jagger’s approach. He glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

Jagger scoffed. “You know, the other packs. That Green Mountain alpha won’t have time to move in on the omega.”

Griffin shouldn’t have been surprised that his friend knew his secret. They’d been a tight unit, along with Daxon, back in Haldon’s pack. Even with low status, they’d done their best to protect the servients. And while Griffin had tried not to show a preference for Ryan, Jagger knew him too well.

“He doesn’t seem to be slow-walking it given that he turned a chance encounter into a courting session.”

“Yeah, the fucker has smooth moves for sure. I heard it all from inside the longhouse. He did it right under the alpha’s nose, too. Ballsy.”

Griffin ground his molars some more. He’d only been able see the interaction from a distance, and that was because his focus on Ryan was relentless whether he willed it or not.

“That’s one word for it. How did Lorcan take it?” He hated asking, yet couldn’t help himself. Besides, this was Jagger. If he couldn’t be honest with him, then he was truly alone.

“Oh, you know, like he takes everything—reasonably with a dash of scary fucker mixed in.”

“Good,” Griffin replied with a firm nod. His watchful gaze told him that the servients were done taking their breakfast, as were the visiting dominants, and it was time for the host ones to go up. “I would expect no less from him. He will protect Ryan instead of forcing him into a convenient mating.”

Without bothering to say more, he headed for the porch. Jagger, naturally, fell into step beside him unprompted.

“Right, but my point is that this gathering isn’t going to last more than a few days. I can’t see how Elijah will have time to make his case to Lorcan or Ryan for a mating. I mean, I assume Lorcan is giving Ryan some say in it. That seems to be the norm in this pack.”

Griffin’s heart rate picked up the closer he got to the omega’s location. His wolf paced in agitation. Although he appreciated his friend’s efforts to allay his worries, he really needed him to shut up. He didn’t have to say anything, however. As they hit the first step, Jagger fell silent.

Griffin greeted those he passed on his way to the trestle with quick nods and brief smiles. It was humbling how easily he and his gamma friends had been accepted fully into the pack. He would have understood a different outcome given the vicious war they’d been forced to wage. It had been enough that Ryan and the other servients had been given a home. Still, he appreciated having a pack to live fully in again.

Grabbing a plate, he started piling it with various meats and slices of French toast. He knew that the Rogues were fortunate to have plenty of food to go around. Ryan stood on the other side of the long table with other kitchen workers, helping where needed. But when Griffin reached for one of the omelets sitting on a heated tray, the omega stopped him.

“Oh, wait.” The boy’s cheeks pinked up when Griffin looked at him. “I, um, have some here just for you.”

Ryan reached behind himself and picked up a small plate with three omelets on it. “I made these without peppers. I know you don’t like them,” he added with a quick flutter of his lashes.

Griffin was momentarily stunned. He wasn’t sure what to say and feared his own face was turning red.

Jagger had no trouble, however. “Hey, that was real nice of you, Ryan. Wasn’t it, Griffin? I mean for Ryan to notice what you like and to go to that extra effort…” The gamma grunted as Griffin stepped on his foot and put his weight on it.

“Yes,” he said, finally finding his voice, although it sounded strained to his ears. “That’s very kind of you.” He held his plate steady while the omega transferred the eggs to it. “You didn’t need to bother. I could have, you know, picked the peppers out.”

Gods, no one would ever accuse me of being smooth. I may as well just congratulate Elijah now.

Ryan smiled at him shyly. “It wasn’t any trouble. Really, it’s no big deal. You should try one of the muffins,” he added as he put the now-empty plate on the table.

“Thanks, but I prefer your bread.” That compliment rolled off his tongue easily because he meant it. Ryan was an awesome baker. He would set a fine table for his mate whenever he was given the chance.

And there were those pesky thoughts rearing up again to make him and his wolf miserable. He changed the subject for both their benefits.

“Where’s Milo?”

“Kyle’s watching him while I serve.”

Griffin looked around. “Everyone’s mostly all set. Have you eaten?”

Ryan shrugged. “I grazed while I helped make breakfast.”

“That’s not the same. Fix yourself a plate.” He hadn’t intended to make it an order, or to use his dominant tone.

Too late, it had come out that way, and Ryan didn’t hesitate to comply. A quiet, “yes, sir” came tripping out of the omega’s mouth before he busied himself with filling a plate.

There was something primitively satisfying in seeing the omega do his bidding, and in a way that was protective of the boy. Dangerous thoughts. Ryan wasn’t his mate, and he had no right to order him about even with the best of intentions.

“Admit it,” Jagger whispered, “your cock his hard and your wolf is strutting over how prettily he’s obeying you. And, I bet Ryan didn’t make special omelets for Elijah,” the gamma added with a smirk.

“Do you want me to crush what’s left of your foot?” Griffin issued the warning in an equally low voice and without taking his eyes off Ryan.

Holding a plate that wasn’t as full as Griffin would have liked seeing, Ryan came around the table to stand next to him. “May I ask a favor, Beta?”

Griffin furrowed his brows. “Of course.”

“May I sit with you? Both of you,” he quickly added, “while I eat. I, ah, don’t want to join Kyle inside at the family’s table because Milo will make a fuss if I don’t pick him up. I could use a bit of a break, and I’m a little nervous eating out here with all of these strange dominants around.”

The boy ducked his head in an utterly fetching way while he waited for a response.

“Are any of them bothering you?” Griffin asked the question with a tone a little harsher than he intended.

“Oh, no.” Ryan licked his lower lip, the tiny movement capturing Griffin’s attention. “It’s just that the Strongbloods are so wild, and the Green Mountain dominants are friendlier than I’m comfortable with.”

Meaning Elijah, I hope. Except that the alpha was inside with Lorcan, so maybe that’s not who Ryan was referring to at all. And, why was Griffin even analyzing this request? It fit in with his most fervent wishes.

“Of course, you can. Let’s find a spot around the corner.” He shot Jagger a meaningful glance to make sure he understood to stick with them. He wasn’t going to assume Ryan really wanted to be alone with him. Surely, he hadn’t meant that?

Jagger flashed him a knowing grin before stepping aside to give Ryan room to go past him. As the head of the short line, Ryan led them all to the very back corner of the porch. Most of the dominants had ranged themselves in the yard, sitting on the ground or on top of large boulders on the edge of the lawn. So this spot was unoccupied and it had the benefit of containing an empty chair.

Griffin nodded toward it. “Have a seat, Ryan.”

It pleased him to a ridiculous degree that the omega complied with another one of his shy smiles. The boy looked comfortable and even let out a soft sigh as he settled against the cushions. The sound had enough of a sexual echo to it that Griffin’s cock pulsed and his wolf chuffed. He admonished them both. This was nothing more than a sign that Ryan was tired and needed a break, no matter how small.

Leaning against the porch railing, he tucked into his plate of food, keeping his gaze on Ryan. The omega shot him a glance before doing the same. That minor observance made Griffin grip his fork and plate with fury. Haldon hadn’t allowed anyone to start in on a meal until he, himself, had begun eating. Naturally, he would have imposed the same rule in his private household. Poor Ryan must have learned that lesson early and painfully.

“Careful,” Jagger whispered into his ear. “You’re going to bend the fork, break that plate and send your special omelets crashing to the floor.”

Griffin elbowed his friend in response, but also let up because he was right. The was no point in marring this perhaps unique opportunity to spend time with the omega. The past was buried along with Haldon’s rotting carcass.

Make the most of what you have.

He shoveled more of his omelet into his mouth. It was cold, but he didn’t care. Ryan had gone to the trouble of making this food just for him. It hardly mattered what it tasted like, which was delicious, actually, regardless of its temperature.

“These are great,” he heard himself say. “You’re a wonderful cook.” He could have kicked himself for his inanity, was surprised that Jagger wasn’t doing it for him, then immensely pleased when Ryan smiled at him.

“Thank you.” He shrugged his too-thin shoulders. “I like doing it, and the alpha is kind to let me.”

“Lorcan’s like that,” Griffin agreed with a nod of his head. “He’s good at allowing pack members perform to their strengths and not making them do anything that would upset them.”

“Yes.” Ryan plopped the remnants of a muffin in his mouth before licking some crumbs off his thumb.

Watching all of this was both mesmerizing and arousing. Such simple, everyday actions shouldn’t have been so alluring. With Ryan, everything was, though. Whether he was kneading bread dough, serving up food, or sliding a strip of bacon past those tempting lips, sucking on a fingertip, then the thumb…his pretty eyes peeking up at Griffin…fuck me, is he doing that on purpose?

No, couldn’t be. As the thought rattled around in Griffin’s overheated head, Ryan dipped his gaze down again and focused on his food. But the omega’s cheeks had turned a dusky pink, testament that regardless of what he’d intended, he was aware of Griffin’s attention. The boy’s Adam’s apple bobbed on a hard swallow.

That small movement gave Griffin something different to worry about. “You don’t have anything to drink.”

“Oh, that’s okay, Beta. I’m fine.” Ryan hunched in on himself.

“No, you need something to wash all that down.”

Griffin didn’t question himself over this. Dominants took care of servients. This was something he would have done for any other one, not only Ryan. He balanced his plate on the porch railing before straightening.

“What would you like?”

“Any kind of juice will be nice.” He flicked his gaze up at Griffin.

“Not milk?” The omega was still nursing, so didn’t that mean he needed to drink more of the stuff he was making for his pup?

Now the spots on Ryan’s cheeks got darker. “Um, no, any kind of liquid will do.”

“Okay.” What did Griffin know about this stuff anyway? He had to assume Ryan could make this kind of decision himself. The boy was a father, after all, and he’d been an excellent nursemaid to Griffin. Beta that he was, sometimes Griffin felt like he was dumb as a rock about domestic things. That had been his upbringing. His sire had been one of Haldon’s must trusted betas when it came to planning war and keeping the other pack members in line.

The memory of it sent a sick feeling down to his stomach and made his wolf growl. He reburied the feelings and hurried off to get Ryan that juice.

He found a pitcher of what smelled like apple juice on the nearly empty trestle and filled a nearby glass. Before he could return, however, Liam’s mate popped over with two mugs of coffee.

“Here, Beta,” the omega offered them. “You and the gamma must be thirsty, too, although how you can stand drinking this stuff is beyond me.” The boy wrinkled his nose as he gave over the mugs handle first so that Griffin could take them with one hand.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He tried for casual, yet respectful. It was always tricky when interacting with another dominant’s mate. Liam was pretty easy-going for a gamma, but Griffin didn’t want to put that to the test by acting untoward with the guy’s omega.

“Well, you’re looking out for Ryan, so it’s the least I can do.” He gave Griffin a knowing smile and the frank expression caught Griffin by surprise.

Griffin backed away. “Yeah, he needed a break and with the strange dominants around…”

“Got it. Just doing your duty.” The kid winked at him. Winked.

Before Griffin could even think of a proper response to that, the omega had already turned and walked away. Griffin had no choice except to do the same. He found Ryan staring at his plate still, picking at his food. Jagger had finished his and was lounging against the railing, keep his own gaze away from the omega. That effort pleased Griffin, although it didn’t surprise him. Jagger was good friend. No way he’d ever try to horn in on someone Griffin wanted. Despite his best efforts, Haldon had never managed to corrupt their friendship.

Griffin handed a mug to Jagger on his way over to Ryan. The gamma accepted the offering with obvious gratitude. Coffee really was one of the best things their kind had adopted from humans.

He held the glass out to Ryan. “Here. It’s apple juice.”

“Oh, thank you, Beta.” The omega grinned as he accepted the drink. He took a long swallow. “It’s very refreshing. And you were right, of course. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m fortunate to have a beta looking out for me.” He fluttered his lashes before drinking some more.

Griffin’s chest puffed up. He couldn’t help his reaction. The appreciation of a servient, especially an omega, stroked his beta sense of pride. “You’re welcome.”

He should have left it there. Some entirely stupid part of him couldn’t. “And, I like it better when you call me by my name.” He mentally smacked himself the second the words came out of his mouth.

But then Ryan rewarded him with one more shy smile and a quiet, “Griffin.”

All the blood pooled down into his dick at the sound of his name tripping prettily past those luscious lips. He practically stumbled back to keep from shoving his bulging package into the boy’s face. Hot coffee spilled over his fingers at the abrupt movement. He ignored it while silently accepting that it was no more than what he deserved. When he turned to face Jagger, the guy’s face had reddened with his obvious effort to keep from bursting out laughing. He grimaced at his friend and retook his place against the rail.

“Thanks for the coffee,” Jagger stuttered out in a breathy voice. “I’m lucky to have a good friend like you.”

Griffin turned only his head to glare at the gamma. “I will kill you dead,” he mouthed before slugging down his own coffee and willing his body into submission.

By the time he had, the rest of his breakfast had gone ice cold, but when he trusted himself to look at Ryan again, he lost all appetite anyway. The omega was staring at him with the kind of soft, adoring expression that gave a dominant a hunger that no food on the world would satisfy.

Chapter Three

Ethan poked his head inside the weaving hut. “Mind if I join you?”

A half a dozen friendly faces turned his way in greeting, although he focused only on the one that counted.

The alpha mate waved him in. “Sure. All servients are welcome. It makes for a nice escape from all those dominant scents.”

Ethan wasted no time accepting the invitation, shutting the door against everything going on outside. The hut was surprisingly cool and cozy. While two looms took up a lot of the space, there was still plenty of room for the omegas inside to lounge about in comfort. One corner in particular was filled with large, fluffy and colorful pillows. That’s where the alpha mate sat crossed-legged and working on a quilt square. A few others ranged out around him—Seth, Reed, Ben, Ryan and Loki. Mabel and Will worked the looms. Only Joey was absent. Ethan had made a point of learning everyone’s name that morning. He wanted to get along with the host omegas so that Elijah wouldn’t worry about him while he did alpha things.

He grinned over at the pups on the opposite corner, where they crawled over each other and chewed on various toys. Only the very smallest of them were with their fathers. He allowed himself a few seconds of longing before he joined the others on the pillows. There was a spot open right next to the alpha mate, so he plopped down and opened his bag.

“What do you have there?” Reed asked. He was nursing his pup while crocheting. The way he multi-tasked was impressive.

Ethan pulled out his lengths of cotton rope. “Macramé. It’s great for making all kinds of useful things, like slings for hanging pots of flowers.”

Ben leaned over Kyle to look. “Oh, I’ve heard of that. I’ve always wanted to try it.”

“I’ll be happy to teach you,” Ethan offered, pleased with how easily he was being accepted into the obviously tight group.

“Here,” Kyle said, picking up his stuff. “Let’s switch places. As much as I’d like to learn something new, I know I won’t have time.”

With a modicum of movement, the alpha mate switched with the other omega. Ben put his own stitching down on his lap and peered over at what Ethan was doing. He didn’t mind. In his ex-mate’s pack, he’d taught this skill to others. The reminder of that time caused a sickly feeling to rise up and kill his mood. He forced it aside. He’d spent far too long crying over his loss. The memory of how he’d begged his mate not to cast him aside still made him cringe. No way he’d ever debase himself in front of anyone again. Maybe an omega wasn’t supposed to have such prideful ideas, but tough. He did, and he wasn’t going to feel bad about valuing himself.

He fell into the rhythm of his craft, answering Ben’s questions and enjoying the banter of the others. Instead of focusing on the words, he let the sounds wash over him. It felt good to be part of a group of omegas. There weren’t so many in his pack, only two others, both cousins and destined to become members of their mates’ packs once they were old enough to breed. They were fun but being around so many mature ones was different. Everyone in the hut knew what it was like to be mounted, and only he was ignorant of breeding. It set him apart, for sure, but he wasn’t going to focus on that.

“So Ryan, what’s up with Griffin?” Seth’s question penetrated Ethan’s concentration. He hadn’t missed how is brother had chatted up the omega earlier.

Ryan’s head popped up from what he was doing. “What do you mean? Is something wrong?” His tone was laced with obvious fear.

“No. No,” the other omega was quick to reassure him. “I only meant that I noticed you ate breakfast with him.”

“Oh.” Ryan lowered his gaze. A flush crept up his cheeks. “Yeah, he was just being friendly. You know because I, ah, asked him to stay close. All these strange dominants make me a little nervous. No offense,” he added with a glance at Ethan.

He grinned back. “None taken. The Strongbloods give me the shivers.” He let the implication be because of their obviously almost feral nature, hiding the real reason Graydon in particular disturbed him. He went back to concentrating on his task while keeping his ears open to the conversation taking place across the sitting area.

“Oh, okay,” Seth continued. “He was only making you feel safe. And the fact that you made special omelets was your way of paying him back in advance?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Ryan replied rather primly. Those cheeks of his got even redder.

Loki piped up. “Don’t tease him, Seth. Ryan likes Griffin, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with it.” There was a collective gasp from the group, everyone eyeing the boys around them. “Is there?” Loki challenged.

“Of course not.” This from the alpha mate, and naturally no one was going to contradict him.

Ryan’s lips moved as if he were trying to say more. Before any words got out, a wail from the pups’ corner caught everyone’s attention. It was Milo. His face was screwed up in misery and fat tears were already streaking down his chubby face. The cause of his distress was obviously a big, alpha pup who sat next to him, chewing on a plush toy.

“Hope!” Kyle scrambled off the pillows and hurried over to the pups. An anxious Ryan was hot on his heels. The alpha mate scooped up his daughter and tugged the toy out of her hands. “You know better than that. A pack leader doesn’t pick on servient members.”

This amazing fact was undoubtedly the biggest shock of the gathering. The Rogues had a female alpha in their future. It was mind-boggling, but seeing her even from across the room, Ethan had no doubt of her status. Surely she wasn’t the first of her kind, merely the first one who’d had a sire and a pack willing to recognize her for what she truly was. Others before her must have been blindly relegated to sigma status, forever frustrated with a limited role that went against their nature.

“It’s okay,” Ryan assured the alpha mate as he picked up Milo. “He needs to get used to bowing to her will.”

“No!” Kyle’s vehemence caused Ryan to shrink back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that so forcefully. It’s only that Lorcan and I feel strongly that she has to be the kind of leader he is—dominant without being mean. Considerate even as she keeps control over the pack. Taking Milo’s toy away from him when there are so many others that she could play with definitely goes against what we’ve been teaching her.

“And,” he added with a huff, “she’s not listening to me today, so I’m going to make her Lorcan’s problem. I’ll be back.”

With that, the alpha mate strode out of the hut with his pup wiggling incessantly in his arms. Ryan returned to the omegas’ corner and plopped back down with his pup. He settled the little guy’s hissy fit by lifting his shirt and giving him a nipple to suck on. That did the trick. The tears dried instantly and Milo melted against his father’s chest.

Once again, the sight of an omega doing what nature had allowed sent a pang to Ethan’s heart. He forced his concentration back to his macramé and tried to make light of the situation.

“Is that really going to work—Kyle dumping his pup on your alpha?”

Ben spoke for all of them. “Sure. Lorcan’s a real hands-on sire.”

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by that,” Ethan remarked. “Elijah will likely be the same.”

“Doesn’t he have any pups yet?” Reed asked.

Ethan shook his head. “No. He hasn’t been alpha for more than a few years, ever since our sire died from an accident.”

Ben put his hand on Ethan’s arm. “That must have been hard, losing him that way. Or, was it? I mean, not all alphas are good ones, even when it’s your own sire.”

“Mine was. I miss him. So does Elijah.” The pain from the loss wasn’t as sharp as it had been. It was still there, though. “Anyway, Elijah has been busy finding his way in his new status and he’s pretty picky. He wants to love his mate.”

“Oh,” Reed exclaimed. “That’s sweet. We can all understand that.”

“Yeah, so can I, only…” he eyed Ryan, wondering if he dared butt in when he knew Elijah wouldn’t like him to. “He hasn’t found anyone in our pack. Other than this gathering, he hasn’t been in contact with other packs long enough to get to know anyone whom he might fall in love with.”

He didn’t mention how a pretty sigma in Ethan’s mating pack had caught his brother’s attention. It might have gone somewhere if his barrenness hadn’t caused friction between the packs. No, he wasn’t being fair to himself. It was his mate’s reaction to that lack of fertility that had caused the enmity. At least, that’s what Elijah had said, and given that he’d nearly gone to war over the insult of Ethan being returned, he was inclined to believe him.

He decided to take the plunge into matchmaking because he wanted his brother to find the kind of happiness that Ethan could never have. Although he knew there was also an attraction between Ryan and Griffin, maybe the omega would still be open to an alternative.

“You know he really likes you, Ryan.”

“What?” The omega lifted his gaze from his pup to stare over at Ethan.

“When you bumped into each other this morning? The way he stopped to chat? That’s Elijah flirting. While he’s always friendly, he wouldn’t have made the other alphas wait like he did unless he was truly interested. Trust me.”

Ryan blinked back at him. “Oh. Really?”

Ethan nodded enthusiastically, more comfortable in his role now. “Yeah, absolutely, and he’s a great guy.”

“You’re his brother,” Loki interjected. “You’re biased.”

“Sure,” Ethan conceded because he did pride himself on being fair-minded. He was also right, however. “It’s still true. We wouldn’t be here if he weren’t a good alpha.”

“He’s right,” Reed chimed in. “Daniel vouches for him, and he wouldn’t if Elijah didn’t have a good reputation.”

Loki rolled his eyes. “I’m not arguing that point. I’m only saying that Ryan deserves a mate that he can love. Right?” he asked directly to the boy in question.

Ryan ran his hand down his pup’s head. “It would be nice to love my mate, sure. But what matters most is what’s best for Milo and my future pups. Being mated to the right kind of alpha would be ideal, I guess.”

Loki turned to face the other omega. “Except all teasing aside, you don’t simply like Griffin, you love him.”

The room went absolutely still at that remark. No one moved. Even Mabel and Will, who were across the room and focused on their looms stopped what they were doing. Only the pups remained unaware of the bomb that had been dropped in the middle of everything. Ethan wasn’t sure what the issue was, either, but he could feel the instant tension.

Looking around, Loki threw up his hands. “What?”

“Gods, Loki,” Ben said with a shake of his head. “Being mated and breeding hasn’t given you a filter yet, huh? You have a thought, then blurt it out. You might try thinking it through before you speak.”

Loki furrowed his brows. “I don’t understand. What did I say that was so terrible? It’s true, isn’t it?” He directed his question toward Ryan.

And, of course, every pair of adult eyes fixed on that poor boy.

Who promptly burst into tears.

****

“Would you care for anything else, Alpha?”

Lorcan shook his head. “No, thank you, Joey. These chocolate pastries along with the fresh coffee and juice are more than enough.”

The omega smiled. “I hope you like them.” He stepped away from the conference table and glanced over it one more time. “I’ll leave you to your meeting.”

Graydon was careful not to stare at the boy as he left. Respecting an omega, especially another’s mate, was something ingrained in him. Being dominant didn’t have to mean being stupidly domineering. One didn’t act confrontational without a plan as to how it would prove beneficial. His own sire had pounded that lesson into him—literally—early on when Graydon had gotten too big a head over his status as the next alpha of their pack. Of course, that had mostly been true when his actions threatened his sire directly.

“Please help yourself,” Lorcan offered, sliding the tray nearer to him.

“Thank you. I must confess chocolate is one thing I wish my pack had more access to.” He hated admitting to the weakness, but damn, the sweet was amazing.

“We can put it on the list of traded goods,” Deirdre, Lorcan’s female beta said.

Although it was still hard to believe he sat in a trading meeting with a female, he couldn’t deny her status as a beta. He inclined his head in agreement before sliding the tray across to Elijah.

The Green Mountain alpha grabbed two pieces of pastry, giving one to his beta, Graham, before sending the tray toward Kael. “We have access to a fair amount,” Elijah said. “It may be a special treat to us, but the humans have it in abundance. They’re happy to trade for it even though they don’t understand why I want it so much.” He took a big bite of the pastry and grinned around his mouthful.

His beta, Graham, did the same. The guy was quiet, saying practically nothing, yet his sharp gaze took in everything. These Green Mountain Pack members were so unlike his own people, although they were no less excellent examples of their kind. They simply had a more relaxed way of presenting themselves. Many might take that for weakness. Graydon knew better.

Everyone in the room took more coffee or juice, to suit their taste, while they ate. They’d be meeting for hours and wouldn’t take a real break until the midday meal. Lunch, he reminded himself. They’d continue afterward, as well, hopefully having made real progress toward lasting trade treaties that would benefit all of their packs. Each of them brought value and strengths that the others needed. Although he didn’t consider this kind of negotiation to be his strength, he felt that he and Kael were holding their own. It helped that the Rogues and the Green Mountains didn’t appear to be trying to take advantage, either. Both packs seemed genuinely trustworthy.

Before they could continue with their discussions, however, there was a knock on the door before it opened again. The alpha mate entered with a squirming, fussing pup on his hip. His expression was both grim and determined. Lorcan was already rising from his chair by the time his mate reached him and held out the pup.

“Sorry for the interruption, but you need to take her.”

Surprisingly to Graydon, instead of admonishing his mate for the assertive behavior, he took the pup. She settled down immediately. “Has she stretched your patience, my love?”

“To its absolute limit,” the omega confirmed with a huff. “She was being a bully with Milo and poor Ryan had to stop what he was doing to calm the pup. That boy is exhausted as it is. I’m going back and watch Milo to give Ryan some more down time.”

That got Elijah’s attention. “Is he all right? Ryan, I mean?”

The alpha mate turned an assessing eye on the Green Mountain man. “He is, thank you for asking. It’s simply that Milo doesn’t sleep well and Ryan seems chronically under-slept himself.”

“I’m sure Ethan would be happy to help out with the pup while we’re here.” He paused and frowned. “Or, maybe that’s not such a good idea, given his circumstances.”

“He’s actually already been doing that, I’m told. And, he’s teaching macramé to one of the other omegas. We’re happy to have him with us.”

Elijah smiled. “That’s good. He likes to stay busy.”

If he were my mate, he’d be busy caring for our pups. The certainty of his thoughts didn’t surprise Graydon. While he supposed a barren omega was technically possible, he couldn’t shake the certainty that he would be powerful enough to trip the omega into heat and breed him. He certainly intended to try regardless and never give up until the day he died. First, of course, he needed to convince the omega to give him the opportunity.

“I’ll leave you to your meeting,” the alpha mate said. “Sorry again for the interruption.” He shot Lorcan a smile.

“Not to worry, my love. It will be good for Hope to experience what it means to be an alpha even at her tender age.”

There was merit to what the man said. Training for alphas started early. Graydon could feel the girl’s eyes on him. When he turned to look at her, he saw intensity and a confidence that could only exist inside a true alpha pup. It was fascinating. If he hadn’t been told what she was, would he have given her a second glance? Probably not.

He wasn’t bothered by this upending of tradition. He wasn’t feral and so hide-bound in shifter ways that he was unwilling to learn, to reassess what he knew of life. That was why he’d agreed to the gathering in the first place. He might not ever be ready to embrace the human world the way this pack and the Green Mountain one had. Still, he wanted to move his people forward in any way that benefitted them.

As he and the pup locked gazes, she grabbed what was left of her sire’s pastry and shoved it into her tiny mouth. Graydon laughed out loud at the audacity of the effort. No wonder her father had lost his patience with her. Feisty didn’t begin to cover it.

“Hope!” Her sire tugged the remnants of the treat out of her fist, tossed it on the plate, and shoved everything out of her reach. “Show some manners, young lady.”

The pup didn’t cry at the admonishment, testament to her alpha mettle. Instead, she stuck her thumb in her mouth and rested her head against her sire’s chest. She still stared at Graydon.

He shook his head. “A female alpha. Amazing.”

“Yes, well, sorry she’s such a distraction,” Lorcan replied. “Let’s get back to work, shall we?”

Elijah cleared his throat. “Before we do, my I ask a favor, Lorcan?”

“Certainly.”

“I’d like to join your family for lunch, if you don’t mind. It will give me a chance to court Ryan properly under your supervision.”

“You may, yes, so long as you don’t make Ryan uncomfortable. No undue pressure.”

Elijah held up his palm. “I promise to be gentle with him.”

That was the appropriate response, naturally. Even so, Graydon couldn’t help thinking that when it came to his pursuit of Ethan, things would be different. He wouldn’t force the boy. He wasn’t that kind of alpha. But neither was he the type to woo an omega with pretty words. Or, sit with the boy’s family and make small talk. No, he would bide his time for the right moment.

And then Ethan would feel the full extent of his desire.

****

Ryan forced his tears to dry up quickly. He’d learned to do so at Haldon’s brutal instruction. Crying never solved anything, and what did he have to be so upset about anyway? Two viable candidates for his next mate were available for his consideration. No omega had it better than that. Ever. He should be overjoyed at his opportunities instead of showing his immaturity. Milo was counting on him to make a smart decision. Or would have been if he were old enough to understand that his future depended on his father making the right choice.

After long minutes of awkward quiet, Loki laid a tentative hand on his shoulder before snatching it back as if Ryan would bite it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Ben’s right, I need to do better at thinking before I speak.”

Ryan wanted to be mad at the omega. He hadn’t forgiven him for putting Griffin at risk, but then again, that resentment was driven by exactly what Loki had asked about.

Ethan chimed in as well. “I was also out of line talking about Elijah. It’s not my place to speak for him, and I should have considered that you might not be interested.”

“No, it’s okay. Neither of you did anything wrong. I’m just really tired, I guess.”

“I knew it.” This from Kyle who had returned that very second. The alpha mate held out his hands as he came over. “Here, give Milo to me. I’ll watch him while you get some rest.”

Ryan looked down at his son and had to smile. The pup had gone into a milk coma, eyes closed, body slack, and his lips twitching without really sucking. “Thanks, Kyle, but you don’t have to. He’s sleeping now, so I’ll take him to our room for a nap.”

Kyle nudged Loki away and knelt beside Ryan. “No. You know better than I do that he doesn’t necessarily stay asleep for long. You need a proper rest, so give him over.” He beckoned with outstretched hands.

Ryan was reluctant to do it, yet he also understood that he was in no position to argue with the alpha mate. Milo only made a quick moue and uttered a short whimper as he was disengaged from Ryan’s nipple and handed over to Kyle’s waiting arms. The pup settled quickly, too, used to his brother’s touch. Ryan was really fortunate that Lorcan and Kyle didn’t merely tolerate Milo’s presence. They fully embraced him in their lives. Kyle looked down at the pup with such obvious love that it brought fresh tears to Ryan’s eyes.

He quickly wiped them away. “Thanks. I guess I could use the uninterrupted sleep. Maybe I should lie down here.”

Kyle shook his head. “No way. There’s too much noise here for a proper rest. Come on, I’ll walk you back to the longhouse. I want to talk to Joey about the lunch preparations.”

In the process of getting up, Ryan paused, guilt eating at him. “Oh, if you’re busy…”

“I can multi-task, Ryan. Hope has given me plenty of practice. Caring for Milo is easy in comparison.”

“If you’re sure?” Ryan asked as he waved good-bye to the others.

“Gods, Ryan, you’re pissing me off.” The alpha mate strode out of the weaving hut with Ryan hot on his heels.

“I’m sorry,” Ryan offered quietly. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Kyle sighed. “See now, that’s what I’m talking about. You don’t have to be so deferential all the time.”

Ryan almost laughed at the idea. “You’re the alpha mate, and I’m not anymore. I know my place in the pack.”

“We’re family. I appreciate the respect, of course, but you’re not here on sufferance. You don’t have to earn your place. It’s yours by right.”

“You and I both know that’s not true.” He nearly bit his tongue the moment the words came out. A confrontation was not what he wanted. It didn’t even make sense given how Kyle was trying to be kind.

Kyle stopped, forcing Ryan to do the same. “Oh, Ryan, do you really think Lorcan was considering refusing you and the others when Griffin brought you to us?”

Ryan stared at the ground. “Maybe not the others, but I’m Haldon’s widower, and Milo is his pup. Lorcan would have been well within his rights to chase us off his lands.”

“He was never going to do that. He’s not like other alphas. I would have thought you’d understand that by now.”

Ryan swallowed past more pesky tears threatening to leak out. “I do, except I still need to show my appreciation and carry my own weight in the pack.” As he said it, fatigue washed over him and his shoulders slumped.

“Oh, Ryan, I’m worried about you. You’re too quick to put your own interests behind others’. Being a member of this pack doesn’t mean you have to work yourself into ill-health. You think I haven’t noticed how early you get up and never stop working until late at night?”

He had nothing to say to that, wasn’t sure what kind of answer Kyle was looking for. He didn’t know, either, what else he could do. “I don’t know any other way,” he confessed.

“I understand,” came Kyle’s quiet reply. “I lived with Haldon, too, and should have paid more attention to how you were settling in. And now, you have to worry about finding a new mate. Except not right at the moment. Come on.”

Kyle kept walking, and Ryan loped along beside him. They went into the longhouse and directly to the small room within the alpha’s suite that was Ryan’s. He was incredibly lucky to have the space, neatly and prettily decorated with odds and ends others had shared with him. Looking around, he felt both tired and fortunate.

“You’ve got a couple of hours before lunch. It’s not much, but hopefully you’ll feel a bit more refreshed for the rest of the afternoon.”

Ryan gave Kyle a quick smile. “Thanks, I appreciate your help.” He wanted to touch Milo, but held back for fear of waking him. The last thing he wanted was to saddle Kyle with a fussing pup.

“I’m happy to do it. If you’re not going to ask, I’m going to be in your face, offering.” He tempered his words with a reassuring grin, then left.

Alone, in the quiet of his room, the lure of his pallet proved irresistible. Lying down, he closed his eyes. It was hard to fully relax. He wasn’t worried about Milo—his little pup was more than safe with Kyle. It was more that he was so used to being needed and roused at any moment, he was kind of on edge all the time. He hadn’t appreciated that he’d become used to being tense until he’d been given this opportunity to totally let go of his problems and duties.

Once his muscles unwound, and his brain shut down, he started to dream. There was nothing frightening, but it was disturbing. Images of familiar shifters swirled before his eyes, two dominants in particular. Griffin’s handsome face peered down at him with heat in his intense gaze while the less familiar Elijah charmed him with an easy smile. Both held allure, yet only one truly tugged at him. Eventually, visions of Elijah faded away and all that was left was Griffin. Thoughts of him dominated Ryan in his sleep that way they did when he was awake. Except in this case, he could give his desires free rein. Being asleep notwithstanding, his body reacted with restless neediness.

Too soon, Kyle was back, shaking him awake. “Sorry, it’s time for lunch.”

Ryan sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, embarrassed to realize he was hard. He pressed his fists against his crotch to hide his condition while trying to suppress it.

“And not to freak you out, but Elijah asked Lorcan if he could join us at our family table.”

“Oh, um, of course. Whatever the alpha wishes,” he added as he stood. Eating was going to be more of a chore than usual if he had to make polite small-talk. Not that he would dare say so. Besides, the information helped deflate his dick.

“How’s Milo? Where’s Milo?” He revised his question when he realized Kyle was empty-handed.

“Mabel has him and he’s fine, although he needs feeding.”

“Oh, okay.” He could tell by the heaviness in his chest that it was time for Milo to nurse again.

It would have to be done while he ate himself. Maybe that would put off the Green Mountain alpha. Haldon had always hated seeing his fuck toy using his body for something other than pleasing him. Perhaps it would be a good way to judge Elijah’s true character, not that Ryan had much interest in exploring the man as a mate. He simply couldn’t get his desire for Griffin under control. Plus, he liked living with the Rogues. His family and friends were here. Leaving to live in a strange pack, especially so soon after moving in with this one, didn’t much appeal to him.

Don’t be foolish. You don’t have the luxury of pleasing yourself.

Kyle eyed him as if his feelings showed through but didn’t say anything. They walked to the great room together and over to the family table. Mabel intercepted them to hand him Milo. The pup squealed as she did so, making Ryan’s milk let down. Lifting his shirt, he quickly settled the pup on one nipple as he continued on his way.

Lorcan was already seated, holding a surprisingly placid Hope. Beside him sat Elijah. The two alphas were chatting when Ryan and Kyle arrived. They both stopped and their respective faces lit up.

“My dear, I believe Hope could do with a bit of nursing.” Lorcan handed the pup to his mate as he spoke, then held a chair out for Kyle.

Before Ryan could take the empty spot, Elijah popped up and gave him the same courtesy. Flustered at the gesture, Ryan blushed and stumbled into the chair. The alpha steadied him by clasping him on the shoulder. It was nothing improper, a friendly bit of help in which Elijah quickly removed his hand the moment Ryan was stable.

He smiled in thanks and analyzed his own reaction. The touch hadn’t bothered him, but it hadn’t made him feel the way he did when Griffin had done so. It hadn’t happened often. When it had, the feel of Griffin’s hands had always been shocking. In a good way. Ryan’s skin always tingled and his nerves came alive. Shivers ran down his spine. And most tellingly, his shy wolf would become uncharacteristically frisky. Elijah’s touch didn’t elicit any of those reactions.

Lorcan stood before the visiting alpha sat back down. “I must go get my mate food, if you will excuse me.”

“Of course,” Elijah said. He focused his gaze on Ryan. “May I do the same for you?”

Ryan blinked up at him, caught by surprise, although he shouldn’t have been. He knew that Elijah was courting him. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the man not to go to the trouble. Something in Kyle’s expression warned him to accept the offer. He knew to do so in any event. It would be churlish to rebuff his efforts.

“Thank you,” he said, unable to look the guy in the eye. “That is very kind.”

“Well, you’ve got your hands full there.” Elijah nodded at where Milo was busy suckling as if he hadn’t eaten all day. The alpha’s gaze didn’t waver at the sight, either. Obviously he wasn’t put off by an omega doing what came naturally. That was a good sign, surely.

The man didn’t appear impatient, either, as if getting Ryan’s full attention wasn’t the most important thing. “What can I get you?”

“Anything will be fine. Truly. Please just get whatever you do for yourself. Only in smaller portions,” he added rather unnecessarily and stupidly. He felt his cheeks burn.

The visiting alpha’s face split in a wide grin. “I don’t know about that. You’re a little bit of a thing, aren’t you? And that pup of yours has a mighty appetite. I’ll see what’s what and anything you can’t eat, I will. It won’t go to waste.”

With that, he left.

Ryan gazed wide-eyed at Kyle. “I don’t know if I can do this. I’m sorry that I’m making a hash out of it. I don’t mean to be impolite or an embarrassment.”

Kyle scoffed. “Please, don’t worry about it. Can’t you see how taken he is with you. As if there’s anything you could say or do that he won’t find utterly charming. Don’t worry about pleasing him. It’s his job to impress you.”

“I guess.” Ryan wasn’t sure he could believe that. Plus, he didn’t care as much as he should. Elijah was an excellent prospect for a mate.

And yet, as he sat there waiting for the man’s return, Ryan’s gaze wandered around the room until it landed on the one he truly wanted.

Griffin.

“What did that poor sandwich ever do to you?” Jagger asked in a low voice.

Griffin frowned before glancing down at his hand. He had indeed crushed his lunch while watching Elijah’s interaction with Ryan. “Well, it’s better than squeezing the life out of a visiting alpha.” Shooting one more look at the omega as he sat quietly nursing his pup, he added, “I’ve got to get out of here. Want to take a run?”

“Always.”

Griffin strode out of the great room, through the kitchen, and onto the back porch. His stomach churning over his impotent jealousy, he was tempted to chuck the sandwich. Food never being something to take for granted, however, he instead stuffed it into his mouth. Then he yanked off his clothing and piled them in a corner. His gamma friend mirrored his actions. They both shifted before leaving the porch. Griffin tossed his muzzle in the air to gobble the rest of his food. It tasted like ash.

He leaped down the stairs in a single bound, Jagger staying abreast. By unspoken agreement, they headed straight for the woods at breakneck speed. They weren’t on patrol, nor part of a pack run, so they could suit themselves. No slower or straggling servients needed to be monitored and herded along. They could give full vent to their natural urge to race through the trees.

Griffin’s muscles burned from the effort, and his lungs labored more than they should, testament to how he wasn’t a hundred percent. He didn’t care. He needed the exercise and the distraction before his emotions got the better of him. As he scampered around the trees, he howled. A playful sound, not an alert. Every dominant was entitled to vent from time-to-time, and none had more reason than a frustrated one.

Jagger stuck by his side, matching his stride even though as a bigger, fitter wolf, he could have pulled ahead. But he was a good friend and despite his teasing, understood Griffin’s frustrations. It was embarrassing in human form. As a wolf, Griffin didn’t feel that way. He only appreciated how dedicated his pack brother was.

The run was lifting his spirits. He gave into the urge to play, cutting off Jagger and nipping at him. The gamma responded in kind, as they had as pups. They wrestled, rolling around the littered floor of the forest before separating and running some more. Griffin eased back to attack again, snapping at Jagger’s flank. He found himself on the bottom of their fur ball this time. Jagger grazed Griffin’s ruff, then immediately rolled away and exposed his own neck. Griffin honored the display of submission by taking the gamma’s throat in his mouth and holding it for a few seconds.

They continued on in this way until they reached the end of the pack lands. A narrow stream gave them a chance to slake their thirst. An old squirrel chose to get too close and became a quick, shared snack. The taste of the fresh blood gave Griffin a renewed sense of energy. Taking another drink from the stream, he took off once more. And again, Jagger stayed with him.

He didn’t realize where he was headed until he reached the remains of their old pack’s compound. The cannibalized pieces of the longhouse and outer buildings were already disintegrating back into the land. The Rogues had taken what parts they could use, but Haldon had never put much money or effort into his pack’s comforts. There wasn’t much there to miss and the sight made Griffin sad.

Standing in the middle of the compound, he shifted back to human. “It didn’t bother me much when we were here helping to strip what was useful. Now, it’s rather heartbreaking.”

Jagger rose up to a stand beside him. “I know what you mean. This was our home since birth. We should feel sad at what has become of it.”

Griffin walked toward the hut that his sire had warranted as one of Haldon’s chief advisors. If he closed his eyes, he could hear his dam’s voice, including the screams she’d made dying while whelping his dead sister. The feel of his sire’s blows when he was displeased were also vivid in his memories. He popped open his eyes and moved away.

“I don’t know why I came here. My wolf certainly didn’t give it any thought. Maybe I just need the reminder of who and what I am. But for our treasonous retreat from the fight, we would have died with the others.”

Jagger put his hand on Griffin’s shoulder. “You know our actions that night weren’t a betrayal so much as a necessity.”

“Haldon wouldn’t have thought so. If he’d been victorious, we would have been lucky to simply be banished.”

“Except he wasn’t. We could see it was a lost cause, and you were right all along that if things went as badly as we feared, coming back here to protect the servients was the more noble thing to do.”

Griffin shook his head. “It’s amazing to me, even now, that Lorcan didn’t press his advantage and wipe us all out.”

“You’ve come to know him. He’s not that kind of alpha. You did the right thing leading us all to him in the end.”

Griffin closed his eyes again and took an unsteady breath. “It was such a huge risk.” Especially for Ryan and Milo.

He’d been prepared to attack Lorcan if the alpha had decided to kill either of them. It would have been a deadly fight for him, but it might have given Ryan a chance to get away. Jagger and Daxon had already promised to try to help the omega escape. The relief when he realized that Lorcan was welcoming them both into his family, as well as his pack, had been overwhelming. And it had been enough. Being personally allowed to join the pack was more than he’d expected. He couldn’t impinge on the alpha’s largesse or Ryan and Milo’s best future by making a play for Ryan. Elijah was the better choice in mate for the omega.

“I should be happy for him.” When Jagger raised an eyebrow, he explained further. “Being Elijah’s mate will be a good outcome for Ryan. He deserves happiness and a high status.”

Jagger snorted. “Keep telling yourself that.” He shook his head. “No offense, but you’re as dumb as a rock sometimes.”

Griffin let his wolf growl. “Tell me how I’m wrong.”

“Simple,” his friend replied with a shrug. “Isn’t what’s best for an omega to be loved and cared for by a strong dominant?”

“Yes,” he hissed out. “That’s why the Green Mountain alpha is the best choice.

“No, you are because you’ve loved him his whole life, were prepared to die for him. More importantly,” he added before Griffin could get in a contrary word, “he loves you.”

Oh, how Griffin wanted that to be true. He couldn’t allow himself to mistake gratitude for love, however. “It’s only that he hasn’t had any choices. Of course, he thinks well of me given how I’ve been a good friend to him.”

He looked again at the ruins of his old life. “Now, he has Elijah as an option.” Someone to compare Griffin to, and Griffin felt very sure that the omega would find him lacking.

Chapter Four

Ethan elected to take his meal outside to eat for a couple of reasons. One was that he enjoyed being outdoors, with the sun on his face and cool wind to counter the heat. Now that he was no longer an alpha mate, he had the luxury of more free time, so he’d gotten used to indulging his pleasures with the changing of the seasons. Being at the gathering was no different. After lending a hand in the kitchen, he was no longer needed. Joey and his sigmas had matters under control.

More importantly, he’d spied Graydon and his boys in the backyard. They were ranged along a low stone wall, obviously happier to be there instead of the table designated for them in the great room. No surprise. The Strongbloods were the closest thing to the old ways as Ethan had ever encountered. Being out in the wild was in their blood. Their position provided Ethan with an unobstructed and undiluted view of Graydon.

And bonus, Elijah was busy wooing Ryan at Alpha Lorcan’s table, so Ethan had a clear shot at…well, he wasn’t sure what exactly. All he knew was that Graydon tugged at something deep inside him, at his wolf, certainly. There had been a moment during breakfast in which he could have sworn his wolf had been agitated by a sound that Ethan couldn’t hear. The poor thing had howled repeatedly as if calling to someone undetectable by Ethan. Yet, there was more. Just the sight of the man made Ethan’s hole itch.

When his mate had dumped him back on Elijah, humiliated and feeling worthless, the last thing on his mind had been sex. He hadn’t expected to miss being mounted, yet after the initial shock of it all, he had. His former mate had been a good lover, patient and generous. At least at first. The mountings had morphed into shorter, more perfunctory efforts as the weeks, then months dragged on without a heat manifesting. Yet, even those had brought some pleasure. He’d discovered that his omega body wasn’t merely a vessel for a dominant’s seed. In his mate-less state, he’d become reliant on his own hand. It wasn’t enough anymore. He yearned for a man’s touch, for a cock embedded deep inside him, and the incredible sensation of coming from that intense stimulation.

Although he hadn’t planned on it, the gathering was giving him a prime opportunity to realize that desire.

Ethan found a place to sit at the end of the last step on the back porch. The space was long and his ass was small, so he didn’t impede anyone’s access to the stairs. He stretched his legs out and crossed his ankles in order to balance the plate on his lap. A flat rock on the ground to his right provided a spot for his glass of iced tea. Fixing his gaze on Graydon, he picked up his sandwich and took a big bite out of it. This, too, had been part of his plan. His meal required very little focus, freeing him to focus on the Strongblood alpha as much as he dared.

The results of his efforts were nearly instantaneous. Graydon pivoted his head from where he’d been speaking with his beta to stare directly at Ethan. Even at a distance, the expression in the man’s eyes was fierce. It sent a shiver down Ethan’s spine and a pulse of slick descended his channel. His dick hardened at the same moment. Ethan swallowed his bite of food so fast, he nearly choked. And he almost tipped his plate over. He had to grab it with one hand while he squeezed the sandwich in the other.

It took him a few seconds to recover his composure. When he did, he slowly and deliberately took another bite of food, while keeping his eyes on Graydon. Now was not the time to lose his courage. If he wanted to experience the pleasure of being mounted again, he needed to stay on course. And he had to accomplish it without sending his brother into a murderous frenzy. He had no doubt Graydon would be up for some recreational sex on the side. What virile dominant wouldn’t be? Sigmas offered themselves for such use all the time. Why not a barren omega? It wasn’t as if he was going to ruin anyone’s bloodline with an improperly sired pup.

As he weathered the experience of Graydon’s unwavering attention, he reminded himself that if he weren’t the one to call the shots in this dalliance, Graydon’s aggressive nature might lead to a confrontation with Elijah. That wouldn’t do. Ethan had to plan out the when and how of any assignation, and it started with telegraphing his interest in a way that brooked no uncertainty.

He smiled as he reached for his glass, his gaze steady on Graydon. Thank the Gods he managed to pick up his drink without toppling it over. Then he raised it to his lips and took a long cool swallow. The liquid did little to ease the dryness of his throat or the heat of his blood. But he exhaled on an exaggerated sigh and tipping his head back, he pressed the glass against his throat. He let his eyelids droop and his lips curl up before he put the drink down again. He flicked the tip of his tongue around his lips and took another bite of his sandwich.

His wolf howled, making him jerk and lose his composure. With a frown, he broke his focus on Graydon and redirected it inward. Settle down. What’s the matter with you? All he got in the way of an answer was another howl, followed by restless pacing. Because he still stared in Graydon’s direction, he could see the flash of satisfaction cross the man’s normally stern face. Then, tossing his plate—literally—at his beta, the Strongblood alpha stood and strode toward Ethan.

Surprised and uncertain in the face of this unexpected move, Ethan froze. He put down his sandwich and held the plate against his stomach as he watched Graydon get closer and closer, as if it could somehow shield him from…what, exactly? This was part of the plan, to lure Graydon to him. He just hadn’t expected it to work quite so quickly and frighteningly well. Gods, that had been dumb. He was old enough to know that playing with combustible things could be dangerous.

Get a grip. This is what you want. Smile, dopey.

He managed to get a hold on his nerves just as Graydon reached him. With a flutter of eyelashes, he said, “Hello.” Oops, his voice kind of squeaked on that one word, hardly sexy stuff.

But Graydon simply smiled, in a sort of hungry way. He stood with his feet firmly planted and his long, muscular legs spread wide. The large expansive of bronze skin shimmered in the sunlight that backlit him. His loose curtain of black hair blanketed his broad shoulders. The man was the epitome of masculine beauty. The skimpy cut-off jean shorts he wore were obscene in the way they accentuated his package. Ethan’s gaze homed in on the impressive bulge. The alpha’s smile broadened, and he cupped himself.

“I am assuming your attention over the last few minutes was an invitation,” he said, in a deep voice that caused Ethan’s cock to twitch and his channel to get wetter. “If it wasn’t, now is the time to say so.”

Ethan didn’t get a chance to respond before the nostrils of Graydon’s strong, aquiline nose flared and his chest expanded. “Clearly, you and your wolf are interested, but if this is a tease to amuse yourself…”

Ethan’s cheeks heated and marshalling his courage, he sat straighter. “I wouldn’t do that. I have honor and experience. I know what I’m doing and I know what I want.” He looked at the alpha right in the eyes, while his heart thudded painfully.

Graydon’s pupils dilated to wide circles of deep black. Then he leaned in, looming over Ethan, really. The heady scent of an aroused dominant enveloped Ethan. He nearly whimpered at the powerful reaction his body had. His lips parted as he became breathless. The plate tumbled from his nerveless fingers. The alpha snatched it before it could hit the ground.

Now Graydon’s expression turned to one that could only be described as hungry. “I think we’re both finished with our meal.” He held out his free hand. “Come, we’ll go into the woods for privacy.”

Ethan was raising his own hand before the sound of someone laughing loudly in the kitchen reminded him of where he was. He snatched it and his plate back, hugging both to his stomach. “No.” His breath stuttered at the sight of Graydon’s face morphing into a scowl. “Not now,” he amended.

With a toss of his head toward the back door, he said, “My brother is inside, as are his men. If I take off with you in such an obvious way, there will be trouble.”

Graydon folded his arms. “That doesn’t bother me in the least.”

“It does me,” Ethan replied with a frown and a firm nod. “I don’t want my brother getting into a fight because of my actions, nor do I want to impose on Lorcan’s hospitality in such a rude manner.”

Graydon’s eyes narrowed. “So this was just a tease after all.”

“Certainly not,” Ethan bristled. Honestly, this man was being awfully thick about matters. “I’m only saying that we need to wait for a better time. I promise I intend to give you access to me with the understanding that you won’t force me into anything I don’t want.”

“I have never forced a servient in my life.” The man sounded affronted at the idea.

“Good.” Ethan swallowed hard to gather his courage. “Tonight, after dinner and the bonfire, I’m sure we can find time to be…alone.”

Graydon seemed to be mulling that idea for a few seconds. “Very well. I must warn you, however, I am not like your brother. I won’t coax my way into your body with sweet words or whatever the fuck he’s doing in there with Lorcan’s family member. I will take what you give me, leaving us both satisfied, that is all.”

There was something so utterly primitive about how he stated his intent that Ethan’s dick, hole and wolf nearly overrode his better judgment. It was difficult to answer in a rational way. “That’s, um, fine. I don’t need courting. A good, hard fuck is all I want.” There, he’d laid it out with equal brutality.

A deep rumble sounded from the alpha’s chest. “Be careful what you ask for, Omega.”

“Ethan. I prefer you call me by my name.”

Graydon looked amused. “And I’d prefer those pretty lips be wrapped around my cock, but we can’t always have what we want.” He dropped his arms. “Tonight. I will be patient and wait for you to come to me. Don’t make it too long,” he added, baring his teeth. “And finish that sandwich. You’re too thin.”

Ethan gasped, affronted at the parting shot, yet still mesmerized by the sight of Graydon’s muscular ass striding away. In the next instant, the man shifted, his massive black wolf leaping toward the woods. The jeans shorts he’d worn were rendered into pieces that dropped to the ground. His men followed him, a small band of powerful dominants bounding into the trees with a chorus of howls and crashing through the underbrush.

Ethan sat momentarily dumfounded and astonished that he’d actually pulled off his effort at seduction. Quickly stuffing the rest of his sandwich in his mouth, he stood, grabbed his tea and downed that, too. Then he took his things into the kitchen before returning to the backyard as quickly as he could. He didn’t bother to consider what he was doing as he scooped up the remnants of Graydon’s shorts. Even before he lifted them to his face, he could scent the alpha’s pre-cum staining them. He furtively inhaled the potent smell while hurrying off to the area where his pack had parked their caravan.

No one was about, thank the Gods. He didn’t want anyone catching him at what he had to do. He went the camper, where he and Elijah had set up their pallets. Climbing in, he dropped down onto his bedding. Then he unzipped his jeans with one fumbling hand while continuing to sniff the cloth he held. His dick ached like a bitch, which was essentially what it was given his omega status. He might not be technically female, but his body acted as if he were one. And just because he was barren and couldn’t go into heat, didn’t mean his arousal was any less potent.

His hard shaft sprung out at the first sign of freedom. Flopping fully onto his pallet, Ethan proceeded to work his dick with his fist in a furious jerking that sent him coming within seconds. He convulsed, jackknifing up and doubling over with the intensity. The movement only served to mash his nose farther into Graydon’s scent. His wolf howled and pranced, causing Ethan’s face to shift to increase his sense of smell. Warm cum eased his furious fisting, sliding his fingers up and down his hard shaft.

He came again and had to muffle the half-scream, half-yowl that escaped him. By the time the aftershocks of his orgasms subsided, he lay spent and curled into a ball. His face returned to human form as his muscles went completely lax. He tried to open his eyes, but his lids were too heavy to lift. His chest heaved and his legs cramped. It was almost like having a fever.

That was his last thought before he passed out.

****

In his wolf form, Graydon’s human mind sunk down deep inside his conscience. He tore through the forest as if on a hunt, yet he had no appetite. At least not one that would be satisfied by deer or other wild creatures. No, the hunger eating at him was lower down than his stomach. His muscles strained with his effort to run off his painful need to mount and claim the omega.

Tonight. The promise was almost a taunt given how long before it would be fulfilled. He had to stay away from the omega until then. If he didn’t, the strain of keeping himself in check would become unbearable. And, he couldn’t allow his personal weakness to damage his pack by causing trouble during the gathering.

So he raced through the woods, uncaring of where he went. His men stayed with him, sticking to their V formation as they ranged around the trees. Occasionally he let out a howl, only to be echoed back by them. While they didn’t have his sexual frustration driving their speed, they never flagged. Eventually, instinct gave way to intelligence and he slowed down to give everyone a rest.

He caught the scent of water and led his men to a small stream. They lapped away their thirst, remaining on the alert out of habit. Once he was satisfied, he bounded up to the top of a flat rock and shifted back to human. Despite his exertions, his hard-on hadn’t flagged. It jutted out as stiffly as it had in his wolf form. Now, of course, he could do something about it. As he surveyed the area, he palmed the shaft and worked it with slow motions.

The view was beautiful, even he could appreciate it. Or would have if not for his vision being clouded with images of the omega. Ethan. What a bold one he was. It would have been almost laughable for an omega to flirt so shamelessly with a strange alpha if not for the serious desire shining through the boy’s eyes. He wasn’t a shy virgin. No, he knew what he wanted and that was Graydon.

Good. It would save him the trouble of maneuvering around Elijah. If the omega wanted him enough to offer himself up on a platter, then Graydon would gladly accept. The mere thought of plunging his dick inside that willing hole caused his balls to tighten. He clamped his fist around the base of his cock to keep from coming. He wanted to save it for the omega. Not that he couldn’t come multiple times a day, but the boy that was worth the wait. When Graydon did come inside him, it would be spectacular. That was what the old ones said about mounting a fated mate.

He worked his cock in lazy fashion to appease it somewhat, uncaring that his men lay around the rock in wolf form. They no more cared about his dick hanging out than he would of theirs. Then he caught a new scent. Scents. Everyone did. In an instant, the others were up on all fours, alert for trouble. Dropping his hand, he shifted and stood on top of the rock, staring in the direction of the approaching shifters.

Not that he was concerned. He knew these were Rogue dominants. Still, habits that literally saved their lives weren’t going to be tossed aside just because there was a gathering. The beta, Griffin, and a gamma came trotting into the small clearing. They kept their heads low, signaling that they weren’t intending to be aggressive. When they were within a few feet of Kael and the others, the beta shifted.

He stood tall, keeping his head slightly bowed. “I apologize for the intrusion, Alpha Graydon. We were only intending to have a quick drink before returning to the compound.”

Graydon shifted once again and waved at the water. “Please.” Not that he had any right to permit anything on Rogue land. Given the deference the beta showed, he wanted to be equally civil.

“Thank you.”

The beta signaled the gamma, who loped over to stick his snout into the stream. It wasn’t until he’d finished that the beta did the same, shifting to wolf, then back to human when he was done.

Swiping at this wet face, the man said, “Is there anything I can do for you? Were you looking for something in particular?”

Because the tone was respectful and Graydon could detect no rebuke in the questions, he answered. “No, we merely were taking a long, hard run.” Curiosity had him asking, “Are you on patrol?”

It didn’t seem likely given how casual they were being. And again, hardly any of his business, except he liked Lorcan and if some of his dominants were up to no good, he wanted to be able to warn the man.

The beta’s expression betrayed no unease. If anything, he looked sheepish. “No, sir, like you, we are only letting off some steam.”

“Ah.”

Graydon prided himself on his observational skills. As an alpha, he missed nothing, always taking note of the goings-on within his pack. Being in someone else’s domain didn’t blunt that ingrained alertness. He hadn’t missed the way this beta had looked at Lorcan’s family member, that fairly non-descript omega, by his estimation. Comely for sure, obviously fecund, and docile. All appealing qualities for his kind, although not for Graydon. Not with Ethan walking this Earth.

But Elijah coveted the boy, that was for sure. So did this beta. Bold and ballsy for a lower dominant to set his sights as high as an alpha’s widower. He couldn’t possibly think he stood any chance of making a match with the boy. Yet, there was something in his eyes when he gazed at the omega that resonated with Graydon’s own feelings for Ethan.

He can’t help himself.

And didn’t the omega feel the same way? Graydon searched his memory and thought yes, he did. There was certainly nothing he’d seen in the way the boy reacted to Elijah that conveyed any mutual interest. Lorcan had made it clear that the omega would have a say over his next mate. Ridiculous, to Graydon’s way of thinking. Giving omegas control over their lives was far too modern for him. Still, he couldn’t help feeling a kinship to this beta, Griffin, and it was in his nature to fix any problem he came across. He could afford to meddle a bit.

“Seeing that omega eat with Alpha Elijah must have made you and your wolf twitchy.”

Griffin couldn’t hide his surprise. To his credit, he didn’t try to lie. “It is agonizing.” His expression sharpened. “Not that I’m criticizing my alpha. I would lay down my life for Lorcan. He has been nothing short of life-saving for the servients of my old pack. Whatever decision he makes for Ryan will be the best one for the boy.”

Graydon held up his hand. “I was not questioning your loyalty to Lorcan, merely sympathizing. Where I come from, when a dominant finds the perfect mate, he acts on it. To do otherwise is a form of death.”

The beta quirked his brows. “My grandsire used to speak of fated mates. He said it was an old tale told in his puphood.” He shook his head. “If only it were that simple.”

“It is,” Graydon practically growled. “Stop using your beta brain and start listening to your wolf. I bet he knows exactly who you’re destined for.”

Griffin didn’t appear convinced, but Graydon was done chatting. His flagging erection rose once more, as thoughts of Ethan again filled his head. “We shall head back now.”

He shifted in the next moment, not bothering or needing a response from the beta. With a howl, he took off, his men flanking him. He poured on the speed even though there was nothing waiting for him back in the compound other than more talking. That was okay, night wasn’t that far off, mere hours. Then Ethan would come to him. Of that he had no doubt.

****

“What did you think of him?”

Kyle asked the question as he sat down next to Ryan. They were outdoors like many of the sigmas, getting the dinner ready for the gathering. It was a nice, warm evening, and Lorcan wanted a bonfire for a big celebration. Joey was setting up multiple grills for a barbeque. Ryan had volunteered to do vegetable prep, but he was doing it on the back porch while Milo napped in a baby swing beside him. It was another human convenience that the pup loved and it left Ryan’s hands free.

Ryan kept his eyes on his knife cuts while he answered. “You mean Elijah?” He shrugged. “He’s very nice.”

Kyle blew out a breath. “By that you mean he’s not Griffin.”

The end of a carrot slipped out of Ryan’s hand. “Oh, um… I guess the others have been talking to you about what happened this morning.”

“No one talked to me. I have eyes, that’s all.” Kyle scooped up the piece of food as it tumbled off the work table. “You think I haven’t noticed how you look at him?”

Ryan kept his gaze on his task, embarrassed and uncomfortable. No matter what anyone said, Kyle was an extension of the alpha first and foremost. He assumed anything he told Kyle would be repeated to the one who had ultimate dominion over him and Milo. He didn’t want to cause any trouble.

“I do like Griffin,” he admitted because lying outright would be totally unacceptable. “Not that it matters,” he added.

“Of course it does!”

Ryan gave the alpha mate the side-eye. “Really? You know that I have to accept anything the alpha decides. And while I know he’s been kind enough to grant me some say, I still have to choose what’s best for Milo and me. The alpha will insist upon it.”

Kyle sighed. “You think this thing with Elijah is a done deal, don’t you?”

“Isn’t it?” Ryan tried not to let any bitterness show. Scooping up the carrot pieces into a bowl, he moved on to celery.

“No, it’s not. It was only lunch, Ryan. Elijah asked for the opportunity and Lorcan gave it to him. It doesn’t have to go any further than that if you don’t want it to.”

Ryan shrugged. “I should. Want it to,” he clarified. “Alpha Elijah seems like a good man. He’s different than Haldon, that much is clear. He was very patient with Milo.”

That was true in a variety of ways that Ryan couldn’t afford to dismiss. In addition to not being put off by his nursing the pup, the man had been endlessly gracious with how much attention Ryan had to give his son instead of the alpha courting him. There hadn’t been any indication that it was all some act to impress Lorcan or Ryan, for that matter. From what little Ryan had been able to glean, Elijah appeared to be genuinely kind.

“He’d make a wonderful sire for Milo and provide us with a safe and comfortable life.” His knife flew through the stalks, the only outward sign he’d allow of his growing agitation. He wasn’t even sure why he felt that way. It was ridiculous to fret over something positive.

Kyle put his hand on Ryan’s arm, stilling his almost frantic movements. “Ryan, this isn’t only about making the best match. You’ve had a rough start with Haldon’s brutality. But that’s in the past. You don’t have to make a decision based on how much someone isn’t like your dead mate.”

Ryan shuddered through a hard swallow and shiver of unease. It was the mere thought of his former life. It continued to have the power to make him fearful. “Don’t I?” he asked softly.

Setting his knife on the cutting board, he turned to Kyle. “I’m only going to get one shot at this. It’s unbelievable that I have the opportunity at all. This time last year, I thought I would die protecting Milo, and from his own sire. It was that bad,” he added, tears brimming.

“Oh, Ryan.” Kyle wrapped his arms around him and hugged him hard. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea, although I should have.”

Ryan accepted the comfort without hesitation. He lay his head against Kyle’s slender shoulder. “If I’d given him an alpha pup, it might have been different. Better. He’d been bragging throughout the whelping that he’d filled me with a worthy son. He was so mad when an omega popped out of me.”

He lifted his head and sniffed. “Sometimes Griffin was my only refuge. He protected me and Milo at great risk to himself. Perhaps my feelings for him are merely gratitude.”

Kyle shook his head and pulled back to stare Ryan in the eyes. “I don’t believe that. What I see is love. And, that’s okay. Truly, Ryan. Lorcan wants you and Milo to be cared for, but he also wants you to be happy. If Griffin does that, then you can have him. Elijah’s suit doesn’t override that. You’re not a bargaining chip or a trade opportunity. You get that, right?”

Ryan nodded. “I do, except at least Elijah is obviously interested in having me. I don’t think Griffin is.”

Kyle laughed and shook his head. “You can’t be serious. Anyone can see he wants you.”

“Then why doesn’t he show it? He’s done nothing to pursue me.”

“Other than spend untold hours drinking coffee in the kitchen? You know he asked Deirdre to put him on the night shift so that he could be done by dawn?”

He hadn’t known that. The information brightened his mood. “Seriously? He’s not very obvious about it. All the moves, such as they are, have been mine.”

“I’m not surprised, and you shouldn’t be, either. You think a beta who has only recently been welcomed into the pack is going to dare court a member of his alpha’s family? He strikes me as way too noble and pack-oriented to be that bold. You’re going to have to be the aggressor in this, Ryan.”

He frowned. “I thought I had been.”

“You’re probably being too subtle. Be aggressive, leave no room for doubt in his mind about what you want.”

“I don’t know, Kyle. That’s not a very omega thing to do.”

“I hear you on that. Unfortunately, I’m hardly one to give you pointers.” He gnawed at his lip for a few seconds. “Why don’t you ask Reed?”

“Why him?”

Kyle shrugged. “He’s the most assertive omega here if you think about how he ran away from his old pack and sire to make a life for himself among humans.”

Ryan shuddered. “I can’t imagine such a thing.”

“Neither can I, and he was lucky that Daniel found him before he ran into trouble. Anyway, he’s got some pretty modern ideas. Ask. I’m sure he’ll help if he can.”

“Thanks, Kyle. I’ll do that.” If I can work up the courage to. Then again, if he couldn’t bring himself to talk about it with an omega he didn’t know very well, how could he ever pursue Griffin successfully?

“Do you really think Lorcan will be okay with my choosing Griffin over Elijah?”

Kyle’s face lit up. “Positive. If you mate with Griffin, you and Milo can stay with the Rogues. I’d love it if you do, and what makes me happy, Lorcan is fine with.”

“Thanks.” He threw his arms around the guy and gave him a fierce hug. “I’d love to stay, as well. You’re like a brother to me, Kyle. I don’t care what the official name is for our relationship.”

“I feel the same.” The alpha mate stood. “I’ll let you get back to your work. The bonfire tonight will be the perfect opportunity to entice Griffin. It will be chaotic, but also romantic, I think.”

“Yes.” Ryan swallowed past his nervousness. “I agree.”

Tonight, he’d make sure Griffin would have no doubt about his feelings. Ryan’s only fear was that the beta wouldn’t reciprocate them. But he couldn’t let that stop him. There was no more time to waste.

****

Ethan tried to quiet his nerves as he tuned his fiddle. The big celebration of the gathering was in full swing. After a sumptuous meal of grilled meat, fish and vegetables, along with a variety of side dishes, everyone was sitting around a huge bonfire. The kitchen sigmas were passing out decadent treats made up of cookies, chocolate and roasted marshmallows. All that was missing was music. That’s where the Green Mountain Pack would make their biggest mark. Neither the Rogues nor the Strongbloods had any real musicians, other than Reed, but Ethan’s pack had a long history of playing instruments.

He’d entertained his own people more times than he could count as well as his former mate’s pack. He shouldn’t be nervous now, yet he was. This time was different and the only reason he could think of was that he really only played to an audience of one. Graydon sat with his boys at the far edge of the large group. As usual, they stayed more apart from everyone rather than integrating. And still, the alpha’s focus lay heavily upon Ethan. He’d felt the man’s eyes on him throughout the entire evening. Now was no different.

Ethan didn’t know why it mattered so much to him that his music please this particular shifter more than others. Somehow, it did. His stomach fluttered with unease and his whole body felt on high alert. His agitation had been growing all afternoon since he’d woken up, sweaty and restless from his unplanned nap. The scraps of Graydon’s shorts had remained clutched in his grip. He’d guiltily hid them among his things, masking their scent with wild flowers, not able to bring himself to throw them away. Despite his intense orgasms earlier, he was still aroused.

Putting on a casual front during dinner when all he could think about was meeting Graydon later had been agony. He wasn’t sure he’d done a good job of hiding it. His wolf had been of no help, and he’d excused himself multiple times to use the facilities to wipe away the telltale slick that kept descending. It was one thing to hide his feelings. His arousal was something different. More than once, Elijah had eyed him suspiciously when Ethan had failed to stay upwind of him. Thank the Gods the meal was over. All he had to do was put on a musical show Elijah had promised and he could sneak away.

With his guitar firmly in hand, Elijah started tapping out the beat with one foot. He began a lively tune that Ethan joined in on at the right moment. Graham added in his bongos and the song took on a life of its own. Ethan did love this. His fingers and arm knew what to do without conscious thought on his part. He let the music take over and got lost in it. Soon he broke out into a broad smile and forgot about his other needs.

But he didn’t forget about Graydon. His gaze wandered in the man’s direction. The intensity of Graydon’s expression caused a flash of heat to spread over Ethan. He let the feeling fuel his playing. When Elijah transitioned into another, faster-paced song, Ethan had no trouble keeping up. He didn’t need to look at his instrument to play. He kept his attention, instead, on Graydon. It pleased him to see that the alpha did the same. Their gazes locked onto one another so intensely that his vision tunneled. It was as if they were alone at the edge of the woods with the clear night sky above them.

Pack members got up to dance, a wild mixture of uncoordinated movement. From where he sat beside his brother, Ethan couldn’t see as well past the twisting bodies. For a moment, he felt lost because the connection with Graydon was broken. His wolf whined and chuffed. Then those dark, intense eyes were back. Graydon had leaped onto a rock and stood towering over everyone. He stared down at Ethan, a tether than grounded him once more.

He paid no attention to the time passing or the number of songs they played. Eventually, Elijah wound them down with a slow ballad that ended with a sweetly sad tone. When the last note was played, their audience applauded and hooted their appreciation. Ethan grinned shyly at the attention, and deliberately broke eye contact with Graydon. Without the music flowing, he couldn’t handle the force of all that attention.

Once everyone returned to talking, eating dessert and passing around wine and beer, Ethan packed up his fiddle. “I’m going to return this to the camper,” he told his brother, being as casual as he could. “Do you want me to bring your guitar, too?”

Elijah’s gaze narrowed. “Um, okay. Thanks. Don’t wander in these unfamiliar woods.”

Ethan chuckled. “Why would I do that?”

He hoped the heat he felt in his cheeks didn’t show. Picking up both cases, he headed to the parking area. He didn’t dare look to see what Graydon was doing. He heard and saw nothing of the man until he’d stowed the instruments and closed the camper door again.

A hand shot out of the gloom and grabbed his arm. Ethan would have shrieked with surprise, except his voice was muffled by the force of Graydon’s lips descending on his.

It was a kiss like no other he’d ever experienced, all teeth and tongue. It robbed him of his breath and stifled any protest by turning him boneless from the passion behind it. Just as quickly as his body went lax, it revved up again so that he was clawing at Graydon. He grabbed as much of the man’s arms as he could reach and practically tried to climb him like a tree. With a sweep of his powerful arm, Graydon lifted him high enough that Ethan was able to wrap his legs around the guy’s waist.

Graydon’s big hands cupped Ethan’s ass, holding him in place, squeezing the globes in a way that almost scratched the incessant itch plaguing his hole. Almost. He whined and pressed in closer. The alpha’s rock-hard shaft dug into Ethan’s stomach, but he hardly noticed given how his own dick demanded that he hump the ridges of the man’s abs. The worn material of his jeans didn’t create much of a barrier between them, thank the Gods. Each flex of his hips sent a shock of pleasure along his shaft. His balls, cramped by the tight cloth cupping them, nevertheless pulled up tighter to his body. They tingled with the telltale signs of climax.

The orgasm ripped through him with an intensity that caused him to clench at Graydon’s bulging muscles and scream into his mouth. It felt as if he hadn’t come in ages rather than the few hours since he’d laid helplessly in thrall to Graydon’s scent. The alpha swallowed the sound with his lips, driving his tongue deep into Ethan’s mouth. Ethan scratched at every spot he could as if to meld their bodies.

A rush of air and a sudden dizziness told him that they were on the move. Graydon crashed through the woods, carrying Ethan as if he weighed nothing at all. The cool air dried the beads of sweat that had popped out on his exposed skin. It made him shudder, but then the heat of the alpha’s skin warmed him again. No point of contact was lost. He distantly wondered how the man could see where he was going with his eyes closed.

Ethan dared to open his own and found Graydon staring at him with a feral intensity that he’d never seen before. He could swear, too, that the man’s wolf was visible inside the black pupils. The fanciful thought fled in the next instant as Graydon slammed Ethan’s back against a tree. The alpha’s arms took the brunt of the collision. Still, the force of the contact pushed out what little breath Ethan held. He gasped and pulled back. Resting his head against the tree trunk, he gazed up at Graydon. The man wasn’t looking at him, though. Instead, he was focused on undoing Ethan’s jeans.

“Wait,” he choked out.

Afraid his clothing would be ruined, leaving his activities clearly visible, he lowered his legs and wiggled to get out of Graydon’s hold. He tried, anyway. The man acted as if Ethan were no more than a fly buzzing around his body.

“Let me down. I’ll get them off.” His voice sounded strained, breathless, weak, even. He stood no chance of calling the shots in this endeavor. How had he ever imagined differently? Except Graydon instantly complied, loosening his grip enough to let Ethan slide to his feet. He didn’t let go entirely, however. When Ethan swayed, the alpha’s hands were there to steady him.

Shaking and unbelievably needy, Ethan tugged at the already loosened jeans to slide them down his legs. When he lifted a foot to toe off his sneakers, he grabbed Graydon’s hips to steady himself. That’s when his attention was drawn to the long, hard cock jutting out from the open cut-offs. The new shorts were no better at containing the alpha’s virility than the old ones had been. In the gloom of the forest, Ethan had no trouble seeing the weeping head of the dick. A sudden desire to taste overwhelmed him. He dropped to his knees before he could think better of it.

He clutched at the denim wrapped around Graydon’s hips, tugging it to expose the cock more. Then he grabbed the shaft, his fingers unable to fully circle the thick hard-on. Opening his mouth, he strained to lift his face while he tugged the dick down to meet his lips. He was barely able to take the head in, the height difference between the two of them making it hard to reach. Graydon helped with that. With a grunt, he bent his knees, while one hand cupped the back of Ethan’s head. There was no pressure, simply a reassuring anchoring.

Ethan opened his mouth as wide as he could. The width of Graydon’s cockhead stretched Ethan’s lips to their limit, and he could only accommodate a few inches of the length inside his mouth before gagging. In the end, all he did was lap at the silky, hard flesh and gorge on the pre-cum leaking out. It satisfied him, though, a fulfillment of a long-held fantasy that he’d never been permitted to explore before. His former mate had been a good lover, yet utterly focused on triggering Ethan’s heat by mounting him.

The cock pulsed in his grip, telling him that Graydon had almost reached his limit. Ethan redoubled his efforts, determined to take the man all the way. But the alpha had other ideas, and like all of his kind, he was in control and would have his own way. Graydon gripped Ethan’s hair and pulled him off. Frustrated and determined to keep going, Ethan resisted, using his teeth to keep his place. Graydon hissed as his cock got scraped, yet nevertheless forced Ethan to let go.

Ethan whined in frustration, his wolf echoing his feeling for a brief moment before whimpering in submission. There was no time to truly voice his displeasure. Graydon lifted him up and held him against the tree again. Ethan had only managed to free one of his legs before being distracted by that enticing dick. It was sufficient for Graydon’s purposes, however. Ethan’s cock, hard and leaking itself once more, jutted out and his ass was exposed. The itch of his channel had reached epic levels. No longer distracted by feasting on Graydon’s dick, Ethan felt his own desperate need tenfold.

Graydon held him with an almost brutal grip, around his waist and with the fingers of one hand gripping Ethan’s thigh. He pressed his wide, hard body against Ethan’s. The tip of the man’s cock brushed against Ethan’s hole. He whimpered and clutched once more at Graydon’s arms. He looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Graydon stared at him with a stern look that sent a shudder through him. “You are mine.”

That was all the warning he gave before ramming his dick into Ethan’s hole and filling his channel in one swift thrust. Ethan’s mouth popped open on a silent scream. The burn of being stretched to nearly a point beyond endurance caused his brain to short-circuit. For a few seconds, his vision went dark and his whole body spasmed. Then he was coming so hard he smashed his head against the tree. But Graydon was there to cushion the blow with the palm of his hand, and he held Ethan tightly as he rode the orgasm to completion.

Graydon claimed Ethan’s mouth once more, invading his mouth almost as deeply as his dick ravaged Ethan’s ass. The man drilled him with long, hard thrusts, each time driving impossibly deeper. Hot cum flooded his channel within seconds. Graydon growled and grunted his pleasure, digging his fingers into Ethan’s scalp and grinding his pelvis against him.

For his part, Ethan recovered from the initial shock of the claiming to thump his bare heel against Graydon and dig his nails in encouragement. His wolf yipped a few times in some pointless effort to communicate with Graydon’s before howling in frustration. There was a faint echo of the sound, albeit stronger and in a lower register. It was almost as if Graydon’s alpha wolf was answering.

Impossible. Ethan’s wolf whined piteously.

Too consumed by the pleasure of being mounted for the first time in months, and in a powerful way that was beyond his experience, Ethan couldn’t muster much concern for his wolf. He could only hold on and encourage Graydon to keep at it. The alpha didn’t disappoint. Once his copious cum filled Ethan’s ass, Graydon remained embedded until his cock hardened once more and he fucked Ethan all over again.

He lost track of how many times he came or how long they remained joined. Eventually, he became aware of sitting on Graydon’s lap on the floor of the woods. He was cuddled against the man’s broad, warm chest. The alpha was petting Ethan’s head in a soothing motion that conveyed both pleasure and a touching amount of affection. Ethan had never felt more cherished. His hole ached from use, but he hardly cared. In fact, he reveled in the evidence that he’d been well-mounted and hopefully had satisfied his man. He got confirmation of that in the next second.

“I shall rest well tonight now that you have drained my balls, Omega.”

Hardly sweet words, yet they filled Ethan with a warmth that no amount of tender flattery from his former mate ever had. He could think of no answer, so he rubbed his face against the man’s skin and sighed.

Neither of them said anything more for a few minutes. Ethan wasn’t sure how much time had passed since they’d left the gathering. He vaguely wondered if Elijah had noticed his absence and was looking for him. Not wanting any kind of confrontation, he reluctantly lifted his head.

“We should return to the others.”

Graydon pushed his head back into place, gently but firmly. “Not yet. I like holding you.”

“We’ll be missed.” He didn’t bother to try to rise again. Graydon would always best him with his strength, a notion that didn’t frighten him. Quite the contrary.

“I care little.”

Ethan frowned. “I don’t want to upset my brother. Elijah is a very modern alpha, slow to anger and very liberal in his control over me. That doesn’t mean he would take what we just did lightly.”

Graydon slowly lifted Ethan’s head so that they could look at one another. “What your brother thinks of us is of no concern. You belong to me, and if I have to fight him to make that point…” He shrugged.

Alarm shot through Ethan. Putting his palms against Graydon’s chest, he pushed to separate them. The alpha allowed him to, an almost amused look on his face.

“There will be no fighting.” He put as much sternness into his tone as he could manage. It didn’t change Graydon’s expression in the least.

Ethan jerked to his feet, his pants half-on, half-off. He started re-dressing, his movements clumsy with his fatigue. “I gave myself to you because I wanted this pleasure. That’s all. I figure as a formerly mated and barren omega, I’m entitled to a little fun.”

He stumbled in his efforts to pull his pants on. He would have fallen if not for Graydon’s quick actions. The man stood as he steadied Ethan, his manner indulgent and matter-of-fact.

Ethan yanked his pants up and fastened them. “I’m happy to repeat this again before the gathering ends, but that’s all.” He shot the alpha a determined look even as he searched for the one sneaker he’d kicked off. “I’m not yours. We’ll be going our separate ways soon, and I don’t want to cause trouble by letting Elijah know what we’ve been up to.”

Even as he spoke, he knew he was going to have trouble accomplishing that. His ass was covered in dried cum and he didn’t need a mirror to know his lips were swollen from Graydon’s almost brutal kisses. It was going to be hard to hide what he’d been up to. Damn, he hadn’t though this through very well. He hadn’t been thinking much at all. It was pure animal need that had driven him into Graydon’s arms. So long as it didn’t end in bloodshed, he wasn’t going to regret a thing.

He hopped on one foot, then gave up and leaned against Graydon as he put his sneaker on. “Please don’t cause any trouble for me.” As dressed as he was going to get, he gave Graydon what he hoped was a determined look, yet knew was probably more of a pleading one.

Graydon surprised him by running his fingers gently through Ethan’s hair before pressing a soft kiss on his mouth. “From this point forward, I will do nothing other than protect you.”

Ethan had to break eye contact. The feelings were too intense. “I, um, appreciate that. I don’t want you and my brother at odds, though, either. Elijah would never hurt me. I’m worried that he’ll feel he has to fight you over my honor.”

Graydon chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. “There is no chance of that because there is no dishonor in mounting my mate.”

Ethan gasped and his gaze flew up. “What are you talking about? We’re not mating.”

Graydon raised his eyebrows. “Of course we are.”

Ethan shook his head. “No. Haven’t you been listening? I’m barren.” Saying the word out loud hurt as it always did.

Graydon shrugged. “So you and your brother say. I believe otherwise. It matters not, in any event,” he added before Ethan could sputter out a reply. “We are fated to mate.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. He couldn’t help it. “That is nonsense.” As he said it, his wolf howled in protest. Quiet. “There’s no such thing, and even if there were, you can’t afford to mate with an omega who can’t give you pups.”

Graydon folded his arms. “Says who?”

“Everyone!” Ethan backed up with his arms splayed wide. “You need an alpha heir and I can’t give you one. And, I don’t want to be part of a harem, either.” He swallowed hard. “I thought I would be okay with that when my former mate said he was returning me to Elijah. I was desperate then. Not now. I don’t think I could handle being someone you simply fuck for fun.”

Graydon’s eyes turned stormy. He took a step toward him. “While I’m glad you hold yourself in appropriate esteem, I resent your assumption that I want a harem. All I have ever sought is the mate who has been chosen by the Gods to be mine. You are that one, Ethan. There is no mistake. My wolf knows it and so does yours. You are being stupid in your refusal to accept that.”

Ethan lifted his chin. “No I am not. I may be only an omega, but I know my mind and I am in charge of my destiny. I will be your lover for the duration of the gathering, and that’s all. You can accept my offer or reject it. You cannot dictate my actions, nor foretell my future.”

With those points settled, Ethan turned and fled, his heart in his throat and his body demanding once more the alpha’s attention. He ignored them both. Harder to ignore was the mournful howl of his devastated wolf.

Chapter Five

Griffin stuck to the perimeter of the group, not wanting to call attention to himself. He’d specifically volunteered for patrol duty while the big bonfire dinner was happening. His reasons for doing so were totally selfish—he hadn’t wanted to watch Elijah’s pursuit of Ryan. While his head told him it was the best thing for the omega and his pup, his heart couldn’t bear it. During the course of the day, his feelings of jealousy had grown, not diminished. Not even running with Jagger had lightened his mood. As foolish as it was, his affection for the omega had only grown.

Call it by its true name—love.

Yep, that was the sad fact of his life. He was in love with a boy he could never have. No matter what kind of encouraging signs Ryan had thrown his way over the last few weeks, now that a man worthy of the omega was interested, the only honorable choice was for him to stay far away. Elijah required the room necessary to encourage Ryan to accept his suit. Griffin had to give it to him. To do otherwise would be an act of pure selfishness.

His nobility, however, was being undermined at the moment by his stomach. It rumbled as he spied a table heaped with what was left from the grilling. His hunger didn’t even mind that everything was likely cold by now. As he contemplated a plan to snag some, a figure approached, backlit by the dwindling bonfire. He would have known that shifter in the pitch black. His heart did a slow roll at the sight even as his brain told him to shut it down.

The adorable omega held a plate heaping with charred meat and vegetables in one hand and carried a mug of what he hoped was beer in the other. The boy’s gaze was fetchingly downcast as he approached, but there was no hesitation in his steps. He stopped only a foot away and looked up at Griffin from under his lashes, the perfect image of a servient shifter. Except there was something more flashing in those pretty eyes.

An invitation? Griffin’s brain registered it as such without any hesitation, and his wolf growled soft and low in agreement. His dick went hard, although that hardly signified. That dumb thing stiffened anytime Ryan took a breath within sight. Thank the Gods Griffin had already thrown on some clothes. The last thing he wanted to do was wave the proof of his appalling lack of control in the shy omega’s face.

Shy? It was hard to describe the boy that way, not when he’d sought Griffin out after obviously thinking of his needs. It wasn’t the first time, either, or even the first time that day.

Ryan held up the plate and the mug. “I put some food and beer aside for you.”

Griffin suppressed his sigh. He needed to find a way to both show his appreciation and reject the personal overture. If Ryan wasn’t going to look out for his own interests, Griffin needed to do it for him. Through the crush of people, he spied the Green Mountain alpha across the yard.

He took the offering and backed up to sit on one of the logs placed on the ground for that very purpose. “Thanks, Ryan. That was, um, sweet of you.”

Ryan’s mouth turned up in a pretty smile. “I knew you were on patrol and wanted to make sure you were well fed when you finished. And,” he added with a bit of a flourish, “I have dessert too.” He pulled a wax paper baggie out of his back pocket. A squished s’mores was inside.

“You needn’t have gone to so much trouble.” His tone wasn’t very convincing even to his own ears. It was hard to act indifferent to the gesture.

“It’s nothing, really.” Instead of handing over the treat, the omega sat right next to him. Close enough that their legs brushed. He placed the bag on the log in the narrow space between them. The back of his fingers touched Griffin’s hip.

He froze for a second, unsure of what to do. It was impossible for all of this to be anything other than deliberate. There was an ample amount of log available for Ryan to perch his small rump on. Choosing a spot guaranteed to cause him to make contact with Griffin’s body was hardly a mistake. Not even a dim-witted omega, which Ryan certainly was not, would have made that kind of miscalculation.

Griffin knew he should move. Get up, maybe. Shoo the boy away. He simply couldn’t. Rather he took a long swallow of his beer as if somehow he’d find courage in that little bit of alcohol. It didn’t work. Putting the mug on the ground on his far side, he fiddled with the fork on his plate.

“You should leave,” he finally said. “Elijah won’t like your hanging with me.”

Ryan didn’t say anything right away. He wore at a spot on his knee with his thumb. “Why would I care what he thinks?”

Griffin nearly dropped his plate. “Oh, well…” Damn, could the omega be that naïve? Had no one explained to him what Elijah’s attention meant? “It’s, ah, because he’s you know…interested in you.”

He winced at his doltish efforts at answering the boy. “He’s courting you,” he added with more firmness.

Ryan huffed. “I know that. I’m not stupid, Griffin.”

“Of course, you’re not!” He said it forcefully and immediately regretted the way his tone made Ryan blink rapidly. It was easy to forget sometimes how Ryan was the kind of shifter that was the most servient and skittish. His behavior often belied that genetic heritage, like it was now. It was true regardless, plus the boy was so very, very young.

“I didn’t mean to imply that at all,” he added in a softer voice.

When Ryan said nothing else, Griffin decided to satisfy his hunger and show his appreciation to the omega by starting in on his meal. For the next few minutes, he stuffed his face with delicious food. It remained warm, testament that Ryan had gone to extra trouble on his behalf. He practically cleaned his plate with only a few forkfuls and drained his mug to wash it all down. Somehow, the omega had managed to keep the beer cool, as well. It was delicious.

“Would you like some more to drink?”

Griffin was afraid to look at the boy, not wanting his emotions to show on his face. “No, thanks. I’ll get it myself in a moment.”

“That’s okay.” Ryan popped to his feet and reached around Griffin to grab the mug in a swift, graceful move. “I don’t mind. You’ve been literally running around for hours. You should sit.”

“Ryan.” Griffin reached out to snatch the omega’s arm and tried to ignore how much he liked the feel of it. “Please don’t wait on me. I’m not worthy of your attention. Go find Alpha Elijah.”

Ryan stood unmoving, other than a fine tremor that ran through him, strong enough for Griffin to feel. “I don’t want to do that,” he said in a low voice. “I want to get you more beer.” His mouth formed a thin line.

Griffin couldn’t resist running his fingers along Ryan’s arm to clasp the boy’s hand. “Ryan, can’t you see the opportunity this presents? Elijah is by all accounts a good man, as well as a strong alpha who is respected by his pack.”

He swallowed past a hard lump forming in his throat, threatening to choke him to death. “He’ll be a good sire to Milo and he will provide for and protect you both. He’s exactly who you deserve as a widowed alpha mate. A man worthy of your status.”

On a gasp, Ryan tugged his hand free. “You think I care about that? The status thing, I mean.” He folded his arms and stamped his foot. “Of course I want a mate who will take care of Milo and me, but the rest doesn’t matter.”

The omega looked away. “I remember my own sire telling me I was the luckiest of omegas on the night he gave me to Haldon for mating. I don’t have to tell you how that worked out.”

Griffin winced at the reminder of the abuse Ryan had suffered. Balancing his plate on the log, he stood. “No, you don’t, and I can’t tell you the shame I feel when I think of it.”

Now Ryan’s eyes blazed as he gazed at him. “Why? You had no control over his actions. You were the only one to even offer me any help.”

“It wasn’t enough.” Griffin closed his eyes for a moment before staring at the ground.

“You got me through it.” A hand landed on Griffin’s arm, so small and yet the grip was firm. “And you brought us here, Milo and me, when you had no duty to do anything other than save your own life.”

The warmth of both the touch and the sentiment infused Griffin, pushing aside his baser desires and replacing them with softer emotions. He was losing the battle, his nobility being overtaken by his wants and Ryan’s, however much he might disapprove of both. He was no longer certain he had the courage or force of will to fight.

For Ryan’s sake, he made one more effort. “I was willing to die to keep you and Milo safe. That doesn’t make me any kind of hero, though, because I did it for purely selfish reasons. If anything had happened to you, I wouldn’t have been able to live with it.”

He made himself look the omega in the eye. “I want what’s best for you, Ryan, and that means your accepting Elijah as your new mate. He’s-”

His words were robbed from him in the next instant as Ryan dropped the mug and lunged up to kiss him full on the mouth. It was brief and hard enough that their teeth clicked through their lips. There was nothing artful or passionate in it. And yet, it decimated Griffin’s control. Before the omega’s feet touched the ground again, Griffin grabbed him by the arms and hauled him back up.

Griffin’s efforts didn’t have much more in the way of finesse or skill. His experience was limited, but his passion guided him. He used his lips and tongue to show his devotion, equal parts fervor and reverence. Tasting Ryan had been an impossible fantasy for a long time and nothing in his wildest dreams had done justice to the actual sweetness of the boy’s mouth.

After a brief, startled resistance, Ryan melted into Griffin’s embrace. No trace of a shy omega remained as he matched Griffin’s movements and the mounting energy with which they were made. A slow mating of tongues turned into a quick dance that traveled from one mouth to the other. When Griffin cupped Ryan’s ass to raise him up, Ryan encircled Griffin’s neck with a tight hold and lifted one foot to twine his leg around Griffin’s.

There wasn’t an inch of space between them as they devoured each other. And there was no hiding Griffin’s hard length that strained the integrity of his jeans. It pressed against the omega’s pelvis, but that was fine because the boy was equally aroused. This wasn’t a servient shifter trying to please and placate a dominant. Ryan truly wanted him on a primitive level that made Griffin’s wolf paw and howl.

They were both huffing as if having taken a long run by the time Griffin broke the kiss. Ryan whined and tried to reconnect with Griffin’s lips. The enthusiasm made Griffin chuckle, but he needed to keep a level head even while he was clearly losing it. As a beta, it was his duty to think matters through. As delightful as Ryan’s physical demands on him were, he had to be mindful that they weren’t isolated. Although they were on the periphery of the gathering, they were still within sight of the others. Ryan’s reputation was important, and there was a protocol for what they both wanted. Griffin intended to follow it. Ryan deserved no less.

Assuming he hadn’t changed his mind.

Reluctantly, Griffin used his hold on the omega to put him back firmly on the ground. He smoothed a hand down the boy’s head, slipping a few strands of silky hair behind one small ear. To some, there was nothing remarkable about how Ryan looked. To Griffin, he was perfection.

“I guess there’s no denying what we both want.” His voice was both husky and shaky. “If that kiss was your way of saying you’re sure.”

Ryan rolled his eyes in a precious sign that he was comfortable with Griffin. “I thought I was pretty clear on that point, Griffin, but if you need reassurance…then yes, I want you. Only you.”

“Elijah,” he started to say, what exactly? He didn’t know. It was hard to let go of his worry for Ryan.

The omega clutched at Griffin’s shoulders. “If you reject me, I’ll mate with Elijah, assuming he offers for me. But only because that’s what would be best for Milo. I would give Elijah my body and obedience and devotion, but never my heart. I can’t give to him something I lost to you already.”

Going up on his toes, Ryan pressed a soft kiss against a startled Griffin’s lips. “I love you, Griffin. I think I always have and I know I always will.”

Just like that, Griffin released the last of his reservations. Ryan loves me. He returned the kiss, careful to keep himself under control. “I love you, too, Ryan, since before I had any right to. Not that I do now,” he couldn’t help adding. His restraint and self-denial were so ingrained in his every thought, word and deed.

Ryan’s expression turned stormy, the stern look almost comical on such a young and sweet face. “No more of that kind of talk. “This is what I want. You are what I want. Please take me,” he added, his features and his tone softening.

Griffin’s dick took that plea for the wrong kind of invitation. He tamped it down with mental strength and told his wolf to chill as well. Taking Ryan’s hand, he said, “Let’s go talk to Lorcan.”

Ryan could barely contain his glee. A broad smile broke out across his face and he felt as if he were floating with every step he took. And yet he’d never felt more grounded than he did at that moment with his hand firmly clasped by Griffin’s. As they walked across the backyard to see the alpha, Ryan could imagine going through the rest of his life tethered to Griffin, their pups equally held by one or the other of them. Everyone would be secure. Everyone would be loved. It hardly seemed possible that his dream was coming true.

His plan had worked. Well, Reed’s had, truth be told. After Kyle’s suggestion, Ryan had worked up the courage to seek the other omega out. Reed had been only too happy to share advice.

“Be bold,” Reed had advised as he sat nursing his pup. “Put aside any notion that you’re overstepping your bounds or too much of a ninny to know your own mind. We omegas have been sold a load of crap our whole lives. We are perfectly capable of knowing what we want and going after it.”

“What if he rejects me,” Ryan had fretted, unable to keep the worry at bay.

Reed had scoffed. “I consider that highly unlikely given the way I’ve seen that beta look at you. Anyone can tell he wants you. Just don’t let him be noble, either.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s going to try to push you away for your own good. That might not have been true a couple of days ago, but with Elijah sniffing around, the game has changed.”

Ryan had frowned. “It’s not supposed to be a game.”

“And yet, it is. A serious one, though. This is your life we’re talking about here, Ryan. Don’t allow Griffin’s beta brain to rationalize letting you go to give you what he thinks is a better future. Betas are always over thinking matters. Daniel certainly did,” he added with a roll of his eyes. “You can’t outthink him, but you can outlast him.”

“Okay.” Ryan’s resolve stiffened. “I’ll make my play for him tonight and won’t accept anything other than capitulation.”

Reed nodded once. “That’s it. I’ll be rooting for you.”

“Thanks.” Ryan offered up the omega a watery smile. “Now, if I can only manage it without fainting from nerves.”

“I have every faith you’ll succeed.”

Ryan hadn’t been as confident. He’d almost chickened out a few times throughout the evening as he waited for Griffin to come off the perimeter. Every time he’d felt his courage flagging, however, he’d looked at a brilliantly happy Reed cuddled against his mate. Knowing what the boy had gone through to achieve his happiness had given him hope and stiffened his spine. Now, he was being led by the man he loved to see the alpha about their mating. He couldn’t believe it was really happening.

Most of the pack and their guests were still lounging around the diminished bonfire, talking in quiet tones and sharing the last of the food and drink. At the far end, the pups lay peacefully on blankets spread on the ground, staying a part of the celebration while getting their sleep. Milo was among them, having been nursed right before Ryan had approached Griffin. He hoped his son would stay quiet long enough for the matter of the mating to be sorted out with the alpha. As they got closer to where the man sat with his mate, Finn, and Elijah, the sight of the Green Mountain alpha caused Ryan’s stomach to tighten.

Griffin squeezed his hand. “I’ll take care of this,” he murmured. “You’re not to worry about a thing.”

Knowing that Griffin was in charge at last, Ryan let go of his concern. As a beta, Griffin could always be trusted to figure things out. Well, except for the small matter of their coming together. He could be forgiven that one lapse.

The small group didn’t notice them coming until they were almost upon them. Their attention was taken by Annie in her wolf form being held by Elijah. He was clearly enthralled by the unusual pup, scratching her ruff while he stared into her eyes. Ryan knew from experience how much her human self showed through. Finn stood next to them, the proud sire. It was Kyle, holding a wide-awake Hope, who spotted them first, though. He sat up straighter, and his gaze homed in on Ryan. He smiled, and Ryan returned the look.

Something in his mate’s reaction must have been caught by the alpha, because he too became more alert and switched his focus from his guest to Ryan and Griffin. Once he’d done that, the other two men followed suit. By the time they reached Lorcan, Griffin and Ryan were under scrutiny by the entire group. The attention caused Ryan to go shy and despite his confidence in Griffin, worry crept in. The beta let go of his hand to wrap his arm around Ryan’s waist and pulled him in tight to his side. Anchored as he was to Griffin, Ryan was able to face the others with courage.

“Your pardon, Alpha, may we have a word?” Griffin’s tone was respectful, yet determined, once again causing Ryan to relax. There was nothing for him to fret over.

Lorcan didn’t answer right away. His appraising gaze took them in with a long sweep. Then he said, “I think not.”

Griffin stiffened a fraction at the response. “May I make an appointment to speak with you tomorrow, sir?”

“No. We will deal with this tonight. What I mean is that I intend to talk to Ryan alone first, not with you both.” He turned to his mate and plucked Hope out of his arms. “I wish for you to join us, my dear. Finn, if you please?” He passed his daughter over to the beta, who took her without comment.

A second later, Elijah passed Annie to her sire, as well, leaving Finn to juggle two active, squirming pups—one wolf, one human and both a handful.

“I’m sorry, Lorcan,” Elijah said. “I need to speak with you too. I had intended to do so tomorrow, but it seems my timetable has to be moved up.” He shot a disarming smile at his host before doing the same with Ryan.

Ryan couldn’t look at the man. Instead, he turned his face toward Griffin and pressed his forehead against his arm. Griffin’s fingers ran lightly up Ryan’s side, comforting and slightly arousing at the same time. It was distracting for sure, chasing away thoughts of Elijah and how Ryan’s decision to pick Griffin might offend the Green Mountain alpha. He peeked at the group from the side of his eye.

A brief grimace passed across Lorcan’s face before he placed a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. Of course I will listen to whatever it is you have to say, but right now, I must speak with this omega. His wishes are paramount.”

Elijah mimicked the expression. “I understand. I would appreciate it if you would wait until we talk before taking any, um, irreversible steps.”

Lorcan nodded. “That, I can assure you.” He switched his gaze to Ryan. “Let’s go to our family quarters.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Ryan was surprised at how steady his voice was, testament to Griffin’s influence and his great hope that his life was finally going in the direction that he wanted. He was determined to stand firm.

In the end, though, he required a little help from Griffin to let go. The beta released him and put a small distance between them before cupping Ryan’s chin with his hand. “I’ll go check on Milo if you want.”

Ryan grinned. “Yes, please.” Then he faced his alpha before following him and Kyle back to the longhouse.

The alpha mate linked arms with him as they walked. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, “it will be fine.”

Ryan certainly hoped so. No, he knew it would be. The time for being a frightened shifter who kept his head down was over. Besides, in the next few minutes, he had to be convincing about what he wanted. If the alpha sensed any uncertainty in his request, it could mean not mating with Griffin. At a minimum, he risked the issue being postponed until it was absolutely necessary to make a decision. He didn’t want that. It was important to him that he mate before he went into heat. He wanted time to form a life with Griffin and Milo before nature intervened to capture everyone’s attention and take choice away.

The longhouse was quiet given that almost the entire pack was still outside. They didn’t run into anyone as they headed straight for the family’s quarters. With the new additions, it was a fairly big wing of the longhouse now, capable of accommodating the entire family with ease. Ryan wondered what the expectation would be once he mated. Would he and Griffin live in his relatively small room here, or would there be a new separate hut constructed for them?

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Lorcan hasn’t approved anything yet.

The alpha led them over to a cozy sitting area near a recently installed fireplace. It was a wonderful space during winter. The man took his usual seat in a high-backed overstuffed chair and gestured toward a smaller one a couple of feet across from it. Ryan understood that was for him. Unlinking their arms, Kyle went to join his mate, perching on his lap, as he often did. Lorcan placed his arms loosely around Kyle’s waist. It was nice to see the casual affection they shared.

“So, Ryan,” Lorcan began, “you want to mate with Griffin.” It wasn’t a question.

Ryan made himself look his alpha in the eye, which was what the man liked, he knew. “Yes, sir.” He didn’t know if elaboration was necessary or desirable, and opted for the less is more strategy.

The alpha nodded. “He obviously wants you, as well. I’m rather surprised it’s taken him this long to make his claim.”

“Oh.” Ryan blinked rapidly a few times. He hadn’t anticipated this blunt observation. “I, um, think he was trying to be noble, actually.” He swallowed hard. “He’s always been considerate and honorable. As the former mate of an alpha, I would typically either stay widowed if I were too old to breed or be taken by another alpha.”

He inwardly cringed as he realized he was schooling his pack leader on shifter norms. But he resisted the urge to drop his gaze and expose his neck. Instead, he stared into the man’s eyes steadily and waited for either a rebuke or a kinder response.

Of course, Lorcan provided the latter because he was a kind man. “I understand. If I were him, I would have thought similarly. And, he proved the kind of shifter he is the day he led you all here at the risk to his own life. The fact that he got two gammas to do the same spoke volumes about his character.”

Lorcan paused and smiled. “I like him, Ryan.”

Relief coursed through him. “Thank you for being understanding, Alpha.”

“You’re welcome, although that’s the easy part here. The real issue is whether you do. I get that you want to mate with him. That’s certainly clear. The question is why?”

Ryan blinked some more, and he couldn’t help rubbing his palms along his thighs. “Um…”

“Is it only a matter of your thinking he’s the best choice? A way to stay in this pack where you’re comfortable, perhaps? Or, is it gratitude for his helping you?”

Unseen by his mate, Kyle rolled his eyes. The reaction caught Ryan by surprise. He had to stifle a giggle. When Lorcan raised his eyebrows, Ryan quickly sobered up.

“Sorry, sir.” He cleared his throat. “I just didn’t expect those questions. I thought my feelings might be obvious.” He coughed slightly. “I want him becauseIlovehim.” The words came out in a rush, which he knew immediately conveyed the wrong sentiment.

Taking a deep breath, he repeated the words with clarity and firmness. “I love him.” There, he’d said it and it hadn’t been hard to do after all. He felt stronger and sat a little straighter.

Lorcan’s gaze bore into him for a few uncomfortable moments. Then, “I see. So, if I told you that I’m sure Alpha Elijah is going to offer for you, that doesn’t change your mind?”

“No, Alpha. I knew he was possibly going to do that before Griffin and I talked about mating. And, it was obvious just now when he said he wanted to speak with you before you make a decision.”

“You still want Griffin?”

“Yes, sir.” He lifted his chin a little.

“It is my opinion that Elijah is a good man, and having a familiar tie with the Green Mountain Pack would be good for ours.”

Kyle turned his head with a frown. “Lorcan!”

“Hush, my love.” The rebuke was mild and followed by a kiss to the top of Kyle’s head. Lorcan’s gaze never wavered from Ryan.

Picturing Griffin, of the kiss they’d shared, of the life they could make together, gave Ryan what he needed to override everything he’d been taught. He kept looking his alpha in the eye. “I believe you, Alpha, about Elijah’s character, and I appreciate what you’ve done for me and Milo.”

Despite his best efforts, tears started to well up. He fought them back. “If you order me to mate with Elijah, I will do so. I’m an obedient pack member and know my place. But I won’t be happy, not the way I will with Griffin.”

Now, he did drop his gaze and had to swipe at the moisture leaking out of the corners of his eyes. “Not that my feelings necessarily matter.”

Kyle gasped. “Lorcan, please stop this. It’s cruel.”

The alpha sighed. “That’s not my intent. I am merely testing Ryan’s resolve, while also making sure that he isn’t under any undue influence. This decision is ultimately his if I think it’s also best for him.”

“That’s inherently contradictory,” Kyle bit out.

Not wanting to be the cause of disagreement between the alpha and his mate, Ryan quickly pulled himself together again. “Please, Kyle, it’s okay. I’m glad to have the choice, but I get that the alpha is looking out for my and Milo’s interests.”

Lorcan smiled. “See, Ryan understands.”

Kyle folded his arms and grunted. “Anyone with one eye and half a brain could tell you that Ryan truly loves Griffin and has since…well, as long as he’s been here, that’s for sure.”

Now the alpha chuckled, not concerned with his mate challenging him. He pulled Kyle back until he was snuggled in his arms. “As someone who has two eyes and prides himself on having a full-sized brain, I can concur with that. And, having been mated before, Ryan obviously knows what it entails.

“This time, however, he isn’t going to be tied to an aging shifter who courts death. Griffin will likely live a long life and breed quite a few pups off him. As a beta, he won’t be able to provide as many comforts as an alpha could.”

Now the alpha spoke directly to Ryan “There won’t be any nanny sigmas and a big longhouse to call your own.”

A bit insulted, Ryan lifted his chin once more. “I don’t need or want any of that. So long as my pups and I are safe and warm with adequate food, it’s enough, except for one other thing—I want love.”

“Elijah-”

“Likes me,” Ryan said, although he was surprised at his own boldness. “After one lunch together, I can’t believe he can claim to feel more than that. Perhaps he would come to love me, but as I said, I can’t love him. Griffin has my heart and always will.”

Lorcan was silent for a while. Then, “I agree with you about that, although I think our Strongblood guests would disagree maybe about how long it takes to know whether you’ve found your perfect mate.”

With a thoughtful gaze, the alpha went quiet again for what seemed like forever. Ryan tried not to fidget. He would have become more anxious, except that Kyle had relaxed and his expression told him that he had nothing to worry about.

“It’s settled, then,” Lorcan said finally. “I’ll speak with both Griffin and Elijah, but you’ve made your choice and I can find no fault with it.”

Ryan couldn’t hold back a sigh or a smile. “Thank you, Alpha.”

“I’m happy to make you happy, Ryan. As long as you haven’t changed your mind, we’ll wait until the gathering is over for you and Griffin to mate.”

“I won’t, sir… change my mind.”

“I believe you on that point. Still, a short delay will give you and Kyle time to spruce up your room, make it suitable for you and your mate.”

Ryan nodded, although he was secretly a little disappointed that they weren’t going to get a place of their own. At least not yet. Surely that wouldn’t be the case once they had another pup. There would be barely space for the three of them as it was.

Kyle voiced that concern for him. “That little room is too small, Lorcan. It doesn’t even have a window. They need a hut of their own with space for their growing family.”

“Yes, yes, my dear,” the alpha soothed. “Eventually. For the moment, I want them with us. Not that I don’t trust Griffin, because of course I do or I wouldn’t agree to the mating at all. It’s simply a matter of keeping the family closer together as we all continue to get to know one another better.”

Ryan pressed his hands together, anxious to end the audience with the alpha without causing friction. “I understand perfectly, sir. I’m sure Griffin will, too.”

“That’s settled, then.” With another kiss to Kyle’s head, the alpha stood, placing his mate gently on his feet. “I’ll go talk to Elijah. I expect you’re eager to go to your pup and future mate.”

“Yes, sir.” Ryan popped to a stand, hardly able to contain himself. His dream was about to come true. It seemed unreal. On impulse, he rushed forward to hug Lorcan. “Thank you, thank you, Alpha! You’ve made me so happy.”

Lorcan hugged him back, briefly, yet with obvious affection, something that made Ryan want to cry all over again. “You are very welcome. And don’t worry about Elijah. He doesn’t strike me as a vindictive man, and if he is…well, that will just be further proof that this is the right decision.”

Kyle beamed at Ryan before grabbing his hand. “Let’s go.”

Elated, Ryan let himself be dragged away and toward the two who held his heart.

****

“Where have you been?”

Ethan startled at his brother’s sudden appearance, as well as his stern tone. He eyed Elijah warily. “I was taking a shower in the longhouse. We’re allowed,” he added, trying to appear casual and unconcerned by the question.

Elijah got closer and peered at him through the gloom of their campsite. There was only the soft glow of one electric lantern to see by. But the alpha wasn’t observing him using his human sight anyway. Elijah partially shifted his snout to take a deep sniff. A low, guttural growl erupted.

“Did you really think that would be enough to wash away his scent?”

Ethan tried to look unfazed even as he silently regretted his lack of control. He hadn’t meant to take things quite so far with Graydon. He’d wanted to give the man a blowjob and maybe get a little help with his own arousal. Full on mounting had been something he was going to leave until the last night. He should have known that once that virile alpha put his hands on him, there was going to be no restraint possible by either of them.

He had hoped that his long, hot shower, including a make-shift douching, would mute the scent. Plus, he’d expected to retire to his pallet before Elijah did, then rise before him and take off for the kitchen. If he’d been successful, Elijah wouldn’t have noticed a thing until maybe the gathering was over. Too bad something had happened to end his brother’s time with the host alpha early. And of course, Graydon was the type of alpha whose mark would be hard to dilute. So his half-baked plan fell apart in a split second, leaving him with nothing more than bravado.

“No, I was merely making myself comfortable before going to sleep.”

Fully human once more, Elijah grabbed him by the arm and pulled him farther away from their other pack members who lounged around talking quietly.

“Have you lost your mind?” His brother shook him once. “You promised you would behave if I brought you along.”

Ethan tried to free himself from the painful grip. “I am! I didn’t do anything wrong.” This highhandedness was not like Elijah. He rarely lost his temper and had never hurt him.

Elijah tightened his fingers. “Really? You think offering your ass to a strange alpha is okay? You know better than that.” His face came in close. Elijah’s wolf, dangerously agitated, showed through his eyes.

His own wolf whined in response and cowered. Ethan, however, refused to be intimidated. “It wasn’t like that,” he bit out. “Graydon and I are attracted to each other. I didn’t expect that to happen, but once it did, he and I agreed to meet up for some mutual fun. I wasn’t taken advantage of. He was respectful,” he added because it was critical that Elijah not go after the other alpha for some perceived family affront.

If anything, his words made his brother angrier. “I don’t care if he read poetry and showered you with flowers, fucking you was unacceptable. You and he both should have known better.”

Ethan pressed his palm against Elijah’s chest in another futile effort to free himself. “Why? I’m experienced and know what I was getting into. It’s not as if he can get me in whelp.”

Having to remind his brother of that painful truth caused a deep ache to throb inside him. In fact, his entire body hurt all of a sudden. His head felt heavy and he desperately wanted to lie down and get some sleep. That’s what came from being ridden hard by a powerful man, he supposed. His mate hadn’t claimed him with nearly the same vigor.

Instead of letting go, Elijah grabbed Ethan’s other arm and pulled him in closer. “That’s not the point. You’re an omega and an alpha’s family member. A level of respect and adherence to protocol is required. He knew better than to lay hands on you no matter how much you tempted him or led him on without my consent.”

“Which you wouldn’t have given.”

“Damn right, I wouldn’t have. That man has only one foot out of the primeval forest litter that our kind has wallowed in since the dawn of time. I was never going to allow him to use you as a chew toy.”

“It wasn’t like that!” Now his voice rose. He didn’t care who heard, although he immediately tempered that thought when it occurred to him the last thing he wanted was for Graydon to come and join the fight.

“Of course it was like that. He’s using you to get his rocks off, that’s all.”

“That’s fine because that’s all I was looking to get out of him, too.” He knew the moment the words came out of his mouth that he’d made things worse.

Elijah’s wolf eyes were back. “You are my brother. I expect you to act with the proper decorum and letting a man who’s not your mate mount you is definitely not that.”

A giggle bubbled up despite his fatigue and fury. “Listen to you, Elijah. You’re all about being a modern alpha except where I’m concerned. Other pack members do what they please when it comes to sex and mating, and yet I’m not allowed the same freedom.”

“I gave it to you once and look how that turned out.” Elijah’s eyes went wide the moment the words passed his lips, and his wolf retreated, leaving only the human.

Ethan flinched as if he’d been slapped. Certainly, his brother’s hand wouldn’t hurt half so much as his words did. “It’s not my fault I’m barren,” he said with a quaver in his voice that he hated.

Elijah’s grip and voice gentled. “Of course it’s not. But you chose to mate with Walden. You wanted him so damn badly. I went along with it even though I had my reservations about how strong an alpha he really was. I never expected he’d reject you, naturally. I just felt like he wasn’t quite right for you.”

He swallowed audibly and glanced away. “When he brought you back, claiming you were defective and implying that I’d sold him a bill of goods, well…I wanted to rip his throat out. The casual cruelty to you was insupportable. He took your heart and love for him and tossed it away as if it meant nothing.

“Only my concern for the pack and what a war with Walden would do to it stayed my impulse. The best I could do was give him one good, personal punch in the face and cut off contact with him. This gathering and the chance for a treaty with two strong packs is an opportunity sent by the Gods. It more than makes up for our breaking from Waldon.”

Elijah’s expression hardened again. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll put up with anything to achieve those results. If Graydon thinks access to you is part of the bargain…I’m trying to keep you from being hurt again, Ethan,” he finished.

Ethan sensed he was close to tears, which was odd given that he’d cried himself dry long ago. Or at least, he thought he had. “I won’t be. Not this time. I know where I stand with Graydon and have no illusions about how this ends. I don’t want to be in a harem and no dominant can afford to mate with only a barren omega.”

He raised what he hoped were pleading eyes to his brother. “I don’t want to live the rest of my life alone and untouched. What’s wrong with my having casual sex with someone I’ll probably never see again? Who suffers any harm by this, Elijah?”

“You do,” came the quiet, yet firm answer. “Whether you realize it or not, you deserve more respect than comes from a quick mounting in the woods. Come on.”

Letting go of one of Ethan’s arms, Elijah nevertheless tightened his grip on the other and used that hold to tug Ethan past where the others sat on their pallets pretending not to be listening.

Ethan dug in his heels, although it was stupid given that his body cried out for the chance to get horizontal. “Please, Elijah, stop treating me as if I’m a dumb omega.”

“I will if you stop acting like one.”

That rebuke stung, especially as it made the others smile. “This is ridiculous.” Concerned that his brother was going to literally start a war with a pack that made Waldon’s look like a bunch of pups, he blurted out a rash promise. “I won’t see him again, if it’s such a big deal.”

“It is, and you’re right, you won’t.” Elijah dragged him over to the camper. “Get in and go to bed.” He turned to Graham and pointed his finger. “Don’t let him leave.”

“Yes, Alpha.” There was no hint of amusement in the beta’s tone. The alpha’s fury was now obviously in the red zone. Not funny at all, and Graham was sufficiently smart to worry about that wrath turning on him.

Ethan climbed into the camper and flopped down on his pallet, barely able to keep his eyes open. “Elijah, please let it go.”

“It’s too late for that.”

“What are you going to do?” Gods, he felt awful, both emotionally and physically.

“Nothing that an omega need concern himself with. This is alpha business.”

With that, his brother was gone. Ethan’s eyes shut as if weighed down by lead. As worried as he was, he couldn’t stay awake. The feel of a blanket being laid over him was the last thing he knew before sleep claimed him.

Chapter Six

“Trouble, sir.”

“Indeed?”

Graydon stayed where he sat at the edge of the forest. He laced his fingers behind his head and leaned against the tree behind him. He crossed his legs, as well—the perfect picture of non-aggression. Not his usual style, but his sojourn with Ethan earlier had done wonders for his mood. Nothing like mounting your Gods’ fated mate to relax a man. He’d never experienced such utter contentment. The last thing he felt like doing was fighting. Besides, he didn’t want to get on his future brother-in-law’s bad side. That would undoubtedly upset Ethan, and Graydon wouldn’t allow anything to do that.

It was surprisingly hard to keep his composure as Elijah came charging over in full-on pissed off alpha mode. Graydon had to hand it to the guy. He presented himself as a mild-mannered man, so un-alpha like in his typical demeanor. Yet underneath that façade beat the heart of an alpha in the finest tradition of their species. Seeing the look on Elijah’s face as well as the way he held himself strung tight, ready to shift and attack, gave Graydon new respect for him. Elijah’s posturing conveyed that the outcome of a fight was not foregone to be in Graydon’s favor.

“We need to talk, Strongblood.” The Green Mountain alpha’s tone implied that words could turn into bites at any moment.

Without changing his relaxed posture, Graydon nodded. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Elijah stopped right by Graydon’s feet, paying no attention to how Kael and the others had stood to form a protective phalanx. It was as if Elijah didn’t see that he was outnumbered. Or rather, he didn’t care. Graydon’s estimation of the man increased once more.

“I bet you have. No amount of washing could get your stench off my brother, although he certainly tried.”

Graydon couldn’t hold back his grin of satisfaction. “Naturally. I’m sorry that Ethan thought he could hide what we’d done.” His face fell in sudden concern. “I trust you didn’t take your obvious anger out on him.”

“Don’t be insulting. I treat my brother with the care his kind requires. It’s you I’m going to pound into the ground.”

Elijah’s indignation rang true, so Graydon relaxed again. He lowered his arms slowly so as not to appear to be making an aggressive move. It also allowed him to use his hands to cover his groin given that the mere thought of Ethan was making his dick swell. Waving a hard-on in Elijah’s face wasn’t going to ease the tension between them.

“I’m glad to hear it, and you’re welcome to try to best me, of course. I would prefer not to fight, however.”

Elijah’s hands balled into fists. “Why? You don’t strike me as someone who backs down from a confrontation.”

“I don’t, when aggression is warranted. It’s not in this case.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes.” It was getting rather hard not to laugh out loud. The Green Mountain alpha’s face was practically turning red with his ire. “It’s not, I mean.”

Graydon sighed. “I assume you’re spoiling for a fight because you believe I’ve dishonored your brother. Whereas, nothing could be further from the truth. My offer for him still stands, you see.”

If anything, that statement made the man more furious. Graydon really had trouble understanding these so-called modern packs.

“My brother isn’t a commodity to be bought and sold.”

Graydon inclined his head, willing to appease the man. “Fair enough. I apologize if my suit for Ethan is clumsy. Pray tell me what terms will you accept?”

Elijah scoffed and leaned in. “None.” Once again, he ignored the warning signs coming from Graydon’s men, this time in the form of growls.

With a flick of his fingers, Graydon had them stand down. “That’s the one answer I can’t accept. I will have the boy as my one true mate. Your acquiescence is desirable but not critical.”

Elijah pulled back a fraction, nothing obvious, yet Graydon detected a change in the man’s demeanor. “Why do you say that? The mating part. You know he can’t give you the pups you need.”

“So you and he keep saying. I don’t believe you.”

Elijah scoffed. “Why not? I know it’s rare…”

“It’s impossible. Only the overeducated and too-human shifter would countenance such a ridiculous thing. The Gods made omegas to breed. They don’t make mistakes.”

“Right, well Ethan’s experience trumps your blind faith. He was mated a full year and never went into heat.”

“That pathetic alpha you gave him to wasn’t capable of triggering it. Obviously. I won’t have that trouble.” He couldn’t keep his natural arrogance out of his voice or stop the smug look from crossing his face.

Elijah shook his head slowly. “Nothing wrong with your confidence, I’ll give you that. And because you actually seem to sincerely believe that what happened between you and my brother was a warm-up for a mating, I’ll forego beating your ass. For now.”

“Good call. I wouldn’t want to upset my future mate by tearing his brother apart.”

“Gods, you have a one-track mind.” Elijah bared his teeth. “Stay away from him, Graydon. That’s the only warning I’m going to give you, and while I would hate to ruin Lorcan’s gathering by fighting you, I will if I have to. There’s nothing I won’t do to protect Ethan.”

With that, the Green Mountain alpha turned and strode away. His steps were purposeful, yet not hurried. He showed no concern for turning his back on five potential enemies. Graydon sincerely hoped they would eventually form a bond as brothers. If not…well, there was nothing Graydon wouldn’t do to possess Ethan as his mate. Other than the protection of the pack, Ethan’s needs were paramount. In that, he and Elijah were of like minds.

“What would you have us do, Alpha” Kael asked.

Pulling up his knees, Graydon dangled his hands over them and let his head fall back against the tree trunk. “Nothing.” He inhaled deeply and smiled. His wolf let out a howl. “If I’m not mistaken, this matter will resolve itself soon.”

He stood abruptly. “In the meantime, I need to run off some energy.” He shifted without saying another word and bounded into the woods.

****

“Come on, Milo, those big, fat tears of yours aren’t going to work on me.”

Griffin bounced the pup in his arms as he walked him around outside. “I know you’re not hungry or wet, so you may as well calm down. Your father is getting the sleep he needs and you’re just going to have to get used to my carrying you instead of him.”

The pup opened his mouth wide, as if getting ready to let out a real shifter-worthy howl, then shut it again. He blinked at Griffin a few times before uttering a burbling sound and settling against Griffin’s shoulder.

“That’s a good boy.” Griffin patted Milo’s back to both soothe and praise, surprised at how satisfying it was to exert control over this pup as if he were his sire.

I am his sire, he corrected himself. Or, rather, he would be in a few short days.

It was hard to believe how his life had changed in the blink of an eye. In less than a day, he’d gone from resigned to never having Ryan to being allowed to dictate the omega’s actions. No one would argue his right to direct Ryan back to bed this morning after he’d fed Milo. The pack could get by on the bread he’d made yesterday. There would be no more of the boy running himself ragged.

The only catch was that Griffin would have to live in close quarters with the alpha and his family for a while. It was a test of sorts. Griffin got that, and because it was all done in the interest of protecting Ryan and Milo, he wasn’t going to object to it even in his own mind. Besides, living in the alpha’s quarters would elevate his status in the pack. Mating with Ryan was its own reward, of course. But anything that benefitted Griffin from this point on would also help Ryan. The sweet omega deserved whatever Griffin could provide him. That was especially so given that Ryan had declined an opportunity to mate with another alpha in order to have Griffin.

And speaking of which, a harried-looking Elijah was heading straight for them. The guy looked as if he’d slept poorly, his hair mussed and his expression almost sad. Griffin gauged whether to quickly take Milo back into the longhouse, then decided that there was little chance the guest alpha would start something with a pup in the way. While he didn’t know the man well, or at all really, what he’d seen told him this alpha was too honorable for that. Plus, he felt kind of sorry for him. He knew how he must feel having lost the opportunity to mate with Ryan.

Elijah started talking before he reached him. “I’m going to apologize in advance for breaking protocol and speaking with you directly.” He stopped a few feet away, his expression grim. “And I’ll give the same apology to Lorcan when next I see him.”

“O-kay.”

Griffin wasn’t sure how else to respond. He was going to have to tread the fine line between respect for a visiting alpha and assertiveness as an almost-mate and sire. He really wasn’t sure how this confrontation was going to play out. In an abundance of caution, he angled his body so that the side where he held Milo was farther away from Elijah.

The alpha folded his arms and braced his legs, all trace of the easy-going modern shifter gone. “I simply want to know why you think you’re a better choice for Ryan.”

Not having anticipated the question, Griffin went with the naked truth. “I don’t. Mating with another alpha is obviously a better situation for Ryan.”

“So, how come I’m standing here disappointed and frankly pissed off while you’re standing there holding that pup as if he were your own?”

“Because Ryan loves me,” Griffin replied with continued honesty. He had nothing to hide, after all. “I was prepared to see him go, but he had other plans.” He shrugged and pressed Milo closer to him. “And, I’m not so noble as to cast away something that I want more than my next breath.”

Elijah shook his head. “Letting an omega pick between the two of us is folly.”

The remark surprised Griffin. “I would have thought you’d approve of his having that kind of control over his life. You’re the one who brought his omega brother to this gathering.”

The man’s eyes clouded over. For a brief moment, utter fury showed through his eyes. “A decision I’ve come to regret, if you must know. My modernity has its limits, especially when a servient pack member like an omega is at risk.”

Affronted at the suggestion, Griffin stood straighter and had to tamp down his wolf. “I will take the best care with Ryan and Milo. Lorcan knows this or he wouldn’t have given his approval.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Elijah waved away the response. “But you must know I can give them and Ryan’s future pups a greater position than you. My pack is better established, too, and with more resources than this one, despite Lorcan’s impressive build-up of it.”

“I do know all that,” Griffin replied quietly, yet stiffly. The truth was hard to hear, although nothing more than what he’d said to himself and Ryan.

As if sensing the tension between the men, Milo mewed with renewed temper. Griffin shushed him and rubbed his chin on the pup’s downy head, as much for his own comfort as the pup’s.

Not willing to be on the defensive anymore, Griffin spoke up. “May I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Why do you want him so much? I mean, you barely know him. Ryan is perfect in my eyes, certainly, but then I’ve known him his whole life. You’ve spent what, a couple of hours in his company? Seems like your reaction is overdone under the circumstances.”

A thought occurred to him. “Is it merely pride that you lost out?”

Elijah looked affronted. “Of course not! I’m not so petty, and in answer to your first question, I want Ryan because I’m attracted to him. He’s pretty and sweet.”

“Like virtually any omega.”

“And, he obviously can give me pups,” the alpha continued as if Griffin had said nothing.

Understanding hit Griffin right between the eyes. “That’s why. Having whelped Milo, Ryan is clearly not barren, something that you’re worried about now because of your own brother. Virtually any alpha would want a virgin mate, but you’ve been forced to face the nearly impossible—having a mate who can’t give you an heir. Fecundity is what appeals to you.”

Elijah’s expression turned positively thunderous. “So what if it is? I don’t have to explain myself to you, Beta.”

“No sir, you don’t.” With the truth hanging between them lit up like a shooting star, Griffin felt on more solid ground. “You started this conversation, not me. I’m going to end it by saying that I love Ryan. I have for years. If he couldn’t give me anymore pups beyond Milo, that would be fine with me because it’s Ryan I want, not his fertility.”

He paced away and jiggled a now-fussing pup. “Forgive my bluntness but you don’t deserve him if you can’t see beyond his nature and appreciate the person he is.”

Elijah’s arms dropped to his sides. “Now, you’re putting words in my mouth. I like him just fine and probably would come to love him in time.”

Griffin shook his head. “Not good enough. Not for Ryan.”

Gods, how do I dare to be so bold? His strength came from his love of Ryan, naturally, and the trust the omega put in him. If there were to be consequences later for insulting a guest alpha, he’d take them. No sacrifice was too great for Ryan. Any trace of doubt left in him about whether Ryan was making the right decision vanished in the face of Elijah’s practical interest. If the alpha had said he truly loved Ryan against all reason, those reservations would have remained. Not now.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “If you find insult in my words and want retribution, I’ll accept whatever Lorcan decrees.”

“Even if that means a fight?”

Griffin’s wolf whined. He didn’t like the idea of combat with an alpha, even one on the lean side like Elijah. But…Ryan. “If that’s what your pride demands. If you think Ryan will pick you should you win, you’re wrong. He won’t.”

Elijah leaned forward, although he made no move to step closer. “I might kill you…”

Griffin swallowed down his fear. “Especially not then. You see, you really don’t know him at all.”

Elijah’s demeanor changed in an instant. He went from tense and confrontational, to relaxed almost to the point of looking defeated. Not that it was in the nature of an alpha to ever convey such sentiment. But he was no longer threatening and Griffin’s wolf curled up with a chuff of relief.

“I’m sorry,” the man said. He rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand. “I didn’t mean that. Not at all. I wouldn’t disrespect Lorcan’s hospitality that way, plus I understand you’re who Ryan wants. I do believe in omegas having choices.” He shrugged. “I guess I was hoping your interest wasn’t as strong as mine and I could somehow convince you to…”

Before Elijah could finish his thought, his beta, Graham, came running up.

“Alpha?”

Elijah turned to face him. “I told you to stick by Ethan.” His tone was way angrier than anything he’d used with Griffin. Seriously pissed off.

And Graham bared his neck as he came skidding to a stop. “Sorry, but its urgent that you go to him.”

“What’s wrong?” Elijah asked the question at the same time his feet started moving.

Graham swiveled on his heel to pull up beside him. “I’m not sure, except fuck, Alpha, I am sure, and you’re not going to believe this.”

The rest of the words were lost to Griffin as the two men raced back to where the Green Mountain Pack had made camp.

“Come on, Milo. We’d better go wake our alpha. Something’s going on and he’ll want to know about it.”

Griffin hurried back to the longhouse, relieved that his confrontation with Elijah had been interrupted, yet worried that something bad was about to happen to the gathering.

****

Ethan batted away the image of his brother’s face hovering over him. “Go away, Elijah. I’m mad at you.”

Rolling onto his side, he curled in on himself. Goosebumps popped up on his naked skin, while at the same time, he kicked the blankets off his legs to ease the heat plaguing him. I’m sick. The thought made no sense. He rarely succumbed to illness and nothing had ever made him feel this bad. He wanted to both jump out of his skin and shrink back inside it. His dick stood erect and his balls ached, a clear sign of a fever.

“I need to shift and run.” That was the solution. Turning into his wolf form always made him better.

When he tried to rise, however, Elijah pushed him back down—and oh so gently. His fingers brushed lightly over Ethan’s sweaty face. “Open your eyes, Ethan. Look at me. Please.”

Ethan had never heard such…fear. Yes, that was the word for it. Elijah was afraid, and nothing scared him. Nothing. For all his modern ways, the man was a big, bad alpha who never backed down from a fight or took the easy way out.

Ethan forced his eyes open. “I’m okay.” His voice quavered. “I just need my wolf to shake it off. I’ll be fine soon. You’ll see.” Those words of reassurance took all of his energy. He closed his eyes and shuddered.

He popped them open again when his hole spasmed and something wet slid past it. Understanding hit him like a hammer between the eyes. “Elijah!”

“I know.” Elijah crouched beside him, worry shining through his gaze, his hand stroking Ethan’s hair non-stop. “You’re fine. Everything is going to be all right.”

Ethan grabbed his wrist as panic reared up. “I’m in heat.”

“Yes.”

His brother’s matter-of-fact tone should have been comforting to him. It wasn’t. Nothing could ease his growing alarm. No, that wasn’t true. There was something, someone, who could make all of this misery go away. The itch in his ass intensified, as did the slick coursing through his channel to coat his inner thighs.

“Let me pass!”

The stern command, issued in that deep voice Ethan had come to know so well, set his nerves standing on end.

“If it’s a fight you want, you’ll have it, but I won’t leave.”

Looking past Elijah, Ethan saw the source of the commotion looming beyond the open camper doors. “Graydon.” The name came out in barely a whisper, yet the man’s gaze homed in on him. That look was enough to send Ethan’s whole body into a kind of convulsion.

Elijah hopped out of the camper and faced Graydon. The two alphas squared off with their respective betas and gammas ranged around them. Despite his own misery, Ethan forced himself to not only watch, but sit up. He rubbed his ass against his pallet in the vain attempt to ease the discomfort.

“You did this to him!” Elijah had never sound more furious—or dangerous.

“Of course, I did.” Graydon folded his arms and braced his feet. He seemed entirely unconcerned that an angry alpha and his men were a mere few feet away and seconds from attacking. “I told you the problem was with his former mate, not Ethan himself.” He scoffed. “Barren omega? What nonsense.”

Elijah took a step forward. “I’m going to kill you.”

“No!” Ethan used all his strength to crawl to the doorway and hold his hand out.

“You can certainly try,” Graydon allowed with a nod of his head. “After I’ve mated Ethan and seen him through his heat.”

All Elijah did was growl in response, a guttural sound from his throat that was, again, at odds with the man Ethan knew and loved. It didn’t even make any sense. Wasn’t this what his brother had wanted for him all along—to be properly mated and bred to someone who could provide for and protect him? Only mindless alpha pride would be served by a confrontation. That wasn’t Elijah’s nature. He didn’t go looking for a fight when logic and reason would serve the situation better. It was, however, the epitome of the Strongblood alpha, a man whose civility was barely leashed. Carnage was imminent if Ethan didn’t do something fast.

“Please, brother, I want him.” He forced the words out loudly so that everyone could hear.

And there was a growing group of dominants now that included Lorcan and his Rogues. The air was redolent with tension and male energy that could only mean bloodshed if he didn’t end it in the only way he knew how. The only way that made sense.

In the only way I truly want.

It was perhaps simply his mindless need and omega nature egging him on. He didn’t think so, though. From the moment he’d set eyes on the man, he’d wanted Graydon. That desire had led him to allowing himself to be mounted with a clear head. Was making the decision in the throes of his heat truly any different? His wolf whined, not in distress, but in encouragement.

Pushing up to his knees, he held out both hands. “Graydon!”

The alpha moved with dizzying speed, brushing past those in his path before they could react to stop him. In one swift move, he pulled Ethan into his arms. Just the feel of his skin and the security of his hold eased Ethan’s distress. He clung to him and nuzzled his face in the crook of Graydon’s neck.

“Yes, yes,” he sobbed. “Take me somewhere and make me yours.”

A rumble in Graydon’s chest and fingers gripping his ass were all the warnings he got before Graydon’s cock slid inside him. Ethan cried out and came, cum splattering his torso. He rubbed against Graydon, ignoring the bite of pain when his cockhead became overstimulated. Then an unfamiliar pressure around the ring of his hole made him groan and shudder. The dick inside him was swelling, stretching him beyond anything he’d ever experienced before.

Graydon’s knot. He clung more tightly to the alpha, and his wolf howled. There was a faint answering call that he understood. He no longer dismissed it as his imagination. Even now, he couldn’t believe it was truly happening. The mating hadn’t occurred, and yet the way in which his wolf settled at the sound told him it was real.

Ethan was aware of a what seemed like a million voices shouting things that he couldn’t understand, nor cared to. He felt anchored by Graydon, held and impaled by a comforting strength and the swollen knot that compelled him to remain tied to this man. Right where he wanted to be. It was like finding his true place in the world, something he hadn’t realized he was missing until that moment. It was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. A giggle erupted past his lips as almost giddy relief enveloped him.

A stiff breeze rifled his hair, making him shiver. Except it was he who moved, swiftly as Graydon ran. Ethan clung more tightly and clenched his hole in invitation when the itch started again. The scent of the woods—pine and rotting vegetation, small animals and fresh scat—assaulted his nose. Except that was too harsh a word. It was nothing negative, only more sources of comfort. He loved the outdoors even in his human form.

Then his head spun and he landed on a bed of softness, moss by the smell and feel of it. Plus, Graydon’s thick arm cradled him, keeping his back from pressing against the ground. Ethan’s legs spread wide to the point of painfulness, but that hardly registered as the cock imbedded within him somehow slid deeper. The pressure of the knot was just shy of being really painful. And that bite of pain miraculously added to his pleasure. His arousal rose and peaked again. He cried out and arched up to meet Graydon’s attempts to thrust. His incessant itch was rubbed away by Graydon’s powerful manipulation of his cock. It was as if the thing writhed within Ethan.

The alpha fused their lips in a hard kiss that gentled almost instantly. Graydon’s tongue swept Ethan’s mouth. He devoured him with surprising softness and stole the breathless moans he made each time Graydon rolled his hips. His body bounced in time to the relentless drilling of his ass. Each twitch of Graydon’s cock sent sparks pinging through Ethan’s balls and straight up his shaft.

He flung his head back when another orgasm burst out of him, and he clenched his hole tightly around Graydon’s knot. A flood of warm cum spilled up inside his pulsing channel. He clawed at whatever skin on Graydon’s shoulders he could find. His legs flailed until his world tilted once more. A grinding pain around his stretched hole made him utter a keening cry until he found himself face down, ass up. Before he could register that fact, Graydon struck.

The alpha’s fangs sunk deep into Ethan’s neck. His breath caught, hovering in the back of his throat, before he let out another long, keening cry. The air was filled, as well, with the sound of fluttering wings and skittering claws as the woodland creatures fled the area. But Ethan barely heard them over Graydon’s wolf howling in triumph. Ethan’s joined in, rejoicing at the strength of the connection. They no longer sounded as if they called to each other from across a great chasm. They were side-by-side, forever in each other’s shadows. This was nothing like his first mating, a tenuous thread between shy and uncertain wolves and men alike that had weakened into nothingness as if one of them had died. This bond was strong, everlasting. He understood that without thought and so did his wolf.

As he sank into darkness, he wasn’t afraid because Graydon had him. And he always would.

Graydon gave free rein to his wolf, too happy to have claimed his true mate at last to show restraint. But when Ethan went limp in his arms, he licked the wound clean and reversed their positions. It was tricky given how tightly his knot joined them. He winced at the spark of pain. The presence of his knot had hyped the pleasure of his climax to an unimaginable degree. If he’d been a lesser man, he might have passed the fuck out from the intensity of it, much as his mate had. Of course, he hadn’t. He was an alpha and more, a Strongblood. He did not swoon no matter the provocation.

His wolf made a sound that was almost a human snort before curling up in total contentment. Now that the tie he’d been working to form with Ethan’s wolf was in place, his agitation had ended. He was finally giving Graydon a break.

Graydon was unconcerned with the place of their mating. The woods were a fitting setting, one borne of long heritage. That didn’t mean he wanted his mate to be uncomfortable. The mere thought of anything prickling or scratching his omega caused a fierce sense of protection to rise within him. He would never let his mate be hurt again. At least, no more than was unavoidable by the frantic mating that would continue to be in their near future. The swelling of his knot had to be uncomfortable for the boy, although it was necessary to allow the breeding to occur as quickly as possible.

His wolf perked up and howled at the idea, his complacency gone in a flash. Well, that was the way of things—finding a fruitful place for their seed was paramount to their nature. He couldn’t really fault the wild creature for his eagerness.

Nevertheless…Hush! He settled his wolf back down so as not to rile up Ethan’s. The boy and his wolf needed some peace before his heat roused him again. Graydon’s wolf curled up and chuffed. There was an answering yip before Ethan’s did the same, eager and happy to have an alpha to follow.

You should have had this from the beginning. Opening all of his senses, he sought any remnant of Ethan’s former mate. He found no trace of him, no echo of his wolf remained tied to Ethan’s. It was as if the man had died.

“Weak, pathetic bastard,” he murmured. “You were never meant to have this omega.”

Ethan stirred and started to lift his head. “What?”

“Nothing.” Graydon cradled his mate’s face before urging it down again against his chest.

His still-hard cock remained embedded in Ethan’s ass, ready to get back to work. Lifting his hips, he ripped away the scraps of his shorts that he’d torn in his haste to mount Ethan. He should have perhaps waited until after he’d spirited him from his idiot brother. Certainly Ethan had deserved the privacy, except that matters had gone too far. Ethan had been suffering needlessly.

Graydon wanted to blame Elijah, but knew the fault lay with himself. He should never have let Ethan go after their encounter the night before. He’d been too concerned with showing a veneer of civility that he didn’t really possess. It had been done in an effort to ease Ethan to the inevitable. Stupid. And this had been the outcome—Ethan writhing in pain and confused about what was happening to him while his brother searched for a solution that didn’t involve the obvious.

Well, he would deal with the man later, once Ethan was breeding. While he hoped that a fight wouldn’t be necessary, he was prepared to kill Elijah if it came to that. Nothing and no one would ever come between him and his fated mate. That included himself and his own misguided attempts at gentleness. His mate needed him to be strong, as well as kind. He could do both. Hadn’t he mastered it with his own little brother?

Ethan stirred, rubbing his cheek against Graydon’s pec, while gripping his shaft with undulating waves of his tight channel. Slick descended in such amounts that it slipped past the knot, easing the way again. The scent of it made Graydon smile. Bending his knees, he planted his feet on the ground and bucked his hips. The position allowed him to fuck his mate with shallow thrusts as much as the knot would allow. It wasn’t nearly satisfying, but this wasn’t about his own pleasure. His job was to ease Ethan’s growing need.

“More.” Ethan’s quiet demand was punctuated by his hole clamping down on Graydon’s dick.

Graydon grimaced, surprised to find that his knot was sensitive. He’d always assumed it would be nothing more than a plug. But it was far more than that. Sparks of pleasure shot from it to mingle with the ones generating in his balls. All of that stimulation made his cock pulse within its confines. He watched Ethan try to ride his dick with determination and felt pride at the effort. His mate wasn’t weak or pampered. He was the perfect match for Graydon’s own passion. That impression was confirmed a moment later when Ethan sat up and seated himself fully on Graydon’s shaft. Somehow he got the knot to sink a little bit deeper into his tight channel.

The omega stared down at him with glassy eyes and blown pupils. He grinned. “I want to ride you, but your damn knot isn’t making it easy. Does it hurt?”

Graydon shook his head. “It’s helping me breed you, so I can’t resent it too much. My body is here to serve you in your heat. Use it however you will and don’t worry about the effect on me.”

He cupped his hands around the boy’s ass and gripped him hard enough to help him. Up and down, his mate fucked himself with Graydon’s cock with the tiny amount of movement permissible. Using one palm on Graydon’s abdomen for leverage, he grasped his own dick with the other. He jerked it as he rode, picking up speed with each pass.

Ethan gnawed at his lower lip, his gaze steady on Graydon’s eyes. That mouth was a tempting sight, but Graydon feared he would break his mate’s rhythm if he tried to kiss him. And again, this was all about what was best for Ethan. When Graydon’s orgasm threatened to release, he held it back until milky cum spilled out of his mate’s dick. The sight of it proved too much for him. He came in a rush that had him roaring.

A fountain of deep, powerful emotion overwhelmed him for a few seconds. He pulled his mate into a tight, awkward hug. Wrapping his legs around Ethan’s, he rolled them both onto their sides. Now, he indulged in his wish to taste his mate. He started with his mouth and when the boy gasped for air, he proceeded to rain kisses down his throat, then his chest. He swirled his tongue around first one hard nub, then the other, bending awkwardly as his cock remained stuck inside the still-grasping ass.

Ethan panted and moaned, and his wolf yipped gleefully. Graydon’s wolf being as enthralled as he was, joined in, prancing under his skin, egging him on.

“More, Graydon, more.” Ethan beat his heel against the back of Graydon’s knee.

He didn’t require further encouragement. He fucked his mate sideways, and when they both came yet again, held the boy while he slept.

Graydon lost track of time, but eventually, the gloom for early evening descended upon the forest. He caught Kael’s scent and another’s, Elijah’s beta, before he heard them approaching. His knot had retracted, enabling him to disengage his dick from Ethan’s now lax ass. He rose to meet the two shifters. They wisely stopped well away and waited for him to approach. One of them held a large wicker basket and the other a duffle bag, each of which they placed on the ground before him.

“I bring food and water, Alpha,” Kael said.

“And at my alpha’s bidding, I give you blankets and clothing for Ethan.” The Green Mountain beta held his gaze steady. “Elijah asks after his brother’s health.”

Graydon held back his inclination to be affronted at the question. It said something that Elijah had sent his man instead of intruding on the breeding himself. Either Lorcan was holding the man in check, or his own good sense was. Regardless, Ethan wouldn’t benefit from Graydon escalating the tension.

“Tell him that my mate is well and still in heat. I am servicing him appropriately, of course.” That last bit was hard to get out, as if he should have to make such an obvious assurance. But again, his pride was nothing compared to Ethan’s well-being.

The Green Mountain beta nodded once. “Thank you. I will inform him.” With that, he turned and left.

“Is there anything more that I can do for you, Alpha?”

Graydon turned his attention to Kael and grinned. He couldn’t help it. In this moment of respite and in front of his life-long friend and most trusted beta, he could relax. “Thank you, no. I have all that I need. All that I want,” he added with a broader smile.

“I am happy for you, sir. It’s been a long time coming.”

Graydon nodded. “Yes.” He bent to grab the basket with food. “This feels like quite a few days’ worth of provisions.”

“It is. We assumed that you’d want only the one interruption.”

“Who is ‘we’?”

Kael grimaced. “Lorcan, Elijah and me. Things have calmed down to a…simmer.”

“Meaning Elijah doesn’t intend to challenge me when I return.”

Kael nodded. “I believe so, yes. He’s, ah, thinking more clearly and the fact that his brother went with you more or less willingly helps.”

“More or less?” Graydon bared his teeth.

Kael backed up a step and lifted his chin to expose his neck. “His words, sir, not mine. You know an omega in heat isn’t exactly the most rational being.”

“Once I’ve bred him and we’ve returned, Elijah will see that his brother knows his own mind.”

Gods, he certainly hoped that was true. And that spark of doubt made him mad at himself. Of course, Ethan wanted him. They were fated mates. Their wolves knew it and once the heat had lifted, Ethan would accept his destiny without question.

“Return and keep control of the others. Make sure there is no trouble between our pack and the Green Mountain one. I don’t want my mate upset by a war between us.”

“You can count on me, Alpha.” Kael turned to leave, then looked over his shoulder. “And congratulations.”

Ethan was awake when Graydon returned. He blinked up at him with wide eyes. “Is everything all right?”

“Fine.” Graydon gave his mate a reassuring smile and put the basket down beside him. “You must be thirsty.”

“Gods, yes.” Ethan scooted up to a sitting position. “Starving, too.”

“Water first.” Graydon lifted a bottle to Ethan’s lips. He only let go again once he was sure the boy’s hand was steady.

Ethan guzzled a good amount, some of it dribbling down his chin. “What do we have?”

“Hand pies, for at start.” Graydon sniffed at one. “Venison and vegetables.” He swapped it for the bottle and watched as Ethan took a huge bite.

“Hmm.” The omega grinned around his mouthful, choking a bit in his haste to eat.

“Careful. Slow down.” Graydon pressed the water against Ethan’s mouth to make him drink more. “We have plenty of time to eat our fill.”

Ethan swallowed. “Do we? I mean, how long before my heat makes me crazy again?”

“I don’t know.” He carded strands of hair back from Ethan’s face. He really didn’t like the way the boy’s hair was shaved on the bottom. Too modern and human. Once they were back home, he would insist that it be grown out. “This is all new to me as much as to you.”

Ethan grabbed another pie, bit into it, chewed, drank more water. It was delightful, actually, to see him have such a hearty appetite. He swore his mate’s face glowed in the waning light. Taking some food for himself, he sat and watched with amusement.

“It’s so different, isn’t it?” Ethan asked.

“What?”

“Fucking while in heat.” He closed his eyes for a second. “The way your knot stretches me, and the orgasms are intense.”

Graydon didn’t like this reminder of how his mate had been mounted repeatedly by another. His wolf chuffed in agitation.

Ethan froze and his omega wolf whined. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be.” Graydon moved swiftly to gather his mate up and sit him on his lap. “You have nothing to apologize for.” He kissed the top of Ethan’s head and ran his hand down his arm.

The omega relaxed against him, the best sign that he wasn’t afraid, and began to eat again. “I don’t understand how a year of being mounted by Walden did nothing while once with you triggered my heat.” He punctuated his words with smacks of his lips as he devoured the rest of his pie.

“It’s simple, my mate. He was weak while I am strong. Plus, the Gods intended you to be mine from the moment you were born. No other man could ever breed you.”

“Oh.” Ethan turned and buried his head against Graydon’s neck. “I can’t believe I’m going to have a pup at last. Thank you for that.”

“No thanks are necessary. That is my duty to my mate. And my pleasure,” he added, because he wanted the omega to feel cherished.

“You didn’t have to do that. Mate with me. It would have been enough to simply breed me.”

Clasping Ethan’s head with his hands, he pulled it back so that he could look him in the eye. “There was never any doubt of that. You’re mine and always will be. I will give you many pups and care for all of you in my own longhouse on my own pack lands.”

He kissed him fiercely, possessively, branding him with his lips almost as sure as he had with his teeth at the moment of mating. And when his mate started whining and squirming, his slick descending to assail Graydon’s nostrils, he lifted him and slid his cock in where it belonged.

Chapter Seven

“That should do it.”

Ryan wiped away the sweat beading on his brow as he shut the oven door on the last few loaves of bread. With the gathering going longer than expected, food production had gone into overdrive. He glanced over at where Mabel was doing triple duty, stuffing three pups’ mouths with oatmeal, including Milo.

His little boy seemed over the moon at the taste of solid food no matter how bland, and after sucking Ryan dry less than an hour ago. It was clear weaning was going to happen sooner rather than later. It put pressure on Ryan to mate with Griffin quickly, but that wasn’t going to happen until the foreign shifters had left their land.

Kyle entered the kitchen carrying an empty tray. He’d been catering to the dominants in the alpha’s office all morning. He looked as stressed as Ryan felt, so he hurried over to help.

“Here, let me grab those dirty plates and wash them.”

Kyle shot him a grateful look. “Thanks. This isn’t strenuous work, but the tension in that room is like a vice when you enter.” He shook his head as he put the tray on the counter. “Lorcan’s keeping everyone on a tight leash, but it’s dicey. I think Elijah’s head is going to explode if Graydon doesn’t bring Ethan back soon.”

“It can’t be long now,” he said, running water in the washing side of the sink. Ethan’s heat had started three days ago. Given the Strongblood’s obvious virility, Ryan figured the guy would have the omega breeding in short order.

Not that anyone was interested in his opinion. He kept his head down and worked hard like the rest of them and tried to ignore Griffin’s displeasure over the whole thing. His soon-to-be-mate had been taking good care of him, making sure he got a break from Milo and much-needed rest. It was amazing to feel so cared for and practically cossetted.

It was also surprisingly irritating. In the time since Haldon’s death, Ryan had grown used to managing his own life. He’d become the one to decide when he’d get up and what he would do during the day. Although he had designated chores, he’d been allowed to choose where he could provide the best help and no one breathed down his neck over how he did it. The simple freedom had been scary at first. Ryan hadn’t been raised to feel confident about himself. Eventually, though, he’d come to value it and trust his judgment about the everyday small things that impacted his and Milo’s life.

He’d also gained sufficient confidence to pick his next mate. So what’s my problem?

It made no sense, and yet he’d snapped—literally snapped—at his future mate earlier that morning. When Griffin had finished his turn on the perimeter and insisted Ryan go back to bed for a couple more hours of sleep, Ryan had refused.

“I have extra bread to make this morning, Griffin. Every last crumb has been consumed.”

“It’s not the end of the world, Ryan, if our guests have to do without. This gathering is in overtime, so they’ll understand. Let me take Milo.”

“No, thanks. One of the other omegas will watch him. You should rest after being up all night.”

“Don’t be silly, sweetheart. I can function on little or no sleep.”

“So can I. And I’m not being stupid.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it, which I do now. And I didn’t call you stupid.”

“Silly or stupid, it’s the same thing. You don’t think I can make my own decisions.”

“You shouldn’t have to. You’re an omega. Anyway, I’m here to do it for you. Hand over Milo and go back to your pallet for a few more hours.”

That’s when it happened. Griffin had reached to take Milo from Ryan’s arms and Ryan’s face shifted without his conscious thought. He’d snapped his jaws at the beta, and his teeth had missed grazing Griffin’s fingers by mere inches.

After a few tense seconds in which Ryan cringed while holding Milo tightly and Griffin stared wide-eyed at him, Griffin had simply dropped his hands and nodded.

“Fine. If that’s what you want, I’ll allow it. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, I’ll be outside, ready to watch Milo.” The beta had left the kitchen without a backwards glance.

The exchange and its outcome had left Ryan a bit shaken. No, very much so. He’d never been so aggressive and disrespectful with any dominant, let alone his future mate. Still, he couldn’t quite manage to regret standing up for himself. Bread was a big staple of their shifter diet while in human form and they had a lot of mouths to feed. It was an easy, inexpensive way to fill bellies. And he was the best baker of anyone in the pack. Joey and Kyle had said so. Knowing that he had a special role to play meant something to him. It gave him pride, a feeling that he’d never really had before.

He did appreciate the extra sleep and rest he’d gotten in the last couple of days courtesy of Griffin, as well as how much the beta was willing to take on pup-duty with Milo. And yet, some part of him had rebelled, and continued to do so, at the idea he was no longer going to be able to make decisions about his own life and body. Of course, as a servient shifter, and an omega at that, he had never really expected to. Not totally anyway. There had to be middle ground, though. Surely he and Griffin could work out a plan in which the beta recognized that Ryan had some autonomy without disrespecting Griffin’s position and authority.

Determined and nervous in equal measure, he finished up the dishes and filled a mug with freshly-brewed coffee. As far as he knew, Griffin hadn’t had any that morning, and knowing how much the man loved it, Ryan figured it would be a good way to initiate the peace talks he intended.

He found Griffin sitting on the last step of the staircase leading to the backyard. Ryan’s heart fluttered a bit at the confirmation that his intended mate hadn’t gone far. The man had stayed nearby in order to be of help if Ryan had come around to his way of thinking. When. Ryan felt sure that the beta had expected him to capitulate quickly and hand Milo over before heading back to his pallet. Ryan was rather proud that he hadn’t.

Because I’m not silly or stupid.

Tucking the mulish thought aside, he descended the stairs and sat next to Griffin. “Here, I thought you might like some coffee.”

Griffin turned a quarter of a degree to look at him. “Thanks.” There was no anger or censure in his expression or tone, which eased Ryan’s mind. Griffin took the offering and gulped down a big mouthful, seemingly immune to the drink’s temperature.

Ryan offered up a shy smile and fought the impulse to drop his gaze. “Would you like me to make you some eggs to go with it?” It was an attempt at smoothing over their earlier confrontation for sure, but he also liked the idea of taking care of his man.

Griffin shook his head. “No, thanks. I can wait for breakfast like everyone else. I expect you have other chores in the kitchen, too, and I’m not going to add to your burden this morning.”

There was still no scolding in the beta’s tone, and he looked away from Ryan and over at the forest. They sat in silence for a minute before Ryan cracked from the growing unease of his own making.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted out. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like I did.”

Griffin eyed him over the rim of his mug. “No, you shouldn’t have.” He took another large gulp and changed his gaze again.

Ryan plucked at the hem of his shirt. “Are you mad?” He didn’t dare look at Griffin for fear of what he might see.

“No.” Ryan almost sagged in relief. “Not at you. I am at myself, though.”

“Why?” Now he was concerned all over again.

Griffin shrugged. “I presumed too much. I thought that just because you want to mate with me, you trust me with yourself and Milo.” He cast his gaze to the ground. “I should never have tried to take your pup from you without your permission. Even an omega—especially an omega—is dangerous when their pup is threatened.”

Ryan grasped Griffin’s arm without thinking. “No, that’s not it. I do trust you. Completely.” He licked his lips as he tried to explain his actions. “It’s that I wanted to make my own decision about how I spent the morning, and…I guess I’m tired and overreacted,” he finished, lamely, not really believing his own explanation.

Griffin drained his coffee and set the mug on the step to his far side. “You’re definitely tired. You’ve been running on a deficit of sleep and overwork for months. A couple of days of extra rest isn’t going to fix that.”

Ryan bit back a groan. It was on the tip of his tongue to acquiesce, to agree whole-heartedly with his beta and beg for forgiveness. Instead, he heard himself saying, “That may be so, but I should get to decide when and how I handle that problem.”

He dropped his hold on Griffin’s arm and had to clasp his hands between his knees to keep from covering his own mouth. To be that bold, to make demands of a dominant, was not in his nature. At least he wouldn’t have thought so.

Whatever anger he expected from the man, it didn’t happen. Instead, Griffin reached over Ryan’s thigh to take one hand in his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to be overbearing.”

The apology surprised Ryan, although it shouldn’t have. Griffin wasn’t Haldon. His hold was loose, not binding. Ryan could break it easily simply by tugging. He could tell as much straight off and the knowledge helped ease his stress. Griffin wasn’t trapping him. The touch was meant to reassure, not dominate or contain.

Ryan let out a shuddery breath. “I’m sorry, too. The last thing I want is to hurt you. Or disobey you, either,” he added in because the reality of his world wasn’t going to change no matter how he felt. “I understand that as my future mate, you have control over me and Milo.”

A flare of rebellious resentment rose within him before he squashed it again. He’d been given the gift of choosing his next mate. There was no sense in being greedy and demanding the impossible.

Griffin used his hold to tug Ryan in closer. Again, nothing that made him feel as if he were physically restrained. Griffin switched hands and wrapped his arm around Ryan’s shoulders. “Please, Ryan, I don’t want you to think of our relationship that way.”

Pulling him in closer, Griffin rubbed his chin lightly against the top of Ryan’s head. “I’m not like Haldon and don’t expect to control your every action.” He huffed. “I think my concern for you got the better of me. I have this vision in my head of making life easy and happy for you. I should have known that lazing about while others work hard is not in your nature.”

Ryan snuggled against Griffin’s broad chest. “And I think I’ve become so used to being more independent that I’m afraid of being under another mate’s thumb no matter how much I trust him.” This was the closest they’d been since Ryan had dared to kiss the beta. His cock stirred at the contact and an itch began to plague his ass. His normally docile wolf began to pace under his skin.

Griffin sniffed in obvious fashion, scenting Ryan’s slick no doubt, and chuckled. “I want you, too.”

A quick glance downward confirmed that their pants both presented a tell-tale bulge. They sat embraced, hard with need, for another minute or two.

“I guess I’m also maybe a little insecure,” Griffin confessed quietly.

“What?” Ryan tried to lift his head, but Griffin held it gently in place. “You’re a beta. Why would you ever feel that way?”

Griffin peppered his head with kisses before saying, “Probably because I thought we’d be mated by now. This extra wait, especially with Elijah hanging around still, is agitating me. It’s certainly making my wolf crazy,” he added under his breath.

Ryan raised his head, this time not giving in when Griffin resisted. The fact that he was able to free himself when he pushed the point, chased away any lingering concern. “Don’t be silly. I picked you over him, and that’s not going to change. Sorry, I shouldn’t call you that.”

Griffin kissed him on the lips, a gentle claiming that quickly became more passionate. It ended with them both breathless and their foreheads touching. “I shouldn’t have called you silly, either. You’re not. You’re a very sensible omega and father. I promise to do better in the way I treat you, and not simply bulldoze over you. All I ask is for you to point out when I’m being overbearing using your words, not your teeth.”

Griffin smiled after delivering the mild rebuke.

Ryan returned the look. “I promise. And maybe we should ask Lorcan if we can mate tonight. I don’t care if the gathering is still ongoing if you don’t. I don’t need any fancy ceremony, either.”

He hadn’t been given one when Haldon had taken him. Any fantasy he’d had of a special dinner and send off by the pack quickly evaporated in the face of having to wait longer before he became Griffin’s.

His future mate’s face lit up as he sat back. “I think that’s an excellent idea. After spending time with them, I think both the Green Mountain and the Strongblood packs are honorable. I don’t see the harm in my being out of commission for one night. Hopefully, Lorcan will agree because I think if I have to go one more day without claiming you, I’m going to explode.”

Ryan nuzzled the beta’s neck. “Me, too.”

“And I want my scent on you. Elijah hasn’t given up.”

“You have nothing to worry about there.”

“Tell that to my wolf.”

Griffin hugged Ryan close, relieved that their earlier confrontation hadn’t led to the omega changing his mind about the mating. Ryan’s snapping had been alarming, completely out of character for an omega and the sweet boy Griffin had always known. He’d spent the time since worried that Elijah would be allowed to shove him aside. He should have known better. Ryan loved him. They loved each other. Nothing was going to change that, let alone a silly spat. Except he was going to have to scrub that word from his vocabulary. Ryan was entitled to more respect, and while he might not always make decisions that Griffin agreed with, he deserved the right to make them.

Well, perhaps not quite as many as Ryan would like. Griffin didn’t think his beta nature could bend very far. He could only really promise to pick his battles carefully.

The sound of a muted alarm howl from Caleb had him lifting his head and watching the tree line. No danger approached, but possibly trouble did in the form of the newly mated pair. Graydon’s imposing figure appeared from the dappled brightness of the sun shining through the trees. He held a basket under one arm and a duffle bag was slung over that same shoulder. Ethan sat perched inside the circle of the alpha’s other arm. The omega’s face radiated his happiness even at a distance.

Still, the issue wasn’t how Ethan felt about his mating. Elijah was the wild card. The boy may have gone to Graydon willingly, but his brother hadn’t been pleased with the choice. That was true regardless of how much sense it made. Having come to the gathering labeled barren, the Green Mountain omega had been proven fertile after all once he came within the powerful orbit of the rugged and virile Strongblood alpha. Elijah should be ecstatic over the outcome. Somehow Griffin knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. The man might yet challenge his brother’s new mate, and such a fight would be an awful end to what had been such a promising three-way treaty.

Standing, he gently disengaged Ryan from his hold. “Go inside. This might get ugly.”

He sensed rather than saw Ryan start to argue the point before the omega gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Okay.”

Griffin relaxed a hair now that his boy was getting out of harm’s way. Then he loped across the yard, careful not to get too close to the pair. “Can I take those things for you, Alpha Graydon?” He motioned to the basket and duffle.

The man’s expression went from guarded to easy-going. “Thank you.” He paused in his journey to hand the items over.

In that brief interaction, Griffin took in the fresh-washed scent of them both, as well as the scents that clearly confirmed they were mated and Ethan was indeed breeding his first pup. Elijah is a fool if he doesn’t accept the situation.

That wasn’t his call, though, or his concern, really. This was alpha stuff, and all he could do as a beta of the host pack was to stand aside and watch it play out. That and protect Ryan and Milo, although there really was little chance this confrontation, if it occurred, would prove a danger to anyone other than the two alphas battling it out. It wouldn’t be long now before the direction this drama was going to take would show itself.

And here it came in the form of Elijah racing across the yard with his betas and gammas behind him. Griffin moved quickly to deposit his armload by the back stairs, prepared to warn Lorcan of what was happening. He never got the chance, though, because his alpha, along with Finn, Deirdre, Liam and Craig came around the corner of the longhouse hot on the heels of the others. They’d all obviously been meeting in his office and were reacting to Caleb’s warning.

Graydon stopped and waited for his new brother-by-mating to reach him. He allowed Ethan to slide down and stand on his own two feet, although he held him flush against his body by a grip on his shoulders. It didn’t look like the boy was trapped. Certainly, he wore a wide grin that conveyed his joy. How could Elijah possibly take umbrage at this event?

Knowing that there was no accounting for an alpha’s mood, Griffin positioned himself at the bottom of the stairs in order to guard that entrance. His omega was in the kitchen behind the door, as was Milo, plus probably the rest of the kitchen staff. He didn’t think any fight would escalate and put them at risk, but his beta brain told him anything was possible. It didn’t pay to take chances with the servient pack members’ lives.

Thank the Gods Elijah wasn’t so incensed that he attacked immediately. Instead, he pulled up short a few feet away from the couple. Fury radiated off the man. He practically vibrated with it. Griffin admired his control even as he braced for any change in the situation.

“How are you, Ethan?” The question was asked in a remarkably civil tone, although Elijah’s focus appeared to remain fixed on Graydon.

By way of answer, Ethan launched himself at his brother. Surprisingly, Graydon didn’t seem to hold him back at all. The omega clasped as much of his brother’s torso as he could and pressed against him.

“Oh, Elijah, I’m in whelp! I’m going to be a dad.”

After a second’s hesitation, Elijah wrapped his arms around Ethan and pressed his head on top of his. “I know. It’s…wonderful news.”

Ethan tossed his head back. “It’s amazing. I can’t believe it.” His breath hitched loud enough to reach Griffin’s ears. “I’m not broken after all.”

It was heartbreaking to hear the omega express it that way. To have lived with the idea that he was somehow defective must have been a terrible burden for the boy. How had he managed to be so seemingly carefree for the few days Griffin had known him? Poor thing. It reminded him of Ryan and what that omega had gone through. They were polar opposite problems—one being forced to mate and breed too soon, and one being tossed aside and labeled worthless—and yet they both came from the same place. This idea that an omega’s use to the pack lay buried in fertility was totally unfair. Fecundity was supposed to be a gift from the Gods, not a millstone with which to weigh the omegas down their whole lives.

There was nothing Griffin could do to affect the outcome of the Green Mountain and Strongblood packs’ conflict, but he could make the right decisions to protect Ryan. While he was already aware that Ryan was trying to ween Milo as late as possible, now he really understood its importance. He would do whatever he could as Ryan’s mate to not only space out their pups, but make sure Ryan felt valued for reasons that had nothing to do with bringing new shifters into the pack.

He had to admire Graydon’s restraint. He merely stood, unmoving as Ethan continued to hug Elijah. Perhaps it came from the certain knowledge that he’d bred his mate which cemented his rights. Or, he might have been holding back himself and his wolf with great effort. Whichever, he gave the two Green Mountain men time to show their affection for each other without interference.

Eventually, after a few tense minutes, Elijah eased his brother away and looked down at him. “Is this what you want? Is he what you want, I mean?”

Okay, that took balls to ask such a question right in front of Graydon. It said something about the strength of the bond between the brothers, and of the power of Elijah as an alpha, that he’d done it. Ethan didn’t show any signs of distress, either.

Rather, he simply said, “Yes. We’re mated and I-I love him.” He went in for another hug. “Please don’t fight him. I can’t stand the thought of losing either of you.”

Elijah took a moment to respond. He delivered a kiss on Ethan’s head before releasing him and taking a step back. “That’s not going to happen. There’s no need for a fight if you’re truly happy with this outcome. However,” he continued quickly before Ethan could get a word in, “This whole thing occurred backward. Graydon and I have to negotiate a mating agreement.”

“I don’t need one,” Ethan said. “I trust Graydon in everything.”

Elijah nodded. “That’s good to know. He and I still need to iron some things out, though. For my own peace of mind,” he added when Ethan’s expression turned mulish. “We did it the last time.” It was obvious by his expression that he hated bringing up the first and failed mating.

“I was included in those discussions.” Involving the omega was unusual, but given Elijah’s modern ways, not that surprising.

“And you can be for these, as well. I’m not trying to dictate your life, Ethan, any more than I’ve ever been.”

There were a few tense moments while Ethan considered his brother’s words. Then, “No, that’s okay. You know what matters to me, and more importantly, Graydon does, too. He and I have already talked this morning.”

With that statement, he skipped back to his mate and once again, launched himself. This time, he wrapped his legs around his target’s waist and kissed him with the kind of force that made a sound. Graydon accepted the assault with equal fervor, fusing their mouths for so long that Griffin’s lungs started to ache in sympathy.

I want that passion with Ryan. I want Ryan. Now. The strength of his need hit him with as much power as Ethan had Graydon. He knew right then that he truly wasn’t going to last another day without claiming his omega. Tonight. He would speak with Lorcan at the first opportunity and make it so. Not another day would dawn without Ryan and Milo being his family.

When the kiss ended, Ethan whispered something in Graydon’s ear, too softly for Griffin to hear. He didn’t think anyone had. Whatever the omega had said to his mate caused Graydon to frown briefly. He set Ethan down, though, without saying a word. Ethan sauntered toward Griffin, who stepped aside, putting a lot of space between himself and the boy. He didn’t want Graydon to think for one second that he was getting too close to a mate in whelp. Graydon was old school. It wouldn’t surprise Griffin if the guy kept his mate isolated from the other dominants once they returned to Strongblood territory.

Not my problem. Ryan and Milo were. As Griffin contemplated how he might enter the kitchen to get Milo out without sending Graydon into all kinds of fits, Lorcan solved the problem for him.

“Gentlemen, let us go to my office to hash this mating contract out. I know it’s none of my business what you two decide, but I want to make sure everything remains amicable while you’re on my pack lands. Alphas and one beta only, of course. Plus, we can finalize our treaty and enjoy the remainder of the day before you leave in the morning.”

As evictions went, it was very polite, yet firm.

No one balked. The two visiting alphas followed him without a word, although they eyed each other and kept a fair amount of ground between them. Behind each of them trailed the top betas. Deirdre brought up the rear. Once they were out of sight, Griffin jogged up the back stairs and went into the kitchen to retrieve Milo, his pup. The notion put a grin on his face.

****

Keeping his wolf under control proved to be easier than Graydon had expected. Servicing an omega was tiring work, apparently. A languid feeling infused his body, an unfamiliar sensation that he figured he could get used to. He was damn glad that Elijah had backed down on the fight. It would have been a pain in the ass to work up the fury necessary to prevail. More importantly, the outcome pleased Ethan. This was another thing about mating that he hadn’t really contemplated—making Ethan happy had become paramount, second only to his pack’s overall well-being.

Be nice, please. For me. His mate had whispered that plea before leaving him. Graydon was loathe to disappoint. So long as Elijah kept his shit together, Graydon would do the same. He had yet to be involved in a mating contract for himself of course, but pack members had gone and come into the Strongbloods from time-to-time. He was confident it wouldn’t take long, assuming Elijah didn’t try to add in ridiculous provisions from some of his dubious modern thinking.

Lorcan’s conference room was filled with the remnant smells of food and coffee, testament to how it had been occupied for a while that morning. He could imagine Elijah sitting there, fuming, while Lorcan kept a lid on things. He really did owe the Rogue alpha a debt of gratitude for a whole lot of reasons. Not the least of which is that the gathering had given Graydon his fated mate.

Taking a seat to Lorcan’s right, he eyed Elijah from across the table. Ethan’s brother met his gaze head on, although his eyes didn’t contain too much hostility. Progress of sorts, he supposed. He waited for the other man to open the negotiations. He might not care too much about the way this all played out, but he still knew to let his opponent show his intentions first.

Elijah’s mouth tightened before he spoke. “Although I don’t like how this mating occurred, I accept that my brother is happy and this is what he wants. My only interest is in making sure he doesn’t regret his choice.”

Graydon held his tongue. There was nothing to be gained by reminding the man that despite his efforts to the contrary, he hadn’t ensured it the last time. No contract could accomplish that. It was in the hands of the Gods how life turned out, and they had brought Ethan to his one true mate. That was the only certainty.

“I’ll start with the easy stuff,” Elijah continued with a hard stare. “No beatings—ever. Ethan is used to a lot of freedom and can be willful. Any punishment has to be something other than corporal and can’t involve denying him access to food or his pups, nor can it be publicly humiliating. I don’t want his new pack to ever see him being disrespected by you.”

Graydon lifted his eyebrows as he let the first demand sit out there for a few seconds. “I never hit servients and will not start with my own mate. Only a weak alpha resorts to brutality to maintain control. No one in my pack goes hungry, and I don’t use pups to fight my battles.”

Elijah blew out a noisy breath through his nose. “What about the rest?”

“Airing my private grievances in front of my pack has never occurred to me. It goes without saying that I will discuss any problems I have with my mate in the privacy of our quarters.”

Elijah’s gaze turned flinty. “I need it said. In writing.”

Graydon really wanted to bristle at the inherent insult, yet Ethan’s words came back to haunt him and he really couldn’t bring himself to upset his mate. He shrugged instead. “As you wish.”

“Good.” The Green Mountain alpha looked almost disappointed at the ease in which Graydon capitulated. “I get visitation rights twice a year. Either I come to your territory or Ethan comes to mine, whichever makes more sense given both weather and Ethan’s conditions.”

Graydon nodded. “I have no interest in keeping him away from his birth family. I do expect that you will be the one to make the journey for some years, however. Until he reaches an age when breeding is no longer possible, my mate will likely either be in whelp or nursing. In either case, I won’t allow any travel that endangers his or the pup’s health.”

Anger flashed across Elijah’s face. “That’s the next point. I won’t have you wearing him out by breeding him every year. He has to be allowed to space the pups out for his sake and theirs.”

Graydon’s wolf growled at the implication that Elijah would be dictating a mounting schedule, interfering with a dominant’s right to claim his mate when and how he wanted. Graydon had to fight down the impulse to bare his teeth.

He responded once he felt he could without literally biting the man’s head off. “You are trying to control what you can’t. Nature will dictate the spacing of our pups. Although I haven’t sired pups as of yet, I can only assume they will be large and strong no matter their natures. And with demanding appetites. Weening may happen earlier than Ethan will want and my proximity will trigger his heat quickly. Just the way it did here,” he couldn’t help adding with a wolfie grin popping out.

Elijah’s face went through a series of contortions indicating that he was also reining in his reactions. Finally he said, “Fine. The agreement will say that you won’t force him to ween earlier than he wants or the pup’s health requires.”

“Agreed.” This was all really tedious. Plus, it had been a few hours since he’d last mounted his mate. Breeding or not, he wanted the omega with an insatiable need that was both disturbing and delightful.

Elijah continued to drone on about smaller things, such as bringing Ethan’s belongings to him within the next month. Graydon wanted to argue that he would provide his mate with everything he required or wanted. He didn’t bother. Likely his mate had formed sentimental attachments to some things and it did no harm for him to have them.

Lorcan’s female beta wrote each point down as Elijah raised them and Graydon acquiesced. There was nothing objectionable to any of it, and if it made the whole situation easier to resolve, Graydon figured he could be patient and resist the instinctive reaction to be insulted. Really, it was as if the Green Mountain alpha thought Graydon would keep Ethan naked and tied to his pallet. Nonsense, of course. Sticking close to the old ways didn’t mean being barbaric. Except the vision of his mate lying spread out for his consumption was a tantalizing thought. It gave his wolf and his dick all kinds of ideas.

Finally, Elijah had finished with his demands and sitting back, stared expectantly at him.

Rousing himself from his errant fantasies, Graydon asked, “Is that all?”

“For me, yes. What terms do you want?” Elijah folded his arms.

Graydon flicked his gaze upward. “Ethan is all that I want, and as I have him already, there’s nothing on my end that needs to go into a contract. Obviously, my original offer of payment for Ethan stands.”

“I don’t want that.”

“Indeed? What then do you consider adequate compensation for your omega?” Graydon thought his impulsive offer when he’d first laid eyes on the boy, generous but was willing to give more. Ethan was worth anything he had.

Elijah huffed. “Nothing. My brother is not a commodity. I expect you to honor the terms of the agreement, that’s all.”

“I see.” His estimation of the man increased. He’d never known an alpha to be willing to give up something as precious as an omega for no consideration. Perhaps the Green Mountain Pack was so wealthy it didn’t need anything. That couldn’t be true, though. Their treaty involved a fair amount of trading already.

He only wants his brother to be happy.

True understanding of Elijah’s position came to him with that insight. His concern for his brother was genuine and not some front for alpha pride. It went a long way toward easing what little resentment he still held and made it easier for him to be magnanimous.

He put his palms on the table top to show his lack of aggression before leaning forward. “You have my word that I will treasure Ethan for the remainder of my days and ensure that he and our pups are well-cared for even after I’m gone.

“And,” he added with only a slight hesitation, “if ever there comes a time when he says he wants to return to you, I will let him go with all of our pups except the alpha he’s sure to give me. I couldn’t let my successor leave the pack, but Ethan would always be welcome to see him.”

His wolf had a fit over those words, and Graydon couldn’t blame him. Such a promise was unheard of, but it showed the depth of his confidence in his mating bond. Ethan wouldn’t ever want to leave him because Graydon wouldn’t give the omega a reason to want to go. Besides, they were fated to be together. The Gods wouldn’t have matched them if they weren’t meant to spend the rest of their lives together. It was easy to make a promise that he couldn’t imagine having to keep.

And it was just what Elijah wanted to hear. For the first time since entering the room, the Green Mountain alpha relaxed. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. I still want it in writing,” he added with a grin that was more teeth than warmth.

“Naturally.”

He sat back and schooled himself in patience.

While the agreement was finalized, he was offered food, which he refused. He and Ethan had finished the last of the basket that morning before returning. His belly was full, although he hoped his mate was eating again. Being in whelp meant requiring more nutrition. His thoughts kept drifting toward the boy in ways that made him frustratingly hard. He was glad to be seated so that he wasn’t baiting Elijah just as they’d resolved their problems.

There was signing, with ink instead of blood. Not that it mattered to him. This whole thing was pointless in his estimation. His word should have been good enough. Then there was the final terms of the treaty to iron out. More talking, more patience needed. Finally, they were done. He stood with the two other alphas and shook hands in the time-honored way that involved the whole forearm, not merely hands.

With palpable relief, everyone exited the room. Graydon didn’t try to hide his desire to find Ethan as quickly as possible. He passed Lorcan once the hallway opened up into the great room and sought out his mate among the milling throngs of shifters who had finished eating yet hadn’t quite dispersed.

“Graydon!”

His mate’s voice reached him a split second before he saw him. They met halfway, and Graydon scooped him up with barely a hitch to his stride.

Ethan clung to him with a giggle. “Did you miss me?”

Graydon answered with only a low growl.

“I guess so.” Ethan nuzzled Graydon’s neck. “I assume everything is straightened out and that it took amazing restraint on your part.”

Graydon merely squeezed his mate’s ass in response while he thought about where he could take him for privacy.

“I thought so.” Ethan squirmed up to speak directly into Graydon’s ear. “Take me to the caravan. I’ve made sure the area is empty so that we can have time together. I missed you. I need you,” he added in a low, breathy voice.

The sweet smell of the omega’s slick hit Graydon’s nostrils, goosing him to increase speed as he marched out of the longhouse. He tightened his hold “You will have me,” he vowed in a guttural tone. “Forever.”

Chapter Eight

“There, you look perfect.”

Ryan stared at his reflection in the hand-held mirror. He almost didn’t recognize himself. Ben and Loki had braided his hair with small white flowers and Ben had loaned him a soft, shiny red button-down shirt. Paired with black skinny jeans that Kyle had gifted him months ago, it was a lovely affect.

He flicked his gaze up to his friends’ expectant faces, including Kyle, who held Milo. “This is all so wonderful. Thank you. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble for me, especially given that it’s the last night of the gathering.”

Because of the tense extension of the event to accommodate Ethan’s heat, the evening’s festivities would be more muted than had been originally planned. It still required a lot of effort on everyone’s part, and he felt guilty for adding to their workload.

Kyle made an impatient sound. “There’ll be no more of that. You deserve a special mating night like anyone else. I think it’s sweet, actually, that Griffin was so adamant about not waiting any longer. He loves you,” the alpha mate added with a dreamy smile.

Ryan dropped his gaze. “Yeah, he does. I hope I will make him happy.”

Loki snorted and relieved him of the mirror. “You’re breathing, so that’s a given. You should have more confidence in yourself.”

Running his fingers down the front of his shirt, he said “I’m trying.” It was hard, though, and his next words conveyed the difficulty. “Maybe I should change. I’m worried I might spill something on this pretty shirt of yours, Ben.”

The other omega waved his hand. “Don’t be silly, Ryan. Reed and Daniel gave it to me along with a bunch of others that I’ll never have occasion to wear. Sometimes I think they forget I’m not out in the human world the way they are. I’m not worried about it. In fact, I want you to keep it as a mating gift.”

Surprise had Ryan popping his eyes. “Really? No, I couldn’t. That’s not even a thing, mating gifts, I mean.”

“It is in the human world. Please, accept it. It suits you better than it does me, anyway.”

“You do look fetching,” Loki agreed. “I bet the only fear you should have is that Griffin will rip it in his haste to mount you,” he added with a sly grin.

“Loki!” Both Ben and Kyle admonished the arctic shifter. Then, they all laughed.

Ryan joined in with a giggle, happiness overriding his natural doubt. “Thanks. All of you.”

He hugged each one in turn, saving Kyle for last. He pressed a kiss against Milo’s cheek at the same time. His pup looked at him with his eyelids half-closed, drooling around his thumb. Teething. Ryan winced at the memory of how the tooth coming in had grazed his nipple a short while ago. It wouldn’t be long now before his son would be fully weened no matter how hard he tried to delay it. The thought didn’t worry him as it had before, however. When it did happen and his heat came on again, Ryan would be mated to a good man, someone who would treat him and his pups with love and caring.

“Thanks for watching him tonight, Kyle.”

The alpha mate gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m happy to. It makes the most sense given that you and Griffin will be right in the suite with us. It will be easy for Griffin to come fetch him from me when you need to nurse later.”

Kyle glanced around the room. “You can’t stay here for long, though. I understand what Lorcan is doing, but this room is too small for three shifters. Milo’s size notwithstanding, Griffin’s will make things cramped.”

Not wanting to cause any trouble between the alpha pair, Ryan jumped to reassure him. “It will be fine. It’s only for sleeping.”

“And mounting,” Loki chimed in. “Tough to do with a pup underfoot.”

Grabbing him by the arm, Ben said, “Come on, Loki, this is no time to stir the pot. Let’s give Ryan a moment to himself.”

“Good idea,” Kyle agreed. “You need to put your feet up anyway, Loki.”

“Yeah,” Ben agreed. “Your ankles are swollen.”

“No, they’re not!” the boy protested as the three of them left the room in a flash.

Alone, Ryan picked up the mirror again and turned his head this way and that to look at how the pretty flowers transformed the simple braid into a lovely decoration. He’d never given much thought to how he looked, especially after Haldon had started to single him out. He hadn’t wanted to attract the attention of a dominant. After whelping Milo, everything had become centered around caring for his pup. His own needs had been shoved aside.

Now was different. Tonight, he would be claimed by someone he truly desired. He didn’t expect to really enjoy the mounting because he never had before. At best, it was tedious. At worst, painful. He wasn’t worried about the bad part. Griffin would be gentle with him. That went without saying at this point. He figured he might like the activity somewhat under the circumstances. But what really worried him was pleasing Griffin. It was imperative that his new mate get the most amount of pleasure out of their coupling. It was the least he could do, far more important than making coffee or fixing meals. Any servient could perform those tasks for a dominant. Only a mate could bring them pleasure.

Or rather, only a mate should. He didn’t want Griffin looking elsewhere for it. And while he didn’t think Griffin was that kind of man, he wasn’t going to take any chances.

Now, you’re just trying to find things to worry about.

Yeah, he was. Griffin loved him. They were going to be mated within hours, and instead of borrowing trouble alone in his room, he should be out enjoying himself with Griffin and the others. Putting the mirror down, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

The moment he opened the door, he heard the sounds of many shifters entering the great room for dinner. As he walked down the hall, his heartbeat ticked up in anticipation and nerves. He wasn’t used to being the center of attention, yet he knew the moment he appeared, all eyes were likely going to be on him. He didn’t much like the idea of it.

And then his concerns evaporated as the large, comforting figure that was Griffin entered his line of sight. The beta was coming to meet him so that he wouldn’t have to enter the overly crowded room alone. Of course, so like Griffin to think of things like that. Being mated to someone hard-wired to plan and manage problems was going to be wonderful.

Griffin’s face lit up. “Gods, Ryan, you are beautiful.”

Ryan felt his cheeks heat and he dropped his gaze briefly. “Thanks, that’s kind of you so say.”

He raised his eyes slowly to take in the sight of his new mate. Griffin was magnificent, decked out in a nice shirt of his own with dark blue jeans. The fabric of both garments stretched over his amazing muscles. Every contour was visible, and Ryan’s palms itched with the compulsion to run his hands over all of it. The intensity of his response made him blush more.

Griffin reached up to cup one heated cheek. “It’s not kindness when it’s true. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, to truly appreciate your worth.” He dropped his hand. “Come on, I want to show you off to the others.”

Ryan said nothing because any words caught in his throat. When Griffin tucked him under his arm, Ryan could only wrap an arm around the beta’s waist and smile with an overwhelming happiness.

There was a brief moment of silence when they first entered the great room before everyone started calling out greetings and well wishes. Still wordless, Ryan acknowledged it all with nods as Griffin escorted him over to the alpha’s table. With so many shifters crammed into the space, they had to wind their way through narrow paths. Rain had made eating outside impossible, so they just had to make do. Ryan was both disappointed at not being able to eat out under the open sky and relieved that the tight quarters gave everyone an incentive to get through dinner quickly. It meant he and Griffin could leave relatively early and get on with the mating.

He was somewhat surprised that he would be sitting at the high table, a place of such honor, given that the visiting alphas remained on pack lands. Surely Lorcan would take the opportunity to play host one more time with his fellow alphas. Ryan had assumed that he would sit with Griffin’s friends instead of squishing everyone around Lorcan. But no, Griffin held out a chair for him right next to Kyle.

“Relax, sweetheart,” Griffin said before giving him a quick kiss. “I’ll go get you some food.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to say that he’d do it instead before Kyle caught his eye and shook his head once. Right. Tonight was different. Griffin could pamper him as much as he wanted. All Ryan had to do was sit back and relax…well, as much as possible given what was ahead of him. That didn’t stop him from instinctively searching out where Milo was. He’d agreed with Kyle that the pup was best occupied by Mabel and her twins. His pup loved those two and Mabel was astoundingly good at jugging all three even though she, herself, was once again in whelp. Tonight, however, she had Craig to help. Between the two of them, they kept Milo’s attention on them and not on the fact that he couldn’t see his father.

The evening progressed in a blur. Griffin returned with a plate that was full, but not overly so. Ryan was grateful that the man had thought of how Ryan’s stomach was already fluttering with nerves. Plus, being mounted on a stuffed stomach wasn’t the best idea. The last thing Ryan needed was to get sick.

Griffin was also attentive without being stifling. He treated Ryan to small touches as they ate, nothing overtly sexual, yet sufficient to make Ryan’s skin tingle. His restrained cock and balls ached in a sweet and mostly unfamiliar way. His nerves slowly morphed from worry to something more like anticipation. He felt an urge to reciprocate and when he tentatively placed his hand on Griffin’s thigh, the beta graced him with a heated look.

“If you keep that up,” Griffin whispered into his ear, “I won’t last for the rest of the meal.”

“Sorry,” Ryan whispered back, but when he tried to remove his hand, Griffin grabbed it and held it in place. From that point on, eating became a little harder. Ryan didn’t mind. The constant contact only eased his concerns and increased his arousal.

Any tension he felt over his own situation didn’t apply to the rest of the room. With the joining of the two visiting packs through an approved mating came a relaxation among the dominants that spread throughout the rest of the shifters. A quick glance in their direction confirmed that Ethan sat between his brother and his mate with obvious ease. The two alphas weren’t exactly exuding warmth, but they were obviously not at odds anymore, either. For his part, Ethan conveyed his happiness in his every expression. It was so infectious that Ryan felt the last of his fears slip away.

If Ethan’s life can turn out wonderfully, then so can mine.

Ryan pressed his fingers into Griffin’s thigh in what he hoped was unspoken encouragement and a sign of his enthusiasm of what was to come.

Griffin put down his fork and pushed his plate away. He turned to gaze down at Ryan. For a few seconds, he let his wolf show through his eyes. The sight made Ryan shiver and his own wolf whined, then howled with impatience. His hole clenched against the slick that descended, a clear sign that his body was ready to be mounted regardless of whether his mind was onboard. Griffin’s nostrils flared and his canines slipped over his lower lip. There was no more time to wait.

By unspoken command, Griffin had Ryan on his feet a second later. Talk around the room died out. Griffin nodded first to Lorcan, then every else with a sweeping look. “Thank you all for a magnificent meal. My mate and I appreciate your company and good wishes, but it is time for us to retire.” He chuckled. “My wolf grows impatient and I’m sure you’ll forgive my lack of control this one time.”

Everyone laughed and cheered out encouragement. Ryan couldn’t help burying his face in Griffin’s broad chest in embarrassment. Then there was no more time for such thoughts, or any at all, as his beta swept him up and carried him out. Ryan closed his eyes for the short journey, only opening them again when Griffin set him back down on his feet.

His cozy room had been transformed into a lovely space filled with lit candles, flowers and more pretty pillows than he knew he possessed. His friends had obviously snuck off to do this during the meal and the knowledge filled his heart with more joy. There was no longer any question that his presence in the Rogue Pack was welcome, not merely tolerated.

Griffin shut the door before leaning against it. His massive chest heaved. “Do me a favor, love, and take off that nice shirt.” He sounded oddly breathless.

Ryan blinked at him a few times. “Um, sure, if that’s what you want.” His suddenly clumsy fingers plucked at the buttons.

“It’s not what I want, but if I don’t have you do it, I’ll rip the fabric.” He curled his hands into tight fists. “My control is slipping. Gods, Ryan, I want you so badly.”

Ryan grinned shyly as he pulled off his shirt and carefully folded it. “You do? That’s good to hear. I, ah, want you, too.” He peeked up at the man from fluttering lashes as he put the shirt aside.

Griffin shuddered. “That’s good to hear. I won’t hurt you, you know that, don’t you?”

Ryan nodded. “Yes, I do. Shall I take off my pants as well?”

“That might be for the best. They look like a good pair of jeans. No sense ruining them, either.”

It was harder than he’d expected. Part of it was he could feel Griffin’s intense stare. To be the object of such desire wasn’t completely new. Haldon, too, had fiercely wanted to mount him. Yet, this was different. It didn’t feel predatory. And he wasn’t going to spoil a second of this night thinking of that old brutal letch. He dismissed those awful memories with the contempt they deserved.

The real issue, though, was that for the first time in his life, he had to maneuver around a hard dick. The bulging shaft pressed against the fly, making it difficult to undo the buttons without grating against the sensitive flesh. Once he’d succeeded, he shucked the pants off along with his shoes and socks. He stood awkwardly in front of the man who would soon mate with him, with a stiff cock waving between them.

The room was silent for what seemed like forever as he stood there, Griffin’s sweeping gaze taking him in. No, not quite completely quiet. The pounding of Ryan’s heart sounded loudly in his ears, as did Griffin’s harsh breathing.

“If you could only see yourself as I do,” the beta finally said. “Beautiful. And knowing you are aroused eases my biggest worry. I was afraid that you wouldn’t like the physical aspects of mating. I promised myself I’d take it nice and slow tonight, ease you into what will essentially be a new experience for you. I’ll be honest, because that’s how it should be between us, and confess that it’s going to be hard. I want you so badly. I’m practically mad with the wanting.”

Ryan drew in a big breath and let it out in a whoosh. “That’s okay, Griffin. Truly. I’m not afraid of you. I, um, like that you want me,” he added with a shy grin and a shiver that racked his body and caused his hole to clench.

In the next instant, his breath was stolen by Griffin with a swift kiss that had him clinging to the man’s large body. The fervor of it morphed seconds later into something gentle, yet no less powerful. Their tongues met inside his mouth, and every inch of his body was touched by some part of Griffin’s.

His head spun as he was whirled around and laid down onto softness. Griffin’s clothing rasped against all of Ryan’s sensitive bits—his nipples and cockhead. Fluid leaked from both areas, making him feel a moment of embarrassment. Griffin’s lavish attention distracted him quickly, however. The beta’s blunt fingers plucked at one wet nub before wrapping around his weeping cock and tugging slowly.

Ryan groaned and arched into the touch. He stroked whatever part of Griffin’s body he could reach, frustrated by the clothing getting between him and the man’s skin. His legs moved restlessly, hooking around Griffin’s while his hips bucked with mindless need.

Griffin broke the kiss, his teeth scraping along Ryan’s lower lip, before peppering his jaw and neck with attention. He entwined the fingers of one hand in Ryan’s hair to angle his head back and expose more of his neck. Open mouthed kisses tugged his flesh. Then the hand clasping Ryan’s cock let go and wandered back to one pec.

“I know this is for Milo still,” Griffin said in a low, gravely tone as he pinched a nipple. “But I can’t resist playing with it a little.”

Ryan moaned in response. “Anything you want. I love you, Griffin.”

The man paused in his attentions for a second before plundering Ryan’s mouth again in a passionate kiss. “I love you, Ryan,” he said when he’d finished. “So much so that I’m scared to death of fucking this mating up. I want you to be ready when I mount you. I want you dripping with need when I put my cock inside your sweet ass.”

Ryan writhed. His channel itched and pulsed. “I’m wet now, ready for you.”

Griffin growled. “I can make you wetter still, baby.”

Ryan couldn’t imagine that. It seemed impossible. His thoughts scattered, though, when Griffin lapped his way past Ryan’s stomach and sucked his cock in down to the root with one big gulp. He cried out and arched into the warm tightness of Griffin’s throat. Gods, the sensations of being sucked were amazing. He shook his head back and forth and clawed at any part of Griffin he could find as an orgasm ripped through him.

He would have screamed with the intensity of the pleasure except that his lungs froze as his body seized up. For long seconds, he felt suspended in Griffin’s embrace, no longer lying on the pallet, no longer in control of himself. Then he crashed down again, twisting and moaning, almost sobbing. His own pathetic efforts at self-gratification faded away in the face of being brought to climax by someone else. Someone he loved and loved him in return.

By the time his breath returned to almost normal and his mind cleared sufficiently for him to think, he realized that Griffin had let go of him. Ryan’s spent cock lay semi-hard against his pelvis, although it still tingled with aftershocks. As did his nipples. His hole, now positively dripping with slick, spasmed. It wanted attention, demanded it. His hands felt empty as there was no longer any part of Griffin within reach.

Ryan forced his eyes open. The beta hadn’t gone far, only as much as necessary to undress. He was still tearing at his clothing, his gaze fixed on Ryan and not on what he was doing. Ryan winced at the sound of the shirt ripping, but Griffin paid it no mind. His focus was purely on Ryan. And once the pants were down, exposing the beta’s long, thick and very hard cock, Ryan forgot all about everything else.

I want him inside me. Now!

The force of the need surprised him. There was no hesitation or second thoughts, however. Being mounted became his sole desire. When he tried to roll over, though, Griffin stopped him.

“No, baby. I want to see your face. It’s the only way I’ll know for sure if you’re enjoying yourself.”

“The bite?”

“Later. For now, it’s all about pleasure.”

Ryan relaxed, reminding himself that Griffin knew what he was doing. Ryan might technically be the one with this kind of experience, but the beta was the right one to do the thinking for the both of them. That might not always be true. In this, though, it was. All Ryan had to do was lie back and give over to the wonderful sensations Griffin’s renewed touch was giving him.

It was as if the man knew Ryan’s body better than he did. Every touch was a marvelous sensation. His cock, naturally, and his balls. Also the inner thigh where it met up with his hips. Even the backs of his knees were an erogenous zone, apparently. When Griffin cupped them to raise Ryan’s legs, the feel of it went straight to his dick. Slick dribbled down his upturned ass. Griffin inhaled deeply, making his nostrils quiver.

“Nothing has ever smelled so good. I want a taste, sweetheart. Is that okay?” Before Ryan could answer the startling question, Griffin added, “Can you hold your legs up for me?”

Ryan complied without thought, clasping his kneecaps to keep the position Griffin had put him in. Freed from that job, the beta grabbed Ryan’s ass instead and pushed him up higher. Then Griffin bent over and flicked his tongue out to lap up the slick. He groaned as if tasting the best treat in the world before swirling around Ryan’s hole. The warm caress opened Ryan up more. He could feel the ring go slack and welcome the tip of Griffin’s tongue when it poked inside.

Oh, this was too much. He’d never heard of such a thing. Why wasn’t Griffin simply shoving his dick up him instead, the way Ryan knew he wanted? The mystery of it all paled, however, in the face of the amazing sensations that thrusting tongue elicited from him. Soon, he was once more moaning and writhing. It was almost impossible to hold his position. He wanted nothing more than to flop his body wide and enjoy.

Griffin chuckled, warm breath tickling Ryan’s wet hole. “I thought you might like that. But I think it’s time to move on to what I hope will be even better stuff.”

Ryan could only mumble in response, then gasp as something harder than a tongue slipped past his loosened ring. Not a cock. He knew that right off, having experience. He squinted down his body to watch Griffin fuck him with a finger. It didn’t hurt. Nor did the second one he quickly added. Instead, the action aroused him more, made his hole and channel more pliable. He welcomed the intrusion by clenching around the fingers and pulsing his muscles to draw them in farther. On each pass out, Griffin did something magical with them that sent sparks flying straight to Ryan’s dick. If this kept up, he’d come again soon.

But it didn’t. Once Ryan was mindlessly thrashing, Griffin pulled his hand away to grip Ryan’s ass fully again. He pushed up until Ryan’s legs were hooked over Griffin’s shoulders and scooted in closer. Ryan knew what was coming next and far from dreading it, he closed his eyes fully and waited with excitement to be breached.

Griffin’s cock stretched him wide, almost painfully so. The discomfort, however, was weirdly helpful. It increased the pleasure, not kill it. Ryan took in shuddery breaths as the hard rod slowly filled him. His channel greedily sucked it in, welcoming the invasion. Demanding it. It was one, long, slow fuck that pressed against his prostate with unrelenting pressure. By the time Griffin was balls deep in Ryan’s ass, another orgasm was washing over him.

Ryan cried out this time and bowed forward, all flailing arms and fluttering legs. Then his world spun, and he found himself face down, ass up, yet still impaled. Griffin struck with his razor-sharp canines while cum continued to spurt out of Ryan’s dick. The dueling sensations fried his brain. He completely pancaked and was barely aware of the twin howls of his wolf and his mate’s.

Griffin paused only a few seconds to sink his teeth into the back of Ryan’s neck before he picked up speed to drill the omega’s pliant ass. He’d made his mate—his mate—come twice. Even now, the boy’s body twitched in the aftermath of the second orgasm. His little wolf was excitedly yipping and prancing in enthusiastic welcome of Griffin’s. The last of his worry over how Ryan and his wolf would take to a new mating evaporated. Haldon was dead and no trace of him remained. It was a glorious feeling to be mated to the omega Griffin loved, and who could blame him for reveling in it for a little while?

But he couldn’t remain embedded in Ryan forever. He retracted his teeth and lapped the puncture wounds clean as the first wave of his climax crested and fell. He held himself up with his arms as he rode the orgasm to its end, every muscle shaking from the strain. When his cock finally stilled, he collapsed in a roll that had both him and Ryan lying on their sides. His shaft remained hard and mostly embedded in Ryan’s ass. Right where he wanted it to be. This might not be a breeding situation, but that didn’t mean he was done. A few minutes of rest and he’d be ready for more.

He could only hope his mate would be, as well.

As if he’d made the wish out loud, Ryan stirred with a breathy moan. “More. Please.”

Griffin pressed a kiss against the boy’s temple. “Yes, my love. Soon. Give me a moment. You’ve drained me dry and I need time to recover.”

A smile graced Ryan’s pretty face. “Mmm. Love you.”

Griffin’s heart did a slow roll at that simple declaration. While they’d both expressed that sentiment before, something about hearing it when he knew Ryan wasn’t on guard made it more special. He believed it was the truth, not merely what the omega thought he wanted to hear. He gathered him close and murmured the words back, feeling them with an intensity that almost scared him.

It didn’t take long before Ryan moved restlessly against him and squeezed his dick with a clear invitation. Griffin’s cock rallied and soon he fucked Ryan while they stayed on their sides with slow, yet deep, thrusts. Reaching around the slender body he held, Griffin found and clasped Ryan’s stiffened dick. He jerked him with the same languidness of his thrusts. The next time they came, the third for Ryan and the second for Griffin, it was a drawn-out affair. The pleasure peaking after a slow climb and tumbling down with equal laziness. There was no hurry, as if their bodies sensed that any worry they might have felt prior to mating had vanished into security.

Ryan fell asleep almost immediately. Griffin tried to do the same but had trouble. He was too keyed up, his mind racing with plans about his new life with his mate. The room they lay in was dictated by the alpha as their home for now. Soon, though, he would prove his worth and gain permission to build a home for his family. The way Milo was taking to solid food, it wouldn’t be long before Ryan would go into heat and be in whelp with another pup. Griffin’s pup. Their pup. Although Griffin truly loved Milo and would always think of him as his son, there was a primitive need to plant his own seed inside his mate.

He busied himself while he spun out his ideas by gently plucking the crushed flowers from Ryan’s hair. It had been such a lovely touch and he hated destroying them. He set them aside in case Ryan wanted to keep them. That was a thing some shifters did he thought for sentimental reasons. Once the hair was clear, he carefully unwound the messy braid to allow the lovely strands to fan out around Ryan’s shoulders. So pretty and fragrant. Griffin sniffed quietly, enjoying the scent. This was how his life would be from now on, surrounded by the gentle, soft nature of an omega. Sights and sounds and smells from Ryan would blunt the harder ones that Griffin possessed as a dominant.

He lost track of time until Ryan became restless, although not from a desire to be mounted again. A quick glance in the warm glow of the dwindling candles showed that Ryan’s pecs had swollen. His nipples glistened with leaking milk. His mate needed to nurse, which meant that Milo must be starting to fuss, as well.

Griffin shifted his ears to pick up any sounds nearby and caught the pup’s mewling along with Kyle’s murmurs of comfort.

Damn. I can’t forget that I’m not the only one who wants my mate.

Disengaging his softened cock from the velvety cocoon of Ryan’s ass, Griffin stood and shoved his jeans on. Then he opened the door as quietly as he could and went out to meet Kyle. Light shown from the adjacent bedroom. The alpha mate was swaying back and forth outside it in an effort to keep Milo from crying.

Griffin quickly went to him with his hands out. He mouthed a thank you as Kyle handed the pup over. Milo’s fussing eased once he was pressed against Griffin’s naked chest. Knowing that the pup instinctively reacted to his dominant sire pleased Griffin immensely. It capped the night nicely, cementing his happiness and making him look forward to the future even more.

Kyle gave him the once over with an assessing look before nodding and going back into his room. Griffin returned to Ryan and hustled over to the pallet when he saw his mate had woken with outstretched arms. Griffin didn’t let go, however. Instead, he held Milo along with Ryan until the pup had latched greedily onto one nipple.

Ryan turned sleepy eyes on him. “Thanks. Milo may not need my milk as much anymore, but I still need him to nurse or my ducts become painfully engorged.” He dropped his gaze. “Sorry, that’s probably more than you want to know about the whole thing. I, ah, understand if you want to leave the room.”

Griffin rocked back on his heels. “Why would I want to do that?”

Ryan’s expression turned shy and uncertain. “Well, you know…”

“No.” Griffin shook his head slowly. “I…oh.” The answer came to him in a flash. He knew a moment of real anger at the knowledge that along with every other shitty thing Haldon had done to his mate, he’d made him ashamed for providing their pup with nourishment.

Plopping down on his ass cross-legged, he reached for some of the throw pillows scattered near the pallet. “Here, let’s make you more comfortable.” He lifted Ryan’s head a little, careful not to disturb the nursing pup.

Once he was convinced that he’d made things easier for his mate, he said, “It’s going to be hard, but I’d like for us both to try to forget you ever had a mate before me, or that Milo isn’t my biological pup.”

When Ryan raised his eyebrows at him, he clarified. “I don’t mean that we ignore reality, it’s only that I don’t want your prior life and experience to cloud either of our thinking. Please try not to judge me based on your past with…you know.” He couldn’t bring himself to say the fucker’s name, not in this place of newfound happiness.

“And it’s important that I don’t worry about putting a foot wrong based on what I assume you went through.” He scratched the back of his head, struggling to find the right words. Which was crazy because as a beta, words were kind of his thing.

“I guess what I’m saying is that we need to do a lot of talking, at least at first. Get to know each other and be totally honest. Does that sound okay?” He ran fingers through Ryan’s hair to sweep it off his forehead.

Ryan’s response was a smile and a nod before he focused on his hungry pup. “I’m glad you want to be here for this.”

“Good. It’s really amazing when you stop to think about it. You’re literally producing food. I envy you.”

“You do?” Ryan looked dubious.

“Yup. You can really see the hand of the Gods in something like this. I’m not particularly spiritual, not like say the Strongbloods, but this seems otherworldly to me for sure.” He leaned in to get a closer look. “And, it doesn’t bother you for me to watch?”

“No. Ouch!” With a wince, Ryan stuck a finger between his nipple and Milo’s pursed lips. “He’s got teeth coming in.” He switched the pup onto the other pec.

A bead of blood welled up around the injured flesh. Griffin didn’t hesitate to lick it closed, marveling at how his saliva was a such a balm to his mate. His dick, however, got the wrong idea and tried to rally. He cut that nonsense off in an instant. You’ve had your fun. It was going to be tricky with a pup in the same room with them. They’d have to wait for the little guy to go to sleep, then be very quiet. The idea didn’t hold much appeal, but that was the nature of having a family and until Lorcan allowed them to move into a private hut, Griffin would have to live with the constraint.

Which would be easy because he was deliriously happy.

Once Milo had drunk his fill and fallen back to sleep, Griffin snuffed out the candles so that he and Ryan could do the same. The pup lay between them, and while Griffin missed having his body entwined with his mate, he dropped off in utter contentment, nevertheless.

He woke hours later, his internal clock telling him it was past dawn even though the windowless room was shrouded in darkness. He stood and stretched, careful not to wake up either of his boys. It pleased him that they were both sound asleep, although how long that would last was hard to tell. Ryan had been getting up so early for months, he might rouse at any moment. Except Milo was quiet, and that meant there was nothing external to disturb the omega. Not if Griffin managed to sneak out and bring back some breakfast.

Yeah, he liked that idea. His turn on the perimeter would come soon enough, and he wanted to be sure his family was taken care of first.

He managed to creep out without making a sound. His sense of smell and hearing told him that the alpha family had left their quarters already. His human ears were sufficient to detect that the kitchen staff was in full swing, although fresh bread was probably not on the menu with Ryan still sleeping. Which was fine. Everyone could make do with the leftovers as far as he was concerned. He would beg what he could off Joey and return to his family with as little disturbance to everyone’s tasks as possible.

He never made it.

As he neared the end of the hallway, a wailing sound pierced the peace of the longhouse. The gut-wrenching cry raised the hairs on Griffin’s body and had him picking up speed and pivoting at the same time. He sprinted through the great room and out into the back of the compound. Now the piteous noise was joined by howling. As he raced toward the ruckus, others joined him from all directions. He paused only a second, taking in the scene of the Green Mountain and Strongblood betas and gammas shifted and squaring off. Every wolf bared his teeth and pranced to and fro, waiting for their alphas to give the signal to attack.

In the middle of the menacing dominants stood Elijah on one side and Graydon on the other. Unlike their boys, the alphas were fully human, and the reason for the confrontation was obvious—Graydon cradled a hysterical Ethan in his arms. The omega was wrapped in a blanket with only his face showing, but his pain and misery were clear to see.

The why of it was a mystery still. Somehow everything had gone to shit, and now there was only one course of action for him. He shifted on a bounding leap that shredded his jeans and put him shoulder-to-shoulder with Caleb and Liam. Others of his pack were forming a protective semi-circle between the snapping, snarling foreign wolves and the living quarters of the pack members. If there was to be a fight, it wasn’t going to spill over beyond the visiting packs’ own kind. Every dominant Rogue would die before allowing that.

Always anxious to protect the weak, Griffin felt the need even more so now that he had a family of his own. Visions of Ryan and Milo flashed through his mind, making him bare his teeth and growl in warning. Not that anyone was paying attention to him. The Green Mountain and Strongblood dominants were hyper-focused on their alphas and each other.

A whiff of blood caught his attention. It was coming from Ethan, although the why and how was impossible for him to understand at the moment. It didn’t matter. His drive to fight increased with the scent. He increased his warning growl and his hind legs bent in readiness. Every fiber of his wolf mind and body was ready to spring. It only required a signal from his alpha.

“What did you do to him?” Elijah yelled in fury, his body jacked forward and his arms waving.

Graydon took a step away. “Stay back and leash your boys or mine will tear them to shreds.”

“Put him down so that I can kill you the way I should have yesterday.”

“I will gladly fight you, brother, once the healer has seen to my mate. If it’s blood you want, you’ll have it.”

Elijah took another step forward. “It’s blood you’ve shed, you fucker.”

“You know nothing, and you’re wasting time. I must get him to the healer.”

“I’m here.” Andrea approached with Lorcan by her side.

The alpha flicked a quick hand signal to Griffin and the other Rogues, telling them to stand down. Griffin whined in frustration, yet obeyed, reining himself in without losing his readiness. The proximity of his alpha to the two combatants and their boys was unbearably provocative.

The healer walked fearlessly between Elijah and Graydon. Ignoring both, she concentrated on the omega. “What has happened?” Her gentle voice was soothing in the way of her kind.

Except not for Ethan. With another wail, he answered. “I’m losing my pup!” Then he sobbed against his mate’s chest.

“We’ll see about that,” Andrea said in her still-quiet voice. “Calm down, now. That’s not helping anything. Bring him to my room,” she added before turning and heading back into the longhouse.

There was a second in which no one else moved or made any sound at all. Only the harsh breaths of the dominants could be heard.

Lorcan broke the silence. “You heard her. Graydon and Elijah, you will come with me. There will be no fighting in my longhouse. Is that understood?”

Elijah nodded. “Of course. My apologies. The Green Mountain Pack has no quarrel with the Rogues.”

“Agreed,” Graydon chimed in. “I only want my mate tended to. Any disputes between the Strongbloods and the Green Mountains will be settled without harm to you and yours.”

Lorcan nodded once. “Good. I expect no less. Now tell your boys to stand down. They can stay shifted so long as they do not engage with each other.”

There was more affirmation, which pacified Lorcan, although he nevertheless signaled his own pack members to stay vigilant. And as he passed Griffin, he said, “Take up the rear.”

Surprised, Griffin waited until first Graydon carrying Ethan, then Elijah passed him before following on their heels. He shook his head with pride at the alpha’s confidence in him. If either visiting alpha started trouble, he would be the first to engage.

And the Gods help them if they did anything to risk his family.

Chapter Nine

Ethan took in great, heaving gulps of breath in an effort to get himself under control. He clawed at Graydon’s shoulders despite the man’s tight grip holding him aloft. It felt like if he didn’t, he would shatter into a million pieces. Inconsequential ones at that which would become dust to be ground down under other shifters’ feet. He’d failed. Conception was one thing, whelping another. If he couldn’t bring life into this world, no amount of breeding would matter.

I’m broken after all. Graydon’s immense virility had allowed his seed to take root. Ethan’s defective body had been unable to contain it.

He shuddered as another cramp hit him. Stickiness, almost like slick, seeped past his hole. The feel of it made him sick to his stomach and forced another cry from his lips.

“Easy, my love. Try to calm yourself as the healer advised.” Graydon’s voice was low and steady, yet there was a strain to it, as well.

Ethan rubbed his tear-streaked face against the warm hardness of Graydon’s chest. “I’m trying. Please don’t fight my brother,” he added in a quavering voice that he couldn’t control.

Gods, as if his miscarrying weren’t bad enough, he had the added guilt of being the cause of a brutal battle. The sounds and scents of all those dominants in fighting mode had only added to his misery. He couldn’t let anyone get hurt or even killed because of his failing.

“Don’t concern yourself with that. It’s alpha business. You need only focus on your health.”

Ethan whimpered and shook his head. “I can’t stand the thought of it. Please.”

Realizing he was pleading with the wrong man, he pried open his eyes to peek around Graydon’s arm. Elijah was right behind them, practically nipping at Lorcan’s heels. “It’s not Graydon’s fault, brother. Don’t blame him for my weakness.”

Elijah’s stony expression softened as he said, “Listen to your mate, Ethan. There’s nothing for you to worry about on our account.” His lips thinned before he added, “We both only want what’s best for you.”

The reassurance eased his mind somewhat. Then there was no time to dwell further on it as they entered the healer’s room. The scents that greeted him were soothing, as was the woman’s calm voice. He knew that whatever care he required, he’d find it with her. Not that he held any hope she could do anything to stop the inevitable loss of his pup.

“Over here, if you please, Alpha Graydon. Gently now, place him on this pallet.”

Graydon knelt with Ethan still in his arms with a grace that was surprising given his size. Ethan landed on the soft pallet with barely a bump. When he couldn’t quite manage to let go of the man himself, Graydon pried his fingers off without hurting him. His mate didn’t let go entirely, however. Instead of retreating from the messiness that was to come, Graydon knelt beside the pallet and held one of Ethan’s hands.

“The mate can stay, of course, but the rest of you go out into the hallway. This poor boy doesn’t need an audience and all of your aggressive scents are mucking up my herbal ones.”

The woman’s implacable tone was impressive. Even in his desperate condition, Ethan could appreciate how well she ruled the dominants. He fisted his free hand against the soft bedding and watched her as she unwound the blanket covering him in order to give her exam.

Her warm fingers danced across Ethan’s abdomen before she eased up one of his legs to check out his hole. Flicking his gaze up to the ceiling, he studied the unrelenting whiteness of it while trying to imagine he was anywhere else. Graydon knelt beside him, grim and silent. Another cramp rippled through. He whimpered and moved his free hand to palm his belly.

“How often are you getting those cramps?” the healer asked as she sat back on her heels.

Graydon answered for him. “That is the fifth one in the last half hour, since he woke me with his cries.”

“I see. And, Ethan, is it a sharp pain?”

He looked at her as he blinked away tears. “No, ma’am. It’s kind of like when I strain a muscle.”

“Hmm. I would like to take this blanket off you now, if you don’t mind. Alpha Graydon, would you please help me?”

Ethan said nothing as the two of them worked to free him from one covering and replace it with another. The healer’s blanket was softer and smelled as lovely as the rest of the room. He closed his eyes when they were done because he didn’t want to watch the woman as she inspected the cloth. He knew she was checking out the blood. The blanket was an old thing that he’d brought from home. He didn’t care about it but felt bad that the healer’s pretty bedding was going to get ruined.

Graydon took his hand once more. “You are doing very well at staying calm. I’m proud of you, my mate.”

He tried to smile at the praise and couldn’t quite manage it. It was astounding that he had the strength to keep his shit together as well as he was now. His poor wolf was curled up deep inside, letting out an occasional whine. Graydon’s wolf kept yipping in response, although there was no solace to be had.

“Is this all that he was lying on since the problems started?”

The question seemed directed at Graydon, and Ethan was happy to have him answer. “Yes, he slept in it overnight. He was cold being on the ground.”

When he’d joined his mate where the Strongbloods had made their camp, he’d been determined to be as tough as they. After a couple of hours, though, he’d started shivering. Not even Graydon’s large, hot body had been enough to keep him warm. It had felt like failure that Graydon had needed to get a blanket from Elijah. Gods, if only he could go back to that time and realize it was nothing compared to what was to come.

“Well, it’s not much blood at all.”

Hope flashed within him before dying again. This was only the beginning. Things would get worse.

Graydon squeezed his hand and stared down at him. “Don’t get ahead of the problem,” he said in a soft voice. “Hear what she has to say, and no matter what, know that this doesn’t change anything between us. We are fated mates, and I believe in you completely.”

Ethan couldn’t keep the tears back anymore. He started crying again, although this time, without the wailing and great gulping sobs. His reaction was quieter because now it was about how much he loved Graydon. The man had to be beside himself over the loss of his pup, and no matter what he said, he had to be thinking that Ethan was a dud for a mate after all. And still he cared enough to ease Ethan’s worries.

With a frown, Graydon reached down to wipe at Ethan’s wet face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to make you feel worse.”

“You d-didn’t.” He tried to stop the waterworks for Graydon’s sake.

“Now, now, Omega. That’s still not helping matters,” the healer chided in her soothing voice. “I’m going to give you something to help with the pain and relax you. It won’t hurt the pup, either.”

That got Ethan’s attention more than anything else had. He gazed around the room to see that she’d gone to the far side and was standing by a bench filled with bottles. “What difference does that make? I’m losing the pup.”

The healer glanced over her shoulder. “Perhaps. I don’t think so, however.” She turned back to her task. “I don’t want to give false hope, but your pain seems mild and the blood loss is very low for a miscarriage.”

“It feels as if it’s buckets full and how can any pain not be bad?” He looked wide eyed up at Graydon.

“I know it’s scary, and it’s easy to panic at any sign of trouble, especially when it’s your first whelping.” The woman returned with a glass of cloudy liquid. “But some cramping and spotting is perfectly natural for shifters. Male omegas are particularly susceptible given how your body is accommodating a pup in a space not normally designed for it. And, naturally there are no promises. Let’s take it an hour at a time and see how it goes, hmm?”

By unspoken agreement, Graydon and the healer lifted Ethan’s head and put the glass to his lips. He drank it down without compunction because if there was any chance of keeping his pup, he wanted to do what was necessary. He didn’t trust in himself to stay calm, so the potion was welcome. Besides, it tasted pretty good.

Once he’d finished, they placed his head back down. The healer went to putter around her room, while Graydon sat still beside the pallet. His big, warm hand held Ethan’s in a loose hold that was comforting without being confining.

Ethan yawned. “I feel better already. Floaty.” He did, too, as if he were levitated off the pallet with only Graydon’s grip keeping him in place.

Graydon pushed strands of hair back off Ethan’s face. “That’s good, love. Go to sleep.”

“You’ll stay with me?”

“On my honor, I won’t go anywhere I can’t hear you.”

“Good.” He closed his eyes and gave into the lovely warmth of the drug. He hadn’t missed, however, that his mate had called him love—twice.

Graydon waited until he was sure his mate slept deeply before releasing his hand and tucking it under the blanket. He was beyond grateful that the Rogue’s healer had given Ethan something to both calm and render him unconscious. No good would come from his being awake while he lost the pup. He wasn’t sure how well he, himself, was going to handle it, truth be told. When he’d woken not an hour ago to Ethan’s cries and the scent of blood, he’d felt the fear and grief as a physical blow.

After the elation of finding, mating and breeding his fated mate, this unexpected misery was hard to accept. He’d always prided himself on his mental strength. Nothing had ever diminished his confidence, until now. He was powerless in this matter, and he hated it. His only solace at this point was that his mate was no longer showing signs of pain and the scent of blood had diminished.

With quiet care, he stood and stretched to work out muscles strained by holding the scrunched position for so long. He approached the healer, who sat at her work bench, writing in some book.

“Your pardon, madam,” he said in a low voice so as not to wake Ethan. “I would ask you to give me the unvarnished truth about my mate’s condition.”

Putting her pen down, she swiveled her body to look at him. “You think I lied to your mate, Alpha Graydon?”

“With the best possible motives, yes. I, however, require no such coddling.”

The woman stared down her nose at him, not quite impudent, but clearly amused. “Well, you’re wrong. What I told Ethan was completely true. I am not convinced that he will lose the pup. Time will tell, but there is every reason to be hopeful.”

Graydon rocked back on his heels, hands at his waist. It was at that moment he remembered he was naked. Naturally, given that he’d sprung from his grassy pallet and had taken no time to throw on those ridiculous cut-offs Kael kept bringing him. His dick swung only about a foot away from the healer’s face. Even back home, he would have shown more courtesy to a female.

“I beg your pardon,” he said, stepping back, although not as far as he would have liked. He didn’t want this conversation to wake Ethan.

The healer grinned. “No apology necessary. I, too, came from a traditional pack. Nudity doesn’t bother me. It’s wearing clothes all the time that was hard to get used to.”

The information surprised him. Nevertheless, he clasped his hands in front of him before he continued. “How long until we know the outcome, do you suppose?”

“We need to give him the rest of the day, at least. Shifter miscarriages tend to be quick events. A blessing to be sure given how heartbreaking they are.”

“So, we cannot leave today as planned.”

“I’m afraid not.”

Graydon scratched his chin. “I must inform my host. Lorcan will think we are the guests that never leave.”

“He will understand. Everyone has become very fond of Ethan.”

Graydon halted the urge to preen at the compliment. It wasn’t anything he could claim credit for. His mate was simply a sweet omega. “Thank you. I should go and speak with the man.” He glanced over at where Ethan slept. “I am loathe to leave him. I promised him I wouldn’t.”

“He will stay asleep for many hours yet. If he should wake, I will explain to him why you left and come get you immediately.”

“Thank you.” With one last look at his mate, he turned to leave.

“Alpha Graydon?”

He paused. “Yes?”

The healer cleared her throat delicately. “If the worse comes to pass, what will that mean for you?”

He tried not to take offense, but the question was impudent indeed. “If you have a more pointed question to ask, madam, do not hesitate.”

“Ethan came here believing that he was barren. You proved him wrong, yet in his mind, a miscarriage would mean that he is defective. I’m sure that is driving much of his fear. He’s wrong, of course. I can’t help worry, though, that you feel as he does.”

Graydon bristled. “What nonsense. He was never barren, and as you’ve said, loss of a pup is a thing that happens. If it does in this instance, we will simply try again.” He gave her a stern look. “He is my mate, regardless. I will stand by him no matter what. We are fated to be together for the remainder of our lives.”

The healer nodded. “I’m glad to hear you say that. I would counsel you that when he wakes, he’d benefit from hearing you say those words to him.”

“I would not have believed such was necessary. I will take your advice, however.”

With that, he left.

He didn’t get far, however. Just outside the room, Elijah sat on the floor with his back against the wall and knees drawn up to his chin. He looked up at Graydon with a baleful expression. Ignoring that, Graydon crouched down to speak to him at eye level and without being provocative. The last thing Ethan needed was a fight breaking out mere feet away from where he rested.

“Did you hear the healer’s prognosis?”

“Mostly,” Elijah confirmed. His tone revealed nothing of his feelings. “I understand it’s a waiting game, and that Ethan might not be losing the pup after all.”

Graydon nodded. “Correct. I hope, for his sake, that he doesn’t,” he added because he really did want the Green Mountain alpha to be his ally, not his enemy. They held common ground in that they both wanted what was best for Ethan. The least they could do was get along.

“Me, too,” Elijah said, then sighed. “Hearing his cries this morning and scenting his blood made me crazy.” He hesitated only a moment before saying, “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion. It was foolish of me. Obviously, you wouldn’t be so stupid as to harm him right under my nose.”

Graydon’s reaction morphed from surprise at the apology to fury at the back-handed compliment. He grimaced. “We agreed less than a day ago that I wouldn’t hurt him ever. How can you mistrust me so much when you barely know me?”

Elijah sighed again and shook his head. He pinched the bridge of his nose before answering. “It’s not you. Not really. I’ve actually come to believe that you are not only trustworthy, but a valuable ally for the future. What I don’t have faith in where Ethan is concerned is my own judgment.”

The man slid his legs down straight and banged his head against the wall. “I thought that Walden was a decent man and a good alpha. I was a little less convinced he was the right choice in mates when he offered for Ethan. But my brother was smitten with the guy and pleaded with me to accept his suit. Ethan’s always been a smart, sensible omega, so I told myself I was being overprotective and picky. I approved their mating and look how that turned out.”

“You were not to know,” Graydon offered because he felt sorry for the man and kindness in this situation cost nothing.

Elijah gave him a pointed look. “Wasn’t I? I focused on physical abuse and became comfortable that wasn’t going to happen. It didn’t occur to me that he could essentially eviscerate my brother without lifting a hand.

“And,” he continued before Graydon could muster a suitable reply, “with you, it was the opposite concern. Your sincerity about this fated mate thing is obvious, but you’re so damn traditional, I haven’t been able to shake my fear that you’d beat him. That’s why I leaped to that assumption this morning.”

Once again, Graydon had to tamp down his angry reaction. While he knew his own character, of course, Elijah’s assumptions about him weren’t unfair. Perhaps if he shared more of his thoughts with the man, they could broker a true peace.

“I understand. You don’t know me, so you judge me based on misconceptions about my pack and our way of life. And, you aren’t wrong in your thinking, either.”

He sat on the floor to present a relaxed posture as he prepared to spill some of his own secrets. “I became alpha of the Strongbloods by killing my sire.”

Elijah stiffened slightly. “Daniel had told me. I assume you had a good reason.”

Surprised that Elijah was giving him that much credence, he nodded. “Yes. The man was the kind of brutal shifter you worry I am. He used his strength not only to keep the pack members in line, but also his family.”

He shrugged. “It didn’t matter to me. I’m an alpha, I can take physical punishment. It was my mother and servient siblings that were the real victims.” The mere thought of how his sire had abused them caused him to curl his hands into fists.

“My gamma older brother and I tried to shield them as much as we could. We absorbed the brunt of his ire. Eventually, my brother had to run from the pack before our sire killed him outright. A couple of years later, I gained sufficient growth to challenge the fucker. I lost.”

He had to pause in his telling of the tale as memories, painful and humiliating ones, swamped him. Taking in a shuddering breath, he continued. “It cost me years of misery, although not for myself. My sire was too worried he’d never have another alpha son. He let me live.

“He humiliated me every day in small ways and large. Worse, he sold off my sigma sisters to far away packs. We haven’t seen them since. And he threatened to do the same with my omega brother if I didn’t stay in line. Any transgression on my part was taken out on my mother’s hide. He would do it in private, though, with only me as a witness. She deals with the permanent damage done to this day.”

Graydon fell silent, having said more than he wanted to. That painful past was something he never dwelled on. He couldn’t bring his sisters back, nor wash away the physical pain his mother had and still suffered. He could only move forward, leading his pack and treating his family in a different way than his sire had.

“Obviously, you tried again,” Elijah said after a few moments of silence. “He was foolish to leave you alive the first time.”

Graydon parted his lips in a satisfied grin. “The worst mistake of his life. Perhaps the only one, as he was as smart as he was vicious. I took pleasure in ending him.”

“Can’t say I blame you.”

They sat for a few more minutes not saying anything. Graydon started to grow restless. He wanted to be by Ethan’s side and still hadn’t had a chance to speak with Lorcan.

“My point in all of this is that while you’re right that my pack has a history more brutish than you’d agree with, I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking. What I learned from my sire was the opposite of what he was trying to teach me. I don’t need a fist to hold my position. I certainly will never do anything to harm my mate.”

He stood with the intent of leaving. If Elijah didn’t accept his words at face value, there was nothing more to be done. Graydon would not continue to defend himself against things he hadn’t done.

Elijah got up as well and held out his hand. “I believe you.” When they clasped arms, though, he added, “I assume that means you meant it when you told Andrea you’ll keep my brother as your mate even if he loses this pup.”

Graydon tugged the man in closer and stared him down. “I will kill anyone who tries to take him from me. He is mine. The Gods have decreed it, and…I love him.” The words came tumbling out before he realized what he was doing.

His brother-by-mating grinned. “Glad to hear it, man, but don’t tell me. Tell Ethan.”

Graydon frowned as he released his grip. “I suppose in this matter, you are right.”

With a laugh, Elijah clapped him on the shoulder. “Damn straight, I am. Now go back in and be with him. I’ll go update Lorcan and, uh, find you something to wear,” he added with a wink.

The sudden change in demeanor from the Green Mountain alpha unsettled him. Still, he was getting his way, and that’s all that counted. “Thank you,” he managed to say before turning back to the healer’s doorway.

The sight of his mate sleeping peacefully sent his heart tripping. He didn’t question the speed with which he returned to his side. Picking up the boy’s small hand, he pressed a kiss to the inner wrist. Then he sat quietly and watched, while praying to the Gods that they would let them keep the pup.

****

Ethan woke sluggishly, his eyelids heavy, and his thoughts scattered. Then memories came crashing back and fear had him opening his eyes with his gaze pinging around. Graydon’s face caught his attention immediately, however, his steady expression calming him.

“Easy, my love. You’re safe.”

Ethan palmed his abdomen instinctively, as if he could feel something. He knew he couldn’t, so he searched within him for other clues. There was no pain and his hole didn’t feel sticky or itchy.

Graydon placed one of his hands on top of Ethan’s and the other on his forehead. “The pup is still there. Nothing bad happened while you slept.”

“Oh.” Ethan felt lightheaded despite his position. “That’s wonderful. It could still happen, though, right?” He barely had the courage to ask.

“Anything is possible, my love. The healer is optimistic, however. So am I.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Except you wouldn’t tell me if you were worried, would you?”

His mate looked affronted. “I will never lie to you, my love.”

Ethan wasn’t convinced. He bet the man would if he thought it was in Ethan’s best interest. Instead of questioning him, though, he chose to focus on the part of the statement that pleased him.

“Why do you keep calling me that—my love?” he clarified when Graydon frowned in confusion.

The man smiled, something he didn’t do much, yet should. It made him impossibly handsome without diminishing his power in the least. “Because that’s how I feel.” He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Ethan’s lips. “I love you.”

His heart tripped before picking up speed. He had to quell it for fear of aggravating his condition. “I-I thought you believed the Gods fated us to mate.”

“I do.”

“But then doesn’t that mean we have to be together no matter how we feel? You don’t have to love me,” he added in a low voice.

He practically held his breath while he waited for a response. He hadn’t thought it mattered if his mate actually loved him or not. It had been enough that he wanted Ethan. He wasn’t sure a primitive alpha like Graydon could acknowledge such a soft emotion. It would be okay if the sentiment only went one way.

Liar.

Graydon cupped his cheek. “My darling mate, the Gods wouldn’t have fated us if they hadn’t also known we would love each other. I may not be one to utter pretty words, but I feel my love as deeply as any shifter can. Never doubt that this isn’t merely a biological imperative between us. If I had been given the choice, I would have picked you in a heartbeat.”

“Oh, Graydon.” Tears leaked down his cheeks, and he reached up to bring his mate down for another kiss.

He would have kept their lips fused together until his lungs burst, except Graydon gave them only a few seconds before letting go.

“Now then, Ethan. You are not to overtax yourself or give my wolf bad ideas. You need to eat. I bet you are hungry.”

Disappointed, Ethan nevertheless did as he was told. “I am, actually.” He was surprised to feel his stomach rumble.

“Excellent. You’ve missed two meals, having slept most of the day. I have some broth here. The healer said that if you can finish this easily, I can get you something more substantial. It will help slake your thirst, as well.”

Graydon set about propping Ethan against his broad chest with the help of pillows. Then he helped him sip the warm broth straight from the bowl.

“That’s it,” Graydon encourage.

Ethan basked in the warmth of the hold, praise and food. Some of his worry lifted as well. “How long before we’ll truly know?” he asked between swallows.

“Another day, the healer said. Although once we’re sure you’re keeping the pup, you’ll still have to take it easy for a few more days. No shifting and running.”

“We have to stay here for another week?” Ethan didn’t like the idea he was inconveniencing so many others.

“No.” Graydon put the rim of the bowl back to Ethan’s lips. “We’re driving back to my pack. Our pack,” he amended, and the sound of it warmed Ethan as much as anything else had.

He drunk the rest of his broth. “Wait, what?” He tried to twist his head to look at his mate. “How’s that going work? Have you bought a vehicle?”

“No, we’re using Elijah’s camper…which he’s going to drive.”

Ethan gasped. Again, he tried to look at Graydon and again he wasn’t allowed to.

“Don’t worry about a thing, my love. Your brother and I have worked it all out. He has the necessary human paperwork and currency to allow us to drive a long distance and stay in human accommodations whenever necessary. We are agreed that we will take as much time as needed to get you there without taxing you unduly.”

“B-but,” Ethan sputtered, “he needs to get back home.”

Graydon’s chest moved up and down in what was undoubtedly a shrug. “He is convinced Graham and the others can be trusted to run things in his absence.”

“That’s true.” He relaxed again. “I still feel guilty about taking so much of his time.”

“Of course, you do, because you are a sweet and considerate omega. Believe me when I tell you that this is best for Elijah as well as you. Now he can see for himself where you will be living. And it will be educational for the man.”

“How do you mean?”

“Merely that he’s been so focused on looking forward, he’s lost the value of what was in the past.”

Placing a kiss on Ethan’s head, Graydon carefully pulled away and lay Ethan down on just the pillow. “Are you up for something more solid?”

“Yes. Actually, I’m famished,” he said, realizing that the broth had stimulated his appetite. The knowledge cheered him up. If he could be this hungry, surely the pup was the cause. It gave him the best possible hope that things would be okay.

Graydon stood. “I’ll be back shortly with a full meal.”

Ethan gave his mate a shy smile. “Thank you. I love you, Graydon,” he couldn’t help adding. He’d said the words before, but it was worth saying again and again, for the rest of their lives.

“Of course, you do.” Graydon puffed out his chest and swaggered out of the room like the powerful alpha that he was.

Alone, Ethan palmed the spot where his pup lay growing. “Did you here that, little one. That’s your sire. He’s going to take very good care of us. No omega has ever been luckier than I.”

****

Ryan stood holding Milo with Griffin’s long arms encircling them both. “I can’t believe it’s all over.”

The whole pack dotted the backyard as they watched the Green Mountain Pack members start their engines. The Strongbloods had shifted and waited by the tree line for their alpha to signal them to leave.

Griffin placed his chin on the top of Ryan’s head. “It did seem like it was never going to end at a few points. As successful as the gathering has been, it will be nice to get back to the normal routine.”

As he watched Graydon settle Ethan in the back of Elijah’s camper, Ryan leaned into his mate’s embrace. “Yes, it will.”

Except things would be different. He was mated again and his small family was settling into a lovely rhythm that left Ryan feeling both happy and useful. Milo was sleeping well for the first time ever, testament to Griffin’s influence. It meant that Ryan wasn’t tired anymore even when he got up early to start in on the bread. And Griffin was always there to lend a hand.

“I hope Ethan has as successful a mating as me.”

“Oh, baby, how could he not? Graydon is treating him like spun glass, plus he’s willing to spend the next few days in a close space with Elijah. If that doesn’t scream love, I don’t know what does.”

“Griffin!” Ryan chided his mate and playfully swatted his arm. “I’m sure they’ll get along just fine.”

“My sweet, eternally optimistic mate.”

“Only because you’ve made me so,” Ryan replied and lifted his head to beg a kiss. Which Griffin provided with a look in his eye that promised more later.

Appearing awkward in the full set of clothing the omegas had toiled to sew for him, Graydon approached his dominants and gave them the signal to take off. They did with a flash of movement and thunder of howling. A few seconds later, the Green Mountain betas and gammas did the same in their vehicles. That left only the alphas.

Lorcan shook hands with both Graydon and Elijah, their relaxed stances and easy expressions giving everyone a sense of peace and calm. A new era for the Rogue Pack had begun. With two powerful packs as trading partners and allies, there would be no more fear of failure. Ryan hadn’t understood how much that worry had stayed with him since he’d joined. For the first time in his life, he felt completely lighthearted.

As he watched the foreign shifters drive away, he turned to press his face into Griffin’s neck. “It’s okay to be happy now, isn’t it, Griffin?”

His mate hugged him tight. “It sure is, baby. For both of us.”

Epilogue

“Turn left here.”

Elijah peered through the windshield to see where Graydon pointed. “That’s not a road. It’s not even a rutted path.”

His new brother-in-law snorted. That sound was really getting on Elijah’s nerves. He’d been hearing it for days as they drove almost up to the Canadian border. “It’s not. My compound is inaccessible by vehicle. We’ll park this thing and hike in from here.”

Elijah did as Graydon wanted, still not convinced his camper wouldn’t lose an axle or two from the uneven ground. Past the tree line, however, he did spot a sort of open space. That’s where Graydon directed him to go.

He pulled up to a pile of tangled brush and stopped. “Is that a jeep under all of that?” he asked as the shape become clearer.

“Yes. We hide it when it’s not in use to keep prying humans from exploring.”

Elijah shut off the engine, pushing back the fatigue that washed over him. Not wanting to risk trouble, he’d done all the driving because surprise, surprise, Graydon didn’t have a license.

“Okay, we cover my ride up, then hoof it to your compound. How long is that going to take? I don’t think Ethan should do a lot of walking.”

“I’m fine, Elijah. Stop fussing. You’re both making me crazy. I didn’t need to lie down the whole way, but as you both made me, I’m more than ready to get and stay vertical.”

Graydon turned to look at his mate. “Pace yourself, my love. I’m not letting up on your restrictions until my own healer tells me otherwise, so be prepared to fume a while longer. I’m going to carry him,” Graydon said to Elijah.

“Good idea.” Try as he might, Elijah couldn’t find fault with the way the Strongblood alpha treated Ethan. Pampered didn’t begin to describe it sufficiently.

He opened his door. “Let’s get started. It’s going to be dark soon.”

Graydon hopped out, as well, then opened Ethan’s door. “No need to cover this up. My boys will handle it. And they’ll carry Ethan’s belongings, too. You’ve done enough with all the driving.”

Elijah looked around. “We’re in your pack lands already?” He figured it was a stupid question the moment it left his mouth.

“For the last two miles, yes, although I’m not sure the humans would agree, if they knew we existed.” Graydon scooped a frowning Ethan into his arms and kicked the door shut. “My boys have been shadowing us since we crossed the perimeter.”

At the declaration, men came walking out of the shadows of the forest. The beta, Kael, and two unfamiliar gammas approached in human form, unhurried and obviously happy to see their alpha. Being able to run full tilt and in a straight line meant the beta had arrived ahead of them.

“Sir,” Kael said, “welcome home to you and your mate. We’re happy to see you so soon.”

“We made good time,” Graydon replied. “Clear out the vehicle and cover it.”

“Yes, sir. Alpha Elijah,” Kael added with a nod as he passed.

Without further words, the beta entered the camper and started gathering Ethan’s stuff. He handed it all to the gammas.

“This way, brother,” Graydon called out.

Confident that matters were under control, Elijah joined him and Ethan. Graydon had taken to referring to him in that manner, and although Elijah wanted to be irritated out of simple pique, he found he couldn’t. If nothing else, his new relative was an open book when it came to his emotions. There was no irony in the way he referred to Elijah.

He walked beside them to the extent possible, behind them when it wasn’t, enjoying the peace of the deep woods. This was beautiful country, almost as much as his own pack lands were. Ethan would feel right at home. It was great to be out of the camper, off the road, and to stretch his legs. Maybe he’d have a chance to shift and run. It had been days and his wolf was twitchy. Hungry, too. He hoped there would be more on the table than raw meat.

Knock it off.

He was being churlish, if only in his own thoughts. He needed to stop and give Graydon a chance. For Ethan’s sake.

When they’d walked for a couple of miles, he began to worry that the journey was never going to end. Then Graydon abruptly stopped in front of what looked like a thick growth of deformed trees. Elijah stared at it, blinked a few times in the descending gloom, and adjusted his view. Then he chuckled.

“I’ll be damned. It’s like your longhouse is part of the natural forest.”

Graydon grinned broadly. “Exactly. We constructed our buildings inside the trees as much as possible and filled in the gaps with saplings after the fact. And behind that is a warren of caves. We know how to blend in.” He looked down at Ethan. “It’s not what you’re used to, I know.”

Elijah raised his eyebrows. That was the first time he’d ever heard the man show any uncertainty.

“Are you kidding? It will be like living in a tree house.” Ethan giggled. “How many stories is it?”

“Three. And there are multi-story entrances to the caves, as well. You’ll be safe here, my love.”

Ethan swatted him. “I’ve never doubted that. Now, let me down so that my new pack doesn’t think I’m feeble or anything.”

“They will love you as I do.” Graydon nevertheless set Ethan on his feet and held him to his side.

At the same time, shifters of all ages came strolling out from behind the curtain of branches and fronds. Most of them were naked, something that Elijah had expected. He supposed he was going to have to shuck off his own clothing to fit in. Not that he was staying long, only a couple of days to see Ethan settled.

Everyone greeted their alpha with obvious cheer. And they gazed openly at their new alpha mate, but without any malice or suspicion that Elijah could detect.

“It’s good to be home,” Graydon called out. “This is my mate, Ethan. I know you will welcome him in the manner he is due. First, however, he needs food and rest.”

“Graydon,” Ethan whispered. “I’m fine.”

It was on the tip of Elijah’s tongue to remind his brother of his manners. Mated or not, the boy was still his responsibility on some level. He opened his mouth, then shut it again at the sight of a naked omega boy racing out from behind the others. His long, black hair obscured his face.

“Graydon!” The boy shrieked and barreled right into him.

Ethan was forced to stumble away from his mate.

“Wren, have care!” Graydon admonished the boy and shot out a hand to steady Ethan.

Elijah couldn’t keep the scowl from his face as he went to his brother’s aide. “You okay?” He put his hands on Ethan’s shoulders.

“I’m fine,” Ethan replied, although his expression had turned fierce. “Who is this, Graydon?”

“My brother. Remember I told you about him?”

Ethan relaxed and smiled. “Oh sure. Nice to meet you, Wren.”

When the boy didn’t respond, Graydon turned him to face Ethan and Elijah. “Make your greetings, brother.”

Sweeping the curtain of hair from his face, the Strongblood omega stared back at them with a smirk. “Hello.”

Elijah opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His voice was gone. And a strange buzzing in his ears drowned out every other sound. His vision tunneled down to those upturned lips set within a beauty that was not of this world.

He knew in that instant his life was never going to be the same.

More Books in The Rogue Pack Series:

The Rogue’s Omega

Accidentally Omega

Omega’s Breed

Taming the Omega

Omega in the Middle

Omega on the Loose

Omega Lost

More MM Books by this Author:

The Pleasure Slaves Series:

Body Slave

Slave For Rent

Heir to a Slave

Books published with Pride Publishing:

Man Candy

One Night in a Dungeon

Safeword

Never the Groom

The Alien Slave Masters Series:

The Captain’s Pet

The Rebellious Pet

The Untamed Pet

The Captive Pet

The Inconvenient Pet

The Undercover Pet

The Alien Blood Wars Series:

Blood Dance

Dangerous Dance

Slave Dance

Star Dance

Mating Dance

Published with Wild Rose Press:

Blue Heat

Catching Eagle’s Eye

Outside the Lines

About the Author

I'm a corporate lawyer, happily married for thirty years, with three kids and three dogs. No white picket fence, but we do live in the ’burbs west of Boston. While my husband and I still do occasionally lick chocolate off each other, our more typical evening involves lying in bed once the kids are in theirs, and reading separate books. Mine, of course, are romance. I started reading them as a defense against all those boring legal documents. Once I started, I couldn't stop.

I've also loved erotica since I was old enough to appreciate what sex is. I love reading and writing M/M in particular. I've been publishing erotic romance since 2009.

Besides my family, writing, and reading, my loves include the sight, smell, and sounds of the ocean (I'm a New England girl through and through), chocolate (naturally), prime rib (bloody), and good bourbon on the rocks.

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