by Lisa Oliver
“Well, apparently we’re not allowed to kill council members,” Sean said running his hand over his face. “Dad seemed pretty upset when I tried, probably because we’re on pack grounds.”
“He was right, you know,” Liam replied and Sean knew it was true. If he had given into temptation and killed Josiah, he would have been locked up, at least for the duration of the investigation that would follow. He couldn’t do that to his mate.
“I thought these guys were supposed to help keep Caden safe from his ex-pack? Sounds to me they’re more of a threat than the psycho. We should just fucking kill the lot of them and bury their bodies where they can’t be found.” Felix was not a man to mince his words, and Sean felt a strengthening bond with his brother’s mate. Felix might be human, but he was fierce when it came to protecting the people he cared about and he clearly cared about Caden.
“I don’t know what to fucking do,” Sean said, his head running through a dozen scenarios. “I can see where dad’s coming from. Hide Caden in a larger pack, call in the council to take care of this rogue and his pack, let them take out the threat, and we all go back to living our lives.”
“What’s the deal with this rogue guy, anyway?” Felix asked. “I thought rogue was just another word for loner, like you two.”
“No, lover, rogues are far worse,” Liam said, tucking his arm around Felix’s shoulder. “Rogues are loners in the sense they don’t run with a pack, which is a bit like us. But they don’t have a pack because they are on the run from someone. Usually the council is hunting for them because of some crime they’ve committed – that’s what the troubleshooters like Josiah and Matt are for. They apprehend or take out rogue wolves and solve shifter crimes as such. Dad, and apparently the council too if what Josiah said is true, are worried that a rogue has created his own pack, which by extension makes them all rogues. That’s against shifter laws. Staying off the grid, barely interacting with anyone, and ruling with an iron fist – there’s no telling what state the other shifters in that pack might be in.”
“But that puts Caden in more danger, doesn’t it? If he knows where this pack is and they’re trying to stay away from your authorities.” Felix had a worried look on his face, although Sean saw his eyes softening when he looked down at the sleeping man. He looked down as well, and noticed his hand was stroking Caden’s hair, something that he seemed to do a lot, especially when Caden was asleep. He was turning into a softie, but he wasn’t about to stop. He told himself Caden slept better when he had a soothing hand on his head. His actions were definitely for Caden’s benefit, not his – or so he told himself firmly.
Liam asked the question that Sean had been wrestling with. “Question is, do we stay with the safety of the pack, and see what the council finds out, or do we head back home, get some security of our own, and be prepared to take on any threat as it happens?”
“You’d be safer in the pack,” Ian said, coming into the room without knocking, clearly concerned about Caden. Ian had always had a soft spot for Omegas, probably because Sean’s mother had been one. Ian smiled when he saw Caden nestled in Sean’s arms. “I’ve called the council and raised holy hell over the fact that an investigation into rogues took precedence over keeping an Omega safe. I pre-empted any complaint that Josiah might make about being attacked on pack grounds, by laying a complaint about his conduct towards Caden and Felix. Believe me, the council was not impressed to hear that their representatives insulted an Omega and a human. Dumb and Dumber have been given rooms here, and the council has instructed them to assist in any way possible in keeping Caden safe for the foreseeable future.”
“We don’t need fuckwits like that here. I don’t want either of them anywhere near my mate.” Sean was definite about that point. The lust in Matt’s eyes was far too strong for comfort, and Josiah’s bigotry was just as hard to swallow.
“Or mine,” Liam said just as fiercely, pulling Felix closer, if that was possible. The man was already sitting on his brother’s lap.
“An Omega representative was sent,” Ian continued, ignoring his sons’ possessive natures. “He was apparently persuaded to stay at his hotel in town by Dumb and Dumber, and the two men got in trouble about that as well. The Omega representative is on his way here as we speak. Is Caden going to be all right?”
“I’m not sure.” Sean didn’t seem to be able to stop stroking Caden’s soft blond hair. “I haven’t had a chance to speak to him. He had passed out by the time we got up here. I think the stress was too much for him.”
“Given his background that’s not surprising,” Ian said fondly. “Keep him warm, stay close to him, and I’ll send food up if he’s not recovered in a few hours. His breathing is fine, so I should imagine he’s just resting.”
“He’ll be shutting the world out,” Felix said softly. “He used to do that sometimes, when I first met him. Before he had his art to turn too, he would often get overwhelmed and just sleep for hours. I just hope his mind is kind enough to send him to a happy place. He’s been known to have wicked nightmares when he gets upset like this.”
Well-meaning it might have been, but Felix’s comments didn’t make Sean feel any better. He cuddled his mate even closer, praying that on some level, spiritual, emotional or whatever, that Caden would understand that he was protected, and that he was safe.
/~/~/~/~/
Caden was in the grips of a nightmare, one he’d been in hundreds of times before. His pack had found out he’d escaped and were chasing him through a dark, seemingly never-ending forest. His white fur sparkled like a beacon under the pale moonlight and he was desperately trying to find somewhere to hide. Everywhere he turned he could hear the pad of paws on the forest leaves, howls and sharp barks - his pack wasn’t even trying to be quiet. It was all part of their torture tactics – letting Caden know they were coming, that there was no place to hide, and that the pain, when he was eventually caught would be brutal, harsh and hard to heal from.
Caden knew the scenario only too well. He’d experienced that pain, both in the dream world and in his daily life for years before he’d made his escape. Those were the times that made him long for death; when he prayed to anyone who might listen that when he was caught, they would end him quickly. But experience had already shown he could never be that lucky. He would always get caught. He was always punished. His prayers were always unanswered. But Caden had no choice but to do what he always did in his dreams. He ran.
Nowhere felt safe. The trees were dark, branches low as if ready to grab him. All around him there was nothing but dark shapes and the sound of the pack getting closer and closer. Caden felt his legs trembling; he knew he wasn’t going to be able to go much further. He sniffed the wind, looking for something, anything, he didn’t know what. But just when he was about to give up all hope, something changed. He could scent something new. A scent, a beautiful concoction of forest trees, sunshine and the hint of rain. Caden didn’t remember ever dreaming about scents before, except for the stench of his own blood as his pack took pleasure in spilling it. Without second guessing himself, Caden turned towards the wonderful aroma, chasing it, hunting it down, just as surely as the pack was hunting him.
As he ran, the scent got stronger, and as Caden got closer, his sixth sense told him this was another wolf – not pack, but definitely a shifter. But even that was not enough to stop him. He should have been afraid, he should have been running in totally the opposite direction, but Caden’s wolf sensed something good in the stranger, and kept Caden on a collision course with…something.
Rounding a stand of trees, Caden saw him. A huge black wolf, with dark intelligent eyes. The animal was bigger than any he’d seen before. But despite his size, Caden couldn’t scent anything hostile in the other creature. It was as if the bigger wolf was waiting, but waiting for what? With the sounds of the pack closing in on him, Caden decided he didn’t care and didn’t have time to think about it. Another few minutes and the pack would have him. This new wolf smelled like home and s
afety, and that was a darn sight more than he’d ever had in his life. Without hesitation he ran towards the wolf, praying for a quick end or a safe haven – either one would thwart the chasing pack. As he reached the gorgeous creature, the wolf morphed into man – a man Caden did know even in his dream state – Sean. You’re safe now, precious, he heard in his head, and all at once the forest and the chasing pack disappeared.
“Sean.” Caden woke in a panic. The last thought he had when he’d passed out, became the first thing his brain registered when he woke up. He couldn’t lose his mate. Frantically looking around he could see he was in the bedroom Sean had taken him through earlier that day. At least he presumed it was the same day. The sun appeared to be setting, so it must be early evening. Gods, how long had he been out of it, and where was his mate?
“Right here, precious.” Sean appeared at the bathroom door, naked except for a towel slung low around his hips. “I was taking a quick shower. How are you feeling?”
Letting out a sigh of relief, Caden quickly glanced away, focusing on his hands rather than the vision in front of him. He was embarrassed by the lust he knew would be written all over his face. Sean had the type of body Caden had daydreamed about for years – V shaped, muscles upon muscles on top, and the trimmest waist, followed by another deep V, this time heading under the towel, leading to what Caden already knew was an impressive cock. Caden was instantly horny. However, given his collapse in front of his mate’s father, Caden didn’t think sex would be on the menu anytime soon.
“Fine,” he said, remembering just in time that Sean had asked a question. “I’m fine, honestly. I’m sorry…you know…about before. I err…I didn’t mean to…”
“You did nothing wrong, precious.” Sean had climbed up on the bed, and then his arms were around Caden and fuck it all, Caden could feel his eyes welling up with tears again. Could he be anymore pathetic? But Sean was being so kind, and he looked so good, and no one said you couldn’t have tears in your eyes and a hard on. Caden proved that theory.
“You’ve had a really rough day,” Sean soothed, his deep voice causing rumbles through the chest Caden was plastered against. “What was the last part of it you remember?”
Caden thought back to the scene in the dining room. He remembered there was shouting, and a lot of growling. “You were in your wolf form,” he said. “But they said they were going to take you away and lock you up.” He looked around the room anxiously, worried he’d see those wretched council guards coming for his mate with guns drawn.
“No one is going to lock me up, babe,” Sean said, holding him closer. “Sounds like Dumb and Dumber caught wind of the Omega representative coming to talk to you. They just heard the name Cannon Falls and overstepped their bounds a bit. Dad assures me they’ve been suitably chastised by their bosses, and won’t be causing you anymore problems.”
“So I don’t have to talk to anyone?” Caden wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. The idea of sharing his story with anyone was upsetting enough, but the thought of his ex-Alpha confronting his mate was even worse.
“There’s an Omega representative here. Dad assures me he’s a good guy, someone he’s met before. This man does want to talk to you, when you are ready, but not before.”
Caden looked down at Sean’s chest – so smooth and tanned. His fingers itched to touch, but he didn’t think Sean would welcome his advances. “Can you, will you be able…” He broke off, his face flushing red. Why did he have to be so damned weak all the time?
“I’ll be with you, if that’s what you want. I’ll do anything you want; surely you know that by now?” Caden caught a hint of hurt in Sean’s voice and he looked up, surprised.
“You would? You will? But you’re Alpha and…”
“And apparently smitten with you.” There was a flush of pale pink showing through Sean’s tanned cheeks. “Look, I’ve been thinking. I know I don’t do this mushy relationship stuff very well,” the handsome Alpha continued, “but you have to know you’re my life now. Anything you want, I’ll get it for you. Anywhere you want to go, I’ll be there with you. I’ll wipe out any threat just to keep you safe and in my arms. It might not be romantic, but you have my word I’ll never stray, or let you down.”
“Wow. That is pretty romantic, you know.” Caden looked down at Sean’s chest again and this time he gave into the urge to touch. Sean’s skin was silky smooth, yet the muscles beneath were a solid indication of power and strength. If there was ever a man built with keeping him safe in mind, it was his mate. But Caden had one more concern he had to voice and Sean admitting he had feelings, after a fashion, gave him the strength to say what he needed to say.
“I let you down today,” he whispered, watching his fingers trace random symbols on Sean’s skin. “I was weak, which is not something a wolf shifter should ever be. I let my anxiety get the better of me, and I shamed you in front of your father and his enforcers. Will you ever be able to forgive me?”
Caden felt his chin being lifted and this time Sean’s eyes were blazing. “You. Did. Nothing. Wrong.” Sean’s voice was stern. “You spoke up; told them you wouldn’t go with them alone – that took strength. I don’t know why you collapsed after that, but believe me there is no way I think less of you because of it.”
“They said they were going to take you away,” Caden whispered – he could drown in Sean’s eyes. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you. I’ve never had anyone in my life that was there just for me. The thought of you being locked up, of not being able to be with you…”
Anything more that Caden might have confessed after that was cut off by hard lips that were pushed over his, scorching his mouth and taking his very breath away. Any doubts Caden might have had about being touched again disappeared under an ardent attack. Sean didn’t seem to be able to stop touching him. His hands were hot and heavy on Caden’s clothes, ripping them, tearing them away, and Caden couldn’t be happier. He latched his hands around Sean’s neck, pulling his mate down, pushing his body up, desperate to get closer, to feel more, to get more of those delicious kisses. His nerves were on overload yet again, but this time he was in heaven because of it.
Chapter Seventeen
Sean was going out of his mind. Caden had been out for hours. Hours that Sean had spent worrying and then wondering, and then worrying again. He never worried over anybody, for fucks sake, except maybe his brother when he was little. And yet here he was now, going grey haired over a slight little man, with a mop of blond hair, and the brightest blue eyes Sean had ever seen. His worry made him think about feelings, and all that mushy stuff that Sean had sworn he’d never have time for in his life. Did Caden have feelings for him? Or could his mate be attracted to someone like Matt? Did Caden even like him, or was it just the mating pull? Could he ever be enough for his little mate, or would Caden be…UGH! His brain just wouldn’t shut up.
So when Caden confessed, in that soft sexy voice of his, what had caused his breakdown in the dining room, Sean was relieved at least half of his worries had been answered. His mate didn’t want to lose him, and that was enough for now. Always being able to express himself better with actions, and wanting to reaffirm his claim on his beautiful Omega, Sean let his cock do the thinking and gave into his instincts.
The grip he had around Caden’s head was harsh, he knew it, but he also knew his mate could take it. His other hand made short work of that sexy button up shirt and jeans. Were they wearable again? Who cared? Sean would buy him a dozen more if necessary. His need for skin against skin, the desperate urge he had to sink his throbbing cock into Caden’s willing body was the only thing driving his actions. Thank the fates his mate seemed to feel the same way.
Caden’s hands were locked around his neck, and that opened up his lithe body for all sorts of delicious explorations. But his young man’s submission pushed Sean into aphrodisiac overload – he had to fuck, now. His mouth still playing tongue hockey with Caden’s frantic lips, teeth and gums, his free hand ha
d run straight down Caden’s back, looking for that tight little crease that hid the hole he was looking for. Within seconds he found it and thank everything that was holy, his mate was wet and ready for him. Sean wasn’t sure, despite never wanting to hurt Caden in anyway, that he’d been able to wait for the Omega’s natural response to his arousal.
“Hop up on your knees, precious,” he rasped, pulling his lips away from Caden’s face. Caden must have heard him, because his body moved, but his lips were back in an instant, and Sean groaned as it was his mouth that was assaulted this time. Caden didn’t have the world’s best technique, but his enthusiasm was intoxicating and Sean took over their kissing, even as he maneuvered Caden over his body.
“Oh my gods, yes,” Sean groaned, as his cock was suddenly encased in heat, the pressure just enough to keep him on the edge. Caden gasped, and buried his face in Sean’s neck as he adjusted to the swift entry. Sean took the time to kiss along Caden’s shoulder, the smooth skin teasing his lips, feeling so much calmer now he was seated in his mate. Yes, he still wanted to rut and thrust like a demented rabbit, but he could control those urges, for the moment. His wolf was appeased – their mate was happy, safe, and in Sean’s arms. The pounding would come. Sean was too wound up to settle for anything less. But he could take a moment, show a bit of consideration and tenderness…or maybe not.
“Move!”
Definitely ‘not.’ Seems Caden had needs of his own, and Sean figured he was the right man to fill them. He lifted Caden slightly and brought him back down around him. That one movement was enough to set him off. Holding tight to his mate, Sean got on his knees and thrust Caden back towards the mattress. Now he had the leverage he needed and he took full advantage of it, thrusting into Caden’s body as though his ass was on fire.
Caden was right there with him, meeting him thrust for thrust, his moans sending Sean’s senses soaring. The way Caden held himself open, his head flat on the mattress, and his glorious hair in a sweaty mess around his head. Never had Sean wanted to crawl inside another person so badly. As Caden started to babble and plead for his own release, Sean leaned over further, letting his abs provide the friction Caden was looking for. It didn’t take long - two, three thrusts and Caden cried out, his groan morphing into a howl as Sean felt his abs coated with sticky heat. Caden’s inner muscles tightened around him like a vice and Sean roared as he came, helpless to do anything else. As he continued to pump his seed deep inside of his mate he dropped his head, capturing Caden’s mating mark perfectly. The sweet blood that gushed into his mouth was the final piece of the puzzle, and for the first time in their hellishly long day, Sean felt at peace.