Kole accepted the phone, his eyes sliding back and forth as he took the message in. He returned it and went back to brooding over the balcony. He didn’t say anything, just stared solemnly at the activity below.
Braun wracked his brain for a way to console him, but he was bad at things that involved emotions. He settled for distraction. “I was going to make dinner tonight. How does pasta sound?”
“That bastard’s head on a silver plate sounds better,” Kole growled. His jaw moved as if he were gritting his teeth, his eyes lighting with fire.
Braun chuckled. The omega looked to him, not at all amused. “You’re very much your parents’ son.”
“What do you mean?” Kole inquired, his face lighting as if he really wanted to know.
Letting out a breath, Braun figured the best way to distract Kole was with good memories, even if they weren’t his. He walked around the edge of the pool and took a seat on a lawn chair. “Your omega-father wasn’t as sweet as he liked to pretend.”
That grabbed Kole’s attention and he came around to sit next to Braun. “You knew him?”
“I grew up with your parents before they were a thing. We were the three amigos. Cale always got us into trouble and Nyk and I took turns getting us out.”
Kole gaped at him, his brows furrowing. “You are a Redspire?”
Figuring it was too late to turn back, Braun continued. “My father was leader of the Redspire pack. I was his only son. Nyk’s dad was his beta. Nyk, Cale and I were the best of friends. Cale was fiery for an omega and knew all the right buttons to push to convince us to do things we shouldn’t. He was a master manipulator and as strong willed as any alpha.”
A slow smile arched over Kole’s lips. “I remember his stories best.”
“He had a great imagination too. I loved sitting around a campfire while he told his stories. He used to tell Nyk and I that we’d run away to open a bookstore and start our own pack.”
“Dad never told me how he knew you,” Kole muttered. “He didn’t tell me much, really.”
Fidgeting, Braun sat back. His past was a tricky situation. “I always got the impression Nyk felt guilty whenever I did speak with him over the years. I left the pack, planted roots in Chicago and Nyk became pack leader. We just… drifted, I suppose.”
“Guilty? About what?”
Braun stroked his beard in thought, not really wanting to go into the details. “Cale chose Nyk over me. They’d always been close. Come to think of it, they seemed destined to mate. I wasn’t angry or jealous, but time and circumstance has a way of changing everything.”
The omega’s gaze grew distant, no doubt considering the possibilities. After a moment, he asked, “Did Dad challenge you for leadership?”
Braun laughed at the thought. “No. Not seriously anyway. We’d tumble and bullshit about who could best who, but it was never serious. We were two typical young alphas. I chose to give up possession of the pack after succeeding my father.”
Rubbing his temples, Kole growled. “This is weird.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. You know my parents and were supposed to be pack leader, but they never really talked about you.”
Letting go of a big breath, Braun answered as honestly as he could. “We all have our secrets. I just wish I’d visited more. After Cale got sick… It was hard. I’ll always regret not seeing him before he… passed.”
Kole’s throat shifted as if he’d swallowed a lump and he looked to the pool. “I miss him.”
“Me too,” he said. “I think after this is all done, I’m going to take a trip to Montana. See the crystal blue skies, taste the honey, smell the wildflowers.”
Kole didn’t respond. The positivity of the moment quickly fell, and Braun knew what he was thinking. If there is a home to return to. He had the upmost confidence in his network, but there was always the possibility. Nyk could be mortally wounded. The Redspire pack that was centuries old might disband after his death. “I think I know what you need.”
Kole looked to him with watery eyes.
“Come.” Braun rose to his feet and offered his hand. Kole looked at it for a moment but eventually took what was offered. His skin was warm and smooth, but his grip was strong. He didn’t want to admit to himself how nice it was to have another’s touch against his skin. Not just anyone, but an omega.
Chapter 5
Kole watched as the thick trees zoomed by in a green blur. They’d been on the road for the past hour, leaving the city of Chicago far behind. They’d navigated through suburbs and farmland until the tree line loomed in front of them. Breaking through the forest boundary was like a powerful ocean wave wiping away the smog and congestion of the city.
A burst of cool air hit him, the temperature inside the forest dropping. The air whipped his hair, the caress comforting. A thousand scents swirled about, all strange and curious. It was nothing like his home and he wanted to explore. It had been a while since he’d let his wolf out and with his emotional state, his animal was stir-crazy.
Braun slowed the car and turned onto an easily missed gravel road. They drove for long minutes, the path curving and turning until Kole had no idea which way they were going. Finally, a modicum of civilization emerged. Braun pulled up to an iron wrought gate overrun with climbing ivy and entered a code into the keypad. The gates groaned as they swung open.
“Where are we?” Kole inquired.
“A sanctuary,” Braun said, hitting the gas.
The trees thinned and a rolling meadow opened before them. The grass was long and went on forever, it seemed. A mansion sat in the center flanked by fruit trees and gardens. There was even a barn, the scent of bovine reaching Kole’s nose. He spotted several large men standing around. They were dressed to kill in black long sleeves, jeans and combat boots. The scent of alphas was as thick as cream and Kole looked to Braun for an explanation.
“A few friends and I in the network created this place for those needing protection,” Braun said as he waved at one of the alphas in greeting. “It’s why your father thought I was the best man to keep you safe. The sanctuary is protected by the Ro’an twenty-four seven.”
“This is a sanctuary for omegas?” He asked, agape as they pulled into a courtyard, the stones crunching beneath the vehicle’s wheels.
“And pups. To anyone that needs it, really.” Braun slowed to a stop in front of the mansion’s doors. “The alphas in my network volunteer their time here. They’ve been vetted. This is a place of safety and healing.”
Kole watched with astonishment as Braun turned the engine off and got out. He quickly followed. The male had swiftly become a symbol of protection, and he didn’t want to be alone in a strange place.
“When you have a network, you can get a lot of things done. The old days are gone. Technology and ingenuity are to be embraced.” Braun stood tall as if he were proud, his gaze in the distance. “We poured a lot of resources into Sanctuary. It’s come a long way.”
“Braun!” Someone shouted and swooshed past Kole with the force of a hurricane.
The alpha laughed as the shifter leaped into his arms. The guy was almost as tall as Braun but light of frame. They play fought like wolves welcoming each other with unbridled excitement.
“Where have you been, you oaf?” the stranger growled as he tugged on Braun’s ponytail.
“You know how he is, Loren,” another with a man-bun said from the door. He was leaning against the jamb, his big body dwarfing the entrance. He was dressed stylishly in a pair of jeans and pearl-snap shirt. A pair of dangerous hunting knives flanked his hips. A content cat sat in his arms, purring away, it’s tail flicking.
“You two forget that it takes money to keep this place up and running. Someone has to make it. I can’t laze all day playing Dance, Dance Revolution like you two.”
“You’re just salty because we got the moves,” the tall male said, his expression alight with playfulness.
Braun rolled his eyes good-naturedly and ruffled th
e shifter’s auburn hair. As several sets of unfamiliar eyes fell on Kole, he slunk against the car.
“Kole, this ruffian is Loren and that hair model with the furball over there is Cullan,” he said, throwing an arm around Loren’s shoulders as if they were old buddies. “They’re the brains of this operation.”
“Bosses,” Cullan corrected, holding up a finger. “We’re in charge.”
Loren rushed for Kole and hugged him tightly, the scent of rain filling his nose. “Welcome to Sanctuary. We’re working on the name.”
“Ah, thanks.”
“If you have any suggestions, feel free to contribute,” Cullan said as he approached. He set down the cat and the animal wandered off, totally disinterested in guests. Cullan’s chocolate-brown eyes were intense as he looked Kole up and down. He dragged a suspicious eye to Braun.
“Kole is staying with me for a few days,” Braun said, clearing his throat. “His father is an old and dear friend of mine. I’ve promised to protect him.”
“The scuffle with the wildblood you mentioned?” Cullan inquired, never taking his attention from Kole.
Braun simply nodded.
“Well,” Loren said jubilantly, and tucked his arm in Kole’s elbow. “Let me show you around. I’m the official welcome wagon, so it’s my job.”
“You mean welcome brigade,” Cullan corrected under his breath, drawing a chuckle from Braun.
Kole sought Braun’s guidance but Loren was strong and pulled him into the mansion. When they were in the lavish foyer, he let go. He spread his arms wide. “Welcome to Casa De Sanctuary.”
The place was as big as it looked from the outside. In front of him, was a set of darkly polish wooden stairs, leading up into the house. To left, a giant living room, complete with a fireplace and large entertainment system. On his right was a dining area, a long table taking up most of the space. It could have easily sat twenty people.
He must have looked shocked because Loren said, “Yeah, it’s pretty spectacular. Braun drew up the plans. He likes his fancy and shiny things. Are you hungry?”
Before he could respond, Loren pulled him past the dining room and toward a kitchen. Braun’s influences were reflected in the gilded oil paintings, fancy rugs and crystal chandeliers. A stoic male stood at the jamb, his arms folded over his chest.
“Don’t worry about them. The Ro’an look scary but they’re like any other alpha,” Loren said as he stuck his nose in the fridge.
Every shifter knew about the Ro’an—they were a sect of super-secret, super-deadly warriors that served under the Magistrate as a kind of police force for shifter-kind. He’d never seen one before, then again, he probably wouldn’t know if he did. Arching his back, he stole a peek at the man standing by the jamb. He was dressed in the same all black combat gear as the others.
“Cable!” Loren shouted, making Kole snap his spine back. “Sandwich?”
“Roast beef?” the Ro’an asked with interest, never moving from his position.
“Will do.” Loren pulled out a chunk of meat and set it on the counter along with a jar of mayonnaise. He laid several slices of bread on a wooden cutting board. “See? Just need to think of them as big brothers. Alphas are incredibly easy to deal with. Just need to know what makes them tick.”
“Wait, are you—”
Loren threw him a playful look. “I’m just big for my age. But, yeah, I’m omega. Besides the Ro’an and Cullan, most the residents of Sanctuary are.”
“Oh.” It was all he could say. He needed time to absorb everything.
The omega finished the sandwiches and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He offered it along with a plate to Kole. “Here. Get the know the guy.”
Glancing at the sandwich and frosty bottle, Kole wanted to run to Braun. It annoyed him that his animal sought the protection and strength of the alpha… as if they were mated or something.
“Go on. He won’t bite.” Loren leaned in and said in a hushed voice, “Sanctuary is under the personal protection of the Magistrate. But we don’t talk about that. Why? No clue. Just is. So, there is nothing to worry about.”
As if that was supposed to make him feel better? His father hadn’t talked much about the Magistrate that ruled their people, but from what he’d said, the Magistrate was a powerful and dangerous shifter. One that was best forgotten and not spoken about.
Carefully, Kole approached the Ro’an warrior with the offering.
The alpha took the sandwich and beer from him, his dark eyes shrewd. He shouted, “Make sure you explain the rules to our new guest.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Loren called. “Give him a minute to settle in.”
Kole slunk away. Being in the presence of so many alphas was unsettling, especially warriors of the Magistrate. In this moment, he craved his pack and the quaintness of the Montana wilds. Right now, he’d be lounging in his cot, reading a book or rough housing with the others. His pack consisted of all alphas and they usually let him win wrestling games, but it was fun none-the-less.
“Sorry,” Loren said softly. He approached and offered Kole a sandwich and a glass of milk. “I can overdo it sometimes. Often times. Do you want me to show you some place where you can rest?”
I want Braun, he thought with a pout. Uh, no! Braun was a stranger to him and nothing more. He would not run to him like a scared pup. Taking the offering, he sat down at the kitchen island. “No, I’m okay. I’ve just been thrown for a loop with everything that has happened.”
Loren slid into a stool next to him. “Want to talk about it?”
Shrugging, he took a gulp of his milk. It was the real stuff, thick and creamy and nothing like the watered-down crap humans liked. “Just worried about my father. He’s never been challenged by a pack three times the size of our own.”
“By that wildblood, huh? I heard the rumors of one running around and dismantling families. It’s horrible. I’m sure it will be okay.” He looked to where the Ro’an was standing, chowing down on his food. Loren spoke lowly. “Keep this between us, but I heard the warriors talking about how the Magistrate was personally invested in the wildblood situation.”
“What? Why would he care?” Kole whispered.
“I don’t know. I can guess, but I didn’t catch all the details,” Loren said. He took a sip of his own milk. “Just know that it’s being handled by professionals. I’m sure your pack will be fine.”
If Braun and the Ro’an were personally involved then Kole couldn’t see a possibility that involved his father dying a horrible death. “Wait. Is Braun… in the organization?”
“No,” Loren said with a laugh. “At least I don’t think so. He’s rough and tough, but he’s too much of a clothes whore to deal with all the blood the Ro’an spills.”
Kole’s brows rose of their own volition. He didn’t think an alpha would appreciate being spoken about in such away, but he had to admit, the omega was spot on. Braun was a clothes whore, but it suited him. Thick muscle covered in dark silk flashed before him. Goddess, he’d love to peel those clothes off slowly to reveal the alpha beneath.
The guy beamed. “Eat up then I’ll show you around and introduce you to the others. You’re going to love it here. Satisfaction, guaranteed.”
Chapter 6
As the sun sank into the west behind the trees, Sanctuary’s residents came out to enjoy the night in full force. The place was literally a frat house with endless parties and drinking and silly games every night. But it was a good thing because the omegas felt safe enough in this place to have some fun. As Braun listened to their laughter and watched their merrymaking, it made him thankful that the network had put their collective minds together and got Sanctuary off the ground. For a male like him, this place was as much a haven as it were to the omegas.
I miss you. That thought went out to both Nyk and Cale, wherever he maybe. In times like this, he’d come to accept his seclusion was of his own making. He’d resolved to correct past mistakes and reconnect with Nyk. He just prayed to whatever God or Godd
ess might be listening that Nyk made it through.
Someone tossed a fresh log into the bonfire, stoking the flames. It wouldn’t be long until they got the warriors involved. Especially Loren. He was a ray of sunshine that was capable of penetrating even the darkest, most broodiest of Ro’an.
So, it had gone for the past week. He’d leave every morning to head to work in Chicago, then return to Sanctuary for food and sleep. Every passing day, he saw Kole grow more comfortable here, though he didn’t partake in much of the activities. Loren, ever the gracious host, stuck to him like glue.
Braun watched as Loren pulled Cullan toward the bonfire. The alpha conceded and did the chicken dance around the flame, eliciting several laughs. Those two were like accelerant, fueling the party. Braun scanned the growing crowd, looking for his ward. Even now, in this place of a million scents, he could smell him. That sweet, waxy musk intoxicating.
“Are you sure this is a sanctuary and not a dormitory?” Kole asked snidely as he came up beside Braun.
Narrowing his eyes on the male, it was no wonder he’d scented him so keenly. He’d been close all this time.
“What?” Kole inquired, kicking at the grass.
“I didn’t hear you approaching.”
“Yeah. It’s one of my few skills. Dads used to yell at me about intentionally scaring them, because they never heard me coming. It turned into a fun game to see who I could scare more. Don’t let alpha-father tell you, but he’d jump and squeak like a mouse every time I got him. Omega-father loved it and would laugh until he cried.”
“Looks like you inherited Cale’s penchant for troublemaking.”
Kole smiled privately and looked off into the distance, his eyes dancing with the light of the bonfire. He was quiet for a long moment, as if he were reliving pleasant memories. “You’re not dumping me here, are you?”
“Why would you think that?” He asked, aghast.
“You disappear often.”
“I’m sorry. I have to work, and I thought you might want some time with other shifters.” He turned to regard the omega, the desire to scoop him into his arms and comfort him fierce. “I made a promise to your father. I intend to honor it.”
To Protect and Love (Omegaverse shifter Romance) (Shifter Fever Book 1) Page 3