“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 b
efore 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 immediat
ely 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.”
Omegas Unchained (The Rogue Pack Book 8) Page 10