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
Accidentall
y 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.
Omegas Unchained (The Rogue Pack Book 8) Page 19