Omega Grown: An M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance (Northern Lodge Pack Book 7) by Susi Hawke (1)

 

 

 

 

Omega Grown

 

 

Book Seven of the Northern Lodge Pack Series

 

 

 

An M/PREG Paranormal Romance

 

Susi Hawke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This book is lovingly dedicated to all of the fantastic readers that have encouraged and supported me as a new author. The Facebook & Twitter “like's”, “follows” and private messages, the public posts and “shares”, and your emails have all meant so much more to me than you'll ever know. Putting oneself out there for open critique is a scary, scary thing but you've all made me feel so very welcome in the Mpreg world. This isn't the end of the guys from the Northern Lodge Pack, but moving forward we will focus less on them and more on new characters and settings...such as the friendly bears in the neighboring den. You'll understand more once you've read this final chapter. Keep an eye on my newsletter for upcoming books that relate to this series, and my other works.

 

Thank You for reading my books!

                                            - Susi 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Copyright © 2017 by Susi Hawke

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Any characters, locations, events or businesses are totally parts of the author's imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

Ryan

 

The look on the pack's face when the new omega walked in was priceless. He was one of a couple dozen new members that had just been vetted to join our pack here at the lodge. While everyone else stared at him with a mix of awe, shock, humor, and in some cases, horror, I looked at him and saw a friend.

As soon as Alpha Jake ended the welcome meeting, I made my way over to him. He was a little twink of a thing, just like me. It was going to be awesome to have another tiny unclaimed omega in the pack.

His hair was nothing short of legendary. Cut in a faux-hawk that was uber short on the sides and longer on top, he'd spiked it up into gelled points that ran across the top of his head and down the back. And the color! It was dyed a pale, cotton candy blue.

His ears had big holes in them, with some sort of ring lining the inside edge of the hole. His clothes, in contrast, were pretty tame. He wore a pair of black skinny jeans and  a red tank that had been cropped short enough that his chiseled abs flashed with every movement. His pink punk boots with the bright yellow laces were epic.

I noticed him giving me the once-over as I approached. I grinned and gave him the same eye treatment right back. He was laughing when I walked up with a smirk on my face. He might be cool as fuck, but this was my pack. No way was I gonna let myself be intimidated by the new kid.

“Hey, there.” I said with the cockiest tone I could muster. “I'm Ryan. Welcome.”

He nodded. “I'm Taylor. Nice to meet ya. Anything to do around here?”

I grimaced, and glanced around to see if anyone was paying attention. “Not really. Have you been upstairs to the dorms to pick a room yet?”

“Hell no. I think my cousin is hoping to have me room with him, but he's boring as fuck. Why? You need a roomie?” He tilted his hip and planted a hand there as he struck a pose. I was short, but this kid was half a head shorter than me. And yet, he managed to pull off looking taller with all the attitude he was packing in that tiny ass twink body.

“I wasn't in the market for one. I just got rid of my brother last year when he got mated. But, I dunno. You might be okay if you wanna hang.” I looked around to see if my brother was paying attention to what I was doing. “Come on, I'll take you up. We'll see about rooming together, if you want.”

I weaved through the crowd of people with Taylor right behind me. We almost made it to the stairs when Luke stepped in front of me with my niece, Daisy, on his hip. His mate, Daniel, was naturally right there beside him, holding the other two of their  triplets.

“Hey, Ryan.” Luke chirped in a saccharin voice. “Leaving so soon? Weren't you going to introduce your big brother to your new friend?”

I gritted my teeth and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Fucking Luke. I loved the hell out of my brother, he'd always been there for me, even when our lives were at the shittiest points. But Fenris above knows that he was the bossiest little omega on earth. He always acted like he was my parent, and not just a couple of years older than me. And since his mate is the second-in-command to our pack Alpha, he has the heat to back him up when he tries to control my life.

“I wasn't leaving. I was taking Taylor up to help him find a room in the dorms.” I turned to include Taylor. He stepped up beside me with an angelic smile. “Taylor, this is my brother, Luke. The big guy beside him is his mate, Daniel. The little pipsqueaks are my niece, Daisy, and her two brothers, Zeke and Zander.”

I waved a hand in Taylor's direction. “Luke, Daniel, this is Taylor. Obviously, he's one of the new omegas.”

Zeke was reaching for me, trying to wriggle out of his dad's firm hold. Luke turned to Taylor and said: “Well, it's nice to meet you, Taylor. I hope you'll feel welcome here.” He turned to me and said: “Are you coming by later? The pups miss you.”

Translation: Luke wanted me to come babysit so that he could have alone time with Daniel. Luke pointedly glanced at Zeke who was babbling excitedly in his mission to get to me. I leaned over and kissed the top of Zeke's head but skirted back quickly before one of his chubby little hands could catch me.

“Sorry, but I can't tonight. I promised Taylor I'd help him settle in. You know, like Daniel and Alpha Jake just asked us to do in the meeting? To make our new pack-mates feel welcome? Anyway, I'll try and come by in the next day or two.”

Taylor helpfully added: “Yeah, it was super sweet of Ryan to offer to help me get settled in here. I mean, my look is super cool back home but I don't exactly fit in here from what I see. It was awesome to make a non-judgmental friend on my first day.”

Luke's eyes narrowed, yet his smile never wavered. Daniel looked at me with a knowing smirk as he commented dryly to Taylor: “Well, it's a good thing that your alpha brother and omega cousin both came here too, Taylor. We'd hate to see you only have Ryan for a support system. Life changes can be rough.”

Before anything else could be said, my main man Zander started crying. Loud. Like super loud. His little face was bright red as he shrieked angrily. “Wow, I better let you guys get the Trips home, sounds like Zander needs his daddies and I really need to get going anyway.”

I smiled jauntily and headed up the stairs. Taylor said a polite good-bye and followed me up. We made it up to the third floor where the single dorms were located without running into anyone else. I pointed things out to Taylor as I led him to my room.

“That side is alpha rooms only, we're on the other side of the hall. There's an unofficial understanding that we each stay on our own sides of the hall. Each side has it's own communal bathrooms,” I pointed them out as we passed by. “There's several showers, sinks, and toilets in each so you usually don't have to wait. Well, that might be different now that there's so many of you joining us. But there's a lot of room up here.”

I opened my door and flipped on the light. “My room used to belong to the last omega that got mated. He's huge 'cuz he's a bear shifter, that's why there's the one big bed in here. I snapped it up when he moved out.”

“Damn. I was actually hoping we could room together, but I doubt if you'd want to share a bed.” Taylor said this as he looked around my room.

“I mean, we could always drag a single in from another room? I don't wanna share a bed though. I did that enough growing up with my brother. But there's plenty of room over there for a bed.” I pointed to the opposite corner of the room. “There used to be another bed in here, but they moved it out when Oskar's bed was brought in.”

I glanced over at Taylor speculatively. “I kinda like the idea of rooming with you though. And not just because I think it will make Luke shit a brick.”

Taylor snorted. “Yeah, I kinda get that a lot. People expect me to be trouble when they see me coming. Judgmental assholes.”

I nodded. “I get that. Well, I do tend to get in trouble, that's why my brother is always trying to boss me around. Which just makes me want to fuck with him more.” I shrugged. “It's a vicious cycle, I guess.”

Taylor smirked. “Or just brothers being brothers. I've always screwed with my brother too. It's too easy. You'll see when you meet him. Just don't try to hook up with him or anything, that would be weird.”

I gulped. “I've, umm, never exactly done that yet anyway.”

Taylor's eyebrows shot up. “How old are you?”

“I'm nineteen, almost twenty. But, you gotta understand. This is a small pack, and I was super young when I came here. The alphas were all grown, and I was like the kid brother to everyone. Your group is the first chance that I've ever had to check out alphas that didn't feel like family. Well, there's the local bears, but I haven't spent much time around them. And the ones that have come around got snapped right up by their true-mates.”

“Yeah, I heard that you guys have a lot of fated matings up here. Now, tell me more about the bears! I wanna see one! I bet they're huge, right?” Taylor looked excited about the idea.

“Oh, yeah. Well, there's one single bear alpha here, but I haven't talked to him yet. He teaches in the schoolhouse, and lives there, so he doesn't come around much.”

Taylor looked at me and grinned. “Then he's the first one that we're checking out! But first, do you wanna go and see about finding me a bed or should I just sleep with you for tonight?” He looked me up and down again. “If you want, I can even teach you a few things. You're not my type, I'm into alphas. But I'd be happy to show you a few things.”

I gulped. “Umm. I don't wanna sound like a total hick, but do omegas really do stuff like that together?”

Taylor shrugged. “I don't know if all of them do, but me personally? I like to get off and I'm not too picky about who I do it with if I'm horny enough. Like I said, I can show you a few things. I mean, it's not like we can get each other pregnant, right?.”

“But what about our future mates? Wouldn't they be pissed that we didn't wait for them instead?” I hated to sound like a kid, but I worried about shit like that.

Taylor walked over and stood in front of me. He looked at me studiously for a minute then grabbed my hips and jerked me against him. I swallowed nervously when I felt a hard dick push up against me. He smirked, then leaned over and kissed me!

After a second, I started kissing him back. It was weird. It was cool. It was such a terrifying turn-on. Taylor's tongue pushed through my lips, and I tilted my head to kiss him more. My dick got so hard, I thought it would break off if anything touched it. Then Taylor did. He reached down and grabbed me through my jeans.

His hand cupped my crotch, while he pushed against my hard dick with the base of his palm. He broke the kiss and pulled away suddenly. Dropping his hands, he stepped back and cupped his own crotch while he leered at me with a knowing smirk.               “It's up to you, Ryan. You can worry about pissing off your unknown future alpha, or you can be fuck-buddies with me. I'm good either way. We can be friends, we can be fuck-buddies, or we can be both. I'm down with whatever.”

I nodded jerkily, licking the taste of him from my lips as I reached down and readjusted my junk. “O-okay. I'll think about it. But yeah, you can totally spend the night with me until we find you a bed.”

Taylor winked and headed for the door. “Cool. Come back downstairs with me and help me get my stuff from the van then, roomie.”

I followed him, wondering what the hell I'd just gotten myself into, and if I really wanted to find a way out. Whatever I did or didn't decide to do with him, I knew already that I wanted to spend a lot more time with Taylor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

Ivan

 

The two young wolf omegas walked past me, and I could smell the arousal on both of them. I watched them curiously. The tiny one looked like a peacock with that ridiculous hair and the way he flounced along when he walked. The other one, Ryan, was following him like an eager little puppy dog.

I chuckled to myself as I realized what an apt description it was to compare the young wolf to a puppy dog. Following them, I stepped out onto the wide porch and took a seat on the railing at the far end where I merged with the shadows.

They appeared to be getting the peacock's bags from one of the vans that the new pack members had driven up here. I wondered what they'd been up to, for them both to be smelling like sex and for Ryan to have that guilty look on his face.

I'd been watching Ryan from afar for the past few months. I hadn't gotten close enough to scent him yet, let alone speak to him, but my bear was intrigued by the boy. So far I'd been holding off from getting closer. I was cautious in my personal life. I had to be, as I was a teacher. One who was entrusted with educating young minds needed to be an good example at all times, and live a life above reproach.

Somehow, I didn't think dating a boy a decade my junior would make me look like a pillar of our small community. Especially a beloved brat like Ryan. No, nothing short of confirming that he was my mate would make me take that risk. And he was definitely a brat. I'd watched him pout and cajole to get his way with the other alphas in the pack. They all treated him like a pampered baby brother.

The only ones that seemed immune to his charms were his brother, Luke, and Daniel, Luke's mate. Aside from my bear's interest, the other reason that I still gave him consideration was my father. Ryan was currently working in the clinic for Dad. He'd been running the office efficiently for several months now. Dad had nothing but praise for the boy. My father's opinion held a lot of weight with me. He was a reasonable man who had always been a fine judge of character.

It concerned me now, this friendship that Ryan appeared to have struck up with the peacock. That sex scent could only mean that they'd been fooling around. I'd never heard of omegas doing that together, but it didn't surprise me. They were a couple of young, healthy guys after all. No, I didn't care about omegas fooling around in general. I did care though, that the peacock was touching Ryan.

I grunted. I didn't have a right to get involved. Especially when I didn't know if he was even my mate. All I knew was that my bear was awfully intrigued by him. I watched then, as Ryan dropped the bag he held. When he bent to retrieve it, the peacock reached out and grabbed Ryan's perky buttock.

I bit back a growl and shoved my bear back into place. I needed more information, dammit. And yet, it didn't look as though I had time left to dally. The peacock would do more than grab his butt once they were alone upstairs under the cover of darkness, I knew that much just from watching him.

I stood and walked back over to lean against the railing by the stairs. The boys were coming up the walk now. When Ryan took another step closer, I smelled it in one burst of deliciousness. He smelled like a crisp, fresh bite of tart pear. Peacock stepped a little closer, swinging his arm around Ryan's shoulder and joking about a sleep-over or some such nonsense.

“What are you boys up to out here?” I asked, amused how they both jerked when I startled them. “And here I thought that I would be alone out here.” Okay, I was lying. But all is fair in love and war.

Peacock stepped away from Ryan, obviously not wanting to be seen flirting with the other omega. My omega. Even if he didn't know it yet. Ryan looked up at me and smiled nervously.

“Uh. Hi, there. You're Ivan, right?” His eyes told me that he knew exactly who I was, but I nodded back in agreement. He turned to the peacock and explained. “This is Ivan. He's the bear alpha that teaches the pups. I work for his dad.”

Ryan turned back to me. “This is Taylor. He's one of the new pack members that just arrived. I'm showing him around. He's going to be my new roommate.”

Thankfully, Daniel came walking up right then before I could respond. “Actually, boys, I'm afraid that there's been a misunderstanding. I've already assigned rooms to everyone, I'm sorry. It dawned on me after I left, that you guys had mentioned taking Taylor up to pick out a room when we were talking earlier.”

Ryan's plush bottom lip jutted out into a pout as he turned mutinous eyes onto Daniel. “I'm sorry, Daniel. But can I just ask if you remembered this before or after my brother discussed it with you?”

Like I thought, Daniel didn't fall for Ryan's bratty crap. “Ryan, what I discuss with your brother is our business. And although I don't need to explain myself to pack members, I will tell you anyway. We didn't need to assign rooms in the dorms in the past, because there was at least double the amount of beds and space than our small pack required. The cabins and family rooms have been more of an issue in that department.”

Daniel nodded over at me, including me in the conversation. “With so many new members, it was important to assign rooms and to avoid any possible problems. I meant to go over it in the meeting, but we got distracted. Kai is inside directing everyone to their assigned rooms right now.”

He turned to Taylor and explained: “Taylor, Kai is first-mate of our pack, mated to the Alpha. Come in with me, and I'll introduce you so that he can help you get settled. I chose roommates based on your different backgrounds and personalities. I have you in with your cousin, and two brothers that rode in the other van. They're twins. I don't know if you met them?”

Taylor sneered before quickly schooling his face into a fake smile as he replied. “I saw them earlier. We haven't had the pleasure of meeting just yet. And, forgive me if I offend you, but what exactly about my personality was it that made you think that I would belong with my lame ass cousin and the juicy-fruit twins?”

Daniel's eyes looked thunderous as he replied: “To be frank? I think that they will be a steadying influence on you, young man. And as for your cousin? Your brother insisted on it. He explained that your cousin is alone in the world now that his mate has passed away. Now, you can choose to get along with them, or you can be miserable. Either way, the Alpha and I expect your cooperation. And Taylor? It would go a long way with us if you would be kind to your cousin. He's had a hard go of it this past year, I was told.”

Ryan wisely kept his mouth shut, instead he stood there quietly looking down at the ground while Daniel dealt with the peacock. I wondered even more about Ryan. It seemed as if the brat knew how to behave when the situation called for it. He also seemed submissive to authority figures. Interesting.

Peacock turned to Ryan and clapped him on the shoulder with a false bravado. “Well, we were almost roomies! That's cool though, right? We'll just have to hang out another time. I mean, it's not like we won't be on the same floor anyway. I guess I need to go with your brother's mate now and meet this Kai person.”

Ryan smiled at his new buddy. “Kai is cool. You'll like him. I'll pop by later and say good-night so that I can meet your cousin.” His eyes darkened, as if remembering bad experiences. “I hate to think of how alone he must be feeling. It's good that you can be there for him, Taylor.”

Peacock puffed up a little at that. Daniel jerked his chin toward him and said: “Okay, let's go in then. Kai needs to put his pups to bed soon, I think Jake said.” As he walked past Ryan, Daniel stopped to rest a calming hand on his neck for a moment.

“Ryan, I know that you think Luke is heavy-handed. It's rough, I'm sure, because he's not much older than you. But remember that your brother loves you. He just wants to see you safe and happy after all you two went through as pups. Be patient with him, kid. He means well.”

Ryan nodded jerkily. I could see the frustration in his stiff shoulders and clenched jaw. Daniel squeezed his neck and sent a wave of calm over Ryan. The scent of the alpha pheromones were easily detected. Ryan's lips pinched tighter as he resisted, but he did seem to relax a notch or two.

“Thanks, Daniel. I'll try and keep that in mind. Just, umm,” he sighed and shook his head before he continued. “Could you just tell him that he's the Trips dad, not mine? I need a brother, not a father.”

Daniel nodded with a slight frown, and took peacock's bag from Ryan's hand before he moved on to where the kid was waiting at the foot of the stairs. Ryan waited until they went inside, then looked up at me. “I'm sorry that you had to hear all that the first time we actually met each other.

I smiled gently at him and jerked my chin toward the porch benches that hugged the wall of the house. “Why don't you sit down and tell me about it? I'm a good listener, or so I've been told.”

Ryan looked reluctantly intrigued by me as he climbed the steps. When Ryan stepped up beside me, he froze. His pupils dilated and nostrils flared as he took a long inhaled sniff of me. I quirked a brow and looked down at him with a knowing smirk. His head didn't quite reach my shoulder, as he stood beside me. Small and slim, he was a short little drink of water.

“What's wrong, my boy?” I asked softly. “Do you smell something good?”

His head jerked to glance around before he finally peered up at me. Ryan looked at me in confusion. “Is that smell coming from you?”

I shrugged and put my hand on the small of his back while I guided him over to a bench at the far end of the porch. “I wouldn't know, Ryan. First you'd have to tell me what it is that you're smelling.”

Ryan sat down at the far end of the bench. Although there was plenty of room, I sat down beside him. I was crowding him, sitting so close that I could feel the heat from his leg where it pressed against mine. I reached my arm out behind the boy, stretching it across the back of the bench.

Ryan tilted his head up at an angle, looking me over through the side of his luminous brown eyes. Although we sat in the shadows, there was enough moonlight to see each other clearly. He smirked and bravely sat taller.

“Just because you smell good to my wolf doesn't mean that I'm in the market for a mate. I figured that I should probably let you know that, Ivan. And all this,” he paused and waved a hand up and down to demonstrate my large alpha body. “All this alpha authority shit doesn't work for me. So don't think you're going to be tying me down and making babies with me anytime soon. You don't know me. Just because some arcane god like Fenris has decided that we were fated to be together doesn't mean that I'm going to jump on your knot simply because my wolf apparently has decided that he likes the smell of pineapple.”

My lips tilted up to one side. Damn, this boy was a fire-cracker! I looked down at him with thinly veiled amusement. “Pineapple, huh? And you think that you know all about me and my intentions just by looking at me? Wow, you must be pretty observant for a boy at the ripe old age of, what, nineteen? Twenty? Boy, I was living on my own among the humans, working two jobs and going to college full-time at your age. All this alpha shit you see isn't because I'm an alpha. It's because I'm a grown ass man that's made my own way in the world by working hard to achieve my goals and not bull-shitting around while I did it.”

Ryan crossed his arms and glared at me. “Just because I'm young, doesn't mean that I don't know how to read people. I wouldn't have survived to adulthood without knowing how read the intentions of others, especially fucking alphas looking for a hole to dip their wick in.”

“Damn, Ryan! You've got a hell of a mouth on you for such a sweet looking omega boy.” I bit back a laugh. I was delighted by this boy, I just didn't want to show my cards yet. “Now, listen. I don't know what you think that you've been through in your short life, but I know from my dad that you've lived here since before you had hair on your balls. And I can sure as hell tell by the way the wolf alphas around here coddle you that you haven't had much hardship since you've been here.”

Ryan surprised me when his shoulders slumped instead of biting back at me. He shook his head as he looked down at his lap. “Yeah. That's true, I guess. But riddle me this, Ivan. How many years of coddling will it take to do away with the nightmares I still have from the things that happened in the first two-thirds of my life? Hmm? Tell me, alpha, because I'd really like to know.”

I felt like shit now. I'd been enjoying our banter, but I hadn't realized that my carelessly spoken words would score a direct hit. The snarky way that he'd called me alpha would have told me that much, even if his body language hadn't.

“Ryan, please allow me to apologize. You're right. I don't know you, or what you've experienced in your young life. Hell, maybe there's a good reason why the alphas around here let you wrap them around your little finger. But realize this, you don't know me either. I had good intentions when I invited you to talk. The fact that we caught each other's scents was unexpected.”

I stopped, and let out a sigh. “Okay. Let me back up. I had a feeling that there was a possibility that we could find ourselves to be mates if we got close enough. But that was only because my bear has been noticing you and showing interest. I didn't know for sure until I smelled you just now. And then you smelled me, and now here we are. Can we maybe just go back a few minutes and start fresh?”

Ryan looked up at me with a soft smile. “I'd like that. And, I don't like that you think I'm a brat.” He looked down at his lap, fiddling with a fingernail. “I guess I am sometimes, but that's because that's all anyone expects of me and old habits die hard.”

He groaned and threw his head back against my arm as he looked up into the dark shadows overhead. “That sounds like a fucking cop-out. And maybe it is. But I'm so sick of only being Luke's kid brother that always needs looking after.”

He feigned a high-pitched voice and said: “Oh, poor Ryan! He was bought as a pup by an evil alpha who wanted to make him a sex-slave. Let's give him ice-cream and never take him seriously for the rest of his life!”

His voice dropped back to normal as he continued. “You wanna know why the alphas all coddle me? Ask them to tell you about why we came here and formed the pack. And no, I'm not telling you this to gain your sympathy. If anything, I like the fact that you're not trying to baby and coddle me. It actually makes me respect you a little. Just don't push it. And I'm still not ready to get tied down. Just putting that out there right now.”

I smiled to myself, thinking how very much I would love to baby him. But not yet. He didn't need that right now. Ryan needed someone who would call him on his shit and be a strong man that he could to trust enough to lean on. Someone dominant without being an abusive ass.

I could be all of that for him. I could show him that being submissive to his alpha wouldn't make him weak. In fact, it was quite the opposite. We would balance each other. Eventually. But first I had to earn his trust. And as he had so aptly said, he would respect me more if I didn't coddle him.

“Did I put you to sleep over there? You went quiet on me,” Ryan said as he turned his head and looked up at me with that trademark pout.

I reached up and ran a finger over that lower lip that was stuck out so invitingly. “Not at all, my boy. I was actually thinking about how you keep mentioning get tied down by me. That was twice now, wasn't it? Do you have a little fantasy life that I should know about, Ryan?” I winked lasciviously and licked my lips, chuckling as he squirmed.

“Don't be gross, old man. You know what I meant.” Ryan's head still leaned against my arm, and the gleam in his eye told me that he wasn't as disinterested as he would have me believe.

“Speaking of fantasies. Is there anything I should know about you and that little peacock kid that you were with earlier?” I gently curled my arm that was under his head  and rested my hand on his slender shoulder.

He didn't move out of my partial embrace, but his eyes flared with a hint of heat as he spoke. “Peacock kid? Do you mean Taylor? I really don't think that's any of your business, Ivan. Let's just say that he's a friend, and leave it at that.”

“Friends don't grab each other's asses, my boy. At least, none of the friends that I've known anyway.” I kept my voice calm, but needed him to hear my displeasure. “Not to mention the fact that you reek of him, even now.”

“Like I said, I really don't think it's any of your business. I'll acknowledge that we're fated, but we're not mates.” His voice was edging into petulance again.

His voice grew silky as he said: “You know what? Maybe we're going about this the wrong way. I mean, I have no problem being fuck-buddies until I'm ready to get mated someday. Maybe you can show me a few things. I mean, you are a teacher.”

I jerked my arm back as sat up and looked at him in horror. “Fuck-buddies? What the hell kind of shit are you talking about? I would never disrespect you or any other omega by fucking around like that without the security of a claim! And I know that you didn't learn that from anyone here. Where the hell did you pick that up?”

I could easily smell Ryan's embarrassment, yet he refused to let it show on his face. Little brat. Fuck-buddies? Ryan stood up and braced his hands on his slim hips as he glared down at me. Even though I was seated, he barely towered over me.

“I hear things,” he said in his brat voice, obviously working himself up into full tantrum mode. “I'm not a complete idiot, you know. And I don't like it when you judge me! First you question me about my private friendship with Taylor, and snark about him touching my ass. Now you want to act like I'm a dirty boy because I offered to fuck you without a claim? I don't need to be lectured, judged or bossed around, Daddy.”

His tantrum was having the unintended effect of turning me on for some weird reason. And when he called me Daddy like that? Fuck me. My dick twitched and began to show a little interest in the proceedings. I looked up at Ryan and gave him a slow wink.

“Call me Daddy like that again, my boy. Maybe if you do then Daddy will show you how much he would like to turn his little brat over Daddy's knees. Go ahead, Ryan. I dare you.”

Ryan stamped his foot and growled at me. He actually growled! It was so adorable that I wanted to yank him down on my lap. Then I would show him a thing or two about why riling up an alpha wasn't the best plan if he didn't want to get claimed and mated.

Calmly, I raised a brow and asked: “Are you done with your little fit now, brat? Or should I give you another minute?”

“Aargh! I'm done with this shit! I'll talk to you when you want to treat me like an adult. Until then, I'm going to my room!” He started to stalk away.

“Go ahead, my boy. Send yourself to your room, that's where little brats need to go when they misbehave anyway. Oh, and Ryan? If you want me to treat you like an adult, maybe try acting like one.”

Ryan stomped off and went inside, slamming the door behind him. I grinned and leaned back with my hands behind my head. Oh, yeah. This was gonna be fun. I had to wonder how long my boy would fume before he came back to poke at me again for a reaction. I already was getting to know him well enough to know one thing. There was no way in hell that he wasn't going to show up at my door in full brat mode to tell me off. It was just a matter of how long it would take him to do it.

The screen door creaked open, and Daniel stepped out. He looked around, and then came over when he saw me sitting there. He sat down on the next bench over, and leaned back. We sat there in a companionable silence for a bit. Then he looked over at me and said: “So. My mate's kid brother sure was in a huff when he came inside. He went upstairs cussing a blue streak and muttering about Ivan the alpha-hole. Anything I need to know about here? Or should I just stay out of it?”

I looked over at him curiously. “Well, damn. You don't sound overly concerned.”

Daniel shook his head and flapped his hand in a derisive wave. “That's because I'm not. Ryan's a spoiled little shit. My mate worries about him all the time. Luke tries to help him, but nothing changes with that kid. It pisses me off. I don't mean to sound like an asshole, but it's getting old. I think maybe it's just past time that Ryan grew up.”

Even though I knew Daniel to be a kind, logical, and fair-minded man, it was more than a little obvious that he was viewing Ryan through Luke's eyes. And reacting to his mate's worries, no doubt. But Ryan was my mate, and Daniel's words were raising my hackles. I wasn't about to let anyone talk shit about my boy, whether it was based in fact or not.

“Perhaps he would grow up a little faster if his brother would let him, Daniel.” I held up a hand as Daniel sat up with a glare. “Hold on, I'm not saying that Luke doesn't have a right to worry. Or even that you don't have the right to get upset on your mate's behalf. But Ryan is more than just a spoiled brat. I'm starting to think that maybe you guys don't know him as well as you think you do.”

“Ivan, I'm going to refrain from reacting to that statement, if for no other reason than because of the utmost respect that I hold for both you and your father. But I'm also going to respectfully ask you to not step into my family's business.” He spoke in a level voice, polite yet firm.

“Daniel, I'd like to point out a couple of things, my friend. First, you never bothered to ask what had happened to upset Ryan or showed any displeasure towards me on his behalf. Second, you invited me into your family business when you brought it up. And third, and most important to note, Ryan is my fated mate. I won't hear you talk about him like that. If you have a problem with him and want to talk about it, that's fine. But I won't have him demeaned. Especially when he's not here to defend himself.”

Daniel's jaw dropped as he stared at me incredulously. “Ryan? Luke's bratty little brother? The runt of the pack that walks around here doing as he pleases? He's your mate? Seriously?”

I glared at his rude descriptions of Ryan while I pushed back my bear who had also been angered and now prowled too close to the surface. Daniel took one look at my face, and began to laugh.

He gasped out his thoughts between stretches of laughter. “Oh, shit. Ivan! I'm so sorry for you! You have no fucking idea what you're in for with that one!”

I decided that punching the Alpha's second-in-command and my future brother-in-law in the jaw wouldn't be a prudent move. My bear disagreed, but then, he wasn't the most logical of creatures. Instead, I got up and left the porch. I went next door to my room inside of the schoolhouse, with Daniel's laughter still ringing out into the night. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

Ryan

 

The nerve of that jerk! How dare he call me out like that? And worst of all, he'd turned me down and made me feel dirty. I mean, I didn't realize that it would piss him off like that or I might not have suggested the whole fuck-buddies thing. It had just sounded like a good idea at the time. I walked into my room, closing the door behind me and turned the lock.

I walked unerringly through the dark, moonlit room and stripped off my clothes before I flopped down on my bed. Huh. An hour ago I was excited to spend the night with Taylor and maybe let him teach me how to fool around a little. But now the idea of letting Taylor touch me was just...wrong.

Flipping over to my side, I stared at the wall and thought about Ivan. He was so hot. And to find out that he was meant to be mine was incredible. I'd always talked a big game to Luke and anyone who would listen about how I didn't want a mate. It wasn't exactly true though.

I wanted a mate. But I wanted a mate who would love me for myself. I didn't want someone who saw the damaged pup that had been rescued from a degrading future. I also didn't want a mate who would see me as a cute brat that knew how to get his way. And I definitely did not want to be desired because an alpha saw me as some adorable twink with a hole to plug. No. I wanted someone who would see me. Listen to me. Hold me. And most importantly, who wouldn't leave me.

My parents had died. My grandmother had died. Then I'd been through a rotating series of foster homes, yet had been lucky enough to be kept together with my brother. My final set of foster parents had sold us both to an alpha that wanted to lock us away until we were old enough to be forced into breeding pups for him. And then after all that, Luke himself had left me when he'd found Daniel.

I missed Luke more than I would ever admit out loud. Even when we'd finally had our own beds, he would always let me crawl in bed with him when the nightmares came.

He would just wrap his arms around me and hold on so tight that I almost couldn't breathe. And I'd loved it. I'd needed the grounding that it gave me to push all of the anxiety away.

But Ivan was here now. If I wanted to be brave and accept his claim-bite, he would never leave until death took him from me. As good as that sounded, I needed to know that he wanted me as a person, not because of the pheromones that told his bear that my wolf smelled good. Or because he likes the way I look. I wanted more.

When his arm had been around me for that brief few minutes, it was the safest that I'd ever felt in my life. But instead of telling him that, I'd been stupid. Why had I picked a fight over Taylor? I mean, I'd just met the guy!

But then I'd technically just met Ivan too. I mean, sure, I've seen him around. But at a distance. We'd never spoken or been in the same room. But the pups all loved him, which said a lot right there. And Doc was a good guy who always spoke proudly of his son whenever Ivan came up in conversation. I knew a lot about my mate thanks to Doc's many stories.

But I'd been embarrassed when I realized that he'd seen Taylor grab my ass. And being a shifter, especially a bear with superior olfactory senses, he had smelled Taylor on me. I knew it long before Ivan mentioned it. I had been ashamed to be in the presence of my fated-mate after kissing and being touched by another. Even if he was just a friend and it didn't mean anything. It still felt like betrayal to my mate.

For the love of Fenris! What must he think of me? And then I'd followed it all up by offering to let him fuck me outside of an intended mating? Shit. It was no wonder that he'd gone all alpha on me. But instead of talking to him, I'd acted like a brat and thrown a fit then stormed off.

If I were braver, I'd go to him now. Throw myself at him and apologize. Then beg him to take me and make me his. And never let me go. But I wasn't that brave. I pretended to be brave, but I was just needy little omega who needed a daddy after all.

Daddy, ha! I grinned suddenly, as I remembered how his eyes had flared when I'd called him that. And what was with him calling me his boy? Hmm. I think that next time I'm about to freak out and pitch a fit because I get embarrassed around him, I'm gonna ask him to spank me and see how he reacts. It's not like it would hurt that much, right? Who knows. I might even like it. It did sound kinda hot.

I pulled my blanket up higher, nestling in as I reached down to stroke my stiff dick and think about my tall, muscly alpha. What would it feel like to have those thick lips on mine? Would he stick his tongue in my mouth? Would those coarse whiskers he had tickle or burn? And how would it feel to have those big hands roam over my body? I bet if it was his hand stroking me right now, my dick would be swallowed in its grip.

My abs tightened and clenched, making me jerk forward as globs of hot juice shot from my slit and sprayed across my sheets into a large puddle. I sighed, and scooted back away from the proof of my release. My eyes drifted shut as I smiled and thought about what I might say when I saw Ivan tomorrow. Because yeah, I was definitely going to go knock on his door.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

I woke to a loud pounding on my door. I sat up groggily and looked around. The clock beside my bed read 6:45am. Seriously? The only time I wanted to see that time was if there was a pm after it. The pounding began again. I muttered under my breath as I dragged my ass out of bed. I pulled on last night's jeans before walking over to jerk open the door. Taylor stood there with a big grin on his face.

“Wake up, precious! I'm starving and I want company when I face the pack today. Now hop to it! Hurry up and get your ass dressed.” He brushed past me and came right in. After looking around, he went over and dropped down onto my bed.

I closed my eyes and sighed. Guess it was time to wake up then. Taylor talked non-stop while I got dressed. I didn't bother hiding my body from his interested eyes, but I also didn't encourage him.

As we were walking downstairs, Taylor shoulder bumped me and shot me a wink. “By the way? You should probably wash those sheets. They smell like someone was practicing his cum shots last night.”

I glanced over at him and couldn't resist asking: “What's a cum shot? Or do I want to even ask?”

Taylor grinned. “Duh, virgin boy. It's what it sounds like. Shooting your wad? Blowing your load? Busting your nut? You know, when you squirt out the creamy white stuff that separates the men from the boys?”

I was giggling now. Holding up a hand, I said: “Stop! Just...ugh! No more!”

Taylor was chuckling along with me. “I could go on, but I don't wanna embarrass you in front of the pack. Or have them think that I'm as freaky as they think I look.”

We reached the ground floor and I led him toward the kitchen/dining area off to the right of the stairs. “Dude. I'm pretty sure that you don't really care about either of those things.”

He shrugged. “Maybe not. But I promised my brother last night that I'd try and make a good impression on everyone. So, yeah. Besides, there's bound to be pups around down here and I'm not a complete loser.”

I nodded. “Yeah, not talking about my, umm, dirty laundry around the pups is probably for the best.”

Taylor chortled when I said dirty laundry. We were both grinning when we entered the dining room. My smile dropped when I saw Ivan sitting at the table having coffee with Doc. I bit back a sigh and led Taylor over to the kitchen counter where Aries and Sy had spread out a buffet of breakfast foods.

They were standing there talking to each other while dicing fruit on the other side of the counter from us. I smiled a greeting at the two older omegas, but didn't interrupt their conversation as I loaded my plate.

Now that our pack had more than doubled overnight, first-mate Kai had put new kitchen rules into place. Instead of fixing our own breakfasts and lunches now, and then coming together for a communal dinner, there would be a buffet available during certain hours. The pack omegas that lived within the lodge proper had signed up for a rotating cycle of cooking and cleaning shifts, except for the ones like me who already had jobs. The guys that lived in the cabins were exempt because they didn't eat with us.

Taylor muttered to me as he filled a plate. “This sucks, but I'm assigned clean-up duty in here when we're done eating. Apparently that's going to be my job. Well, me and my cousin. We're kitchen clean-up for all breakfast and lunch meals during the week.”

I looked at him with a quirked brow. “Really? Kai assigned you guys jobs that fast? When did that happen?”

“When he showed me to my room last night. He had a clipboard with sign-up sheets for different pack duties. My cousin signed us up for clean-up when I couldn't decide on anything.” He shrugged. “It's okay. Kai told me that we'd rotate on a monthly basis, so if it sucks then I'll just do something else next month.”

I nodded and poured myself a cup of coffee with a shitload of cream. I took my cup and plate over to the table, noticing Ivan's eyes on me the whole time. Defiantly, I walked right over to where he sat with Doc. Taylor was right on my heels.

“Good morning, Doc!” I smiled warmly at my beloved boss. I nodded at Ivan with a polite smile, determined to make a better impression and to not to be a brat today. “Hello again, Ivan. Are you guys having a private conversation or can we join you while we eat?”

Doc answered for both of them. “Good morning, my dear Ryan. You are always welcome to join us. Please have a seat and introduce us to your friend, yes?”

“Thanks, Doc. This is Taylor, he's one of the new pack members.” Turning to my friend, I motioned to the bears and said: “Taylor, this is Doc Ollie. He's our pack doctor and my boss. And you probably remember Ivan from last night.”

I sat down to the right of Doc, with Taylor slipping in to the seat on my other side. Ivan sat directly across from me. Shit. I hadn't thought this through. Ivan was watching me while Taylor greeted Doc. I took a bite of bacon and tried not to be nervous. Hearing Doc's proper bear cadence had made me realize all of sudden that Ivan didn't talk like the other bears.

As if he'd read my mind, Ivan looked over at Taylor and said: “You'll notice that my father speaks more formally than the rest of us. The other bears from our den do too. I'm a bit different from living among the humans for a decade.”

Taylor looked over at him with interest. “Really? You lived among the humans? Why? I mean, I would love it personally. You just seem a little more traditional to me.”

Doc answered for Ivan as he proudly explained. “My son went to college and then stayed to teach human children. This is fascinating, yes? We are happy that he has come back to his homelands to teach the shifter children now. It is good to have my Ivan here with me again.”

Taylor spoke up, his voice muffled by a mouthful of muffin. “That's cool, Ivan.” Thank Fenris, he swallowed before continuing. “Why did you come back though? I don't know if I would've been able to do that if I was safely fitting in among the humans.”

Ivan spoke patiently even though I was pretty sure that he didn't care too much for Taylor. “The humans are fine, but the big city grew too confining for my bear. I needed to come back home where I could be free to shift and let my bear roam the woods.”

I nodded with complete understanding. “It's awful when you can't shift. When we first moved here, I think that my brother and I spent more time in wolf form than in our human forms.”

“Why was that, Ryan?” Taylor asked curiously. I sighed, realizing that he was yet another person who didn't know my story. Doc reached over and patted my hand that rested on the table. The twinkle in his kind eyes encouraged me.

I took a fortifying drink of coffee and looked down at my plate as I spoke. “You might as well know, because you'll hear it eventually anyway. My brother and I, along with all the other original omegas here, were all rescued by Alpha Jake and his alpha friends. We'd been held captive by the old Alpha from the pack back in our old home. We were kept in a creepy little cabin in a remote area, and guarded by a nasty, mean beta wolf. He only allowed us to shift once a week.”

I glanced over at Taylor's shocked face and smiled humorlessly. “And that was only if we'd been good all week. We looked forward to Sunday afternoons, but Luke and I usually screwed it up for everyone by being too loud or something. If we were good though? We could shift as long as we stayed in the yard. We weren't allowed to run, or to wander far enough for another shifter to catch our scents.”

At some point, Doc had taken my hand. He held it firmly in his, letting me draw from his alpha strength as I'd shared my story. Or, at least the parts of it that I wanted to talk about. I glanced up shyly at Ivan. He smiled gently back at me. I felt a small piece of my fractured heart mend from that sweet smile as a feeling of peace settled over me.

A hand ruffled my hair from behind, then Sy leaned over my shoulder and said: “Tell the truth, kiddo. It was usually Luke trying to get you to stay quiet back then. But it's good that not being able to shift is the worst scar you carry from back then.” 

Aries spoke quietly from behind Sy. “We hated seeing you pups brought in, when Alpha Fremont dropped you off at the cabin that day. We all knew what he had planned for your future. Be glad that you were rescued while you were still young enough to come here and grow up cossetted instead of dealing with the degradation and pain that we older ones did.” The two omegas came around and sat down at the table to join us with their usual cups of tea in hand.

Aries had spoken kindly enough, but his words brought home to me the fact that I really had no right to complain. I hadn't suffered nearly what he had. I mean, he had been raped more than once and forced to breed two pups that were then stolen from him. It had been a miracle when his pups were recovered after Alpha Fremont died. And poor Sy had been super pregnant and almost ready to deliver at the time of our rescue. I took a deep breath and reminded myself again that I didn't have a right to feel victimized.

But then Ivan's quiet voice spoke up. “I am horrified by what you all went through at the hands of your former Alpha. I had heard about it from my father, but I hadn't realized until now that you are all the omegas of which he spoke. Dad never told me the names of the victims, just the story of what the Alpha had done. But, I wouldn't say that Ryan's worst scar is the memory of not being able to shift or to play. I am certain that is what he would have you all believe though.”

Doc spoke up and added: “Yes, it is good that this pack was able to provide a safe haven for Ryan and Luke to finish growing up. I agree with my son though. Our Ryan is good at being playful to hide his own pain, yes? It is reasonable that you would all bear different scars. But you must remember one thing, my omega friends. You all suffered different forms of abuse, yet the pain you each carry is equally valid. I have always been grateful that these boys, who were no more than pups yet, were not forced to grow up before their time due to those awful circumstances. That would not have been a good way for a young boy to learn of adult things.”

A slim pair of arms wrapped around my neck as a familiar pair of lips leaned around to peck my cheek. Kai released me after also ruffling my hair before he went over to sit down by his best friends.              

“I agree with Doc. Our personal pain is all subjective to our own experiences from back then. You guys have never resented the fact that I wasn't assaulted by that Alpha ass. We all have our own pasts that pre-date our time in that cabin, and the scars from those times as well. And yeah, Ryan is probably spoiled. But can you blame any of us if we did baby him?”

“I don't know about you guys,” Kai turned to look at first Sy and then Aries.

“But I always thought that Ryan and Luke were little rays of fucking sunshine in that cabin. Even when we got screwed out of yard time, it was almost worth it just to see them act like pups here and there during the week. It was ridiculous to expect to young teens like them to sit quietly and not talk.”

I was stunned. Ivan, Doc, and Kai had all stood up for me. But Doc and Ivan had both also shown that they actually saw me for myself. I glanced over at Ivan. He was quietly watching me. He flashed me a private smile and a quick wink.

No one else seemed to have noticed, I thought. Until Doc gave my hand one last squeeze and pulled away. When I glanced over at Doc, his eyes were twinkling happily as they flicked back and forth from me to Ivan. So naturally while Doc was already picking up on a vibe between me and his son, Kai had to speak up.

“So, Ryan. I never found out what you were so pissed off about last night when you came in. Rumor has it that you were bitching about some alpha. Anyone I know? I'm guessing one of the new alphas that joined the pack? Tell me, is he hot?” He leaned over the table with a big grin, waiting to hear the gossip.

Doc chuckled and took a drink of coffee while never taking his eyes off his son. I was blushing furiously, but Ivan sat there with an impassive look on his face. His eyes were dancing with humor while he looked at me as if waiting for my response.

I took a deep breath and turned to Kai. “It's entirely possible that I was being overly dramatic.”

Kai snorted. “Is that the polite way of saying that you were pissed off and throwing a tantrum? Trust me, Squirt. I'm well versed with the proper throwing of a snit-fit. The secret is to time it effectively to achieve the desired effect.” He winked. “Now, are you going to tell me who or what brought it on, or am I going to have to get Luke up here to help me tag-team tickle it out of you?”

Ivan was straight up grinning now, watching me to hear my response. “No comment, Kai. And quit pushing or I won't babysit the pups after school today.”

Kai sat up then. “No! You wouldn't dare use the pups as a threat! You love my pups! Besides, Erin says that you promised to take them all out to shift in the clearing while you watch them.”

He paused and looked at me with a quirked brow. “You do realize that they're all big enough to gang up on you now, right? I don't like to rough-house with those little shits without Jake nearby. The twins about ripped off my tail the last time I shifted and played with them. And Rhys? He goes right for the tail, every damn time!”

Ivan cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should join them? My bear would love to be out in the sunshine for a change, and I could help protect the integrity of Ryan's tail.”

Every eye in the room flicked over to Ivan with appraising expressions, then back to me. The interest in Kai's eyes kicked up by about thirty-seven notches.

“Hmm. That's an interesting offer, Squirt. You should consider taking Ivan up on it. The pups would love having their fabulous Mr. B out with them. The question I guess would be if you'd be equally excited for the adult company?” Kai smiled at me with innocent smile that didn't quite match the teasing gleam in his eyes as he purposely accented the word adult.

Ivan was either oblivious to Kai's teasing or didn't give a shit, because he chose that moment to slide his phone across the table to me. “Here, kid. Put your number in so I can text you later if I'm going to be busy after school. I never know if there's going to be a problem and I need to keep a pup after for detention.”

Aries blushed. His daughter was a high-spirited little alpha that frequently got into trouble at school. She was a good pup. She just had problems sitting in a class all day. “I'll get Micah to join me in having a chat with Sara before school today, Ivan. She shouldn't give you any trouble though. She's just now gotten off restriction from the last time she acted up in class.”

I put my information into Ivan's phone while he chatted with Aries about Sara. I thought I was being discreet when I snapped a quick selfie to add to my contact info, but I noticed Ivan watching me out of the corner of his eye with a knowing smile. I passed his phone back with a shy grin.

Doc turned to me before anything else could happen, and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Well, Mr. Stark, it sounds as though we ought to begin our workday. We would not want you to miss your date with my son and the Alpha's pups, yes?”

I blushed furiously at the word date, but nodded. “Sounds good, Doc. I need to get those records from last week into the computer anyway.”

I turned back to Taylor, who was just finishing his breakfast. His eyes were thoughtful, as though he'd been quietly absorbing all of our interactions. “Sorry to rush off on you. Can I catch you after dinner tonight?”

He smirked at me, then glanced over at Ivan and back to me. He winked at me before answering. “Sure. Unless you get a better offer from that mystery alpha that Kai was talking about earlier. If so, just catch me later. Or I'll see you at lunch, whatever.”

I heard Ivan chuckle but I ignored him as I fought a blush and said good-bye to the other omegas. Doc had already headed for the clinic.

I got up and started to clear my dishes away before following him. Taylor held a hand up. “Leave them, dude. I'll get them, I'm doing clean up in a few anyway.” I smiled my thanks and turned to leave.  Ivan shot me a private smile while he busily typed on his phone. I had just left the room when my phone pinged in my pocket with an incoming text.

 

You're definitely getting a better offer. I think we should take a run in the               woods tonight. Plan on meeting me after dinner, boy.

 

I smiled as I sent back my response.

Bossy bear! But okay. That actually sounds good. I haven't been out for a               night               run in ages. Sounds like fun.

 

My phone pinged back almost immediately. I was reading the text as I walked into the clinic office that was conveniently located here, just right off the main living room.

 

So. Your last name is Stark? And mine is Black. My, my. Don't we sound like               a depressing couple? We'll have to work on changing that name of yours.               Soon, baby ;)

 

I was so intent on my phone that I walked right into Doc's back, where he was standing in front of my desk looking over our schedule. My phone went flying, but he deftly caught it mid-air. The screen was still lit up with that last text. I knew that he'd read it when he chuckled.

He handed me back the phone, tilting his head and looking at me over the top rim of his glasses. He rested a large hand gently on my shoulder and said: “I thought that I was noticing a little something between you and my son this morning. This is good, yes? I will be glad to have you join our family, Ryan. You are a good boy.”

I gulped, not sure how to even respond to that one. Doc noticed, because he said: “Oh, I have embarrassed you. For this, I am sorry. This is new then? This romance with my son?” He stopped himself then and held up a hand. “Forget I said anything. I am becoming a nosy old man.”

I found my voice and nervously reassured him. “No, Doc. It's okay. I'm just, umm, still getting used to the idea of Ivan. I hadn't planned on having a mate. Especially right now. But we're fated. So, I dunno. It didn't go that great when we talked last night. But maybe tonight will be better.”

Doc patted my shoulder and took a step back. “This is good news, Ryan. I believe that you will be quite happy with my Ivan if you allow yourself to trust him with your heart. Give Ivan a chance, son. Do not let fear keep you from happiness, yes? This is a lesson that is unfortunately one that we all must learn with time. But take the advice of a nosy old bear. Listen more than you speak, think before you act, and allow your heart to guide you. That is all you need to know to be a good mate.”

I looked up at Doc, trying to decide how to say what I was feeling. Then I just decided, screw it, and lunged forward. I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him. My cheek brushed against the soft flannel of his shirt as he gently hugged me back. I gave him a quick squeeze and stepped away, walking around to take my seat at my desk. It was past time to get to work. Enough of this feelings crap for now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

Ivan

 

The day flew by, thankfully, because I was looking forward to watching Ryan play with the Alpha's pups. He hadn't responded to that last text I'd sent, not that I'd expected it. I was toying with him with that text. I wanted to see what it would take to make him accept me as his mate.

I'd wanted to cry for the boy that had been coldly sold like chattel to a perverted Alpha. When my dad reached over for his hand, it brought home to me how close they were. I knew that my dad would be happy to see me mated, but I'd wondered what he would think of my mate being so young. The amused look of appraisal he'd given me after he'd caught me winking at Ryan had answered that question for me.

And what the fuck was it with this pack? They didn't think that his captivity was enough to leave scars on his heart? Because he hadn't been raped, his experience was thought to be less valid than that of the other omegas? It was fortunate that first-mate Kai had stepped in, because I was biting back a few thoughts when the other two had spoken. They'd been kind enough, but I felt they'd belittled my mate.

And while they treated him like a pup, they teased him about being spoiled. It was no wonder that he acted like a brat. Nobody expected any more of him. Except for Dad. Dad had given him the chance to prove himself in the clinic.

And Kai. He joked and teased, but he did a good job as first-mate. He organized the household perfectly and always seemed to know what to say. I'd loved watching my boy squirm when Kai had pushed him about his fit last night.

The alarm on my phone went off, and I snapped into teacher mode. “Alright, pups. Pencils down please.” I looked over at Sara, who'd behaved so well today. She was due a reward.

“Sara, if you would be so kind as to gather everyone's tests for me?” She rose proudly to collect the tests as I continued. “Okay, little ones. You may quietly clean your desks while Sara collects your work. Once Sara has given them to me, you may gather your things and form a nice line by the door.”

The young pup brought me the stack of papers. I set them on my desk and said: “Thank you, Sara. I appreciate the good example that you set for your classmates today. You may go to the front of the line, and lead your friends back to the lodge today.” The job of line leader was a coveted treat. Sara's eyes lit up when I gave her the job and quickly went to get her things.

I walked over and opened the classroom door, stepping out onto the porch. I waved at Kai who was waiting across the lawn on the porch of the lodge. He would greet the line of young ones at the other end. Except for Trixie. My friend, Karl, was waiting at the foot of our porch steps to collect his cub. They lived in a separate cabin instead of the main lodge.

I held Trixie back until the line of pups had made their way down the steps and were headed toward Kai. “Okay, Trixie. You are also dismissed, cub.” She smiled up at me and then raced for Karl, throwing her chubby body into his waiting arms. I watched as Karl swung her up onto his hip, thinking of how that could be me in a few years.

“Hello, Ivan. How are you today, my friend?” Karl leaned against the stair railing and grinned up at me. “Was Miss Trixie a good pupil today?”

“Miss Trixie is always good, Karl. Aren't you, cub?” Trixie nodded her head so fast that her curls were bouncing.

 Karl kissed her cheek and then looked up at me with a knowing smirk. “So, Ivan. My mates and I noticed a certain young omega was mighty perturbed last night. I do not know how much of his mutterings that the wolves heard, but I was able to hear every word as he stomped upstairs.”

I gave him a wry grin. “Really, Karl? Are you asking me a question or gossiping? I surely don't know what he could have been muttering about when I was outside, now could I?”

Karl shook his head. “You are not going to tell your oldest friend that you have found the one for you? I am offended, Ivan.”

I rolled my eyes. “No, you're not. You're just nosy is what you are. But as you know yourself, finding your mate and convincing them to accept you are two different things altogether.”

Karl nodded sagely. “Just be glad that you only have the one to convince, yes?”

I chuckled, leaning back against the wall of the building as I shoved my hands in my pockets. I glanced at the cub, but she had dozed off against Karl's shoulder. “Daniel pissed me off after that. He showed no concern for what had upset the young man, but instead wanted to tell me that he's a spoiled brat. When I cautioned him that he was speaking about my mate, he just fucking laughed.”

Karl smirked. “And then you punched him, yes?”

“Please. I have more control over my bear than that. But yeah, I definitely thought about it. I went home instead. He was still laughing when I left.”

Karl shook his head. “It is difficult for your mate. The pack has known him since he was a pup. It has occurred to me on occasion that Ryan behaves the way that they expect him to, but I have kept it to myself. His brother and Daniel are my neighbors, as you know. We were over there a lot after Luke had the triplets. They both treat him as a child, yet rely on him to help care for the babes. I do not think they mean to take advantage, yet they do. It will be good for him to have an alpha at his side now, yes?”

I nodded grimly. “Yeah. It's tough. But I know his brother loves him, and is used to being the one to watch over him. I told Daniel that I don't think that he and his mate know Ryan as well as they think they do.”

Karl grinned. “I imagine that was well received, yes?”

I chuckled. “Yeah, about as well as a fart at the dinner table. But screw it, I'm going to protect him and stand up for him. I wouldn't be much of an mate or an alpha if I didn't, you know?”

Karl nodded. “Well, I wish you the best of luck. Enjoy the chase, my friend. I have a feeling that your young man will lead you around in circles before he submits to a claim. That one is a stubborn wolf. He's had to be, given his childhood.”

“And why am I the only one that didn't know about my mate's childhood? I wasn't happy with the things I learned this morning, about how he came to join this pack.”

Shaking his head sadly, Karl replied: “That was a terrible situation. My Owen has told me about the night when they found them all. He was one of the team that rescued those omegas. He said that the young Stark boys presence there was bone chilling. It was good that they were able to come here, and finish growing up peacefully. And, Ivan? Perhaps the reason that you do not know more about your mate is because you keep yourself shut away in your schoolhouse much of the time.”

I nodded with chagrin. “Yeah, well, that will be changing. In fact, I should get going because I have plans to help Ryan babysit for the Alpha.”

Karl grinned broadly. “Ah. That is a perfect date. He will be at ease with the pups. And not able to argue in front of them. You are a smart man, my friend.”

I shrugged. “I just saw an opportunity to spend time with him and took it. The real date is planned for after dinner when we go for a moonlit run.”

“Ah, yes. That is a much better date. So, you are suggesting that my mates and I go for a run tonight, yes?” He chuckled as my eyes narrowed.

“Karl, I love you like a brother. But if your furry ass shows up in those woods tonight, I will take you down!”

Karl laughed and waved a hand at me as he turned to head home. He called back over his shoulder: “Good luck, my friend. I will be rooting for you!”

I snorted and turned to go back inside to put the papers away to grade later. I was smiling as I went around the classroom, pushing in chairs and cleaning up from the day. I knew that Karl would be back tomorrow looking for a full accounting of my date. Nosy damned shifter.

 

 

 * * * * *

 

 

Ryan's wolf was as sleek and fit as his human counterpart. I had already shifted as I lumbered across the parking lot to where Ryan played with the Alpha's four pups in the afternoon sun. The sunlight shone against his glossy fur as he ran around in the grass.

His chocolate brown coat was a reflection of the dark brown, nearly black hair he had in human form. On his wolf though, the colors were a rich symphony of various shades of brown with a hints of red top notes and black undertones that peeked through as the breeze ruffled his coat. His fur looked like it would be thick and silky to the touch. I imagined that it would be perfect to run my fingers through, if I were in my human form.

The four of them were chasing Ryan around in a circle as I approached. I noticed how careful he was with them, especially the little pudgy one. Erin and the twins were all students of mine, but the littlest pup was too young for school just yet. He was obviously an alpha. His older siblings were wild and playful, but he stalked after Ryan as if hunting prey.

It was adorable to watch. I wasn't sure how old he was exactly. Two? Maybe three? Somewhere in there. It would be amusing to see how he changed as he grew. The little guy pounced right then, launching himself at Ryan's tail. I chuffed out my bear's version of a laugh, remembering Kai's warning this morning.

While Ryan tried to dislodge the scamp, the other three tackled him, taking him down into a dog-pile. I watched him try to break free from the wriggling pups until he gave up and flopped limply beneath them.

I walked over then, picking the pups off him one by one, carrying them gently by the scruff of their necks as I sat them down to the side. I gave them a stern glance, but it was unnecessary. Simply the presence of an alpha bear was enough to still them for now. I removed the little alpha last, amused as he instinctively kicked at my jaw and fought for release. His omega siblings had all gone limp in my hold, but not this little one. He was going to fight me every inch.

When I put him down, rather than sit calmly and cower, he immediately jumped at me. Yipping at me adorably, he jumped up on his back paws and tried to swipe at me with his front ones. I batted back at him playfully, my claws safely retracted. Before long, his siblings were joining in.

Ryan regained his energy and tag-teamed with the pups in their efforts to take me down. I don't know how long we played until the Alpha's car pulled up and parked in front of the lodge. Alpha Jake and Kai got out and came walking over, hand in hand.

I was flopped on my side at that point, with Erin and the twins laying over my back. The little alpha pup was halfheartedly gnawing on Ryan's tail where he lay panting a few feet away from me.

Alpha Jake snapped his fingers with a wide grin. All four pups jerked to attention and ran over to greet their parents. Kai shook his head and simply said: “Shift, please.”

They all shifted in a blur of color, fur and skin before they finally stood there as human children. They immediately began talking over each other as they happily greeted their dads, telling them about their afternoon. 

Ryan rolled over and smoothly transitioned to his human form. I stayed as a bear. Not only did I prefer to stay where I was, enjoying the heat of the sun baking my fur, but I didn't think it prudent for my students to see their teacher naked. As shifters, nudity is accepted as common and natural. Really, there's not much to be done when we all lose our clothing in the shift and come back nude.

Perhaps it was due to the decade I'd spent among the humans, but I preferred to keep that part of myself private. After they left, I would go back around behind the schoolhouse and shift near my private entrance. No lodge windows overlooked the area where I preferred to shift, and the door to my room was well hidden from view. This was thanks to the trees the stood behind the schoolhouse cabin that contained the classroom and my private living quarters.

I tuned out the conversation of the Alpha family, choosing instead to let my eyes roam over Ryan's lithe form. It was horrible etiquette for a shifter to ogle another one post-shift before they dressed. I thought that rule might not apply in this situation though. After all, Ryan would be my mate. It was just a matter of when.

Just when I thought that I would never see anything hotter than his tightly rounded buttocks and smooth back, he turned. With one hand on his hip, he glared down at me knowingly. Gads, he might be a petite man, but he packed a lot of muscle on that slim form. I couldn't wait to run my tongue over the peaks and valleys of his toned stomach.

Just as I started to eyeball his perky prick and taut little sac, he waved a hand in front of my face. Pointing to his own face, Ryan taunted me. “Eyes up here, perv. Sheesh. Do you have no manners? Next thing I know, you'll be trying to rub all up on me or something.”

Rising to my feet, I took him up on his suggestion as I lazily rubbed up against him, marking him firmly with my scent. He listed slightly to the side, but dug his heels into the grass to hold himself upright against my large size. Ryan glared at me, and my pointy bear snout snuffled into his neck as I ran my tongue over his omega gland.

“Ugh! Boundaries, much? Stinky bear breath,” he muttered, trying to cover the scent of arousal that was already wafting from him. I chuffed and walked past him. I noticed Alpha Jake watching me stake my claim with barely-hidden glee, while Kai's jaw was dropped down somewhere in the vicinity of his knees.

I headed home, leaving Ryan to field the flurry of questions that Kai was sure to ask. It was unfortunate, but since I didn't want to flash my naked body to the pups, there was no choice but to leave.

Once I'd shifted, I quickly slipped into my living quarters. I pulled on a pair of cargo shorts and snagged my phone to shoot of a text.

I do not have bear breath. Or maybe I do? Don't forget our date tonight. I'll               be by the lodge at 8 to pick you up. Looking forward to some alone time. ;)

 

I shoved my phone into my pocket and padded into the adjoining schoolroom to grade the tests and papers from today's lessons. After I'd finished that, I would make a sandwich or something for dinner before I went to round up my omega for a moonlit stroll through the woods.

I smiled to myself. It looked as though things were headed in the right direction for our mating. If things went well tonight, I could be mated as soon as the weekend. Well, as long as nothing went wrong and Ryan was agreeable. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Ryan

 

The rest of the evening was a nightmare. Naturally Kai had a lot of questions about me and Ivan. When I'd grudgingly admitted that he was my fated-mate, Alpha Jake had tossed me over his shoulder and spun me in a circle, crowing loudly.

Of course, this went down in the main living room of the lodge. And naturally most of our friends were there to witness it. I mean, why couldn't I have a little bit of privacy to sort this shit out and make up my mind about Ivan? I said as much to Kai, but he'd just laughed at me.

“Make up your mind? Yeah, you do that, squirt. But let me clue you in on a little secret. Putting off your mate now that you found him will only piss off your wolf. And you'll never find anyone else that will make you feel the same way. In fact, you'll feel dirty even thinking of seeing someone else, now that you've found your fated-mate.”

I rolled my eyes. “Are you being for real right now? Or is this just something that they tell us little omegas so that we bow down gracefully and accept the alpha's bite?”

“Oh, man. You're cynical for such a young guy,” Seth said from where he sat on the couch with Sy curled up on his lap. “Ryan, ask anyone here. We alphas are just as screwed as you omegas once we meet our fated-mates. I couldn't look at anyone else once I'd caught Sy's scent.” He glanced apologetically at Sy before saying: “Why do you think that those two years when Sy wouldn't accept me were so miserable? Trust me on this one, Ryan. You'll be hurting Ivan as much as yourself if you push him away.”

Sy added: “And that might sound like it sucks right now, like you're stuck getting mated to some random alpha just because you caught each other's scent. But take it from me? Not accepting him will make your wolf crazy, and make you lonelier than you ever thought possible. Your spirit has found its other half, so you'll feel the push to join.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, but after we join and have the sex, then what? Then I'm stuck forever without ever having really lived.”

Kai put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me against his slim frame. “Ryan, you won't really live until you have your mate. It's hard to understand, but having that one person who completely understands you and has your back no matter what? That's really living. Everything before Jake was a half-life. Once we claimed each other, it was as if color bled into my life after a lifetime of living in black and white.”

Jake spoke from over Kai's shoulder. “Kai's right, kiddo. You need to trust Ivan. He won't be able to hurt you any more than you would want to hurt him. You'll understand that once you've bonded. True-mates feel each other's pain, and can feel their emotions. It may sound scary that you won't be able to hide from him, but by the same token, he won't be able to hide from you either. Mating is about being vulnerable to each other, and also being secure in each other.”

Of course, that's when I realized that my brother and his family had slipped in while I'd been listening to Jake. Daniel looked apologetic, as he stood there with a baby in each arm. Luke stormed over to me, while our friends watched in shocked silence. Nobody spoke, but just stood there and watched our brotherly drama unfold. 

After handing the baby on his hip to Kai, Luke turned and glared at me silently. We stood there glaring at each other for a long awkward moment, then he finally raised a finger and pointed toward the stairs. I shook my head, prepared to stand my ground. But as I opened my mouth to speak, Luke clenched his jaw and ground out between his gritted teeth: “Upstairs, Ryan. We are speaking privately. Go.”

Feeling once again like the loser kid brother, I tucked my head down and went up the stairs to my room. When we got there, I flopped down on my bed. I sat there, elbows on knees and head in hands, while Luke paced back and forth bitching at me.

“Why, Ryan? Why did I have to hear from my mate that you've apparently found yours? And he had to hear it from your intended, not from your lips. Do you have no concept of family? Are you that fucking selfish? What the hell, Ryan? It's not that I don't want you to have a mate, although I do think that you have a hell of a lot of growing up to do before you even consider a claim. And now you've told the whole damned pack before coming to me and asking what I think about this relationship?”

Once he started winding down, I looked up and asked dryly: “Are you finished, or did you have more bullshit to fling before I get to speak?”

“No! You do not get to pull your spoiled shit with me, Ryan Nathan Stark! I've known you for your entire life! What makes you think that you're ready to mate? And especially with an older, serious bear like Ivan?” Luke was vibrating with outrage.

“No, Luke. You can stop right there,” I stood up and got right in my brother's face. “There's the same age difference with us as there is between you and Daniel. And did I give you any shit about that? No. I was happy for you. And for someone with a fated-mate, you sure are acting like I had a choice in who and when that Fenris decided to drop mine in my lap!”

“Wait. Hold on. Daniel didn't say that you were fated. That's different.” Luke had the grace to blush with shame. “I still think that you're too young and immature though.”

“Luke, sit your hypocritical ass down and listen.” I hid my shock as my brother took a seat at the edge of my bed and actually seemed willing to hear me out. “First, I never even said whether I was planning on accepting or denying him. I literally just scented him last night, and that didn't end well.” Luke grinned, obviously having heard Daniel's retelling of the events of the night before.

“And I'd just like to point out that I'm not much younger than you were when you accepted Daniel.” I held up a hand as he opened his mouth to speak. “I know that I'm just your loser kid brother that you think is too spoiled and immature to mate, but maybe you should stop for a second and think about it. Fenris is the one that decides when we meet our fated-mates. Surely the god that you believe in must know more about me than you do, hmm? He obviously thinks that I can handle this, if he chose to give me Ivan right now.” I sighed and went to sit down beside him.

“I didn't call you or come by today because I was working. And then I'd promised to watch the pups while Kai and Alpha Jake went to town for a while. I was going to come over tomorrow.”

He eyed me slowly, then nodded. “Why not tonight?”

I grinned. “Because tonight I have a date to go for a moonlight walk in the forest with Ivan. Sorry, Luke. But that offer sounded way better than coming over and watching you and Daniel change diapers all evening.”

“Ryan? I don't think you're a loser. I'm sorry if I've ever made you feel that way. I just,” he stopped with a sigh and hung his head for a moment before continuing. “Ryan, I've spent your whole life looking after you. It's really hard to stop now. And then I was getting texts from everyone earlier, teasing me about my new brother-in-law? Yet you, my own brother, hadn't even said a word. I don't like how we're growing apart, runt. I hate it. And then I came in just now and heard everyone advising you to jump into this claim that will take you away from me forever? I just kinda lost my shit. I'm sorry.”

I reached over and took his hand. “Luke? We're not growing apart, we just grew up. And Ivan isn't taking me away from you, any more than Daniel took you from me. It is what it is, you know? Part of growing up and making life changes. You think that I didn't feel any of this when you got mated and then had the Trips?”

I squeezed my brother's hand and caught his eye. “And Luke? Please understand me when I tell you this, okay? I don't need you to be responsible for me, or try to parent me. You have the Trips for that shit. I'm your brother, not your oldest pup.”

Luke giggled. “Could have fooled me with the way that you act sometimes!”

With a sigh, I nodded regretfully. “Yeah, and I need to own that. It's easier to act like a little shit sometimes than it is to actually open up to people. Even you. But I don't want to be that guy anymore. I also want you to know that I appreciate how you've always looked after me, and been there for me. But now? Now I need for you to be my friend, and my big brother that I can talk to about shit, okay?”