Is that…? I can’t see. Could it be…? No? Yes? Get out of the way, fools.

The omega had been standing in a secluded corner of the garden observing the party at a distance until Adam’s brawny fingers slid over his hip. Gross. Get off me. Max had raced into the throng of guests and downed two glasses of champagne. Not even father’s most expensive bubbly can rid me of Adam’s disgusting odor.

His father had insisted he join the guests and sent Adam to marshal him toward the festivities. “But be discreet,” were Mr. Sharpe’s parting words. Translation: Don’t broadcast you’re my son.

Max had brooded over why his father wanted him to appear in public. He had welcomed his youngest son home as if nothing had happened, though admittedly they’d only seen one another twice since the omega’s arrival.

His alpha brothers had alternatively ignored and sneered at him. Max’s siblings had mated, but the omegas by their sides were not the ones he’d met when he’d lived at home. They discard them like dirty underwear. He wasn’t sure if they’d tired of their mates or whether they were desperate for children. If they were smart, they’d realize the problem lies with them and not the omegas.

But despite his brothers’ disrespect for their omega sibling, Max sensed something other than the usual contempt. Though their veneer of civility had cracked long ago, now they were openly hostile to their littlest brother. They used to just ignore me. And even to each other there was a barely disguised tension. What’s changed? Is it me or them?

As the omega observed his oldest brother drag his mate along the hall to a bedroom, he froze. My brothers have no children and if they don’t produce any, Isla is his only grandchild. The omega’s blood ran cold as he imagined his daughter being forced into the muck that was his father’s work. And I don’t mean a perfectly legitimate garbage business. Just the trash of the criminal world.

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

Max gulped. Do my brothers see me as a rival for father’s fortune? I always assumed he’d divide it between the four of them and I would get leftovers—if that. Not that I would take anything from his estate. The omega had been bullied and ignored growing up, deprived of love and treated as inferior. But now he wondered if his siblings were plotting against him. I should send them a group text saying, “It’s yours.”

Having to attend one of his father’s legendary parties was abhorrent to Max, but he had been buoyed by seeing Seb on the boat two days ago and had been scheming ever since.

As he had stood at the top of the cliff, buffeted by bitterly cold winds, with his heart shattered into spiky shards from the loss of his daughter and mate, Seb’s message in large red letters had reminded the omega of the craziness they had overcome, and had helped mend the broken pieces.

He had bottled his euphoria inside as he reread his favorite Shakespearean plays. Wanting nothing more than to phone his grandparents and beg his mate to rescue him, he resisted the urge, presuming his father monitored his calls. As he daydreamed in his childhood room, the omega had imagined his mate appearing amongst the guests at the charity function and whisking him away. That only happens in fairytales.

A tall alpha, stumbling across the lawn and slurring his words, caught his eye. Move, you fucking idiot. The omega glared and whispered under his breath, “Piss off.”

Max’s fingers tightened around the exclusive champagne flute studded with tiny diamonds. Is it my imagination? Am I so desperate I’m seeing things?

The omega shaded his eyes and squinted against the sun as it filtered through the majestic flowering trees. I can’t get my hopes up. If I’m wrong, the disappointment will crush me. Max closed his eyes and rested the champagne glass against his forehead. Taking a deep breath, he nudged his eyes open. Be brave.

The omega caught sight of dark hair brushing over a collar.

Seb needed a haircut.

A strong jaw with a hint of stubble.

He forgets to shave when he’s busy or stressed.

Slender fingers rubbing a long neck.

I’ve kissed that skin.

The hint of a tattoo peeking out from a long sleeve.

I’d know those swirls and patterns anywhere.

Seb’s face hovered in his memory just out of reach. I knew you’d come. But his joy was soon squashed. Isla? Who has her? Where is she? Bands of anxiety wrapped themselves around Max’s chest and choked air from his lungs. My baby!

“Max.”

Go away.

“Max? What’s going on?”

You’re not Seb. The omega’s vision blurred as a stench of stale beer, cigarette smoke and brandy enveloped him. Haven’t you heard of mouthwash?

“Max. Look at me!”

Not the one I want.

“Are you drunk? One minute you’re smiling and the next you’ve got tears leaking from your eyes.”

One guess why that is. Fucker! The omega’s eyes darted around the grounds, searching for his father. Probably enjoying his favorite rum.

“Max.”

“What?”

“Hey. Your father wants you to have a good time.”

“Then why did he ask you to keep me under surveillance?”

The alpha pouted. “That’s not fair.”

“Seriously? You want to talk about fairness.” Fuck off, Adam. Your scent makes my skin crawl and if you put a sweaty hand on me one more time, I’ll break it in two. The omega twisted his head trying to keep Seb in his sight.

Adam half turned. “What are you looking at?”

Don’t look. The omega spun the alpha around to face him. God, the stench. “Tell me about your plans, Adam. Father says you hope to become a partner in the business. He’s playing you for a fool. You’ll be a lowly henchman and if my brothers don’t produce a child, he’ll try to mate me with the alpha son of one of his influential friends.

The alpha took a step back. “That’s better. I am an alpha.”

Barely. We’ve both been conned and now I’m going to flip it, and fool you.

“After our last meeting, I thought you disapproved of me.”

That’s not the word I’d use.

“You got rid of that farmer. If we partner up and form a team, we can work alongside your father and dominate the garbage business.”

And by partner he means… ewww. Okay, it’s lying time. “I’m trying to be realistic. I have to accept my father’s wishes no matter how much it hurts. As an omega, I must bend my knee to any alpha.” Forgive me, my love.

“So, you’ll be free from your bond?”

Not how it works. Stall, Max. “M-My current mate has to release me.”

“Huh?” Adam scratched his head. “I’ve never heard of that. Are you sure?”

You need to read more, dumbass. But thank goodness you don’t. “You’ve never mated?”

“Nah”. The alpha raised a brow and smirked. He fiddled with his bow tie and swayed his hips. “I’ve always thought of myself as a man about town.”

Yuck. More like run out of town. The omega shivered. As he listened to Adam drone on about his past, Max’s mind drifted away. But as he sipped champagne and peeked at Seb at the back of the crowd, he caught a glimpse of another familiar face.

Adam was so engrossed in his story, he paid no attention to the omega standing on tiptoes and frowning as an older man in a white jacket flitted amongst the party-goers. Who the fuck is that? And where have I seen him before?

Max tilted his head to the right and craned his neck as the man disappeared into the crush of people. One of father’s bodyguards who came to the Roselake farm? Fuck, if he sees Seb…

Think fast. “Adam.” The omega clapped one hand on the alpha’s shoulder. It’s not as though I can knock him out with one punch. Wait! That’s it. “Do you know what I’m craving?” The omega ran his tongue around the rim of his champagne glass and slurred his words.

The alpha licked his lips. “I can guess.” He thrust his hips in the omega’s direction.

That’s sickening. “A brownie.”

“A what? Is that some weird come-on ‘cause I don’t understand?”

Good. The omega slapped a hand over his companion’s mouth. Don’t say it or I’ll knee you in the groin. “It’s a dense, rich moist cake. Sweet and sensuous. I’m starving and would love a brownie.”

The alpha frowned and glanced at a table laden with a lavish display of food.

Max stuck out his bottom lip. I can’t believe I’m doing this but a dolt like Adam will lap it up. The omega pouted and ran a hand over the alpha’s arm. “Please go to the kitchen and ask Magda the housekeeper to make some. Say it’s for me. She’ll do it. I know she will.”

The alpha made a face. “Why the fuck do you want a brownie when you can have all this?” He stuck a finger in a bowl of cream and licked it.

Don’t speak to me that way, you fuckwit. Max swallowed his anger as he avoided the dollop of pale liquid smeared around Adam’s mouth.

“And this?” Tearing off his bow tie, the alpha undid the top two buttons on his shirt. Tuffs of dark hair poked through the gap, and the omega averted his eyes.

“I want something rich and sweet. Something sinful. I want to be bad.”

Adam’s eyes widened, and Max grabbed his mouth and scrunched his lips together before he could spew any more disgusting ideas. “And you have to wait while she makes them and then bring a plate to my room.” The omega trailed his fingers over the alpha’s jacket.

“But why…?”

Please don’t be watching this performance, Seb. “Because these brownies are special. They’re created with love and you have to watch as she stirs the mixture and puts the brownies in the oven. Ask Magda to cook the special ones she used to bake for my brothers. Say I have a craving. And be nice. She’s always been so kind to me. I don’t want you annoying her.”

The alpha frowned. “What’s so special about them?”

The omega licked around his mouth. “They’re made with extra chocolate and rich velvety frosting.” And another unique ingredient.

Adam’s eyes glazed over. Your dick and your stomach rule your life. Now for the hard part. “And when you arrive, I’ll have a surprise waiting for you, big boy.” I’m going to be sick.

The alpha’s eyes widened and he lowered his hand and adjusted himself. Max bit his tongue, stifling a scream. Just as I suspected.

Beads of perspiration dotted the alpha’s hairline and Max grimaced at the overpowering stink of his sweat. The alpha hitched his pants over his beer belly and leaned toward the omega, but Max ducked out of reach.

“You have to wait. Bring me those brownies, big boy.”

Adam turned.

“And one more thing.”

The alpha’s eyes widened and his fingers slipped to his belt.

Gross. “You have to eat one or maybe two.”

“I thought they were for you.”

“I want you in my bed, with chocolate smeared around your mouth and on the tips of your fingers when I arrive. Better yet, streak that big manly chest of yours with chocolate so I can lick it off.” Sickening!

“Where will you be?”

“I have to speak with my father about my future, but in one hour when I get to my room, I want you there.”

Drool oozed from Adam’s lips, and the omega gritted his teeth as the spit slid over the alpha’s chin. He took a step toward Max. The omega mouthed, “Brownies and then bed,” and Adam tore off toward the house.

The omega grabbed a bottle of scotch from the bar and disinfected his hands. Better I stink of whiskey than that creep. He flung the bottle into a bush and charged through the crowd. Where is he? He snuck around the edges of the crowd keeping his mouth covered with a napkin and pretending to be one more inebriated guest.

Is that him? Surely he hasn’t left me here? A cramp had Max bend over and pant, and he repeated the breathing technique he’d used in labor. So near and yet so far. His eyes flicked over every dark jacket and pair of broad shoulders. Seb! The omega’s uneven breathing had him clutch his chest. I’m panicking. Keep going.

There he is. An alpha in a dark dinner jacket stood by himself beside the pond sipping beer. Max crept toward him, his heart pattering. But as he got closer, the man turned. It’s not him. Max leaned against a tree and the rough bark scratched his back. But as he wiped tears from his eyes, he caught a whiff of a tantalizing musky scent. That aroma.

The omega stretched his head one way and got on tiptoes. Pushing people out of the way and splashing wine over a woman, he yelled, “Sorry” before he sprinted between groups of party-goers. Darting around the pond and leaping over potted plants, he pushed through a row of shrubs and was smacked and scratched by prickly branches. Where are you, Seb?

And there in the middle of the throng, with people laughing and drinking beside him, like an angel on top of a Christmas tree, was his mate. Seb. Max’s heart thudded so hard, he winced. Slow down, buddy. I’ve got this.

He caught Seb’s eye. My love. Nothing else existed except Max and his mate as his eyes roamed over the familiar broad shoulders, sun-streaked hair and intoxicating smile. The surroundings spun around the pair as though they were on a carousel. He stared into Seb’s dark gray eyes. I’m home.

Max bit his lip and the daydream dissolved. He was encircled by strangers except for one. He’s still here. Jerking his head toward the maze, the omega tore along the first leafy path and turned the corner. He leaned against the thick brush, his chest heaving, and strained to hear footsteps over the noise of the party-goers and the woman announcing prize-winners.

A pounding over the grass had his heart fluttering, and his fisted his hands as the alpha rounded the corner.

My alpha.

My Seb.

My life.

Max flung himself at Seb, and his mate grunted as the omega slammed into him. The alpha’s arms crushed him as he pulled them together.

Closer.

Tears spilled over Max’s cheeks, though his eyes were tightly closed. Seb’s teeth nibbled at his throat, ears and jaw, becoming more frantic as he progressed. “Max!” The alpha sucked his mate’s ear. “I thought I’d lost you.”

Never.

Seb wrenched off Max’s bow tie and his teeth grazed the flesh underneath. More. But not here.

The alpha rested his forehead on his mate’s as their chests heaved and left Max unable to speak. Isla. The omega’s eyes snapped open.

“My baby? Where is she? Tell me she’s safe. “Please Seb. Where’s Isla?”

Seb placed his lips on Max’s ear and whispered, “She’s with your grandfather. Mary’s here.”

“How…?”

The alpha slammed his lips on Max’s mouth and the omega responded to the intense passion by flicking his mate’s tongue. I’ve been craving this man for days. I want every part of him inside me. Max’s fingers clawed at Seb’s shirt but he pulled away as the fabric tore.

“And Trixie?”

“She’s looking after Isla too. She’s taken on the role of big sister.”

“My babies.” Max stuffed his mate’s jacket in his mouth to stifle his cries. The alpha’s scent overwhelmed him, and the maze appeared to creep closer as he rested his head on the alpha’s shoulder.

“Max! My darling. Max.” Seb’s mumblings barely registered as the omega breathed in his mate’s aroma. It’ll be all right.

The alpha pulled away, and placing a hand on either side of his mate’s head, he traced over Max’s cheek bones. “You’ve lost weight.”

“So have you, Seb.”

“You didn’t think I’d give up on you, did you?”

“It’s my father who doesn’t give up.”

“The fire?”

“Not now.”

The alpha ran his hand through his hair and listened to the groups of people laughing and getting progressively drunk. “I want to get you out of here.”

I’d see Isla. “How? I suspect the guards have my photo.”

“With so many guests swanning around, it’s the best opportunity to slip out unnoticed.”

“Unless you can bundle me with stained tablecloths and send me out with the dirty laundry, I’m not sure how we can do it.”

“And there’s Adam? What happened to him?”

“I’ve taken care of that tub of lard. He’ll be in my bed and zonked out until tomorrow morning.”

Seb pulled a face. “I don’t want the details.”

Max squeezed his mate’s fingers. I need skin-to-skin contact.

“Will anyone check on you after the party?”

“My father always opens my door before he retires for the night. I usually pull the covers over my head and pretend to be asleep.”

Seb’s face lit up. “And if he saw Adam?”

Ewww! “He’d assume we’d… you know…” I can’t say it.

“Excellent!”

“Are you insane?” Max hissed.

“Absolutely.” The alpha kissed his mate.

The sound of a guest retching in the bushes interrupted the pair’s discussion.

“That’s how we do it.”

The omega crinkled his nose. “What?”

“Pretend to be sick.” The alpha dragged Max along the path and peeked around the corner. He pointed at the tables groaning under the weight of the food. “Grab shrimp, grapes and maybe cake and milk. Anything. Mush them together and douse yourself in alcohol.” The alpha sniffed. “Though you’re way ahead of me on that one.”

“Don’t ask.”

“And fake vomit over the guards.”

“That’ll never work. These guys are professionals. They won’t be taken in by a prank used by kids to get out of school.”

“Trust me. People have an aversion to vomit. And they see what they want to see. Haven’t you read about thieves going into a store and carrying a TV out? Everyone assumes they’re legit ‘cause no one would be so brazen.”

“Seb, if we get caught…”

“There’ll be lots of people headed out, and with you being sick, everyone’ll be scrambling out of the way. Including the guards. You already stink of scotch. We can spray you with the stuff and make sure you throw up on the guards.”

“What are we going to do when we get outside?”

“We have Tony and Mary’s car.”

“Of course, Grandma’s here.”

“Do your thing with the food, and I’ll find Mary. Meet me beside the pond in ten minutes.”

Max raced over to the tables and stuffed handfuls of food into two bags he begged from a waiter. Dousing himself with more booze, he sidled across the lawn to where Seb was waiting.

“Where’s Grandma?”

“She’s in the car ‘cause we might have to make a quick getaway.”

“I smell like a distillery.”

“That’s the idea.”

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s go.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Max envisioned a bleak, damp dungeon with hulking bodyguards offering him scraps of bread. It wouldn’t surprise me if Father had a jail under the house.

Seb squeezed his mate’s fingers. “We’ve survived much worse.”

“I want my babies.”

“They’re waiting for you. Lean on me. When we get closer, moan and talk drivel.”

“That’d be easy for you,” the omega sniggered.

“You haven’t lost your sense of humor.” Seb put his arm around Max as they mingled with the departing guests. The guards were eying the crowd when a commotion behind Max and Seb had one guard race off. “Get off, you fool.”

“Don’t look around,” Seb whispered to his mate.

Max stared at his shoes. We can do this.

“Okay, leading man. You’re up.”

The omega groaned and bent over so no one could see his face.

“Hey, what’s wrong with him?”

“Too much to drink.”

“I don’t feel well.”

The guard leaned toward Max. It’s showtime. He squeezed the bag which was tucked into his sleeve, and its contents spurted and splattered onto the ground, his pants and the guard’s boots. Max retched and hacked as he pretended to be sick.

“That’s disgusting. You’ve ruined my uniform.”

With his head between his legs, the omega unbuttoned his shirt and pinched the second bag, spewing cream, shrimp and crumbs over the guard.

Perfect!

Other guests reared away as the last remnants of food spilled onto the driveway.

“Sorry. I need to get him home. He’s got a problem with alcohol.”

“Get him out of here.” The guard was sniffing his coat and talking on his walkie talkie asking for a clean uniform.

Gladly.

Max staggered into the parking area with Seb half holding, half dragging him. The pair stumbled to his grandparents’ car as Mary leapt out.

Max’s face crumpled as he peered at the woman who’d been one of the few constants in his life. “Stay back, Grandma.”

The older omega sniffed and scrunched up her face as she shoved Max into the back seat.

As the alpha turned the car onto the main road, Max leaned out the window while the walled compound slid behind them.

“Throw that jacket and shirt out. And keep the window open. You reek.”

Max leaned over the front seat as Mary smothered him with kisses. “I don’t care that you smell like a brewery.”

“I love you too, grandma.”

Mary punched a number into her phone and handed it to the omega. A voice crackled on the other end. “Grandpa?” Max burst into tears as he blubbered, “P-Put I-Isla up to the phone.”

A gurgling had the omega weeping as he wept. “Isla, it’s Daddy. It’s Daddy, beautiful girl.” A grunt and a squeal in the background had Max shouting, “Trixie! Little one, I’ve missed you.” My babies. I’m coming.

The alpha stretched out one hand and squeezed his mate’s fingers. “Your father assumes I’m in Roselake.”

“What?”

“Long story, but Dray has been feeding Adam tall tales.”

“I’m confused.”

“Your friend, Dray. Remember him?”

Some things never change.

“How long until Adam surfaces?”

“At least twelve hours.”

“As Richard thinks I’m at home, that’s where we’ll go.”

“All of us.” I refused to be separated from my family again.

“Call your grandfather and tell him to pack a bag.”

The family stumbled into the Roselake farmhouse just before dawn carrying essential food items they’d bought at an all-night grocery store. Isla was in her travel crib, and Trixie yawned as she trailed behind Tony. Their neighbor Sam had locked the house after they fled, but Seb retrieved a spare key from the barn.

“What a mess!”

The destroyed furniture from the day Richard’s goons tossed the house spilled over the kitchen and living area.

The alpha did a quick clean of the guest room and ushered an exhausted Mary and Tony into bed. Seb and Max sat in the kitchen drinking tea as the sun rose, with Trixie snuggled at Max’s feet as he fed the baby. Expressing milk over the last week was painful but I’m glad I kept it up.

Though Max was reluctant to talk about the fire at Riverside, he provided Seb with a few details of how Suzie had offered him tea, and afterward, he remembered little else except being jostled and manhandled until he woke in his old bedroom at his father’s house. “It’s in the past, Seb.”

The omega gazed at the broken crockery on the floor but didn’t have the energy to do anything about it. “What now?”

“We get your good friend Dray to help us. Call him.”

I never thought I’d hear you say that. “It’s five o’clock.”

Seb made a face. “Too bad.”

That evil grin. “I don’t have his number. My phone was in the Riverside house.”

But as the words left the omega’s mouth, Seb’s phone beeped. Alpha and omega stared at one another. Max’s skin prickled. Surely he hasn’t discovered I’m missing already. “Who has that number?”

The alpha scratched his head. “No one. I bought the phone the night of the fire after we left Riverside.”

Max gulped as Seb grabbed the device and the screen lit up. The omega peered over his mate’s shoulder and read the text.

‘Don’t tell anyone you’re home. I’ll bring food later. Best if you stay inside.’

“Is that who I think it is?”

“I guess so.”

The high-pitched squeak of a gate opening had Max cover his mouth to silence a scream. The text was a ploy to make us believe we were safe. He’s here. The omega cuddled Isla as he searched for a place to hide.

Seb parted the curtains and peeped into the pre-dawn gloom. “It’s only Sam come to feed the animals.”

The omega exhaled. His mate placed a finger on his lips. “Let’s go to the bedroom and hope Isla doesn’t cry.”

If she’s as exhausted as me, she won’t stir. Like Trixie, the baby was making up for lost sleep as she snuggled into the omega.

Seb and Max lay in bed, but Trixie pushed them apart and lay between them. Little girl, I missed you so much. With Isla on the omega’s chest, the pair held hands and listened to the pigs and goats shuffling and stamping as Sam tended to them.

“Is your father going to tear strips from Adam when he finds out you’re gone?”

The omega squeezed his mate’s hand. “Perhaps not.”

“Huh?”

“My father always checks my room before bed. Picture this. He sees Adam. Gets the wrong idea and assumes I’m there too and the alpha will stay close to me.”

“A part of me dies every time I hear that name.”

“Sorry. Where was I? The stinky alpha wakes. He’s deliriously happy ‘cause he’s now part of the family. He believes he’s getting a promotion. Everything’s perfect.”

“Except…”

“I’m not there, and he can’t remember anything of last night. He wanders around the compound, can’t find me and starts to worry. If I’ve vanished, everything will come crashing down.”

“He keeps your disappearance a secret and goes after you by himself?”

“Yeah, but he’d need an excuse.”

“Honeymoon.”

Ewww. “But you’re right.

“What’s he going to do first?”

“Check with his friend, Dray, if you’re still here, Seb.”

“Then call or maybe barge into your grandparents’ place.”

Max shivered. “And after that?”

“He’ll come here, but it’s not Adam I’m worried about. We can deal with him.” Seb rubbed his hands and smirked.

“What are you up to?”

“Moi?” The alpha sauntered across the room, wriggling his butt, and then strolled back to the bed. “Nothing.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Seb leaned over and nuzzled the omega. Max’s head fell back as he savored his mate’s potent aroma. “Do you want me to be up to something?”

Yes, please.

A rustling and whispered voices from the other room told Max his grandparents were awake. He pushed Seb away but not before this mate whispered, “Later.” With his hand on the door, the alpha muttered over his shoulder, “I’m going to have fun screwing with Adam’s head.”

Dray staggered into the house carrying bags of food and diapers. “You need to be more eco-friendly and use cloth diapers.”

“I’ll get right on that.” Seb stuck his hands on his hips and glowered at the younger alpha. “Along with… let’s see. What else have I done in the last few days? Grieve over Max’s supposed death, discover my mate is alive but has been kidnapped, rescue said mate and run away from a crazed mafia boss.”

Not again.

Dray dumped the bags and reared around to confront Seb. “You fuckwit. You almost blew Nathan’s cover.”

Nathan? White Wolf Nathan?

“Hey, I’m the one who hightailed it out of that gothic fortress with Max in tow. I should get a medal. And how the fuck was I supposed to know your uncle was there.”

“You weren’t supposed to go to that God-damned party.”

Seb flourished his phone in front of Dray. “Well, I didn’t get the fucking memo, you half-assed clown.”

My head hurts. “Seb? Dray? What’s going on?”

The younger alpha took a deep breath. “It’s okay, Max. This is between me and him.” He elbowed Seb in the ribs. “We had things under control.”

“Don’t treat me like a second-class citizen.” Two sets of alpha eyes flicked to Max.

Dray held out his hand to the omega. “I apologize.”

“Don’t touch him,” Seb growled.

Ahhh! “Jesus Christ. You’re like kids in a sandbox. Trixie’s more mature than you pair.”

Hearing her name, the piglet picked up a toy and laid it at Dray’s feet.

Max giggled. “And she agrees with me.”

“Good girl, Trixie.” Seb patted the pig.

But she grabbed a ball and rolled it to Seb.

“You were saying?” Max pursed his lips, trying to muffle a laugh. “Now, Dray, who’s the ‘we’ you’re talking about?” I’m so tired, I can’t understand plain English.

“Nathan and myself.”

“Hold on.” The omega held up his hand. “Backtrack, please. This is Nathan, owner of The White Wolf we’re taking about, right?’

Dray nodded.

“I thought he was sunning himself on a remote tropical island.”

“That’s what we told everyone.”

“So, he wasn’t running away from a dubious past.”

The younger alpha shrugged. “I won’t deny he’s done some questionable things, but he’s served this country his entire life.”

“Blah blah blah.” Seb waved his fist in Dray’s face. “We were trying to get hold of Nathan for months.”

The omega pushed his mate away and flung the younger alpha around to face him. A vein pulsed in his neck. “Yeah, where was he when we needed him?”

Seb leaned over Max’s shoulder. “Our lives were in danger, you piece of shit.”

“Stop being dramatic, Seb. Richard Sharpe is a nasty type, but he’s not about to kill his own flesh and blood.”

“You’re both irritating the crap out of me,” Max yelled. “You and Nathan have been gallivanting around doing what exactly?”

“Infiltrating your father’s life.” Dray placed his hands on the omega’s shoulders. “He’s a bad guy, Max.”

“What a shocker!” You’d don’t need to tell me that. Idiot!

Seb snarled, and the younger alpha rolled his eyes before letting go of the omega. “Max, Nathan’s been working for your father.”

That’s who it was. The omega slumped into an armchair. “I saw him.”

“Me too.” Seb knelt at his mate’s feet but as surprise registered on his face, he stood.

What’s he thinking?

“Wait, is he actually your uncle? And…”

Don’t say it, Seb.

“…is your name really Dray?”

Max rubbed his pounding forehead. They’ve given me a headache.

“You’re on a need to know basis, buddy,” Dray growled and tapped his nose. “Need to know.”

Seb poked Dray in the chest. “You sanctimonious little shit.”

“Please stop.” Max jumped up.

“I will if he will.” Seb puffed out his chest.

“Oh, my God! Can you hear yourself, Seb? You sound like a toddler.”

“Nah nah nah nah nah.” Dray placed a thumb on his nose and wriggled his fingers.

“And you’re no better. What’s next? Arm-wrestling?”

“I’m up for it,” both alphas shouted in unison.

“You told Max you’d mated. Is that true?”

Dray stared up at the ceiling. “Not exactly.”

Could this get any worse? “Seb, it doesn’t matter.”

Seb shoved the younger alpha against the wall and landed a punch on his chin. Dray groaned and collapsed.

“Seb! You’ve hurt him.”

“I hope so.”

Max knelt beside his friend and slapped his face. “Dray! Wake up.”

Seb poured a glass of water on him, and the man on the floor shrieked and spluttered.

“Huh. Still breathing. Not dead.”

“Help me get him up.”

The pair dragged Dray onto the couch, and the omega placed an icepack on his jaw.

“Jesus Christ. What was that for?” Dray rubbed his chin.

“Lying. Let me count the ways. First…”

“No, Seb!”

“My work involves lying, you neanderthal.”

Max barged between the two men. “Focus, guys.” He sat beside Dray while glaring at his mate. “You and Nathan, your-maybe or maybe-not uncle were or are involved in a plot to bring my father down. Have I got that right?”

Dray groaned. “I wouldn’t use the word plot.”

“I would. Makes this guy sound like a two-bit loser.”

“At least I don’t mope around after rejecting my mate and try to woo him back by writing soppy poetry. Not to mention acting like an ass-wipe in front of a bar full of people.”

That fucking awful limerick. It’s never going away. Laughter bubbled out of the omega’s mouth. Seb glowered at him. That’s hilarious. Max snorted. “I’m sorry. But it’s funny.”

“I poured my heart into that rhyme.”

Dray rolled his eyes. “Don’t give up your day job. Oh wait, you don’t have one. Instead, you’re a rich wanna-be farmer who tinkers with growing vegetables and sleeps with a pig.”

Seb grabbed the younger alpha’s shirt and the fabric shredded. “You can insult me all you want but don’t bring Trixie into this.”

The piglet ran between Seb’s legs and dragged away the toy she’d given Dray.

“Enough, both of you.”

Dray peered up at Seb. “I’ve been on Adam’s ass for months pretending to be his friend, plying him with alcohol and dragging information out of him. But now I have a better idea. I’ll put you and Adam in a room together and get you to recite your poems. I’ll bet within ten minutes he’ll be begging me to handcuff him and throw away the key. You could sell those rhymes to the military as an instrument of torture.”

Seb waved his hand dismissively.

He didn’t take the bait. Good man. Max pulled Seb onto the sofa. “Nathan’s been working undercover for how long?”

“A while. When you phoned Nathan demanding to have me fired, Seb, that was me pretending to be him.”

“And when Nathan messaged me?”

“Me again. Sorry.” The younger alpha grinned at Max.

He’s so proud of himself. I can kind of see why he irritates Seb. He is an ass-wipe. “Now what?”

Dray leaned forward. “Nathan messaged just as I arrived saying Adam’s been racing around the compound complaining of a headache.”

Max filled the younger alpha in on how he’d misled and outwitted Adam.

“I’m so impressed. If you ever get tired of being a farm hand, I’ll give you a job.”

“Not fucking likely.”

The omega pinched his nose and sighed. Just when I was beginning to agree with you, Seb. “He’s coming here.”

“Yeah, and that’s perfect.”

“Why?”

“Need to know.”

Shit! “What do we do?”

“Stay out of sight, Max. I’ll have someone at the airport so I can warn you when he arrives. When he gets here, Seb, you have to convince him Max is in Roselake. I want him here, and Nathan needs your father at his place or all our work will be for nothing.”

“I can do that.”

“Don’t fuck it up.”

Max, his grandma and Seb spent hours cleaning the mess while Tony watched over Isla. According to Dray, Adam had only just departed for the Colyton airport and wouldn’t arrive in Roselake until early the following morning.

In celebration of their hard work and Max being reunited with his family, Seb opened a bottle of wine. This is nice, even though chaos may return tomorrow.

Mary and her mate shared a glance. “Would you feel comfortable letting Tony and me take the baby down to the lake?”

Max nibbled his lower lip. “Grandma, I…”

“You’d still be able to see us. Besides, you and Seb need time alone.”

Max’s cheeks burned. Is my grandmother suggesting we have sex? That’s so awkward. The omega peeked at Seb through his lashes. The alpha was shuffling his feet and inspecting his boots. But as he lifted his head, he caught his mate’s eye and winked. They’re all in on it.

“It’s okay, Max. And Trixie has taken a shine to your grandpa.”

The piglet nuzzled the older alpha’s ankles. Awww, that’s so sweet. “I suppose so. Don’t go too close to the water. Take a spare diaper, and sunscreen and if she cries…”

“Max.” Mary put her hand on the omega’s shoulder. “I know what to do.”

“Sorry.”

“We’ll make plenty of noise when we return.”

“Grandpa!” Max covered his eyes. I’m so embarrassed. He waited until the door closed. “Have they gone?”

“Yes.”

This is silly. I’m as nervous as a teenager.

The alpha sauntered over to Max and grabbed his hand. “Let’s not waste time.” Seb’s eyes were small pinpricks of lust, and Max shivered as his mate dragged him into the bedroom. The omega’s body tingled as he pictured lying naked in the alpha’s arms.

“Seb?”

“Yeah?”

“I need you to be gentle. No crazy stuff. I’ve just pushed a human out of my body.”

“Damn, I had my whip ready and pink handcuffs. Oh, well!” The alpha slapped his forehead, pretending to be disappointed.

Idiot! “No, you didn’t. You’re kidding. You are joking, aren’t you?”

Seb leaned over the omega and kissed him. “I can’t disclose all my secrets, can I?”

I don’t want to get into that right now. “You have far too many secrets.”

The alpha kissed his mate’s chin. “Mmmm.” He trailed his mouth over Max’s jawline. “Most definitely.” Nibbling on the omega’s ear, he muttered, “Yeah.” And as he stuck his tongue into the hollow, Seb mumbled, “That’s right.”

“Ass.”

“You want to see my ass? I’m happy to oblige.”

Max’s knees gave way, and he slumped onto the bed as Seb flung off his shirt. The omega admired the tattoo that slithered up his arm and over his shoulder and chest. I want one of those.

“Seb, wait.”

“Is something wrong?” The alpha crawled onto the bed.

“Nope. Don’t move.”

The omega grabbed Seb’s phone and darted into the bathroom. He flung off his ratty old shirt and shorts and slipped on his bathrobe. After tying the sash around his waist, and scrolling through the phone, he pressed play and opened the door.

A slow, seductive melody floated into the room. Is this silly or sexy? Max pulled the robe to his knees and stuck one leg out the door.

“Max!”

“Shush. And don’t move.” The omega tittered. This is fun.

The omega yanked the robe higher, giving his mate a glimpse of his thigh.

“I want to see more,” Seb grunted in a deep, husky voice.

With most of his body hidden, Max pointed his toes and tipped over a stool. His mate clapped. Pulling back into the bathroom, the omega twirled the end of his sash.

“More. More. More.”

The omega poked his ass, covered in thick white terrycloth, into the bedroom, making sure Seb couldn’t see his face.

“Come closer, and I’ll smack that beautiful behind.”

Max strutted into the room with his back to the bed. He swayed his hips and slid the gown off one shoulder. Seb’s heavy breathing gave him confidence so he slipped the garment up again, and the alpha groaned.

“Why did you do that?”

Why do you think?

Wriggling his hips in time to the music, the omega twirled the tie around his waist and then slowly turned to face his mate. Max feasted his eyes on the bulge in the alpha’s jeans. Someone’s pleased to see me.

“Take it all off,” Seb begged.

The omega ignored his mate and parted the robe. The alpha leaned forward and stretched out a hand as the cloth revealed smooth, muscular thighs. But Max ducked out of Seb’s reach.

“You’re a tease.”

“That’s the idea.”

The omega’s fingers slid over his ass, and he moaned while Seb groused and muttered, “I want to run my hands over your body.”

Scrunching the soft fabric in his hands, Max wriggled his shoulders as his body swayed to the music. Seb arched his back and rubbed a palm over his swollen dick. He groaned and tilted his hips, grinding his bottom into the mattress.

Max teased the knotted sash at his waist. The alpha’s eyes widened and focused on his mate’s fingers as the omega undid the looped strip of cloth. It fell to the floor. Max gave his mate a quick peek, and then dragged the two sides of the robe together.

“No! That’s not fair.”

The omega giggled and turned away from his mate. He slid the garment off one shoulder and then the other so it sagged to his waist. As he rocked his hips, he dropped the terrycloth and lifted his arms above his head.

“That ass is mine.”

Not yet.

Placing his hands on his hips, the omega shuffled forward, just out of Seb’s reach, and moved away.

“Come here, now, or I’m going to drag you onto the bed.”

Either option is perfect. Max turned, his engorged dick bobbing to the melody as he swayed his hips. He sashayed to the edge of the bed and kneeled on the mattress, his stiff cock dangling between his legs.

The alpha sat up and brushed hair from his mate’s eyes. He ran his fingers over Max’s belly, still soft from Isla’s birth. “You’re so beautiful and your body is magnificent. It nurtured our daughter and kept her safe. You did that, Max.”

“Can we not talk about Isla right now, Seb?”

The alpha glanced at his mate’s swollen dick. “Okay, but is it too soon?”

“I’m horny as hell, and I’d love you inside me, but yeah, my body isn’t ready.”

The alpha peppered kisses over Max’s jaw. “We’ll have to get creative, won’t we?”

I hope so. The omega shivered. “Yes, please.”

“Stay right there.”

The omega rolled his eyes. “Oh, no. I had planned on waltzing into Roselake and doing some shopping, but okay, if you want me to stay, I’ll do it.”

“Sarcasm becomes you.”

The omega giggled. Seb ran into the kitchen and the omega listened as he rummaged in a cupboard. When he darted back into the bedroom, he had something hidden behind him.

Max got on one elbow. “What have you got?”

“You’ll see.”

“It’s not a pirate hat, is it?”

Seb peered out the window. “We’re on dry land. You’re safe from marauders.”

“Not sure I want to be.”

“Perhaps I’ll just rob you of your dignity.”

Please. Taking a deep breath, Max whispered, “Go on.”

The alpha kneeled over his mate. Close your eyes. A sweet, clover-like scent filled Max’s nostrils.

“Honey?”

The mattress dipped, and Seb’s jeans brushed over his thighs. “Open.”

The omega gazed at his mate straddling him. He stared at a jar in Seb’s hand as the alpha reached above his head and tipped the container. A sticky stream of pale, amber liquid flowed from the pot. It caught the light and twinkled as it stretched from the alpha’s hand onto the omega’s shivering flesh.

Oh my God! “Seb!” Goosebumps stung his body as the viscous liquid spilled into his belly button and all the other nooks and crevices on his body. The omega ran his finger through the honey and licked it. Delicious. “Is this dessert?”

“No, you are.”

Max shivered as his mate leaned forward and lapped at the fragrant liquid. “Mmmm.”

The omega wriggled his bottom as Seb smeared the aromatic stickiness around his mate’s mouth, and then licked each drop from his face. Max stuck out his tongue, and Seb flicked it and a droplet of honey slipped into the omega’s mouth. “Nice.”

“So are you, my love.”

The omega gulped as his toes and feet tingled, and he arched his back. Seb trailed a hand over his mate’s midriff and chest, making intricate patterns in the honey. As the alpha swirled his sticky fingers lower, Max raised his hips and his already hard cock swelled further. I’ll explode if he doesn’t grab my dick.

Seb lifted himself over Max’s crotch and nestled between his mate’s outstretched legs. He placed one sticky finger in his mouth and sucked off the honey. The omega was mesmerized as he repeated this with his remaining fingers.

Max panted. I want to be those fingers, deep inside his warm, wet mouth. His racing pulse thundered in his ears as Seb brushed a palm over the omega’s cock, and it reared up to greet him. The alpha slid one finger over the tip as a droplet of pre-cum dribbled out.

“Yes! Seb!” Max’s body trembled, and he clenched his ass and gritted his teeth. He wanted to erupt over the alpha’s face but he longed to extend the ecstasy. It’s too much.

Wrapping his hand around the shaft, Seb slid his palm up to the head and lowered it. The omega’s body jerked, and he raised his hips as his mate’s other hand slid over his balls and fondled them. A charge of excitement blistered through the omega’s body, leaving him breathless and wanting more.

“Faster. I’m not going to last long.”

Seb cupped Max’s balls as the omega snuck a glance at his mate’s face. The alpha’s eyes locked on his as his fingers slid up and over the huge cock. I’m not going to survive. Seb’s hand moved slowly and then picked up speed as Max’s heart raced and his body struggled to get oxygen into his lungs. I can’t breathe.

A desperate hunger ignited deep inside the omega as a primitive urge swept over him. “S-Seb,” he stammered. “I-I…” Barbs of pleasure stabbed at his body as a gripping sensation built inside him. I can’t hold on.

With each drag of his mate’s hand, he imagined Seb plunging his enormous cock deep inside his slippery, wet hole. He twisted his head and rotated his hips as the alpha stroked his length faster and then agonizingly slowly.

“You’re killing me.”

“It’s okay, Max. Let go.”

As Seb’s fingers slipped over his dick, the alpha leaned over and licked the tip. Max rocked his hips as spasms racked his body. Gasping as waves of desire battered him and sent him over the edge, he shattered into a million pieces. He spurted over his mate, splattering his face and chest with white stickiness.