Kole cuddled against him as he struggled to catch his breath. He sought his mate’s lips, tasting himself.
Resting his head on Braun’s shoulder, Kole was quiet for a long moment. Finally, he asked, “Why won’t you claim me?”
“You’re mine,” he said adamantly.
“You know what I mean.”
The sudden tension between them was tangible. Braun sat on the edge of the bed and rested his weight on his knees. He pinched his eyes, not wanting to talk about it. But Kole deserved the truth. “I do want to claim you. But I’m not sure if it’s what you really want.”
“Why would you think that? I’ve practically begged,” he retorted.
He blew out a big breath, his mind zipping to the past. “Redspire was attacked by a rival pack. There was a lot of fighting between the packs back then. My parents were killed in the scuffle, leaving me the heir apparent. What remained of the Redspire pack—your parents, me and a few others agreed that we weren’t giving up our home until we were all dead.”
The bed shifted and Kole came up behind him. He wrapped Braun in his arms and settled his chin over his shoulder. His sweet scent was mingled with sex.
“We cornered the pack leader and managed to separate him from the others. We were just pups back then, and he was seasoned. He went for me first hoping to break the other’s resolve.” His words cracked as the pain rushed forward. He’d tried so hard to bury it. “You should have seen Nyk and Cale. They fought together. Cale was swift, like the wind, landing nips to distract the rival while Nyk went for his throat. He’d broken my legs, so I could do nothing but watch. It was then I realized they were meant for each other. They took him down and Nyk broke snapped his neck.”
“They never talked about that day,” Kole said. “I only knew that a rival had challenged the Redspire pack and that Dads won.”
“It was your parents that proved they deserved to lead the pack. But more than that… it was too painful seeing them together. I didn’t fault Cale for choosing Nyk, but it didn’t hurt any less. So, I left, knowing they’d be better at protecting the pack where I couldn’t.”
Kole pulled him back into bed and straddled him. “You weren’t unworthy. You were just young.”
Looking away, Braun didn’t want to acknowledge the truth. He had been too young. It took time for alphas to come fully into their bodies and most didn’t reach maturity until their forties. As a pup in his teens facing off against a practiced alpha, he hadn’t stood a chance.
“You loved both of them and didn’t want to get in between their happiness.”
“If I hadn’t left, Cale might not have gotten poisoned,” Braun said, his chest vibrating with hurt and anger.
“It’s not your fault,” Kole said and pressed his ear against his chest. “You’re an idiot for thinking stupid things like that.”
“You’re right, I’m an idiot,” he corrected.
Sighing, Kole pecked his lips. “I choose you.”
Those words sent Braun’s heart soaring. Even after the truth had come out, this omega still wanted him. “Put some clothes on. I want to show you something.”
Chapter 13
Kole couldn’t stop looking at Braun. He was a handsome, rough and intimidating alpha, rounded out by a course beard and impeccable dressing habits. But the emotions in his eyes were as clear as day. Did he really think he wasn’t a worthy mate because he failed to single-handedly protect his pack when he’d been a pup? More than that, he’d given up everything because he’d loved Dads so much he didn’t want to get in the way of their happiness. Kole dropped his attention to their linked hands, liking the connection.
Your love and sacrifice is exactly why I take you to mate.
When Kole returned his attention to Braun, the alpha was looking at him, something deep shining in his gorgeous eyes. He recognized the vulnerability there. It wasn’t so different as when Kole had been terrified for his pack. Braun leaned in and pecked his lips just as the elevator opened.
The floor was much like the lobby of the penthouse—marble walls covered in paintings and carved statues on pedestals lining the floor. Braun led him hand in hand down the lobby and turned a corner. A pair of warriors dressed head to toe in black stood at a door, huddling over an iPad, the sound of a sports caster talking about a bad play.
When they noticed them, they perked up, their attention going right to Kole.
“This is Kole, my ward,” Braun said. “He’s been staying here for a few weeks now while the mess with the wildblood is sorted. Kole, this is Locke, and Matteo.”
Their gaze was shrewd as they did a once over on Kole. The biggest of the two had a bad scar trailing his cheek and down his neck. Instinctively, Kole sought the protection of Braun. When their attention focused on their linked hands, they looked in unison to Braun.
“Did I say ward?” Braun murmured, dropping his attention to Kole. A soft smile curled over his lips. “I mean mate.”
Kole’s heart skipped a beat. That was the first time Braun had called him such. Braun looked back to the pair who had visibly relaxed.
“Well,” Locke said with a smirk and leaned against the wall. “It’s about time.”
“Maybe you should go back to your penthouse,” the other commented with amusement. “Looks like you two need a room.”
Braun cleared his throat and tipped his head up.
“Right,” Locke said and two returned to their places at either side of the door. “Professionalism and all that.”
Braun entered a code on the keypad and the door unlocked. He flipped the lights on, and the slam of the door behind them made Kole jump. As the illumination highlighted what looked like a high-tech alchemy lab, Kole gaped.
“What? A little drug manufacturing side business to fund your treasure hunts?” Kole joked.
“Drugs, yes. Money, no,” Braun said. “This is a place of research and experimentation using the combined efforts of alchemy and science. Several years ago, I met a fellow shifter who shared my belief that the two worlds can be united for the benefit of our people. He presented interesting ideas and I gave him this space to work. He’s the brains of the operation, but I provide the funds. We’ve been moderately successful.”
Kole ran his eyes all over the vials and beakers and fancy machines, quietly humming in the background.
Holding his hand out, Braun looked to him. “Come.”
Kole accepted and Braun led him past the computers and into a small room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass panels. In the center was a giant freezer unit of some kind that was straight out of Jurassic Park. He watched as Braun entered a code into a computer. The contraption whirled and a section opened. A cloud of cold air rushed out, revealing a set of vials containing glowing blue liquid.
“This is our pet project and the most recent batch of successful antidotes.”
“For what?” Kole croaked.
Braun offered him a weak smile and carefully retrieved one of the vials. It looked so fragile in his big hand, the liquid flashing in the light.
“Bane.” The voice startled Kole and he turned to find a male in a doctor’s coat standing at the doorway. His stark white hair was cropped, the blue of his eyes almost as pale as crystal.
“Kole, this is my partner, Marx,” Braun said.
The male stepped into the room and took the vial from Braun. “This is the closest thing we have to an antidote. It’s not perfect, but from our recent trials this little blue liquid has the probability to save lives. The treatment for Bane poisoning has evolved in the last year. It’s not pretty but effective.”
Kole stared at the vial in the shifter’s hands, entranced by the color and reflective properties of the liquid. An antidote for Bane? Even witchcraft didn’t have a cure for the deadly poison.
“Marx is the genius behind this,” Braun said.
“If it weren’t for your bankroll, this wouldn’t exist,” he retorted.
“I had no idea any of this existed,” Kole said, surpris
ed.
“The Magistrate supports and endorses our work,” Braun added. “The Stone building serves many purposes.”
Marx snapped his attention to Braun, his brows rising.
Braun carefully returned the vial to it’s crib. “It’s okay, Marx. Kole is my mate. He will discover my secrets eventually.”
The shifter’s brows rose even more. He seemed truly surprised. “Since when?”
“Recently.”
“What else don’t I know about?” Marx hedged with a little chuckle.
“It’s because you spend too much time here,” someone else said, leaning against the door frame. The male was dressed in a simple T-shirt and loose jogging pants. His hair was tangled, and he was as pale as a ghost. He looked exhausted, his thin frame making him seem taller than he was. “I told you that you need to get out more.”
“What are you doing? You should be in bed,” Marx hissed and rushed to the male’s side.
“My legs were cramping. I wanted to walk,” he countered. “So, our sugar Daddy mated?”
“You need to rest.”
“I can spend a little energy,” he countered and offered Kole a welcoming smile. “If I knew we were going to have company, I would have tried to look decent. I’m Aric. It’s nice to meet the omega that stole Braun’s heart.”
“Hi.” It was all Kole could say. He was totally thrown for a loop. All he could do was stare at Aric who reflected his omega-father in his last days. He knew the signs and symptoms of Bane poisoning.
“You’ve all met. Now it’s time to get back into bed,” Marx said gently, but sternly.
Aric blew out a big breath, sending his shaggy hair fluttering. “Fine, fine.”
“Why don’t we make a date for dinner? You can bring Aric up for a bit,” Braun said to Marx.
“He agrees,” Aric answered enthusiastically.
Kole watched as Marx helped the male out and down the hall, his heart breaking. Braun pulled him close and kissed the top of his head. They stood that way for a long time.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help Cale,” Braun said finally, his voice breaking. “I’ll always regret that.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Kole said and sought his lips. “At least you can help others now. Is… will Aric be okay?”
Braun sighed. “The prognosis is survival, but he’ll always be sick. The antidote is based on his antibodies and he is the sole patient, but it’s Marx and I’s hope that one day, the poison will be eradicated. It’s our intention to inoculate the shifter population against Bane. The plan is small doses through childhood to build an immunity. We have a lot to do to get there, though.”
Kole stared at where the two had been, imagining a world where another son didn’t have to lose a parent to that dreadful poison. “It’s great our technology is catching up to our enemies.”
“It’s easier to produce concentrated doses of Bane than it is to cure it, unfortunately. The vampire coven has learned to use technology to their advantage. Our people must do the same. Kole, I wanted to show you this because I want you to know me,” Braun said. “But you can’t talk about this openly. The Magistrate was adamant that we keep this private for the time being. Promise you won’t speak about what you’ve seen here, even to Nyk.”
“You have my word.” Kole rested his head against his alpha. “You’ve proven that you’re a kind, protective and loving alpha. Will you claim me, already?”
Braun’s chest rumbled in laughter. “Soon, my mate. Soon.”
Chapter 14
“Can you get that?” Braun called as he pulled the roast out of the oven.
Kole rushed to the door, sliding on the hardwood floor in an agile move. “Got it.”
Another week had gone by and Kole had truly settled in. It was as if he’d always lived here, their lives adjusting to fit each other’s. He’d looked forward to ending his workday now, knowing he had someone waiting for him. Their nights were spent watching movies, playing video games—to which Kole succinctly kicked his ass—and bedtime was filled with pleasure and warmth.
Braun set the roast on the counter, happy with how it had turned out. The scent got into his nose and made his wolf salivate. This dinner date had been a great idea for all parties involved. It would be good for Marx and Aric to get out of the lab for a bit and Kole could use a friend. His mate’s cheery voice soaked into him as he welcomed their guests.
Marx entered the penthouse, holding Aric’s hand as he took careful steps. It always hurt Braun to see the omega sick, but he appeared to be having one of his good days. He hated to think if it weren’t for the antidote they were working on, Aric might be gone from this world.
“Braun!” Aric said jubilantly.
He came to accept a hug from the male, his grip weak. “Look at you two. All dressed up.”
“Aren’t I hot?” Aric teased and ran his palm down his button front shirt.
“Sit with me?” Kole inquired and led him over to the kitchen table Braun had recently purchased. He rarely entertained so he’d never had the need for one. Linda had been sweet and picked out a set of china for it, complete with candlesticks along with a bouquet of vibrant flowers for the center piece.
Another knock on the door sounded and Kole rushed to answer. Linda’s voice filled the air and Braun made another resolution. He’d spend more time with her outside her job here. He’d always viewed her as a daughter of sorts and promised himself he’d make sure she knew it.
“I brought the wine,” she said and came to kiss him on the cheek. “Oh my gosh, this smells lovely. And no grains, go figure.”
“No plants today, except carrots and potatoes,” Kole said. “I set some rules down that he was to avoid certain things.”
“Carrots and potatoes are roots,” Braun corrected.
“Same difference.”
“Look at you two bickering like an old mated couple already,” Aric said, with stars in his eyes. “How adorable.”
Braun rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
“You two do make a cute couple,” Linda said as she searched the drawer for a bottle opener. “And Braun has been less broody lately.”
All he could do was smile. He had been much happier with Kole in his life. The prospect of not spending one’s very long existence alone was enough to brighten anyone’s day. She popped the cork and poured a glass for everyone while Braun sliced the roast. His home filled with voices was strange to him, but he liked it. As he set the meat on the table along with freshly baked dinner rolls, everyone settled in their seats.
“I’m going to ask what everyone is wondering,” Aric said as he leaned into Marx. “When is the ceremony?”
“We haven’t decided yet,” Braun and Kole said in unison.
Marx burst out in laughter while Linda and Aric cooed.
“They’re finishing each other’s thoughts already,” Aric said.
“Adorable,” Linda agreed.
“Okay, you fangirls,” Marx teased.
Kole simply blushed. Braun didn’t tell them that they’d yet overcome their biggest hurdle—informing Nyk about their relationship. The few texts he’d gotten from his contacts didn’t detail much except that they were hunting down the remnants of the wildblood pack, but the job should be done soon. Honestly, Braun was enjoying sequestering Kole in the penthouse and pretending the world didn’t exist.
“Does anyone need anything else?” Braun inquired.
“Sit down,” Linda commanded.
He obeyed and they started what looked like to be a most enjoyable evening. Aric was the life of the party as he talked about anything and everything and how nice it was being together like this. It was great to see him smile, the sickness waning and letting his spirit show. Marx jumped in as they detailed the time they’d hunted down a wendigo.
“Wait, you two are—” Kole interjected.
“Ro’an,” Aric finished for him. “Yes. But not active.”
Kole gaped at him. “I didn’t know omegas served in the Ro’
an.”
“There are a few, but its uncommon,” Marx said. He looked tenderly to his mate. “It’s how we met.”
“It was a long time ago, when I was stronger, and…” his words trailed off, no doubt reliving his glory days. “It was before a vamp shot me up with a concentrated dose of bane. I’m lucky to be here.”
Marx sought his mate’s hand and kissed his cheek. “You’ll be strong enough to kick my ass again soon. We’ve made great progress on the antidote.”
Changing the subject, Aric said to Kole, “I hail from a pack of ancient warriors. Fighting is in my blood. My ancestors did not differentiate between omega and alpha when training us. But that was a long time ago and much of the old ways are gone.”
“I’m so glad you’re feeling better,” Linda said, touching Aric gently on the shoulder.
“Me too. So,” Aric started. “I need to know when the ceremony is in advance. I’ll need something to wear. Have you set up a gift list yet?”
“Oh, yes, that’s a good idea. Will Rex be catering? This roast is great, Braun, but he is a master in the kitchen,” Linda chimed in.
“Who is Rex?” Kole inquired.
“A warrior in the kitchen that prefers wielding a butcher knife rather than a sword.” Aric made a sound of delight. “That alpha is going to make some omega very lucky.”
Marx rolled his eyes. “Give them time. The honeymoon comes before the ceremony, don’t you know?”
Laugher filled his once empty home, kick starting it’s frozen heart. Warmth spread thru him. This was his family, they always had been, he just hadn’t realized it before. Kole must have noticed his emotion, because the omega looked to him with tender eyes.
“Oh, you don’t have to remind me, my mate,” Aric said, throwing Marx a heated look. “I remember very well.”
The roast and rolls were devoured, and Braun pulled out a banana cream pie for dessert. He could cook but was a shitty baker and had ordered it from the best bakery in Chicago, wanting everything to be perfect.
“I can do it,” Kole said as he took the knife from Braun. “The cook gets served this time.”
To Protect and Love (Omegaverse shifter Romance) (Shifter Fever Book 1) Page 7
