by Maggie Walsh
Fane continued, “But then the gamma side of him would submit fully to his alpha Master in the bedroom. A gamma wolf is almost as submissive as an omega. They crave to please their alpha Master in all things. By a gamma submitting fully to his Alpha Mate it gives that alpha a place to exude his power, his control, and relieve his stress, which in turn makes him a better alpha for the pack. If an alpha doesn’t have anywhere to put that control, then they will thrust it on the pack. Those kinds of alphas are dictators and aren’t good for anyone. They’re usually mean bastards that lead their pack with fear and iron fists, instead of with respect and care. So, that’s why any good alpha will look for a beta/gamma mix to be their mate.”
Oberon’s brows rose as he nodded, his eyes showing he understood what Fane was telling him. “Okay, so I get it now. So, Ridge is a lucky bastard as you said.”
“Yup. He found the perfect mate and it turns out Caleb is his true mate not just someone he chose, so they will be together forever. Nothing can break their bond, but death.”
“I still don’t understand why Caleb’s dad was so worried though. It sounds like he should have been excited knowing that Ridge would have the desired mate,” Oberon observed.
“No one should have scented the gamma in Caleb until he got close to coming fully into himself at twenty-five, but because his dad was the Alpha born of one of the original families and therefore having that enhanced ability of smell, he could. It worried him because even though no one else could scent Caleb’s gamma side, if Caleb knew, he may start showing signs of his gamma side. If that happened, then other, more dominant wolves would be drawn to Caleb, and Alpha Mark was afraid one of those males would put in a petition to mate Caleb, or at the very least want to get in his pants. As Caleb’s dad and Alpha, as well as knowing that Caleb’s true mate was out there waiting for him, Alpha Mark wanted to protect his son and Ridge’s mate. He didn’t want to risk Caleb falling for some other guy which could make things a bit sticky when Ridge showed up to claim him. So, as much as people thought it was cruel of Alpha Mark to hide the gamma side from Caleb, he insisted no one tell him,” Marlo said.
“But I thought no one could scent the gamma on him, but the alpha?” Oberon asked.
“That’s true, but he did tell Dell. Being Caleb’s brother and next alpha, as well as being a part of it all since Caleb’s birth, Alpha Mark informed Dell of everything. What Alpha Mark didn’t know was that Dell was so stressed over it all, and now add the struggle Caleb would be experiencing because of not understanding the new desires that would start, Dell went to his best friend, Jude, to talk to. Once when they were having a discussion about it and Jude was telling Dell his own frustration over the whole thing, Bo, Alex, and I were actually nearby, but they didn’t know. We heard everything. Bo was furious and wanted to hunt Caleb down and tell him, but Alex and I stopped him. We were all confused and worried. While we were fighting with Bo over it, Dell and Jude heard us. When we told them we had overheard them, Dell made us promise not to say anything to Caleb with the threat that Alpha Mark had demanded no one tell Caleb and he would go ballistic if someone did, so we all kept it a secret from Caleb and had to sit by and watch him struggle with what was going on inside him. And Caleb never told anyone. Dell was hoping that Caleb would go to him about the changes he was experiencing and tell him the strange new desires, because then Dell would have said something, no matter what his dad ordered, but Caleb never said a word or asked anyone for their advice or help, so it remained a secret until Ridge came along.”
“I can understand all of that, but it must have been hard on Caleb,” Fane said. “I mean, he had to be experiencing the urge to submit at some point, even before he turned twenty-five, and if he didn’t know he was a gamma and only thought he was a beta, then... damn. Poor Caleb.”
“It was, but Alpha Mark insisted it would be for the best, which is why he gave Caleb the letters earlier than he originally planned. He was hoping it would give Caleb something to hold onto, that maybe Caleb would think the letters were from a secret admirer, or something and it would stop Caleb from forming any kind of meaningful relationship with another man. You also have to remember, Alpha Mark knew all about the Reckoning and the Purge. Knowing that Caleb had his true mate out there and would be claimed one day, was a relief to him that at least one of his sons would be saved, and that the York pack would survive.”
“Wow, that had to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, decisions the alpha ever had to make,” Fane said.
“It was, but I understand that it was for the best and I love my dad even more for it.” Caleb’s voice came from across the room and they all turned toward it in surprise.
Caleb stood in the room, by the front door, with Ridge behind him, and his cousin had his arms around Caleb’s waist, his hands locked together in front of Caleb, holding his mate lovingly. The pair were smiling at them. “Talking about me behind my back, Marl?” Caleb said, but Fane could hear the teasing lilt in his voice.
“Caleb!” Marlo screeched enthusiastically and jumped to his feet, then ran across the room. Ridge laughed as he released Caleb and stepped back, and Caleb opened his arms. Marlo flew right into him and the two embraced as they smiled and laughed. Fane loved the sight. To see Marlo so happy and carefree did his heart good.
Ridge stepped around the two and came toward him as Fane and Oberon both stood. Ridge held out his hand to Fane, surprising him for a moment, but then he reached out and clasped his cousin’s hand and they shook. Ridge was giving him an actual smile and Fane returned it. “Happiness looks good on you cousin,” Ridge said as they released each other, then Ridge turned to Oberon and shook his hand as well.
“When did you get here?” He heard Marlo ask, and turned back to look at his mate. Marlo and Caleb each had an arm looped around one another’s waists as they crossed the room.
“About the time Oberon said, ‘So Ridge is a lucky bastard’, to which he would be right. I am,” Ridge replied with a smile.
“Damn, you heard that much?” Fane said.
“Yes, but it’s all good. It just made me remember how much my dad loves me. And how much Ridge and I have been through,” Caleb replied.
“But we didn’t get to hear the rest of this epic love story,” Oberon argued as he sat back in his seat.
Caleb and Ridge both laughed. “Epic love story, huh? I don’t know about that, but thanks. I’d like to hear about this love story though,” Ridge said as he motioned toward him and Marlo.
Marlo’s eyes widened as he smiled. “Of course, it was epic, as well as my mating is,” he said, and snuggled up against Fane’s side.
“Well, we still have some time before we’re supposed to be meet Dell for dinner, so spill and tell us all about your mating,” Caleb said to Marlo as Ridge sat in the open chair, then Caleb instantly sat on Ridge’s lap without hesitation, and Ridge just wrapped his arms around Caleb again. Marlo was right, their story was probably epic and Fane found that he really did want to hear the rest of it.
Fane sat on the couch again and Marlo cuddled up against his side, then started the story of Ridge and Caleb right where he had left off, but now they had Ridge and Caleb tell their parts and what they both had gone through. Fane couldn’t believe that he and Ridge had made it to this point in their relationship that they could just sit and talk like old friends and share some laughs. It felt good. Real good. He had a family again.
CHAPTER 5
Dell
“What about Kitka? Do you think he’s ready to handle more responsibility?” Dell asked, staring at his computer screen as he scrolled through Kitka’s file.
Jude sighed heavily. “Unfortunately, no. I hate to say this, Dell, but I just don’t think he’s third to the alpha material. He’s beta/gamma like Caleb is, but he’s no Caleb. Shit, I don’t think I’m even on Caleb’s level and I’m a full beta and have a few years of training over him.”
Dell smiled, then turned and looked at Jude. “That’s bullshit and you
know it. Yes, my little brother took to warrior training like a fish to water and he has some mad skills, but I think the two of you are perfectly matched in that department. You’re both fierce, deadly motherfuckers, and I would trust my life to either of you. I know you could both handle the job without question, and so does Ridge. Every time I talk to him he goes on and on about how amazing Caleb is.”
Jude smiled. “Yeah, the little shit turned out really good, and I’m sure his mate isn’t biased at all.”
Dell chuckled, as he replied, “Maybe just a little, but can you blame him?” Dell sat back, resting into his chair, and sighed. “I wish I had more like the two of you. And... as much as I don’t want to admit this, I think you’re right about Kitka. He’s not cut out to be a warrior. I know he can handle himself and he’s a great enforcer, but he just doesn’t have the drive to be a warrior. So, who does that leave us to choose from? I would really like to have two betas by my side during this whole meeting crap, but I don’t think we have anyone ready enough for my needs. The perfect scenario would be for me to have a complete inner circle of four betas.”
Jude sat forward, looking a bit uncomfortable. “Technically, Tug would be perfect for the position, but you and I both know that he’s not interested. He’s happy to help out wherever needed, but as you know he would prefer living the less-stressed life that he has. Add in the fact that his mating with Raiden and Alex is still kind of new, and I don’t think he’d be willing to give up the time he has with them.”
Dell clasped his hands over his stomach. “So, we’re back to my original question. Who do we have available to be my other beta?”
Jude gave him a cheesy grin, and Dell knew exactly who he was going to suggest. “We always have Legion.”
Dell chuckled as he shook his head. “Although he’s a full beta like you, even I think he’s too intense. He and I already butt heads enough. I can’t see him hanging around me almost all day every day and the two of us not come to fisticuffs. Legion is my best warrior right behind you and Tug, and I know I can trust him and count on him, but he just doesn’t have the right disposition for the job. The alpha’s betas need to be diplomatic and keep their cool in any situation, as well as be able to fill the alpha’s shoes when need be. I like Legion and I have a great amount of respect for him, but… I’m afraid he will be too hard on people if they come to him for help.”
Jude laughed. “Yeah, that’s an understatement. Can you see someone like Goldie going to Legion for advice? The man is so Dominant, he would command Goldie kneel first, then probably flog him after.”
“Exactly. I think part of the problem is the only one a beta submits to is an alpha, but most betas I know have also submitted to an alpha in a different way than just normal day-to-day stuff,” Dell said, and raised a brow at Jude.
Jude shook his head as he let out a small chuff of a laugh. “Yeah, keep reminding me of that.”
Dell gave him a bright smile. He loved teasing Jude about his secret sexual submission. Yes, Jude was a full beta like Legion, and more of a beast than Legion, but Jude had a desire to submit to an alpha in the bedroom. He claimed it helped center him. “I have a feeling that if Legion ever did have to submit to an alpha in the bedroom it would give him a whole new outlook on life and what it means to give someone that submission. How it is a gift, not a given.”
“Very true,” Jude agreed, his voice soft and like a whisper, almost wistful, and he had a faraway look in his eyes. Dell had to wonder what that look was about.
After a few moments of silence where Dell could see that Jude was lost in some thoughts, Jude finally shook himself out of it, but he wouldn’t meet Dell’s gaze. Jude looked down at the laptop that sat on his lap and tapped a few keys, then finally said, “We have a few beta/deltas and some beta/gammas, but I wouldn’t recommend any of them for position as your third. Now, if Bo was still here that might be a different story altogether, because I think Bo could handle the job, but I don’t think even he would have wanted it. So, believe it or not, that leaves us with one choice, other than Legion that is.”
Dell sat forward and clasped his hands together on the desk, as he asked, “And who is that?”
Jude looked up, finally meeting his gaze, and smirked. “Fane.”
Dell’s brows rose high. Fane? Really? Fane was still new to their pack. Would anyone be insulted if Dell gave him the position? Would Legion take it as a personal insult seeing as Fane was so new? The man was an alpha/beta, so he did have it in him to lead. He had also spent many years being a guard for Julius, one of the oldest and deadliest vampires on the planet, so Fane could probably hold his own in a fight. He definitely had the right disposition for the job. Since getting to know him, Dell found that he really liked Fane. The man was pretty laid back and even tempered. He was amazing to Marlo and treated his mate like the most precious thing in the world, but he also treated the other members of the pack with respect. Dell had not only witnessed it himself, but Jude had told him about another occasion. Of course, with Fane’s background according to Ridge, they had been keeping a very close eye on Fane since his arrival. Then, there was the fact that he was mated to Marlo, and Dell wanted to make sure Fane was good to his mate. The two were already deliriously in love and Dell couldn’t see Marlo being that way to anyone unless they were treating him right. So, in actuality, Fane was the best candidate they had available. Dell could also use Fane’s connection to Ridge and the Heart pack if he had to and say it would help strengthen the ties that already bound the two packs, but would Fane even consider the job? He was new to the pack and also newly mated, so would he really want it? Suddenly a plan came to him and Dell smiled.
“Okay, so here’s what we’re gonna do. I want extra men around me, a full inner circle, for the time our visitors are here as a show of strength. I want Tug to be beside us for the duration of our guests’ stay, as my third. If he grumbles about it, have him come talk to me. Next, I want Legion and Fane as Alpha/betas to complete the inner circle. It’s not unheard of and would show a bigger wall of strength around me as protection in case anyone has any stupid ideas. It would also make them think that this is normal here and that the alpha of the York pack is not someone to fuck with. After our visitors leave, Tug can go back to his happy life. This will be a test that neither Fane nor Legion even know about. I’ll be able to see for myself exactly who out of the two is the best suited for the job. After that, I’ll approach each one separately and have a talk with them, then I’ll choose who will be my third,” Dell announced.
“I think that’s a great idea, Dell. I must say, I think Fane will most likely be the winner. As I’ve been telling you from the beginning, he doesn’t need a lot of training. The guy is a beast in a fight and he even has a few tricks up his sleeve that I am sure he picked up on his travels. He could use some improvement on a few of the weapons we use, but that will come in time the more he practices with them.”
“Yes, and as you told me, Oberon is pretty fierce himself, but there is no way I can have a vampire as my third. I’ve already had to convince the pack that allowing a vampire in as one of us is a good thing because he brings different skills to the table, but there is no way I can convince them that he can be part of the inner circle. And in all honesty, I don’t think Oberon could handle it anyway,” Dell said.
“What about getting Ridge’s take on Fane being given the job? Do you think that would help?” Jude asked.
Dell shook his head. “No. Even if those two are now working on their relationship—and I really hope they can find a way to come together as family—there are still some hard feelings because of the past, and I don’t want Ridge’s opinion being clouded by any of that. When I accepted Fane that day, I promised I would keep what Ridge told me separate and give Fane a fresh slate with me, just like I would anyone else who came to me asking to be a part of the pack, and so far Fane has proven himself a good man. Let’s keep this plan between us and if the time comes for me to offer Fane the job, then it’s b
ecause he got it on his own merits and it has nothing to do with Ridge either way.”
Jude smiled approvingly. “I think it’s a great plan. I’ll head out now and talk to Tug and Legion, then pull Fane aside later after dinner with him, Marlo, Ridge, and Caleb. It should be getting close to their arrival anyway, right?”
Dell looked at the clock and realized Ridge and Caleb should have already arrived, but they were heading over to Marlo and Fane’s first to settle in and catch up. “They’ll be meeting us over at the pub in about an hour. Caleb wanted to get settled first and talk to Marlo. I’m sure that’s what they’re doing right now.”
Jude closed his laptop, then stood. “Alright, then I’m off to talk to Legion first, which will allow me to get to the pub early for dinner and have enough time to talk to Tug before everyone gets there. If you need me for anything, just call or text,” Jude said, then turned.
“Hey, Jude,” Dell called out. He could see something was off and wanted to ask Jude about it, though he knew Jude wouldn’t say anything until he was ready, Dell wanted to try, even if all that happened was that he let Jude know he was there for him.
Jude stopped at the door, his hand on the knob and turned to look at Dell over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
Dell let out a deep sigh and smiled, suddenly unable to ask the question on the tip of his tongue. Jude would tell him what was bothering him when he was ready. “Thanks,” was all he managed to get out.
Jude returned the smile and nodded, then turned and left.
