Contents
Title Page
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Epilogue
Author's Note
The Alpha’s Love
By Claire Cullen
Copyright © 2017 by Claire Cullen
All Rights Reserved
Prologue
Three years earlier
It had been two months since he and Seb had mated and, on paper, Ro’s life didn’t look too dissimilar from how it was before. He was back in college and he was working.
But when you looked closer, things couldn’t have been more different. He returned each day to a home, a house full of life, laughter, and love. To the arms of an Alpha who couldn’t take his eyes off him.
He packed up his books and went to meet Joel. The younger wolf was struggling to settle into college. Some days, Ro suspected only the weight of his family’s expectations kept him in his seat.
Joel was chatting to a pretty brunette and clearly had her full attention.
“Hey, are you ready to head home?” he asked. He had a boxing lesson with Martin that evening and wanted some time with Seb beforehand.
“Um,” Joel looked apologetic. “Kate and I were going to grab a coffee. You could join us…”
Kate did not look too pleased with that suggestion and both of them saw it. Before Joel could backtrack, Ro spoke. “No, I have to get back. You two enjoy yourselves.”
“Thanks, Ro, see you tonight,” Joel said, grinning.
He was on the road a few minutes later. It was a dry autumn day, with a warm breeze, and he let go of the stresses of the day as he rode. Soon he’d be home, with his Alpha and his Pack who were fast becoming something like family. A kind of family Ro had never known.
His first sign that something was wrong was as he traveled the road that formed the northwestern border of Glenoak’s land. The college was within their territory, but the quickest route home took him right to the edge of Glenoak. He’d never had any trouble, they were on good terms with the neighboring Pack.
The road was a quiet one at this time of the evening, but as he passed a side road, a car pulled out. He didn’t pay much attention at first until it drove up right behind him. He pulled in to let them pass, and they did, but as he moved off, they braked sharply, forcing Ro to pull hard to the right. The bike went from under him and both he and it skidded off the road into the grass verge.
The next few moments ticked by as he tried to work out what had happened. The sound of laughter carried on the wind, along with the familiar scent of shifters.
Dusting himself off, he clambered to his feet, glad to find he appeared to be in one piece. He turned his attention to the car. The doors swung open and three familiar faces got out. Perry, Rick, and Dominic. They were nephews of Frank, the leader of the Pack Ro had grown up in. The Pack who’d given him to Glenoak to pay a debt.
“Rob, wow, it’s like a family reunion,” Perry said.
“Yeah,” Rick joked. “You always were awkward, falling over your own feet and onto someone’s fist.”
“You’ve got that Omega stench going on now. Always knew there was something off about you,” Dominic said, stepping forward. “Might be you have a bun in the oven already. We should see about that.”
Ro, who’d been edging towards his bike, froze at the words.
“Think of all the fun we could have had if only we’d known you were so special. But I bet you knew, didn’t you? How could you not? You must have thought it was your lucky day when we gave you to Glenoak. I bet you spread your legs and offered yourself to Sebastian like the whore you were always destined to be.”
Perry’s words stung. They shouldn’t have, but he'd always known the words that got to Ro and Ro was too new to the idea of being wanted to feel that secure in his standing. He was surprised to find another emotion welling up behind the fear and pain. Anger. It burned.
The others spread out, forming a loose circle around him. Without thinking, he fell into the defensive stance Martin had taught him, raising his fists slowly.
“This is Glenoak land. You’re not permitted to be here.”
They fell about the place with laughter.
“Oh, are we breaking the rules? What’ll it be this time? A slap on the wrist. Will Frank take a whip to us?” Rick jeered, lips curling into a twisted smile. Another barb, but Ro brushed it off easily. It wasn’t by chance that they’d run into him. They’d been waiting. Which meant Frank had sent them.
Seb hadn’t told him directly, but Ro knew there’d been some communication between Glenoak and Eagle Creek in the wake of the announcement that he and Seb had bonded. Ro got the impression Eagle Creek had asked for compensation for the loss of an Omega. He burned with embarrassment at the thought. He, even with his Omega status, wasn’t compensation for what Glenoak had lost. For Eagle Creek to ask for something in return was adding insult on top of an already grievous injury.
“What’s this?” Perry said, feigning astonishment. “Is our little Robbie going to fight us? Has our little Robbie grown a backbone?”
“It’s Robert,” he bit out. “Not Rob, not Robbie. And I’m not yours. I’ve never been yours. I’m Glenoak’s Omega. And that is more than any of you will ever be.”
They were strong words and he wasn’t quite sure he believed them but he spoke with conviction and that was what counted.
Perry stepped forward, closer and closer until he was within arm’s reach, looking down at Ro.
“Is that so? You’re better than us now? Untouchable? I wonder would Glenoak’s Alpha still think that if we shared you around a bit? That’s what he wants, isn’t it? Peace between our Packs. Sharing and caring. We could pass you around for a day or two, in the spirit of cooperation. That’s his plan, isn’t it? Whoring you out to any Pack who asks? How many Alphas have fucked you…”
Ro had thrown the punch before he’d thought it through, hearing the satisfying crunch when his fist met Perry’s face, blood spurting from the wolf’s nose.
Perry stumbled back, hand flying to his face.
“You little bastard. You’ll pay for that.”
His heart thumping, he pivoted, trying to keep all three of them in view as they closed in. There was no way he’d win this fight but he’d make damn sure it was a fight, even if Perry’s nose was the only casualty.
A loud whistle drew their attention and he turned to see a stranger casually strolling across the grass verge towards them. He was Alpha, that much was clear from his scent and emphasized by his appearance. Damn. Three against one was bad, four against one…
“Well, this looks like a typical Eagle Creek fuck-up in action,” the Alpha commented. “How about we even up the score a bit?” And he muscled his way past Rick to stand with Ro, who couldn’t hide his astonishment.
“Hello, Robert. This wasn’t how I was hopi
ng we’d meet. What’s say we deal with these guys and get you on your way?”
Robert nodded wordlessly as the three Eagle Creek wolves regrouped. They seemed uncertain about what to do.
“Who the fuck are you?” Dominic challenged.
“I’m your worst nightmare, Dom,” the Alpha replied. “I have no time for bullying bastards like you, hiding behind the protection of your Alpha. These aren’t your lands. Do you know the penalty for laying hands on another Pack’s Omega? It’s death. And I’m not talking about a fight or a challenge. I’m talking execution.”
“There’s no Pack in this land that would dare take a stand against us,” Perry sneered.
“You seem overly confident. But this would be a matter for the Pack Council. For the Enforcers. Put enough pressure and even the great Frank Migone will bow to it.”
“No, no way,” Rick argued. “How about this, you hand Robert over and we’ll let you walk away?”
The other two nodded, stepping forward, flexing muscles and clenching fists.
The stranger spoke in an undertone so quiet, Ro barely heard it.
“I’ll take out Rick, then Dominic. Perry is all yours. Go for a kick to the groin, he won’t expect you to play dirty, then aim for the face again.”
Ro didn’t have time to reply as the Alpha dived forward and he followed suit. Perry was unprepared for his attack, watching the stranger rather than Ro and made no move to protect himself from the Omega. The kick to the groin certainly got his attention and Ro took a blow to the stomach and one to his face before he managed another punch to Perry’s nose. Perry yelped, a sound Ro had never heard from the man’s lips. As he stumbled back, hitting the ground, Ro backed away, turning to see Rick sprawled out unconscious and Dominic retreating.
The stranger grinned at him, then turned back to their attackers. “Boys, are we going for round two or can we call it a day?”
Perry pushed forward but Dominic grabbed his arm, jerking him back.
“Frank never said anything about fighting off an Alpha. He just told us to get Rob.” He reached down and started to haul their fallen comrade to his feet.
“Let’s get out of here. We’ll have the rest of Glenoak down on our heads any minute.”
At that moment, a truck pulled up. Its arrival shook Perry from his anger. Between them, they picked up Rick and carried him back to their vehicle. The Alpha strode after them.
“Tell Frank, Fenrir’s Warriors are watching him. Robert here is off-limits unless he wants to forfeit the lives of one of his sons. And Jeremy’s card has already been marked.”
They drove away in a cloud of dust as the van door opened.
“James?” a voice called.
“We’re okay, Graham. Follow them, make sure they find their way home. Wouldn’t want my message to get lost in the ether.”
“Got it, boss,” the wolf replied, and the truck took off leaving Robert alone with the Alpha who’d saved him.
The other shifter spent a moment watching the vehicles drive off before turning his attention back to Ro. “That was quite a number you did on Perry’s nose. Pity it’ll heal so soon.”
“Um, thanks for having my back,” Ro replied.
“Anytime, Robert.”
“I’m sorry but… I don’t know who you are.” He wasn't from Glenoak, that much Ro was sure of.
The Alpha smiled.
“I’ve gone by many names over the years, but, right now, you can call me James.”
“Well, thank you, James.”
The Alpha smiled at him, his clear eyes holding Ro’s gaze.
“I have an important question to ask you, Robert, and I really hope you can be honest with me.”
“I’ll try,” Ro offered, shifting on his feet as he waited to hear what James had to say.
“Are you happy, in Glenoak? I mean, really and truly happy. Because I have heard a lot over the last few months about what life in Eagle Creek was like for you and I would like to know if things are different now.”
It wasn’t a question Ro had been expecting but he found the answer came easily.
“I am happy. Glenoak is my home now, Seb my mate and the Pack are like the family I never had.”
His answer provoked an unexpected response, the Alpha before him sighing and leveling him with a sad smile.
“I’m very glad to hear that, Robert.”
“Ro… people who know me, call me Ro.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re happy in Glenoak, Ro. Your father would have been so proud.”
“You knew my father?” The stories told about him in Eagle Creek were never pleasant, painting him as a person almost beneath contempt.
“We had a connection. One I believed had died with him but that I now hope will continue with you. If you ever need help, Ro, I'll be there.”
“Why?” One word that summed up how Ro was feeling about all this.
“Because some things are stronger than Pack. And there are many things in this world worth fighting for. Here,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper. “If you need to get in touch, call this number. It’s not a direct line to me, I move around a lot, but they’ll be able to reach me wherever I am.”
Ro took the paper, glancing at it before tucking it in his pocket.
“Now, let’s see about getting your bike going.”
Together, they lifted it, checking for damage. The engine started and other than a broken mirror and some scrapes to the bodywork, it had survived intact.
“You had better be on your way. Your Alpha will worry. It might be prudent to avoid the border roads, at least for the next while. Eagle Creek aren’t done with you yet.”
“I will. I suspect Seb won’t be letting me travel alone for a while.”
“It feels nice to be protected, doesn’t it?” James said and Ro flushed a little at the words. It was true that he did like Seb’s protectiveness and the feeling that he was a person to be valued, to be cared for.
James held out a hand and Ro took it, feeling the Alpha’s larger hand surround his.
“We’ll meet again someday, Ro, and you and I will have a lot to talk about.”
He held Ro’s bike steady while he mounted and waved to him as he took off. Seconds later, when Ro glanced back, James had already disappeared from the road.
Ro pulled up outside the garage, stowed his bike inside, and tried to enter the house as surreptitiously as possible. His legs and arm were already beginning to stiffen and he suspected a cut on his leg was bleeding. If he could get up to the bathroom and into the shower before Seb even noticed he was home, he might just manage to keep the Alpha’s away attention from him for a bit. It would give him some time to get his head together, work out what he was going to tell Seb.
He entered the house through the back door, listening out but not hearing anyone. Crossing through the kitchen, he made for the stairs.
“You’re limping,” a familiar voice called from the far corner of the living room.
He froze.
“And I can smell blood. Ro, what happened?”
He turned slowly, the Alpha reaching his side in seconds, worried blue eyes scanning him.
“I took a spill off my bike, that’s all.”
“What? Here, sit down. I’ll call Alicia.” The Alpha began to herd Ro into the nearest chair.
“No, you don’t need to call her. I’m fine, really.”
A hand ghosted across the swelling on his cheek.
“Where did you come off your bike?”
Ro didn’t want to lie, knowing the Alpha would pick up on it and worry more, so he stuck to the truth as he lowered himself to sit.
“Just past the crossroads at the Elm Barnhouse.” He found he couldn’t meet the Seb’s eyes. While he didn’t want to tell him the truth just yet, even the idea of lying made him hurt.
Hands rested on his shoulders as Seb crouched beside him.
“How did it happen?”
Ro struggled to get his s
tory together in his head. It was hard, with the Alpha’s scent so close, his warm hands pressed against Ro.
“Is your hesitation anything to do with the scent of other wolves on you?”
Ro looked up, meeting the Alpha’s now stormy blue eyes. He could see the anger and feel the tension in Sebastian’s hands.
“Come on, Robert, tell me. All of it. Let me help,” the Alpha cajoled.
Words failed him a second time.
“You’re in shock. I’m calling Alicia and then I’ll bring you upstairs. She's out in the city this evening but I'll ask her to return.”
Ro didn’t try to argue this time. He felt strange, numb all over.
Seb was back a minute later, helping Ro to his feet and up the stairs. They went straight to their bedroom and Seb helped him out of his clothes.
“I need to see if you’re injured,” Seb said when Ro protested. He watched the Alpha’s eyes darken as he took in the bruising and grazes on Ro’s arms, back, and legs.
The Alpha’s sharp eyes caught the marks that hadn’t come from his fall from the bike. He didn’t dwell on them, instead pulling out a soft blanket from the dresser and wrapping Ro in it, then laying them both down face to face on the bed. Seb’s arms encircled Ro, mindful of his injuries. It eased the slight shaking that coursed through Ro’s frame.
“Tell me,” Sebastian said, letting his hand brush across Ro’s cheek.
“It was three of Frank’s nephews. The ones who used to…” He didn’t need to say anymore, Seb had coaxed all that out of him weeks before.
“Go on,” Seb urged.
“They drove up beside me, then overtook and swung in front of me, forcing me to brake and the bike went from under me.”
“What happened then?”
Seb’s arms tightened around him as Ro spoke, but it was a comforting pressure.
“They got out of the car, surrounded me and… it was like I was twelve again. Calling me names, saying things about me, about you.”
Seb’s hand ghosted across the bruising on his abdomen as they spoke. “What were they saying?”
Ro thought about how to put it, glad that Seb didn’t push him for an answer.
The Alpha's Love: Lost Omegas Book Four: A M/M Shifter Romance Page 1
