With Caution

by J. L. Langley

  Remi turned and crouched into a fighting stance.

  Claws raised, Keaton swung around and put himself in front of Remi.

  Growling, Jake bared his teeth. Mine.

  “Sorry, Jake.” Keaton stepped out of the way.

  “Fuck. I thought this was only supposed to be a get together. No big deal. What the fuck is going on?” Remi’s voice climbed with each word he spoke until he was shouting at Jake.

  Trying to keep it together, Jake took a deep breath. Remi was fine, pissed as hell, but unscathed. Jake grabbed Remi’s shoulder, pulling him close and wrapping his arms around his mate. “What happened?”

  Remi shrugged his arms away, still madder than hell, and pointed through the crowd to a man standing in front of Gadget. “That fuckhead tried to bite me.” He looked around then pointed at Miles Crawford, who stood in front of Dago. “So did that asshole.”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let’s calm down now.” Joe came forward and put his hand on Remi’s shoulder. “Jake, we need to talk.”

  At that moment John Carter shoved through the crowd into the circle, and the members who’d been fighting with Jake’s friends all stepped back. “Jake, Keaton, Chay. Over there, now.” He pointed to a stand of trees about ten yards away.

  Grabbing Remi’s hand, Jake began to follow.

  John shook his head, glowering at Jake. “Not him. You. Do you trust your friends to protect him?”

  Jake frowned and started to tell the alpha to go to hell, his mate was coming with him, but caught Rhys’ gaze. His best friend nodded and faced outward like the rest of the gang. They positioned themselves to defend Remi and Jake.

  John, Joe, Chay and Keaton stood outside the circle waiting for them.

  Remi tugged Jake’s hand, making him turn. “What the fuck, Jake?” Remi’s eyes widened and darted around.

  It took everything Jake had not to pull Remi into his arms. “I don’t know. Stay here and let me go find out. I’ll be right back.” He tried his damnedest not to let Remi see how uneasy he felt, but he had no idea if he was successful. Then he remembered the calming effect he seemed to have over Remi. He took a deep breath and willed himself to relax. He knew the guys wouldn’t let anything happen to Remi.

  Jake was relieved to see Remi’s fear had receded a little with Jake’s anger. He touched Remi’s cheek and as usual Remi nuzzled in, closing his eyes.

  Jake kissed his forehead. “Let me go talk to John and see what’s going on and I’ll come right back.” Dropping his head, he stepped away from his mate and out of the loose circle his friends had made.

  John led the way to the spot he’d indicated. Jake followed, listening intently for the slightest sound of distress from behind him. When he got to the trees, he turned so he could keep Remi in sight.

  “First off. You”—John pointed a finger at Chay then Keaton—“and you, stay out of this. You’re part of my pack and as your alpha I’m telling you that you cannot help in this challenge.”

  Chay started to protest, but Keaton caught Chay’s arm and pulled him back.

  Jake bristled, stepping next to Chay. Chay and Keaton were defending Remi. Jake had no clue what the fuck John’s problem was, but Jake had no problem deciding whose side he was on. And what challenge? “Somebody better start talking. What the hell is going on?”

  John pinched the bridge of his nose, looking down for a moment, then gave Jake his undivided attention. “Let’s take a walk, Jake.”

  Jake shook his head, trying to find Remi in the crowd. So far everyone was behaving and no one had come near the circle, but—

  “Go. We’re watching him,” Chay said.

  Jake followed John. It was a tough thing to do, but he trusted his friends to protect Remi.

  Once they were out of sight of the others, John spoke. “Remi is an omega.”

  “Excuse me?” Jake frowned.

  “He’s a true omega wolf. They are very rare and precious. You probably haven’t noticed because he’s also your mate.”

  Jake felt like someone had slapped him. He had been a werewolf all his life and he’d never known an omega. But he had heard of them. Omegas were submissive by nature. Was that why Remi seemed to bring out all of Jake’s dominate tendencies? “Are you sure?” Omegas were the backbone of the pack, they enhanced an alpha’s power and had powers themselves.

  John Carter nodded.

  “What in the hell does Remi being one have to do with everyone losing their fucking minds and resorting to violence? How the hell does everyone else know when I didn’t?”

  “They don’t know. It’s Remi’s scent. He didn’t smell this way before. He had to grow into it. It takes a couple shifts for turned wolves to mature into their powers. They’re just reacting to his scent.”

  “Which is why I didn’t notice it, because of our mate bond?” Maybe Jake should have seen it. He had thought it odd that Remi acted so differently than other wolves.

  “Yes.” John sighed. “Yet you haven’t claimed him, and this is why things are fucked up right now.”

  But he had claimed Remi. He’d fucked Remi within an inch of both their lives.

  “Listen, Jake, part of an omega’s power is his ability to calm his pack. Each individual omega has a different gift. Some can make things grow, some can put the pack in a trance, some can speak telepathically to their alpha. It’s very individual to the omega. In addition, you will develop new strengths due to his presence. It’s why they are very valuable and kept secret. But before they are claimed, their presence is easily detected and can start riots. All the alphas go on instinct, trying to make them submit and make them theirs. Even though they don’t realize why.” He hesitated and studied Jake for a moment. “Daniel is my omega. Only my betas know that.”

  Daniel Eagle? Jake thought about it for a second. Daniel was the pack peacemaker and the coordinator, he was as recognizable as any of the betas. He and John were best friends, as were their mates. Jake could remember as a pup it was nearly impossible to get into a fight with the other pups without Daniel breaking them apart.

  “He is not, however, my mate like Remi is yours. Lucky you, you don’t have to explain to your jealous mate about claiming your omega.” John patted his shoulder.

  They walked further, Jake still concerned about letting Remi out of his sight. “What’s all this mean, John? Just give it to me straight.”

  “It is time for you to form your own pack. When you claim your mate, you will be a pack alpha, Jake.”

  “My own pack?”

  “Think about it. You’ve always been a strong leader. Many of those men in that circle have been following you since you were kids. Your mate being an omega is no accident.”

  “You’re asking me to leave the pack?”

  “Essentially, yes. This isn’t punishment, Jake, it’s an honor. You shouldn’t think of it as exile, it’s not.”

  Fuck, fuck, fuck. He could not leave the pack. If he left the pack, he’d have to leave the territory. Remi and Jake couldn’t leave Sterling. More to the point, Remi would not leave him. “I can’t, John. Remi can’t leave the area…not yet.”

  John held up a hand. “Relax, I’ll give you some time if you need it. You and your pack can hunt on unmarked land. But given that the rest of the pack will eventually figure out why they’re reacting like this, it’s not going to be easy. Your pack is liable to have several fights on their hands. I’ll do my best, but I can’t promise anything. Which is why you and your pack must defend him tonight. Because these men have scented him, you have to make it clear that he is yours and you and your pack will defend him. I don’t expect trouble, but it needs to be made clear what the consequences will be should they decide to mess with Remi.”

  Pack? Fuck, Jake’s heart felt like it was in his throat. “John, I don’t have a pack.”

  “Don’t you? Those men back there protecting your claim to Remi, even though you have not marked him yet? Jake, they’re defending you and yours against the rest of their own pack.”
/>   “They’re my friends.”

  “You will discover that you do not get to choose who will follow you. They choose you, just as your omega has obviously chosen you.” John arched a brow. “You aren’t denying them, are you?”

  “No, of course not. I don’t have any choice in this, do I?”

  “As with most good men who come to lead, I’m afraid not. Remi being your mate takes that choice away. Unless you are prepared to let another alpha claim your omega as his?”

  “Fuck no!”

  John laughed. “I didn’t think so.”

  “What do I have to do?”

  John stopped walking and turned, looking him in the eye, his expression suddenly somber.

  Goddamn it. Why did Jake get the feeling he wasn’t going to like what John had to say? Jake frowned.

  “You have to claim your omega, as you will have to every now and again so that others do not. Which shouldn’t be too difficult, since he’s also your mate. It’s why none of you know what Daniel is. As long as an omega has been and continues to be claimed by their alpha, no one, even in the pack, can sense that they are omegas. Which is essential. Otherwise you’d have alphas coming out of the woodwork trying to stake their own claim to your omega.”

  “Claim him how?”

  “He has to submit to you sexually and you must claim him with a bite.”

  “I’ve claimed him as my mate.” Sexually. “Can’t I just go bite him?”

  John shook his head. “I’m afraid not. The hormones released during sex interact with the ones released during the bite, which is what triggers their scent change. They must also physically submit.”

  Jake closed his eyes, feeling damn near sick. Rough sex with others nearby? He could not do this to Remi. This would make him a monster in Remi’s eyes. “And if I don’t?”

  “Someone else will.”

  Un-fucking-believable. Remi’d suddenly inherited his own pack and Jake was now his alpha. And Remi was now an omega…whatever the hell that meant. He didn’t feel any different. Remi groaned and did his damnedest to not start yelling. How could they possibly fight all those men? What if…?

  Gadget paced past Remi, shaking his head. “Carter’s holding them off now. Why can’t he tell them to fuck off and leave Remi alone, he’s ours?”

  Tank nodded. “They have their own omega, don’t they?”

  “Yeah.” Jake nodded.

  Remi stood there amazed. They were arguing over him. He’d started feeling a connection to all of them when they’d first met, but it was getting stronger. It was hard to explain, and given how few people Remi actually considered friends, it made him feel better about the situation.

  This whole thing was something right out of a movie. Gadget was right, John Carter was holding the rest of the pack off, or was he? Maybe it was their pack omega. Jake had said omegas could calm a pack. Remi glanced out over the pack, trying to figure out who the omega was. No one appeared to be doing anything to control them, yet they were definitely more composed than earlier. Then John Carter had shouted a command in a strange tone and everyone had frozen instantly, like they were under a spell or something. Now they all waited patiently, talking, almost like nothing had happened. It was eerie as hell and unnerving, since Remi now knew they were waiting for John Carter to allow them to challenge Jake.

  “He’s giving us time to talk.” Rhys stood a few feet away from Jake, being his typical calm, cool and collected self.

  Jake had been reluctant to tell them what was going on. The look on his face was pinched, uptight. He didn’t want to do this. Hell, neither did Remi, but they really didn’t have a choice.

  Dago groaned, his fist clenching and unclenching. Tank kept fidgeting, and Gadget was about to wear a groove in the hard-packed dirt from pacing. Nick could not stop staring and growling at the crowd.

  Remi went to Jake, needing his strength.

  Placing his hands on Remi’s shoulders, Jake stared into Remi’s eyes. Like always, the muscles in Remi’s shoulders eased without his permission. His body was Jake’s to command. How did Jake do that? Remi was mad and scared, but it was like he could suddenly think clearly. He knew what he had to do. “It will be okay.”

  Jake touched his cheek.

  Remi stared into the big brown eyes and melted. Whenever Jake touched him his whole body came alive, sensitized. Remi had no choice but to follow willingly or be swept away. Changing into a wolf was similar, but not nearly as exciting. He closed his eyes, leaning into Jake’s hand, taking what he needed, willing Jake to do the same.

  “Amazing.” Jake’s tone was soft, barely a whisper.

  At the awe in Jake’s voice, Remi opened his eyes.

  Jake stared past Remi. Running his thumb over Remi’s cheek, he jerked his head.

  Remi turned.

  Gadget had stopped pacing and was glaring out toward the other pack. Dago’s hands were no longer fisted. Zack, Nick and Tank were watching Remi and Jake. All of them were alert, but at ease. Like they were awaiting a command. How? Why?

  “We’re theirs as much as they are ours.”

  Remi didn’t quite understand it, but the sense of belonging was there nonetheless. They had a bond, all of them.

  Jake kissed Remi, acting more like himself. When Jake pulled back, his brown eyes had shifted. He stared at Remi for several seconds, caressing his cheek, then abruptly stepped away. “Everyone, get rid of your clothes.” His voice had that same weird cadence to it that John Carter’s had earlier. Remi noticed the others seemed compelled to act. Instantly, their pack began to strip.

  Remi stood frozen, amazed at this new development. “Jake?”

  “Trust me. If they shift in clothes, they’ll get tangled and not be able to defend themselves.” Jake tossed his shirt away and reached for Remi again.

  Damn it, Remi really hated this werewolf-culture shit. Glancing around, he noticed the guys were naked and fanning out around them, prepared to defend them, to fight for them.

  Taking a deep breath, Remi let Jake’s scent invade his senses. A feeling of warmth filled him. His gums stung, his cock hardened. He could do this.

  As the men talked, Jake undressed Remi. When Remi opened his eyes, his vision had changed. He watched in a daze as the other pack fought his friends. Some of them had already shifted.

  Jake pulled Remi back into the trees, concealing them from view. His mouth slammed over Remi’s and his hot strong body melded against him.

  Remi forgot about everything else. Need coursed through him, making him moan into Jake’s mouth. God, he needed Jake. It was like this every time he got close to Jake. Every time they touched or kissed. Remi couldn’t think beyond Jake, he wanted Jake.

  Jake drew back until only the wet tip of his cock touched Remi’s stomach. “On your hands and knees, pup.”

  Remi wanted to feel the soft skin of Jake’s balls on his nose, his cheek. He wanted that smell, the weight of Jake in his mouth, but he did as he was told. “Yes, sir.” Remi dropped to all fours, the title slipping easily from his lips. Remi’s ass clenched and unclenched as he thought back to the other day. The cool night breeze blew over his skin. His belly contracted. Damn, had he ever been this turned on? It was like waking from a wet dream in the middle of climax—it took his breath away. His cock throbbed in anticipation and his balls were so tight they were nearing pain. He could feel Jake’s heat behind him. Why wasn’t Jake hurrying? Remi whimpered, pushing back toward his mate. “Please…”

  Jake growled, his hand touching the middle of Remi’s back.

  Remi obeyed the unspoken command to be still. A chill ran down his spine and his neck began to itch. He wanted Jake’s cock inside him very badly.

  Now that Remi knew what awaited him, he could almost imagine the feeling. He moaned and shivered, remembering how it felt when Jake pulled almost all the way out and then pushed in.

  Suddenly, Jake’s fingers were in his crease, wet and slippery. Jake speared two fingers into him.

  “Oh fuck.” Rem
i moved back, his ass squeezing those fingers. His cock felt like it was about to burst. His stomach tensed and he could think of nothing but getting Jake inside of him.

  Groaning, Jake lined his prick up and pushed right in.

  Remi gasped for air, his ass swallowing Jake and milking his cock. The burning feeling shot through him. A tingle raced over his spine, making his arms and legs feel almost heavy. Within seconds the twinge of pain was gone. Panting and pushing, Remi fucked himself on Jake’s prick.

  After a few seconds, Jake drew back. Then, gripping Remi’s hips, Jake pounded into him over and over, making his balls slap hard against Remi’s ass.

  The sound of men fighting just beyond the trees seemed miles away. Remi let out a low keening sound, dropped his head and further exposed his nape. It felt so good, the cool air on the tip of his prick, Jake’s cock sliding in and out of his hole. He didn’t want it to ever stop.

  Jake fell forward on one hand, his fingers digging into Remi’s hip with the other. Rooting his face against Remi’s neck, Jake growled. The sound was low, deep and possessive, stating better than words that Remi was his.

  The skin on the back of Remi’s neck crawled, feeling hot and itchy, just as it had this afternoon. Remi whimpered. “Bite me. Please bite me.” He needed Jake’s teeth. If Jake would claim him, mark him, Remi could come. He didn’t know how he knew that but he did. Oh God, he wanted to come.

  If Jake didn’t bite him soon, he was going to go crazy.

  Jake’s teeth clamped down on Remi’s neck where it met his shoulder. The fangs pierced his flesh and Remi yelled. His body stiffened, his ass clenched around Jake’s cock and he came. The pain morphed into pleasure, racking his body.

  Jake thrust forward once again. “Mine!” He came, filling Remi’s ass.

  Remi’s hands and knees hurt, rocks and twigs digging into them. Funny he hadn’t felt that before. His muscles were so loose…tired.

  Jake let go of Remi’s neck and Remi collapsed. He gasped as his body gave out, unable to even hold his head up.

  Jake slid his hand off Remi’s hip and wrapped an arm around Remi’s chest, tugging Remi backward against his chest. “Mmm…” Jake’s nose tickled Remi’s neck, nuzzling.