by Fel Fern
“No,” Ron whispered weakly, trying to push at Sergio, but his grip held like iron. He heard Alessio in the background, shouting for a medic, probably guessing Sergio’s intentions.
“Hush, baby. I’m going to make thing all better. Trust me,” Sergio said against his neck.
“Sergio,” Ron pleaded. “If you place your mating mark on me and bind us together, you might die.”
“Trust me,” Sergio repeated.
Ron could say nothing except, “With my life.”
Sergio sunk his canines deep into his neck seconds later. Pain took hold of Ron, but only for a second. He saw Sergio’s powerful beast, fusing with his. Heart faltering, Ron wondered if it wouldn’t work, but soon, he felt Sergio’s wolf lending his injured animal strength. A portion of Sergio’s life forced flowed into Ron, chasing the poison of the silver bullets out. Dimly, he heard voices, Sergio’s firm tone rising above everyone else’s. Another figure, a healer, bent over Ron. She grumbled to Sergio about easing his grip, but Sergio stubbornly refused to let go.
Stubborn Alpha, Ron thought. He remembered unfamiliar hands on him, and Sergio’s large and callused hands, clasping his, telling Ron to be brave. Then Ron remembered nothing as he lost consciousness.
Chapter Eight
“He’s making progress,” reported Giselle, the Silverback pack healer to Sergio.
“That’s what you told me yesterday and the day before,” Sergio couldn’t help but retort.
Alessio cleared his throat. “Thanks, Giselle.”
Relieved, the healer muttered her thanks and left the room.
Sergio glanced at Ron’s sleeping figure on the bed. They’d taken position in one of the Silverback’s mansion guest rooms. Close to a week now, and Ron hadn’t regained consciousness, although his breathing remained even and his heartbeats were strong. Sergio didn’t leave his seat beside Ron’s bed, other than to occasionally get some air in his second form. No need to worry about their relations with the Silverback pack.
Ever since Hale took over, matters were soothed over, and Sergio didn’t mind making use of the pack’s generosity. Besides, he couldn’t move Ron in his condition, and besides, the Silverback pack had the facilities.
“Sergio,” Alessio interrupted. “Hate to break it to you, but we can’t let Michella on her own to manage pack affairs.”
“Then you go ahead. Leave half the wolves with me,” Sergio said impatiently. Alessio growled, making Sergio look at him. “What? Did something happen that requires my expertise?”
“No, Michella’s handling pack matters on her own but—” Alessio began.
“There you go. Stop bothering me, brother. I’m not leaving this place without my mate.” Sergio let Alessio hear the finality in his words.
Okay, Sergio knew he was being an ass, but he meant what he said. Through his mate bonds with Ron, he knew his Omega mate would recover soon. Strong and determined, Ron wouldn’t let a coma stop him. Not knowing if it helped, Sergio spoke to Ron when no one else was in the room. He talked about everything—about Darkfall, quirky members of his pack, and more importantly, Sergio told Ron about his plans for the future starting with getting a bigger place.
Alessio had plenty of more things to say, but a loud groan from the bed cut their argument short. Not daring to hope, Sergio rose from his chair and elected to sit by the side of Ron’s bed. He took Ron’s limp hand in his, squeezing gently. To his shock, Ron squeezed back. Sergio remembered Giselle telling him a twitch on the face or a finger moving might not mean anything, but moments later, Ron groaned again.
“Ron? I’m here,” Sergio whispered.
A flutter of eyelids, then Ron’s groggy eyes struggled to follow his face. Seeing him, Ron woke completely. Sergio fumbled for the water bottle on the bedside, but Alessio easily handed it to him. Ron coughed, and Sergio twisted the cap and made him drink. Alessio quietly excused himself, but Sergio heard him talking with Jared and Jane outside. No doubt making preparations to leave, but Sergio didn’t mind.
“Sergio,” Ron said hoarsely. “I thought I was a goner. Wait, don’t tell me this is a dream or the afterlife?”
Sergio shook his head. To prove to Ron this was indeed reality, he leaned over and gave his disbelieving mate a kiss. Ron’s eyes widened, but he responded to Sergio with equal passion. Pulling away, Sergio grinned at his frustrated sigh. Ron must be shifting through events of the past, because his hand crept to the healed mating mark on his neck. His mouth hung open, and Sergio couldn’t help it. He widened his grin.
“You mated us for real,” Ron stated, and Sergio didn’t miss the fierce pleasure in his voice.
“Yeah, baby. You and me, we’re stuck for life. Disappointed?”
“Hell no… I mean, if you’re sure,” Ron began.
“Idiot, if I weren’t I would have let you died,” Sergio said fondly. He laced his fingers with Ron’s. “What do you say, pup? Ready to go home with me?”
“Home?” Ron looked at him, momentarily confused. Then his cheeks turned pink as understanding dawned on him. “You’re taking me to Darkfall with you?
“Unless you don’t want to live, I mean, we can arrange something—” Sergio began but Ron suddenly wrapped his arms around him.
“No. I can’t wait to leave. I want to see your home town.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Sergio told him solemnly, “Because I want you to be part of my life and my pack.”
“They…won’t mind a weak Omega?” Ron asked, not bothering to hide the hesitation in his voice.
Sergio snorted. “My pack doesn’t care about shit like that, besides, baby. You’re far from weak. The courage you’ve shown to protect your mate, hell, you put your former pack to shame.”
Ron’s cheeks reddened. Then he frowned. “What happened? Is Brendan…”
“Dead,” Sergio confirmed. “The pack accepted Hale as their new Alpha, and Diana as his mate. In light of recent events and your sacrifice, they’re still honoring our initial agreement.”
“Oh. Good.” Ron seemed stunned. Sergio pulled him in his arms.
“Didn’t I tell you I’d fix everything?” Sergio laughed at his glower. “Come on, baby. It’s not only me you’ve worried.”
After a quick shower and check from Giselle, they met with Hale and Diana. Loathe to part with his conscious mate, Sergio kept close to Ron. He noted the relief in Diana’s eyes. The two siblings hugged, with Hale and his watchful eye. Diana and Ron chatted a bit, catching up, while Sergio and Hale tidied up business.
“Things didn’t turn out the way we intended, but this is for the better,” Hale said.
The former enforcer, Sergio wasn’t surprised to find out, was more reasonable than Brendan. At least Hale didn’t seem that concerned about Brendan’s outdated notions of keeping the blood line pure. Certainly more businesslike, and he knew under his leadership, the Silverback pack would flourish. It didn’t hurt Diana was close to Ron. They would make formidable allies, Sergio mused. Better friends than enemies, Michella would say. Michella, Sergio knew, would love Ron’s spirited attitude.
The next day, they said their farewells and started the journey back home. It didn’t escape Sergio how Ron took a second glance back the home he grew up in, or the fact Ron kept his eyes forward. As they put more distance, Ron looked more relaxed, and relieved even.
“Tell me more,” Ron insisted. For some people, they’d need more time to recover their strength after their near brush with death. Ron though, was full of energy, like a puppy.
“About?” Sergio asked, amused.
“Everything,” Ron stated, as if that explained everything.
Sergio did. He’d always enjoyed talking to Ron, but he could see the Omega was a little nervous. Without words, Sergio sensed Ron didn’t believe his claims about his pack accepting him eagerly into the fold, although Ron had won the hearts of the wolves with them. They reached Darkfall in three days, just when the sun was about to set. Skipping his apartment, Sergio drove straight to
the pizzeria. He laughed when he heard Ron’s stomach rumble.
“Not funny,” Ron muttered, crossing his arms. Sergio didn’t miss the way he anxiously glanced at the cars lining the lot, or feel the energy of the other wolves linked to Sergio via the pack bonds. “I mean, couldn’t we stop at your place for a quick shower and freshening up?”
“My little sister can’t wait to meet you,” Sergio said, parking the car. He opened the door for Ron.
“From the way Alessio talked about Michella handling the pack business by herself, she sounds damn intimidating,” Ron grumbled, but Sergio knew he was delaying the meeting.
“Come on, pup. Once you meet my wolves, you’ll realize there’s no reason to worry.” Sergio offered Ron a hand, which he took.
“The food smells amazing,” Ron commented, rubbing his hands. He looked reassured when Sergio pulled him close.
“Having jitters, Ron?” Jared asked, seeing them. “Don’t worry, no one’s going to question Sergio’s choice.”
Sergio scoffed. “Not helping, Jared.” He turned to Ron. “You ran into the line of direct fire without a second thought. What makes this any scarier?”
* * * *
Sergio made an excellent point. Ron bristled. Damn it. They entered the innocent-looking establishment. Some heads turned to their direction, no doubt because Sergio commanded the pack bonds connecting his wolf to the rest of the pack. When Ron regained consciousness, he was overwhelmed by the powerful connection, because Brendan’s link to his wolves didn’t feel quite like this—in sync and in harmony. Despite Sergio’s reassurances, Ron had grown up knowing his own pack didn’t value his existence.
“Sergio, finally!” a female voice exclaimed, thankfully distracting Ron from the curious and assessing looks from the other pack members. Sergio dislodged himself from Ron for a second, to receive the hug from the female she-wolf. Instant jealously rammed into Ron, before he recognized the physical resemblances between Sergio and the woman.
“Michella, oomph,” Sergio muttered.
“Damn it, Sergio. You said you’ll be back days ago,” she accused. “You made all of us worry.”
Ron swallowed, realizing the slender woman was Michella and the pack Gamma. Ron knew Alessio was skeptical of him, although he’d accepted Sergio’s choice, so he was overwhelmed when Michella turned her attention to him
“You must be Ron, Sergio’s new mate.”
“Um. Yes. Pleased to meet you.” Ron held out his hand, feeling awkward when she didn’t shake it immediately. He bore her scrutinizing gaze. Not exactly the kind of intense appraisal Alessio gave Ron, but Ron had the feeling she was capable of looking deep inside him. Ron blinked when she batted his hand away, and hugged him instead. Her warm welcome eased some of the tension in the room.
“Baby sister, don’t crush my mate,” Sergio chided, tone warm.
“Sorry.” Michella beamed at him, and Ron felt the genuine warmness there. She projected her voice louder, so the rest of the wolves there could hear. “Ron Silverback, the Darkfall Mountain Pack welcomes you.”
Some yips and howls sounded, although a few kept to themselves. Well, the majority didn’t seem to mind. The welcome he received made tears gather at the corner of his eyes. Damn it, he swore he wouldn’t cry, but how could Sergio’s pack accept him wholeheartedly, while his own pack wished he didn’t exist?
“Did I say something wrong?” Michella asked Sergio, who shook his head.
“Ron nearly died. He’s a little emotional,” Sergio joked.
Annoyed, Ron nudged Sergio sharply in the ribs, only meeting solid muscle. “Ass.”
“Be gentle, love.” Sergio kissed him, taking his time. Ron clutched at his shirt, then remembered where he was. He pulled away, surprised to see Michella’s amused expression, so damn similar to Sergio’s grin.
“Finally, we found someone to keep Sergio in line.”
Ron choked on his next words. Sergio glowered at her. “Go away, woman.”
The rest of the party went by in a haze. Ron finally got his first taste of the secret Esteban family tomato sauce, which Sergio refused to tell him. “Unless you do me a favor,” Sergio said, scary mischievous look in his eyes.
“No thanks, I’ll find some other way,” Ron said immediately, making Sergio laugh.
They left early with Sergio muttering an excuse he needed some private time with Ron.
“You could have said you were tired or something,” Ron pointed out.
“That would make me a liar, and don’t you want me to ravish you?” Sergio asked, pretending to look hurt.
A genuine smile spread across Ron’s lips. “Take me home, Alpha.”
“It would be my pleasure, baby.”
Chapter Nine
Two Weeks Later
“You nervous, baby?” Sergio asked, noticing Ron hadn’t gone on ahead like he asked.
“Give me a second,” Ron muttered.
Taking one cursory glance at their apartment, Ron clutched the news Sergio surprised him with a week ago. Deciding together Sergio’s apartment had been fit for a bachelor, not a couple and a possible family, they started looking immediately. This four-bedroom spacious unit in front of the town park, near the pizzeria and the bookstore where Ron worked, had been pricey. When Ron mentioned this to Sergio, the Alpha only planted a kiss on his lips. Told Ron he was worth it, and then proceeded to make Ron forget exactly why he was mad in the first place.
“Take all the time you need,” Sergio answered, squeezing the back of his neck. “I’m going down to start the car.”
Ron felt himself nod. Once Sergio left, he numbly touched the still flat planes of his belly. Michella didn’t need much persuading to accompany him to the resident pack healer. Ron had to swear her and Jonas, the healer, to keep the good news a secret. Michella, especially, since she was bursting to break the news to her brother.
“You’re going to be damn spoiled, unborn pup,” Ron told his belly, aware how crazy he looked. Well, what did it matter? Grinning, he went downstairs, out the apartment and slide into Sergio’s car.
“It won’t hurt,” Sergio promised, patting his arm, before returning his eye on the road.
“Oh, I know it won’t.” Ron didn’t expand on his mysterious reply.
They didn’t go far. Ten blocks away from where they lived, in front of the tattoo parlor owned by Vance, a lone weretiger who did all the pack tattoos. The shop was empty by the time they arrived, the shop closed by Vance to all appointments for them. Lacing his fingers with Sergio’s, Ron took a deep breath.
“Ready?” Sergio asked as Vance prepared his needles and ink.
“As I’ll ever be,” Ron replied.
Taking a seat on the chair, Ron realized Sergio took a seat beside him, looking anxious. He couldn’t keep the smirk off his face when Vance curtly told Sergio he was in the way.
“Overprotective Alpha,” Vance muttered, examining the spot Ron chose—his left shoulder.
“Mine,” Sergio agreed.
“Yours,” Ron finished.
“Christ, you love birds are unbearable,” Vance muttered, rolling his eyes, then began to work.
Letting the steady hum of the needle gun fill the air, Ron closed his eyes, nostrils flaring. Sergio was right. It didn’t hurt as he expected, but Ron’s thoughts turned elsewhere, like how he’d break the news to Sergio.
“Done,” Vance announced, surprising the hell out of Ron.
Opening his eyes, Ron saw the black ink—the simple outline of a wolf howling at the moon, and the words beneath it that said Darkfall Mountain Pack. His heart instantly warmed and Ron knew he’d wear his new mark with pride. Two weeks passed since Sergio introduced him to the pack, a short time considering, but Ron began to see Darkfall as his home and the pack, his family.
“That’s fast,” Ron muttered. After Vance finishing taping the gauze over Ron’s new ink, he gave Ron tips on how to care for his tattoo.
“Don’t worry. I take good care of my mate,” Sergio poin
ted out, making Ron groan. Back in the car, Sergio asked, “What are you in the mood for tonight?”
“You,” Ron said automatically without thinking. A rumble came out of Sergio’s mouth. His cheeks turned red. Damn his hormones. Was being horny all the time a side effect of being pregnant? He cleared his throat. “You’re talking about dinner of course. Can we get take out?”
“I was thinking of the newly opened seafood place.”
Ron winced. “A meal there can buy you three steaks at our favorite grill.”
“Tonight’s special.”
“I appreciate the thought, but I’d like to be alone. I need to discuss something with you, Sergio.” Sensing the seriousness in Ron’s voice, Sergio gave him a sidelong glance, then nodded.
Back home, they ordered Chinese. After clearing up the paper boxes and mess, Sergio patted the seat next to him. Ron sat, fidgeting under Sergio’s intense gaze. The Alpha had been patient throughout the drive home and dinner. It was time. Ron reached for Sergio’s hand, running his thumb up and down the muscles of his forearm.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Remember a few days ago, when I took time off from work?”
Sergio frowned. “Michella and you went out on some trip you wouldn’t tell me about.”
“We went to see Jonas McGuire.” Taking a deep breath, Ron directed Sergio’s hand underneath his shirt. He pressed it against his belly, so Sergio could sense the tiny spark of life growing inside him.
Ron didn’t know what to expect. The worst, he supposed, but Sergio’s face lit up, like a boy seeing his presents on Christmas Day.
“Our pup?” Sergio whispered, He looked to Ron for confirmation, as if he thought Ron was pulling his leg.
“Pups,” Ron corrected. “Twins. Feel the second tiny heartbeat?”
Sergio nodded, face pale. He dropped his hand.
“Sergio, please say something,” Ron pleaded.
