by Jackie Nacht
Running in, he caught the tail end of breakfast. Some dishes were already put away, but Colin grabbed for the last of the hash browns and ham. He maneuvered his way to his table of friends and saw that Sloan wasn’t with them. Worried, he glanced around and saw him two tables over with Knox. What is with the great divide?
Doing a fancy foot dance for a moment, trying to figure out where to sit, he made his way over to Sloan. Sitting down, he eyed the two men.
When they stared back, remaining silent, Colin asked, “Well?”
They both simultaneously shrugged at him. Brilliant and completely unhelpful.
“How did your visit go with your brother?”
Sloan leaned forward. Is he trying to steer the conversation away on purpose? “Wait, why aren’t you guys sitting with them? I told them to help you. Is there a problem?” Colin watched as the three Omegas got up and made their way over to sit with them. They slumped down in their seats but not before giving the two Alphas the stink eye.
“What the hell is going on?” Colin held his hands out in frustration.
“Ignorance, that’s what,” Dalton grumbled.
“What do you mean?” Colin felt like he was caught up in the middle with no information whatsoever. He so didn’t need all this right now. Well, he was going to be middleman until Sloan grabbed his belt loop and slid his ass over so the two were pressed against each other. Leaning in a little, sheesh, the man smelled fantastic. This…this was what he needed right now after feeling so raw. Wait, focus!
“You know how it goes. Alphas always viewing us as weak—needing to protect us.” Oren snarled.
Colin brows rose “And we don’t need protecting?”
Dalton gasped. “What in the hell? Who taught you that? Didn’t you have an Omega in your pack that sat you down and told you how things work.”
It did not go without Colin’s notice that the smallest in the bunch, Brendan, didn’t say a word. His food was most definitely not that interesting, but Brendan inspected and moved it around his plate as if it held the secrets to life.
Colin shook his head, frowning. It was tough to talk about his old pack. “Ugh, it was just Peyton and me.” Glancing down, Colin began to pick at his food. He felt the warmth of Sloan’s hand rub his back.
Dalton leaned forward, giving him a sympathetic gaze. “Look, this is really bad timing. I’m sorry, Colin. We can talk about all this later.”
“No, I want to know. Please.” Colin leaned into Sloan, but he no longer had an appetite.
Dalton blew out a breath. “Whatever you take away from this, you three.” Dalton glared at Knox and Sloan before returning his attention back to Colin. “The role of an Omega is not to be some damsel in distress. We are much more than that. We have strengths. Sloan is worried about Duke around you. He thinks you need his protection.”
“What do you mean? I highly doubt…” Colin glanced over to Sloan, slowly sweeping his gaze up and down, showing how massive Sloan was compared to him. “I could take on Duke.”
Shaking his head, Dalton went on. “He may be the strength, but you’re the strategist. Being informed of what’s going on can help you figure out how to remove yourself from a situation where Duke could cause you trouble. Of course, you couldn’t take him on hand to hand. No matter what, we will always be physically weaker with our hands, but Omegas are known for their problem-solving skills.” Dalton emphasized his point by leaning across the table and tapping his finger on Colin’s forehead.
Frowning, Colin leaned back. “What do I need to solve?” It’s not like he had much freedom in this place.
“I mean, who do you think leads the pack in the war against hellhounds? Alphas may fight, but we are the ones who lead, coordinate and are the tactical part of the war. The planners when we do go into battle with hellhounds. You think this compound is just to help you coexist with your wolf?” Dalton shook his head, “This is also a recruitment to decide who will be best in fighting the hellhounds. My dear friend, you have no idea how special you truly are.”
Chapter Five
Sloan laid awake that night, going over everything that Dalton had said. He'd always heard the very same thing, but it was so hard to believe. His pack had an Omega when he was younger, but after he'd left for the compound, he never came back home. Was it because he'd joined the ranks in the war?
Did I grow up with a distorted view that Omegas were weaker? The problem was it was impossible to ignore the fact that Colin was smaller and less physically strong compared to Alphas. But was Colin the weakness, or is it my own fear? If Colin got in a situation with Duke, could he outsmart the Alpha to get out of it?
Just about to moan in frustration, he heard a sound at his door. Snapping to a sitting position, Sloan immediately relaxed as he recognized Colin in the doorway.
“I’m sorry. I’ll go. I didn’t know you were sleeping.” Colin was about to turn and leave, but Sloan jumped up and grabbed him by the arm.
“I wasn’t. I was actually thinking about what Dalton told us today. You okay?”
Colin fidgeted, “Yeah…no…I don’t know. Sheesh, I’m really fucking overwhelmed. Can I stay with you tonight? These damn nightmares…” Colin mumbled.
Sloan knew that was frowned upon, but he didn’t have it in him to tell Colin no. Walking back to his mattress, he climbed in, gesturing for Colin to join him.
Colin pulled his shirt over his head and toed off his shoes before crawling in next to him.
Sloan grabbed Colin and held onto him, relishing the clean lemon scent of the man. He stroked the soft brown hair, seeing the blond highlights flash as they were hit by the outside hall lights.
“Mmm…feels good. I can’t get over seeing my brother today. He’s going to live, but he’ll have scars to remind him of that night. Those hellhounds…they really worked him over good, you know,” Colin said roughly.
“But he’s going to live. That’s what the two of you have to focus on. Look at the silver lining.”
Colin turned in his arms, facing him. “I used to always say that about Peyton. No matter how bad it got, he found the one positive. He’s amazing.”
Sloan placed a soft kiss on Colin's forehead, lingering. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
Colin sighed. “I wish I could get away. Just a day, you know. Get some fresh air.”
Frowning, Sloan glanced down at Colin whose head was resting on his chest. “Why can’t we?”
“Huh?”
“We aren’t in lockdown anymore. We can get out and enjoy some of the island. There’s a lot of hiking trails.”
“You’ll come with me?”
Smiling, Sloan rumbled, “Yeah, I’ll come with you.”
Sloan listened to Colin's breathing even out. He thought he was asleep until he whispered, “You think Dalton was right? You think I can protect myself? I have to admit, I’m not so convinced.”
“I’m not sure. Although, I wonder if you can realistically lump every Omega into one type. Not every shifter is born with the skills to join this war. I think he means well, but no, I don’t think two Omegas are alike. Just like no two Alphas are alike.”
“That makes sense. We are going to be what we are going to be. I think Brendan feels the same way I do. I’m not sure I could be tactical enough to handle a battle. I didn’t do such a great job with my pack,” Colin choked out.
“Colin, you did what you could. You and Peyton are alive.” Sloan skimmed his finger down Colin’s naked back to soothe the tension.
“I wish I could have done more.”
“I think you did what you could. You and Peyton barely got out with your lives. Three hellhounds working together usually can take a whole pack of wolf shifters that have been trained to take them down.”
Sloan brushed a kiss along Colin’s hair. He was definitely attracted to the man, but he knew this wasn’t the right time for anything. Colin was hurting, and with that, Sloan only focused on taking care of him. It was like his desire was dialed down just so he co
uld focus on what Colin needed the most from him.
Sloan heard footsteps outside his room before Malach filled up the doorway. “Come on, Colin. You have to go back to your room.”
“But—” Sloan started to protest.
“It’s the rules, man, and I can’t bend them for you just because I like you. Has to be across the board.” Malach leaned out, checking down the hall. More footsteps and then an abrupt “Fuck off!” filled the hallway. That was definitely Duke’s voice.
Rising, Colin grabbed his shirt and shoes. Sloan wanted to reach out and pull him back to bed. Sloan needed to protect him. Colin even said he didn’t want to sleep alone.
Before Colin walked out, he turned toward Sloan and leaned back down onto one knee. “Goodnight,” Colin whispered to him before he closed the distance and pressed his full lips to Sloan’s mouth.
Moaning, Sloan deepened the kiss, loving the feel of Colin working his mouth over his own. There was a slight brush of tongue to his lips before Colin pulled back and left with Malach.
Falling back on the bed, Sloan blew out a breath. He was falling hard for the guy, and all they’d done was kiss.
* * * *
The next day, Colin waited for Sloan to come outside his classroom. He could not believe it when he woke up that morning that he was to be dragged away to a full course load of classes he'd never signed up for. Mandatory attendance. Unfuckingbelievable.
The class he'd just left was utterly mind-numbing. The entire room was filled with puzzles and problem-solving equations, and he walked around doing several of them just like all the other Omegas. Dalton flew around putting them together and breaking them down in record time. Oren was close on his heels. But poor Brendan stayed the whole time on one puzzle and still was in there trying to figure the darn thing out. Colin was more in the middle of the class. He did an okay job, but he wasn’t great.
Then, there was one of the Alpha classes across the hall. Meditation. Colin so badly wanted to sneak a peek at all those huge guys trying to find their inner Zen. Hell, even their resting wolves were probably rolling their eyes at the class they were forced to attend. Supposedly, it was to help the wolves that were having a hard time shifting. Colin scratched his jaw, not wholeheartedly believing. Well, then again, if anything could help these poor guys out, he would hope they would try anything.
Standing in the hallway, he now recognized a few faces as they walked by, giving small smiles and nods to him. Sloan came out wearing a black shirt and boot-cut jeans that hugged his ass.
Colin met him in the middle of the hallway. “Hi.” Sheesh, that was awkward, and he sounded like a teenage boy, squeaking like that.
Sloan grabbed his hand and began leading him toward the cafeteria. Oh, his hand was so warm. Colin's body shivered from those delicious callused hands. Focus!
“Wait! Can you do something with me before we go to lunch?”
Sloan nodded. “Sure.”
Taking a deep breath, he continued, “Will you come with me to visit my brother?”
Face sobering, Sloan replied, “Yeah. Lead the way.”
Keeping their hands entwined, Colin led Sloan to the intensive care room where Peyton was staying. This was definitely a gamble, bringing someone to see his brother, but Sloan was starting to become an important part of Colin’s new life there even if they only met a few days ago. Hell, the last few days felt more like ten years to him.
They made the trek in just a few short minutes and were greeted at the door by Rayce.
Colin was about to walk in with Sloan when Rayce put a hand on Colin's chest.
Sloan growled behind him.
Rayce glared over his shoulder at Sloan. “You’re not going in.”
“Rayce, I want to introduce Peyton to my friend.” Colin pleaded. Sheesh, the two were about to squish him. They were practically nose to nose over his damn head.
“No.”
“Oh c’mon, Rayce, be reasonable.” Colin shoved at the immovable wall.
“Rayce.” Peyton’s weak voice came from inside, and Rayce stared daggers a moment more before turning and practically shutting the door in their faces.
Colin could hear soft voices but couldn’t make out what the two were saying inside. After a couple of minutes, Rayce came back out, gesturing for them to walk in.
Colin ran over to his brother, grabbing his hand and sitting next to him. His poor brother had stitches running along the side of his face and arms while one arm was broken, along with several ribs. His brother was on a lot of pain medication to get him through the long hours of healing.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Hurt but that’s to be expected. I think I might be a little better today. Hard to tell…you know?” Peyton tilted his head to get a better look at Sloan, who was still standing by the door.
“So who’s this?” Peyton’s breathing sounded a little labored. Colin shot Rayce a worried glance.
Coming over, Rayce gently propped Peyton up with enough pillows to help him breathe a little easier.
“Peyton, this is Sloan. Sloan, come here and meet my brother.” Sloan approached the bed and shook Peyton’s hand almost delicately before stepping back to the foot of the bed.
“It’s nice to meet you, Peyton. Your brother has been telling me a lot about you.”
Peyton nodded, but his eyes brimmed. Yeah, Colin knew exactly what he was thinking. It was hard to tell Sloan about Peyton, because in doing so, he had to talk about the ones they'd lost. Colin tightened his lips, hoping this visit would go a hell of a lot better than yesterday.
Peyton turned to stare at him, his chocolate brown eyes, so like their mother's, filled with tears.
“Aww, Peyton, it’s okay.” Colin leaned forward, hugging his brother as gently as possible.
Rayce was on the other side of the bed instantly.
“I am so sorry. I said something wrong.” Sloan was backing toward the door.
“Shit, stay. It’s not you. This medicine makes me so emotional.” Peyton rubbed his eyes and tried to collect himself.
Oh how Colin wished that was fully true. But like him, Peyton was going to have some really hard times ahead. He had a moment last night when he went to Sloan and thought he might be able to sleep one fucking night without hearing the screams. But that was ripped away from him the moment he had to go to his own room. He spent the rest of the night having horrible nightmares. Peyton was going to be right there with him. No one walked away from that night unscarred.
“It’s all right to cry, Peyton. Don’t feel bad about it. You’ve been through a lot.” Colin assured him.
Peyton glanced over at Sloan. “Please stay. I want to hear about you. Are you my brother’s friend or something more?”
Colin almost burst out laughing. That was his brother for you. In all this shit, he was finding something light to talk about. Peyton waggled his eyebrows even with watery eyes.
Smiling, Colin wasn’t even sure how to reply, so he tried to play it safe by saying, “He’s a fr—”
“More,” Sloan interrupted him. Sloan stared over at him, gaze penetrating. “We’re more.”
“Okay,” Colin whispered.
“So, Sloan, come on over here and let me get to know you.” Peyton patted his bed, and Sloan sat. And that was the start of his brother’s and Sloan’s friendship. As the conversation went on and Colin sat back just observing much like Rayce, he noticed that this was probably what Peyton needed. He needed a good dose of normal conversation, something that didn’t represent the fucked-up week they'd had.
An hour later, they left an exhausted Peyton to Rayce. Peyton didn’t even keep his eyes open until they made it to the door. Colin felt fuller in spirit than he had since coming there. Peyton even smiled a couple times during the visit.
They stopped and got lunch with the rest of the others, and Colin could feel the stress of the visit melt off him as he listened to the conversations around him. Like his brother, he just needed…something not so terrible.
He needed to see that spark in life to know that he was going to be okay—his brother was going to be okay. Looking over at Sloan, Colin thought maybe the Alpha was just that spark.
Sloan was such a great man to help him and Peyton out right now. It wasn’t like Sloan didn't have his own shit to endure with all those horrible full moons. Maybe there was a way Colin could help him.
After lunch, Colin and Sloan took a walk around the compound before the afternoon classes were to begin. They were in a deserted hallway when Colin finally stopped Sloan.
“I just wanted to say thank you. I think you helped Peyton more than you know. Right now, I’m just not sure what to say that won’t upset him. I’m afraid I’ll hurt him getting better. Listening to you small talk about yourself and the people here…it helped.”
“That’s all I wanted to do, plus I wanted to meet someone that is important to you.”
“Did you mean it when you said we were more?”
Sloan stared up at the ceiling, blowing out a breath. The next move shocked Colin a little when Sloan grabbed him and embraced him. “I meant it. Seems weird when we just met and only kissed. Usually, you get to know each other more emotionally and physically. Not sure how the guards and Elders will look at it. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen any couples in our part of the compound.”
“We’ll just have to see,” Colin murmured, staring at those gorgeous hazel eyes.
Sloan nodded and leaned in, kissing Colin soundly. He moaned and his body heated; his body was aching for a more intimate touch. Without wanting to think of why, Colin grabbed Sloan’s hair, tugging him to get closer. Bodies molded. Sloan walked him backward and soon felt the wall hit his back.
Sloan's tongue licked the seam of his lip, and Colin opened, tasting the flavor that was uniquely Sloan. Shivering, his body responded as he grinded his erection into Sloan. Sloan was right there with him, rubbing his thick jean-covered cock against his.
Both were panting, and Colin was sure he was going to climax right there in his pants when Sloan swiftly stepped away from him, turning and looking at the ground. Colin was just about to ask what in the heck was going on when a couple of guards walked by eyeing them up.
