by AdamCharles
Raven shrugged one shoulder. “I won’t mate just anyone. For now, I enjoy the honor of increasing my bloodline. Scoff if you like, but breeding is no disgrace.”
“I didn’t say it was, but I’m looking for love, not a legacy,” Evan said.
“Hmph.” To Reece, she said, “I won’t change my mind, but I’ll see that Carson leaves our guest alone. Make him see he shouldn’t anger two alphas. Though I can’t make any guarantees about Graham leaving you alone, though I suppose you’re used to it by now.” Raven turned and sauntered away, the crowd parting in front of her.
Everyone scattered, and Evan sat on a bench and drank his coffee. Reece watched everyone coming and going for a while before joining him. They sat there nearly five minutes before Reece broke the silence.
“I’m sure no one else heard too clearly, but you did,” Reece said.
“You mean that rather pointed expression of jealousy from Graham? Yeah, I heard it.”
“He’s always had a thing for me. I told him long ago I’m not interested in anyone I can’t even have a conversation with. He goes back and forth between hating me and moping over me, honestly. But it’s not anything to worry about.”
“He sure didn’t like smelling me on you.”
“But he won’t cross the line. He might toe it, but he’s too smart to act against you. And Raven can usually keep them from getting too out of line.” He sighed. “Though it might be harder now that they’re upset about things changing.”
“So nothing ever happened between you and Graham?”
“Nope.”
“What were he and his brother fighting about? Carson not like you for some particular reason or what?”
Reece nodded. “Graham and Carson disagree on one point. Graham thinks alphas and betas can fuck as they please. Carson sees any who bends to an equal as weak. Male betas only bend to an alpha. Only female betas submit to being fucked. Two beta males fucking is disgraceful, his favorite word, even for the one topping.”
“Graham just won’t take the hint?”
“No. He wants me, but just to fuck. I want a mate. I refused him outright, many times. Wouldn’t want him as a mate anyway. We’d never get along.”
Lowering his voice, Evan asked, “He ever tried to force it? Like his brother?”
“No. But a few times I thought he might. They aren’t bad people, but they’re very hostile to the changes.” He sipped his coffee. “Okay, maybe Carson is a bad person. Graham and Raven are just really traditional. Big sense of entitlement because they’re from such a strong family. See all omegas as inferior. You could see Raven’s somewhat more rational, but she agrees with her older brother that male betas shouldn’t bend to each other.”
“It’s not something I want, but you think Graham would soften if he fucked the right beta? Someone he wanted, like you? Maybe start coming around if he found he wanted to mate that male?”
Reece shrugged. “I don’t know, but I wasn’t willing to try. Raven has pups with two different betas. An omega cares for them. Graham’s had pups with several male omegas. They’ve always tried to get in good with the alpha and his family. And Carson was lying to look good. Thomas denied him publically when he declared for Noah. They had a big fight, and Carson backed down just shy of an official challenge.”
“So he’s the ringleader? Head of the family?”
“Yeah. Their father is still alive, but he’s old. Ignores his children and just roams the woods in his wolf form.”
Evan slipped his arm around Reece. “Well, you make sure Graham knows he missed his chance.”
“He ought to know that already.” Reece shook his head. “First time he came on to me, he just pushed me against a wall behind a building and said,” he paused and looked around, then whispered, “you have any idea how bad you need my cum inside you?” He paused again, looking like he was trying not to laugh. “I kid you not. That’s what he said. I didn’t have time to be worried because I laughed out loud then and there. The look on his face when he stepped back was priceless.”
Evan gave a low growl. “He comes near you, I might just deck him.”
Reece gave a low, sexy laugh. “I was embarrassed about you knowing, but now I’m intrigued. You’re sexy when you’re all possessive.”
“I found a like-minded beta who fucked me senseless. He’s handsome and sweet and seems like a damn fine man. With an amazing cock, I might add. My hats in the ring, and I won’t give up unless you break things off. We might have something here, like you said.”
Reece smiled at him. “Glad to hear you say that. I have to write this down for my report to Thomas. I send him word every few days.” He stood and nodded to the south. “My cabin’s this way. Come on.”
As they walked to Reece’s cabin, Evan kept his gaze in motion. Sure enough, he saw Graham behind a building, arms crossed and a scowl on his face as he glared at the two of them. Evan looked to Reece, who didn’t seem to have seen Graham. When he looked back, Evan couldn’t locate Graham. He determined that he would stay with Reece as much as possible. If Graham felt threatened or frustrated, he might try to force something with Reece, and Evan would take the man down before he’d allow that.
* * * *
Evan sat on Reece’s front porch, enjoying the sunset as he rocked in one of the chairs. Some of the boards squeaked, and he began rocking to test them, eventually forgetting the sunset and getting down on all fours to inspect them.
“Oh, I like this view,” Reece said.
Evan looked up at the grinning man. “Squeaky boards. I can help you fix them.” He stood and dusted himself off before accepting the glass of lemonade Reece offered him.
“I do like a handy man. What other skills do you have?” He sat down in one of the other rocking chairs.
“You’ve already gotten a taste of several.” Evan took his seat again. The rest of the day had been uneventful, and they’d patrolled once in the afternoon.
“Mmmm, quite a resume,” Reece said as he stared at the horizon. “Just so you know, I do want to stay here. There are others who could take my place, but I’ve been an enforcer for a while. I’m respected, and you know how hard change ups in the hierarchy can be.”
“Yeah. You making sure I know because of what happened today?”
“Yes. The whole family’s a pain. Pups run a bit wild. Omegas are overworked. Two omegas left to go to your pack to get away from them. Left their pups and all. It’s sad. I’ll be happy when Thomas and Gideon come back for a more extended stay. I’m not sure how this back and forth is gonna work out, but I get that they don’t like being apart.”
Evan said, “I was shocked when Gideon told us all he was going to mate another alpha, but eventually I just felt happy for him. And it was brave, to challenge the old ways and all. Gideon’s a bit heavy handed. Arrogant in ways. But when it comes down to the line, he takes care of his people.”
“Thomas is a good alpha. At times, though, he’s slow to act. I’m hoping omegas will feel safe coming forward now. Saying an omega in heat was forced is controversial, but I really think Carson takes advantage. He has almost a dozen pups.”
“Really?”
Reece nodded.
“One or two seems about my limit. I don’t know. I guess if I was with an omega who wanted more, I’d probably give in.”
Reece smiled. “Hard to say no sometimes.”
“It’s sad. They’re just doing it to increase numbers.” Evan shrugged one shoulder. “I mean, I’m not anxious for a family, but I’d much rather have that. An actual family.”
Reece nodded. “My parents had a good bond. I want something like that, too.” He paused. “One day.”
Evan had met several omegas in this pack, though he hadn’t gotten to know many that well, so he asked, “Are there any omegas here you like? Any you’ve been with you’d be interested in?”
“A few. I don’t know.” Reece finished his lemonade and set his glass aside. “You bored with me already?”
“Hardly. Just curious.
Like I said, I like to be watched.” Evan sipped his own drink, wiping at the condensation on the glass. He sat back and resumed rocking. “But there’s plenty of time for all that.”
Reece grinned over at him. “And there are plenty of things I could watch you do.”
Evan liked the sound of that. “There most certainly are.”
Reece rocked gently as the sun finally dropped behind the trees. “What did you do in your pack?”
“Carpenter. Plumber. Odd jobs here and there. All around pretty handy, as you said. Good at fixing generators when they go down.”
Reece’s eyebrows shot up. “You’ll be popular here. We need more skilled people. Another reason for change. Make some betas do more grunt work. Learn to fix things themselves.”
Someone came around the cabin and stopped at the bottom of the steps. Evan recognized Raven after a moment and sat forward. She looked worried, with a little anger and annoyance thrown in.
“What’s going on?” Reece asked.
“Carson and Graham got into it pretty bad about two hours ago. Destroyed our living room. Thing is, Carson usually takes most of the pups who are old enough out for exercise the same night every week. He’s never late because he wants them to see that keeping promises and doing your duty is important. But he didn’t show up. Rebecca and Harry were worried.”
When Evan looked to Reece, the intense look on the man’s face surprised him. “Have you looked for him?” Reece asked.
Raven nodded. “Yes. Graham stormed away from me, so I took Harry with me to look. Carson’s not here. He’s had time to get pretty far, but he would’ve told me no matter how pissed he was.” To Evan, she said, “Rebecca and Harry are two of our omegas. And I don’t care what you think. They’re well cared for and get to be with their pups. They don’t want to be set free.”
“But they have been. If they choose to stay with you, that’s fine. It’s about choice,” Evan said. “Reece said two omegas that’ve bred with your family went to my pack.”
“Yes. And we didn’t fight it. We obeyed our alpha. I was hurt they left us, and their pups, but I got over it.” She swallowed, her body tensing. “But Graham and Carson took it as an insult.”
“You didn’t?”
“They both wanted mates, and neither Graham nor Carson wanted to mate them.” She looked to Reece. “I can’t say I blame them, but they weren’t treated badly.”
“But they weren’t your equals,” Reece said, crossing his arms as he focused on her.
“Things can’t change overnight, Reece.” Raven sighed. “They might not have any better luck in the other pack.”
“Better than being mated to either of your brothers.” Reece’s expression had gone hard. “Sorry, but that’s how I feel. And you know you’re here because you’re afraid.”
Evan cleared his throat and asked, “Am I right to assume you think your twin did something? That Carson might need help?”
Raven worked her jaw a moment. “Maybe. Carson can be very … unforgiving. Seems he found Graham’s behavior embarrassing. He shrugs off my offenses because I’m female.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I long ago accepted that he sees any female as inferior, even strong betas. But he’s rough on Graham. Too rough, at times.”
“So they fought about Graham taking such exception to me being with Evan?” Reece asked.
Nodding, Raven said, “Told him to keep it in his pants or pound a few omegas until the need went away. He said he heard what Graham said, though I didn’t.” She looked between them. “I take it he made his desire clear?”
“Said he could satisfy Reece better than I had,” Evan said.
“Ah.” She nodded again. “Even if no one else heard, I’m sure that got to Carson.” She looked into Reece’s eyes. “Carson’s my brother, too. If he’s been hurt, I want punishment for the culprit, even if it is Graham. We may need to call the alpha back for judgment.”
“Yes, we just might. I have a report for him. Would you take it once I add this? You’re the fastest around here, even if Carson’s the strongest.”
“I’ll take it.”
Reece stood and went inside, leaving Evan alone with Raven.
“You don’t think your brother just got pissed and took off? Maybe today was the last straw and he went to challenge Thomas or something.”
“No, he would’ve taken me and a few others. You need witnesses, and he would’ve wanted to show up with some of his own instead of trusting wolves from your pack.” She came up onto the porch. “I’m not saying I think he’s dead, but something isn’t right. Graham has never walked away from me before. He confides in me. If he weren’t hiding something, he’d have wanted to help find Carson.”
“I’d always heard twins were close.”
“We used to be. He’s hard to understand these days. I tend to let it slide, but if he’s really hurt our brother or driven him to some extreme action, we have to face it.” She gave a half smile. “Tradition isn’t just about oppressing omegas. We have a keen sense of honor. The family is everything.”
Reece came back out before Evan could say anything. “Here. Evan and I will keep searching. You’ve asked around? People know he’s missing?”
“I asked, but I didn’t make a big deal. Maybe tell a few other betas and search as best you can. No need causing a big stir with the alpha gone.”
Reece handed the paper over. “Come find me when you return.”
Raven nodded and began to undress. “Can I leave these here?”
“Sure,” Reece said.
She stripped and quickly folded her stuff before putting the paper in a little pouch around her neck. She tightened the drawstring and then shifted, running off into the trees.
Evan had admired her curves, though he definitely preferred the smooth planes of a man’s body. Reece raised one eyebrow.
“Doesn’t hurt to look. Don’t worry. She doesn’t have a cock.”
“But she does have balls.”
Evan groaned at the bad joke. “Okay, very funny. But how serious is this? Carson missing out on some weekly family thing is really a big deal?”
“Oh yes. Family, honor, tradition. And punctuality. Not breaking your word. The man’s hardcore. He would bend over backwards not to break one of his own rules in front of his family’s pups. If he didn’t show up, he’s hurt. Or dead. He wouldn’t shirk a duty he’d given himself just because he was pissed off or upset.”
Evan nodded. “Then we better get going.”
They headed toward the square to get a few more betas, and Evan scanned everything and everyone around them, wondering what they might find before the end of the night.
Chapter Three
Evan kept within sight of Reece as they searched, though he didn’t really take too much notice of David, the other man searching with them. He was Thomas’s second and had just returned to the pack. He seemed like he could certainly take care of himself just fine. Evan worried that Graham might be out here somewhere, and he didn’t want any kind of encounter, however brief, happening between him and Reece. If Graham was pissed, or on the run, he might attack Reece first out of frustration. He knew with his head that Reece could handle himself—he wouldn’t be a pack enforcer if he couldn’t—yet Evan still felt himself becoming protective.
Moving forward, Evan noticed the ground ahead looked a bit odd. And he smelled blood. Stepping carefully, Evan approached what turned out to be a pit trap. He looked down into it, but in the darkness he couldn’t see if anyone was in it, though it seemed someone had fallen through the branches thrown over the top. He shone his flashlight down there, and the first thing he saw was a broken and bloody leg.
“Hey, over here!” Evan called. “Someone’s hurt. It’s a pit trap.”
David and Reece came over and shone their lights down as well. “It’s Carson,” David said, leaning over. “Is he unconscious or dead?”
“One way to find out,” Reece said, tossing branches aside. “At least there aren’t any spikes. You brin
g a rope?”
“Yeah,” David said. He drew his backpack off and rummaged inside of it. Once he found the rope, they secured it to a tree and lowered Reece down. He checked Carson’s vitals and looked up at them.
“He’s alive, but he’s not conscious. He needs to shift to heal this. There’s blood all over his jeans, but it doesn’t seem to be bleeding anymore, despite the bone sticking out,” Reece called up.
David held up a little bottle. “Here. Catch. It’s smelling salts.”
“Great, thanks,” Reece said as he cupped his hands and reached out. He caught it and held the little bottle under Carson’s nose.
The man jerked his head and coughed, and then he growled as he looked up. “Where is the bastard?”
“Who?”
Carson shifted on the dirt and groaned as he tried to bend his leg. “Graham. Fucker pushed me down here. Said I had some thinking to do. He wants to take over the pack, and I told him we didn’t have enough support. There would be no unity. He’s not thinking clearly. Things are too unstable for more changes. It would be chaos.”
“But seems to be inline with your own plans. To change things back,” Reece said.
“I want to persuade the alpha to change things back to the way they were.” Carson shook his head. “A complete overthrow wouldn’t work. They never work. The pack would revolt because of the takeover, and then it would be impossible to restore the old ways.”
“The old ways are gone, my friend,” David called down. “You’re going to have to move on. And right now, we need to get you safely up here so you can shift and heal.”
Carson pushed himself up against the side of the hole and let Reece help him tie the rope around his torso. He looked up at David. “You have to send for Thomas, if you haven’t already. Graham’s going to kill anyone who gets in his way.”
“Raven went to him,” David said.
“Good,” Carson said before going silent to concentrate. He slipped twice, but they soon had him out. He stripped and shifted, crying out at the pain as his leg contorted and healed. He ran around in a wide circle, his back leg stiff at first, its movements jerky. When he was moving more freely, he shifted back and pulled his jeans back on. He still favored his other leg a bit, but he seemed to have healed just fine.
