Chapter Three

Dane approached the perimeter of the Strongblood lands slowly, letting one of the sentries catch his scent so that there would be no alarm. Not much of one, anyway. Despite Graydon’s assurances that he was welcome to rejoin the pack, Dane didn’t take it for granted that he wasn’t perceived as a threat. He’d lived feral too long and had done too many stupid and dangerous things to be fully trusted. He didn’t blame them and while he was content to remain as he was, it was important that he get his brother to agree to take in Merida and Remy. There really was no doubt of how his brother, an honorable shifter, would react. But there would be no answer at all if some hot-headed dominant decided to take him down first and ask questions later.

It was some relief when he spied the sentry who’d noticed him. The gamma had been a pup when Dane had left the pack. Now, he was as big and imposing as his kind should be, except that Conan had always had a more even temperament than was typical of his type. Dane shifted and stood with his human feet already starting to freeze in the small amount of snow covering and crossing his arms against the bite of wind.

Conan loped up, clearly not alarmed, and shifted into his human skin as well. If he was cold, he didn’t show it. “This is a surprise, Beta.”

“I have an urgent need to speak with the alpha. It involves an omega and…”

Conan held up his hand. “No need to explain further to me. You had me at ‘urgent’ and ‘omega’. I’ll take you to Graydon.” He paused a moment. “You know that the alpha mate whelped a few days ago?”

Dane shook his head. How would he given his isolation? It’s not as if shifters made announcements like humans, nor was there anyway to reach him in the forest even if his brother had been inclined to tell him specifically. “Are father and pup both well?”

Conan nodded. “Yes, but it’s the alpha’s story to tell.”

They spoke no more. Shifting, they headed at a trot toward the compound. Other sentries made themselves known but none tried to interfere. Word must have been spread anyway because Graydon was there to greet him by the side of the longhouse. Dane was surprised and pleased at how…relaxed his brother looked. Becoming a sire was good for him, apparently. He stood with legs braced and arms crossed, as usual. He wore boots, leather pants and a thick shirt in deference to the cold. Those would come off as soon as Graydon stepped back into the warmth of the building, as was true with all of the Strongbloods. And it was also a sign that his brother wanted to speak with him before letting him inside. Otherwise, he would have stuck to wolf form.

Dane stopped a few feet away and shifted once more, ignoring his human’s skin instant displeasure. He bowed his head. “Alpha. Thank you for seeing me. I have a favor…” The breath got knocked out of him as his brother wrapped him in a hard hug. Dane returned the embrace. “I guess we’re doing this first.”

Graydon thumped him once on the back, hard enough to make him wheeze. “Brother, I am glad to see you. Have you come to winter with us?”

Dane pulled away and caught his breath. “No.” At the look of disappointment that shot across his brother’s face, he hurried to distract him. “But before I explain myself, tell me how your mate and pup are.”

Graydon had always been a classic alpha—full of obvious pride and assurance of his own virility and power. Now, he practically burst with it. “They are well. Despite Ethan’s trouble with the pregnancy, he weathered the whelping with ease. And…I have an alpha son.”

Of course.Nothing pleased an alpha more than siring the next leader of the pack and the first time around, too. “I am happy for you, Alpha. May I ask the boy’s name?”

“Duncan.”

Dane nodded. “A strong name.” He stamped his cold feet before saying more. “I’ve come begging for a favor, brother. It involves giving sanctuary to an omega.”

Graydon’s expression turned serious. “Then you’d better come inside.”

Dane was grateful for the chance to get out of the cold. His den suited his needs and would prove to be an excellent shelter even in the dead of winter. But there was nothing like being inside the longhouse—the instant heat and the mouthwatering smells of the food that was prepared all day long to feed such a large group of shifters. He allowed himself to bask in the pleasure of it all while he waited for Graydon to strip his clothing off, then followed him as he headed toward the back of the structure.

The sigmas noticed his presence immediately as they went along and gave him furtive looks as they hurried on with their tasks. There was no fear in their faces or emanating from them, which made him happy. He’d never intended harm toward his old pack and didn’t want to become a source of concern. Again. Not so long ago, his actions had done just that. No amount of regret was going to change his past behavior. And he wasn’t entitled to a second chance. All he needed to do was make sure Remy and his sister had a safe place to go. Then he would be back to living in the forest like the feral shifter that he’d become.

Instead of leading him to the alpha’s council room, Graydon brought him to the great room. “I don’t want to disturb my mate and pup. They sleep a lot still.”

“Of course.” Dane would never have pressured his brother otherwise but he did long to see his nephew. Maybe someday.

Once they were seated at the family eating mat, Graydon waved for him to proceed. “Tell me.”

Dane opened his mouth to speak, then snapped it shut again as a sigma hurried over to put hot mugs of cider and small meat pies in front of him. It was obvious proof of how long he’d been out of pack life that he hadn’t even noticed Graydon giving the silent order to give him refreshments. It was as much out of hunger as politeness that he didn’t hesitate to take a big bite out of the pie and down half of his drink before telling his brother what he knew of the siblings.

He told the tale of how he’d stumbled upon Remy and his unusual sister with the efficiency that came natural to a beta and ended with, “The boy is near his first heat and needs a safe place for it. From what the sister has told me, he doesn’t even understand what it means to be a male omega. Finding out right as he’s going into heat is going to be hard on him. And even if he weren’t ready to breed, the forest is no place for him notwithstanding his gamma sister to protect him.” He knew he was saying the obvious and also dredging up his own dubious past actions. Still, he let the information sit with the alpha while he finished up his food.

“A female gamma, you say?”

Dane wasn’t surprised that Graydon focused on the most unusual fact of the situation. The fate of the omega wasn’t in question. His sister being a gamma…? “I know it’s shocking, but there’s no denying it. Her old pack must have been willfully blind—not surprising, really—trying to force her into performing sigma tasks.”

Graydon toyed with his own mug. “If all you see are the female parts and she’s obviously not an omega, you’re only left with one thing. I can always use more gammas…” He looked sharply at Dane. “Betas too, of course.”

Because any mention of his rejoining the pack forced him to remember how he’d abandoned it, as well as his mother and brother, out of pure cowardice, he ignored the comment. “I’d like to bring them here for at least the winter months even though I’m sure they might bring trouble as well.”

“Well yes, we have to assume someone is pursuing them. No one lets an omega get away, especially as they probably already had plans for him.”

Dane had assumed as much himself, even though Merida hadn’t said it in so many words. “I could take them to Lorcan. The Rogue Pack is used to dealing with this sort of thing.” That was the wrong thing to suggest.

Graydon puffed out his chest. “You think the Strongbloods aren’t up to the challenge of protecting our own?”

“Of course not!” Ancient habits kicked in and he lowered his gaze and exposed his neck. “I meant no disrespect. I merely thought that with your mate newly whelped…”

“Ethan would be the first to skin me alive if I turned away an omega in need.” Graydon huffed and stared into his mug. “Bring them.”

Dane drained his mug and set it back down. “And when the boy goes into heat, what then?” It was incredibly foolish to court more of Graydon’s ire by asking him questions that were none of his concern.

His brother gave him a weird little smile. “Someone will service him, naturally. Conan, maybe. He’s a good lad, bright for a gamma and modern in his thinking.” Graydon shrugged.

Dane’s fingers curled into fists of their own volition and his wolf rose under his skin to howl. “You won’t force him to mate with anyone.” It wasn’t a question, and his gall took even himself by surprise, but his wolf wouldn’t let him back down.

Graydon’s smile increased. “Certainly not. I’ll let him choose who services him and who he mates with.”

“Like you did with Wren?” Really, he wanted to bite his own tongue off and nearly did. He’d thought he’d put aside this urge to distrust any alpha and the need to fight against shifter customs.

Graydon’s gaze narrowed. “That was different. It was obvious to all except that very hard head of Elijah’s that they were fated to be together.”

Dane started to argue against the ancient belief even though he’d seen enough to know that it wasn’t pure nonsense. Then there was a distant whine in his head that caused his wolf to become even more agitated. With a grimace, he worked to get himself under control and to not shift.

“Is there something wrong, Dane? Is your wolf acting up? Maybe he’s worried about someone or hearing something that disturbs him?”

Sudden irritation took control. He leaped to his feet and took a step back. “Everything is fine, Alpha. I’ll go fetch Remy and Merida now. If that’s acceptable. I mean, I can keep them at my den for longer if you need time to…” He shut his mouth, realizing that he was close to babbling.

Graydon took his time rising to his own feet. “Now would be best. There is snow in the air again. By tomorrow, the journey will be more difficult for the boy.”

Dane nodded a few times. “Yes, of course.” He put aside the images that kept popping up of Remy snug in Dane’s den as the world around them turned inhospitable. “I’ll leave now. It won’t take long for us to return. My den is not far.”

“I know.”

Of course, he did. There was no way that the alpha had not learned the exact location of Dane’s den. It might be outside of the Strongblood territory, but Graydon was not the kind of alpha that took chances with his pack.

As there was nothing more to say, Dane left. This time, as he headed for the nearest door, no one accompanied him. His brother trusted him that much, apparently. The knowledge heartened him, but he didn’t linger on it. Getting Remy and bringing him to safety was paramount and if that thought bothered his wolf…tough. For once, he was going to do the right thing.

****

Remy kept an eye out for Dane’s return, as much as Merida permitted him to. She wouldn’t let him sit at even the mouth of the den, instead forcing him back out of sight. He sat cross-legged on the pallet because it was soft on his human backside. It felt nice and when he rocked back and forth, the fur pressed into his flesh in a delightful way. He didn’t understand the sensation but it was as if he were scratching an itch inside. He liked the way it made his skin tingle and it helped settle his wolf down. Maybe it was because he’d become accustomed to being in wolf form most of the time, but it seemed as if the beast within him was unusually agitated. He wanted to come out and the urge to shift was strong. Normally he and his wolf were in harmony. Something was off now.

He tried to ignore, as well, the fact that he was starting to feel hungry again despite his large breakfast. As much food as there was in the den, however, he knew better than to take or even ask for more. It wasn’t his place to decide whether there was enough food. He had to wait for permission.

“You need more to eat?”

Remy shouldn’t have been surprised that his sister had realized he did. She was far smarter than he and always took good care of him. He took his gaze off the den’s entrance to smile at her. “Yes, please.”

Merida grabbed a few strips of venison and brought them over. “From now on, you must say when you’re hungry. It’s important that you eat enough.”

Remy stopped his rocking, feeling instinctively that it wasn’t something he should do in her presence. “Thank you.” He took the meat and bit off a large chunk. “Why don’t I need to wait for permission to eat? Is it because there’s enough food here in Dane’s den?”

Merida looked away. “No. We’re probably not staying here anyway. It’s just that…you’re an omega and omegas get hungrier than most at a certain point.”

Remy frowned. “Why?” He stuffed more venison in his mouth.

His sister didn’t answer, looking away instead. It was always this way. Whenever he dared to ask questions, it rarely led to any answers. No one seemed to think it was important that he know anything. He existed to obey, although he rarely was told to do much. It was all very confusing, and he wished someone would tell him all the things he wanted to know. Dane will. That was an odd expectation. He barely knew the beta, and yet for some reason, he trusted the man and believed he could be the source of all knowledge in his life.

Remy’s wolf rose up right before his human ears heard Dane’s approach. He was sure it was the beta and shifted in order to fully take in the sound and scent of him. He pranced in place, eager to greet the beta yet cowed by Merida’s brawny wolf standing between him and the entrance. When Dane finally entered and shifted into human form, Merida relaxed and did the same.

As did Remy, although for him, it was for a chance to speak easily with the beta. There were so many questions on the tip of his tongue. Only a lifetime of training kept it in check.

Dane wasted no time with his news. “We are leaving for the Strongblood territory as soon as you are ready. Alpha Graydon has agreed to welcome you into his pack. He’s a good man and will keep you safe and well-cared for.”

Remy’s first reaction was one of disappointment if not outright fear. The idea of rejoining a pack was scary. But Dane said it would be okay, and that reassurance chased away the rest of Remy’s feelings. Besides, the beta would be there with them, wouldn’t he?

“We’re ready now,” Merida said. “My brother has just eaten so there is no reason to wait.”

“Good.” Dane’s response said one thing, but his expression indicated he wasn’t so pleased.

No, that’s silly. He wants us safely in his pack.His old pack, rather. Dane hadn’t lived there in a long time, or so he said. But didn’t the fact that he’d approached his alpha brother on their behalf mean that things would be different for him too? Gods, he hoped so. His wolf whined before he could stop it. There was a deep chuff of reassurance in response. Remy blinked at Dane in continued surprise that their wolves seemed to be communicating much like he’d heard mated shifters did.

Dane’s expression for a brief moment said he felt the same way. Then the look was gone and replaced with beta sternness. “Let’s go.”

They each shifted as they left the cave, then headed off at an easy pace. Dane led, of course, with Remy next and Merida bringing up the rear. He’d never felt so safe and allowed himself to enjoy his surroundings as they made the journey. There was nothing new to the scent in particular, but still it was nice to take them all in without worrying about detecting danger. A few times, his curiosity got the better of him and he started to wander off track. Each time, Merida nudged him back into line. But for the first time since they’d left their pack, she wasn’t as tense. With Dane in control and there to lend his power to any problem that might occur, she didn’t have to be the one in charge anymore. He hadn’t appreciated how difficult it must have been for her to take care of him for the many months they’d been on the run. Knowing that joining this new pack would help her as much as himself made him even happier.

Remy couldn’t stop the worrying from returning once he scented the first of the Strongblood sentries. As if out of nowhere, two gammas approached from each side and moved in to flank them. Merida growled briefly and came closer to him. But Dane circled back to yip at them with reassurance. Remy instantly relaxed again and even Merida seemed to settle down. As they approached the heart of the Strongblood packlands, excitement mounted. The sight of sigmas going about their daily chores—the simple normality of it all—forced him to realize how much he”d missed pack life.

So absorbed by what he saw, he didn’t notice they had reached the alpha until Dane and the others came to an abrupt stop. Remy skittered to a halt and shifted without thought to join his sister and the beta. He stood between them yet couldn’t help gravitating closer to Dane. Knowing not to stare directly at the alpha, he kept his gaze down and waited for those who knew better than he to tell him what to do next. Even standing in a patch of sunlight couldn’t ward off the sudden cold, either. Dane’s body gave off a nice warmth. It was a relief when everyone’s focus started with Merida.

“You were right, Dane. A female gamma.” The alpha’s voice was low and powerful.

The sound of it caused Remy’s skin to prickle with fear. He slid closer to Dane until their bodies touched. He would have pulled away, embarrassed by his boldness, but the beta stopped him by taking him gently by the arm and holding him in place. The feel of his touch caused heat to flare deep inside Remy, although it also caused a shiver to run down his spine.

“Indeed, Alpha. I’ve witnessed Merida’s strength firsthand.” To Remy he whispered, “It’s all right. There is nothing to be afraid of.”

A wave of both emotional and physical warmth washed over him and he relaxed enough to listen to what his sister’s fate would be.

“I welcome you to the Strongblood Pack. This will be your new home.” The alpha’s statement made it clear that it wasn’t a choice. He paused. “I don’t suppose anyone has taught you the proper way to guard a perimeter?”

Merida held her head high, showing no fear, as usual, although she was careful to keep her gaze down, as well. “No, Alpha. I can…work in the kitchen.”

The alpha surprised Remy by chuckling, and the sound didn’t have the nasty edge that Remy was used to hearing.

“I would no more put you to that kind of use than I would myself. You’d probably burn the longhouse down before the day was over. Conan!” One of the gammas who had escorted them in came forward. “Train her.”

The young gamma smiled. “Now, sir?”

“Is there a reason to wait?”

The smile disappeared. “No, sir. Come on, Merida, is it?”

Merida hesitated. She lifted her chin. “I appreciate the opportunity, sir, but my brother needs me.”

The alpha waved that away with a sweep of his hand. “You and he are now part of the Strongblood Pack. His safety is my concern. You have done well by him,” he added in a kinder voice than any dominant had ever used. “But his welfare is my burden, not yours.”

Merida said nothing, but looked as if she were going to continue to argue. Remy’s heart raced with sudden panic. She’d taken punishment before on his behalf. He didn’t want that to happen all over again.

“I’ll be fine, Merida. Truly.” Remy would have gone to hug her if Dane hadn’t held him in place. “Please, don’t argue,” he whispered, worry for her making him indifferent to the others hearing.

“He’ll be looked after,” Dane chimed in.

“Of course, he will.” The alpha gestured with his chin.

Conan got closer to Merida. “Come on. I bet you’re dying for a good run. We’ll go around the perimeter so you can learn where it is.”

Merida hesitated on a moment more, her gaze sliding over to Remy. He gave her an encouraging smile. Whatever she saw there, it was enough. With a nod, she shifted and bound away in Conan’s wake.

“Wyatt!” The boom of the alpha’s voice made Remy jump. A boy—no, an omega—came from behind the alpha and smiled broadly at Remy. “Take him to my mate. Remy could benefit from learning certain things from other omegas.”

Wyatt stepped closer and held out his hand. “Hi, Remy. I’m the alpha’s brother, if no one has told you, and I hope we’ll be fast friends. You can ask me anything.”

Remy perked up at the news. “Oh, Dane said something about having brothers who are omegas. I’ve never met another male one before.” It was going to be so much fun, he hoped, having someone in the pack like him. He had so many questions, too, and would feel comfortable asking Wyatt about them instead of Merida or even Dane. He took Wyatt’s hand.

“Come on, then. You must be freezing out here.”

He should have been but his body was generating that odd warmth and Dane’s big body gave off heat enough to keep him toasty. He started to go with Wyatt, then a stopped as a thought occurred to him. Looking over his shoulder, he caught Dane’s eye.

“I’ll see you later, won’t I?” He’d just assumed the beta would be sticking around even though he had his den in the woods. It was impertinent to ask, as if an omega had any right to question a dominant about anything. An uncontrollable need to be near Dane had caused him to blurt out the question without thinking.

Dane grimaced and his gaze skittered away. “Um no, I…”

Fear swamped Remy once more, and once again, he couldn’t keep his tongue in check. “No? But…but.” Tears welled up and threatened to spill over. He didn’t care. He was used to being foolish in front of other shifters, and the thought that he might not see Dane again was overwhelmingly horrible. His wolf whined piteously before he could stop him.

There was a howl in response and Dane took a step toward him with his hand outstretched. “Easy now. I’ll stay here. For a while anyway.” He eyed the alpha, who grinned back at him. “I’ll see you at the evening meal.”

Reassured by the beta’s words, Remy relaxed again. He didn’t allow himself to dwell on the short-term promise. He had to believe everything would be fine.

Wyatt tugged him gently toward a door leading into the long house. “Come on, we’ll go see the alpha mate and I bet you’re hungry, too. We’ll have some food brought in.”

Remy laid his palm on his stomach. “I am, actually.”

“That’s not surprising, given your age.”

“Isn’t it?” Remy shifted his face for a moment in order to inhale the scents of the long house deeply. It was wonderful.

Wyatt squeezed his hand. “No, but we’ll get into that later.”

“Okay.” Remy knew better than to push on any matter. Besides, the more immediate concern was that he was about to be in the presence of the most important pack member next to the alpha himself. “I’m a little nervous about meeting the alpha mate,” he confessed.

Wyatt chuckled. “Don’t be. He’s really nice.”

Remy stumbled as the words hit him. “He?”