NehalemPack3

HisDominantOmega

Bei nganomegawol fwasneverCol eWeathers’schoi ce.Hedoesn’thaveasubmi ssi vebonei nhi sbody,andtak i ngordersj usti sn’thi sthi ng.Whengi venanul ti matumfromhi soverbeari ngfather,hel eavestheonl yhomehe’severk nowntoexperi encel i feashe

al wayswantedto,freefromhi sfather’shatred.

Appl yi ngforaj obl eadsCol eri ghttohi smate,J osefBayer.Notthathedoesn’twantamate.Hej ustdoesn’twanttobri nganyonei ntohi scrazyfami l yl i fe.Hedi sgui seshi sscentfromJ osef,feel i ngtheothermani sbetteroff,buthi spl anback fi res.
J osefcan’texpl ai nhi sattracti ontoCol e,buti t'sdri vi nghi mcrazy.Whenhedi scoversCol e’sdecepti on,hedoesn’tk nowi fheshoul dberel i evedorangryforbei ngl i edto,butal l thati sforgottenwhenacrazedal phathreatensCol e.NowJ osefmustrel yonhi s

fri endstohel phi msavethemanhel oves.

G e nre :Al ternati ve(M /M orF/F),Shape-shi fter,Vampi res/Werewol ves

Le ng th:37,175words

HISDOMINANTOMEGA
NehalemPack3
AJJarrett

EROTICROMANCEMANLOVE

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Copyright©2013

ChapterOne

Wintercameandwent,andnowearlysummerhadsatuponthem.Joseflikedthewarmerweather.

Itgavehimareasontobeoutsideawayfromthelovebirdstakingoverthehouse.

Josefdidn’tbegrudgehisbestfriendsfindingtheirmates,butamancouldonlytakesomuch.If

he had to admit it, he was jealous they’d found their one true loves. Hell, even Erik who had just
turnedseventeenhadamate.Amatehecouldn’tbewithbecausehewasunderage,butstill.

“What’seatingyou?”Skyler,thepackchefextraordinaireandpainintheass,asked.

“Nothing,”hemutteredashefilledamugfullofsteaming-hotcoffee.Hetookasipandclosedhis
eyes,relishingintheliquidenergy.
“Icallbullshit.”
“Well,Idon’tgiveaflyingfuckwhatyoucall,mydear.”Josefgrabbedapieceoftoastfromthestack
sittingonthecounter,shoveledsomeeggsinside,thenbentitovermakingasandwich.
“I’mjustsayingallthedamnsexualpheromonesintheairaretakingtheirtollonme,too.”Skyler
turnedaroundandputhishandsonhiships.“Imeanhonestly,Ithinkalltheydoisfuck.Don’tthey
needtocomeupforairorsomeshit?”
Josefletoutaheavysigh.“Iknow,it’srough,butweshouldbehappyforthem.”
“Iknow,butstill,myhandischafingfromalltheself-loveI’vebeenpartakingin.”Joseflookedfrom
Skyler ’shandsthentohissandwichandscruncheduphisnose.“OhfortheloveofPete.Iwashmy
hands,yousickfreak.”
“Justchecking.”JosefkissedSkyleronthecheekashepassedby.
“Oh,beforeIforget,”Skylercalledafterhim.“Devonsaidtoremindyouthatthemaninterviewing
forthepositionwillbehereatseventhirty.”
Josef looked down at his watch and saw he only had five minutes to get his ass down to the office.
“Shit.”
“Haveagoodday,”heheardSkylershoutashespeedwalkeddowntotheCarstenandSon’soffices.
Carsten and Son’s Construction had been started by his best friend Devon’s father. After his death,
Devon, as the oldest, took on the burden and responsibilities of running the company and the pack.
ThetwootherCarstensonswerestilltooyounganddealingwiththelossoftheirparents,soJosef
hadbeenmorethanhappytohelpDevonrunthebusiness.Devonhadbeenthereforhimmoretimes
thanhecouldcountandnowitwashisturntoreturnthefavor.Josefneverknewhisownfather.He’d
beengunneddownbyhunterswhenJosefwasjustababy.Hismotherraisedhimwiththehelpofthe
pack.JosefspentalotofhistimewithDevonandViktorwhilegrowingup.Hismotherwastheoffice
secretaryforCarstenandSon’s,andhespentallhistimehangingoutwithhisfriends.
It was right after Christmas fifteen years ago that his mother had passed. She had been out grocery
shoppingandonthewayhomehitapatchofice.Thecarslidofftheroadandcrashedintoatree.She
hadbeenkilledinstantly.Josefhadonlybeenfifteenatthetime.Devon’smomanddadtookhimin,

noquestionsasked.AndhehadbeenwiththeCarstenfamilyeversincethen.Whenhelostthemdueto
hunters,hefeltthelossofhisparentsalloveragain.Becausetheynevertreatedhimlikeanoutsider.
Theylovedhim,andhelovedthem,andwhentheyweregone,ithurtjustasmuchasifhehadbeen
theirbiologicalson.
Josefhustleddownthesmallhilltowardtheofficebuilding.Thesunroseonthehorizonandwarmth
flooded down around him. The trees were green and leafy. Birds sang in the distance, and Josef
couldn’thelpbutwanttotakeoffforanearlymorningrun.Heneededagoodworkoutafterlistening
toDevonandAidengoingatitallnight.
ThesoundoffeethittingthegroundinarunhadJosefturningaround.Hestoodwaitingatthefront
officedoortoseewhowasrunningthroughtheforest.Agraywolfracedacrossthegroundandin
midairshifted.
“Erik,”Josefcalledafterthekid.
Erik jumped in surprise and spun around to face him. “Hey, Josef.” The young man gave a small,
nervouswave.“Whatareyoudoingupsoearly?”
“I could be asking you the same thing, young man.” Josef stepped away from the door and walked
overtoErik.“Haveyoubeenoutallnight?”
“Um.”Erik’seyesfelltostareattheground.Hefidgetedwithhishands,notlookingupatJosef.
“DoIneedtobringyourbrothersintothis?”
Eriklaughed.“They’retoobusytocareaboutwhatI’mdoing.”
“I’dbetyou’rewronginthinkingthat,kid.”HeunderstoodwhyErikmightcometothatconclusion,
seeingashisbrotherswereenjoyingthepleasuresofbeingmated.
“Whatever,”EriksaidwithalittlemoreattitudethanJosefliked.
“Excuse me?” Josef had been there when Erik had been born and helped raise the little shit. So for
himtoactsodisrespectfultohimortowardhisbrotherswasunacceptable.
“Josef, I’m not saying they don’t love me, but they’re busy.” Erik shrugged. “I’m actually really
happyforthem.Nowifwecouldonlyfindyouamate,thingswouldbeperfect.”HegaveJosefabig
goofysmile.
“Ibet.Nowspill.Wherehaveyoubeen?”
“Whatdoesitmatter?”Erikhuffed.“School’sout.Idon’thaveacurfewinthesummer,remember?”
Thekidhadhimthere,butthenocurfewruleonlyappliedifErikstayedwithintheirpropertylines.
AndhehadasinkingfeelingthatErikhadn’tbeenonpacklandsuntilaboutfewminutesagowhen
Josefsawhimmakingamaddashforthehouse.
“I’msureyourememberthatonlyappliesifyouareonourland,notoutaboutinthecity,wolfboy.
Nowseriously,wherewereyoulastnight?”HewatchedasErik’sskinpaledandheshiftedfromfoot
tofoot.Heknewhehadbeencaught.
“Erik,Iunderstandyou’vefoundyourmateandwanttobewithhim,butyoucan’t.Youhavetowait
untilyou’reoflegalage.It’sourlawandthehumanlaw.I’vemetBrandon,andifthereisonething
aboutthatmanit’sthathe’shonorable.SoIhavetoask,whatareyoudoing?”
“I know, but no one ever said I couldn’t go and watch him from a distance.” Erik’s chin started to
tremble,andJosef’sheartbrokeforthekid.“Ijustwanttobenearhim.Iswearhedoesn’tknow.”
“Kiddo.”Josefpulledhimintoahug.“Iknowthishastobehardonyou,butyouhavetoliveyour
lifeandnotthinkabouthim.Iknowthat’seasiersaidthandone,butyou’rejusthurtingyourselfby
doingthis.”HepulledbacktolookatErik.“Iwon’tsayanythingtoyourbrothers,butyou’vegotto
promise to knock this off. You have a year to still be a kid before you go mate crazy like your
brothers.Enjoythistime.”
Erik wiped away the tears from his eyes. “I’m trying. It’s just really hard.” Erik started to laugh. “I
meanreallyhard.”

JosefmuffledhislaughashepickeduponwhatErikmeant.“I’lltakeyourwordforit.”Heruffled
Erik’salready-messyhair.“Nowgogetcleanedup.Ihaveaguycomingaboutajobandhe’llbehere
anyminute.Wedon’tneedyouscaringthepoorguyawaywithyournakedassswayinginthewind.”
Erikstartedtolaugh.Heturnedaroundandheadedupthehilltowardthehouse.Josefshookhishead.
Tobeseventeenagain,hewouldn’tdoit.Alltheextrahormonesracingalongintheirbodiesthenadd
tothathavingamate.Ithadtosuck.Heimaginedthepoorkidwasprobablyrubbingoneoffevery
houronthehour.Josefrememberedthosedays,andhedidn’tevenhaveamate.
Josefunlockedtheofficedoorandsteppedinside.DevonhadajobinSilverCreekhehadtofinishup
on and in his absence asked Josef to interview the guy. If he seemed on the up-and-up Josef had
permissiontohirehim.Summerwastheirbusytime.Everyonewantedtodoadditionstotheirhomes,
and new home buyers were buying land and wanting houses built. Then they had some restoration
jobsofolderhomesandbuildingsaroundtowntheywereworkingon.Summerbroughtlongerdays
andmoreworkthantheycouldpossiblyfinishinatimelymanner.Theyalwayshiredonextrahelp
for the summer months. Carsten and Son’s had been around for close to thirty years. Everyone in
town knew Carsten senior and had no problems giving their business to him and Devon. They also
gaveawesomerecommendations,henceallthenewworkthey’dbeengetting.
Josef enjoyed his job. He didn’t have to spend countless hours tied down to a desk. Some days
required that, but more often than not he had the freedom to go to the jobsites and help out when
officelifegottobetoomuch.HeandDevonhelpedeachotherout,andwhenoneneededabreakthe
otherpickeduptheslack.Butlatelyhe’dbeendoingmorepickingupthanDevon.
AloudknockontheouterdoorpulledJoseffromhisgrumblingthoughts.Hehatedtobejealousof
hisfriends,butdamnit,hewantedwhatDevonandViktorhadsobadly.
Pushing up from his chair, he walked around his desk then out toward the front door. The man
comingfortheinterviewmusthavearrived.Josefwonderedwhytheguydidn’tjustwalkin.Thenhe
wonderedifhelockedit.
The man knocked again, and Josef jogged the rest of the way. He turned the knob and opened the
door. “Come…” His voice trailed off when he met the greenest eyes he’d ever seen staring back at
him.Hemovedhisjawupanddownbutcouldn’tmakeitwork.Hewasspeechless,struckstupidby
howcutethispotentialemployeewas.
Themangavehimacuriouslookbutstillheldouthishand.“Hello,I’mColeWeathers.I’mhereto
applyfortheopening.”
“Yes.”Joseffinallyfoundhisvoice.“Pleasecomeonin.”Heheldthedooropenandtookastepback
givingColeroomtocomeinside.
“Sorry I’m late, but my truck stalled, and I had to jack with it to get her running again.” Cole’s
chucklesoundedalittlenervous.
Josef looked over Cole’s shoulder toward the truck he was referring to. He had to agree the poor
jalopyhadseenbetterdays.“Noworries.”
HeledColetohisoffice.Coletookaseatinthechairinfrontofhisdesk.Josefwalkedbacktohis
chairandstartedtoshufflethroughastackofpapers.DevonhadgivenhimCole’sresumeyesterday,
butheneverevenlookedatit.Hethoughthe’djustwingit,butnowsittingface-to-facewiththelittle
cutie,hedesperatelywantedthatsheetofpapertohelptakehismindoffofColeandhishotness.
“Aha.”Josefheldupthefile.“Ifoundit.”Cole’sbrowfurrowed,andherushedtoexplain.“Sorry,I
don’tusuallyhandlethehiring.That’sDevon’sjob,buthe’soutonajobsiteandaskedmetocover
forhimtoday.”
“Andyouare?”Coleasked.
“Ohshit!”hesaidlouderthanheintendedto.“I’mJosef,JosefBayer.”Heleanedacrossthedeskto
offerhishandtoCole.

“Hi,Josef.”Coleshookhishand.“Nicetomeetyou.”HesmiledsobrightlyJosefalmostfellontohis
desk.
WhatfeltlikeasmallelectricshocksparkedagainsthishandwhenhetouchedCole’s.Hesniffedthe
air but didn’t smell anything. Scent was a telltale sign of finding one’s mate, but he didn’t smell
anythingunusual.Thatdidn’tmeanCole’ssmellwasn’tpleasant.Noitwasquitenice,soapandahint
ofmotoroil.Josefassumedthathadtobefromworkingonhistruck.
“So,”ColesaidwhenJosefsattherestaringfortoolong.
“Oh,right.” He skimmeddown Cole’s resumeand looked back upat him. “Thisis your first job?”
Havingexperiencewasn’tamust,butithelped.
“Yes. I was taking classes at Hemsworth but…” Josef watched as Cole chewed on his lower lip
makingtheplumpfleshturnabrightred.
“Butwhat?”heaskedbutkepthisgazetransfixedonCole’slips.
Colesnorted.“Ihadafallingoutwithmydad,andhepulledthecardthatifIwasn’tlivingunderhis
roofhewasn’tgoingtopayformycollege.”Coleshruggedhisshoulders.“SoIdecidedtogetajob
andpayforitmyself.IhavetotakeafewsemestersoffandsaveupsoIcanreapplylater.”
Josefdidn’tknowthereasonforthefamilyfallingout,butheinstantlytookCole’ssideandwantedto
punchhisfatherinthemouth.Colelookedyoung.Hisfamilyshouldbesupportinghim,notmaking
himresorttohavingtodoback-breakingwork.
“I’msorrytohearthat.”Histonesoundedbittertohisownears,andhehopedColedidn’tpickupon
hishostilitytowardamanhehadneverevenmetbefore.
“It’s not a big deal.” Cole smiled. “So do I get the job or not? I mean, I know I don’t have any
previousexperience,butI’mwillingtolearn.”Coletookadeepbreath.“Ireallyneedthisjob.”
Joseflookeddowntothepapertryingtoeasehiscrazedthoughts.ApartofhimwantedtowrapCole
in his arms and promise that everything would be okay. That he didn’t need his family, that Josef
wouldbehisfamilyandtakecareofhim.Butwhywashehavingthesethoughts?HejustmetCole,
and his scent wasn’t giving off any indicators that they were mates. But Josef couldn’t deny his
attractiontowardtheyoungman.
“Thenit’syours.”Josefdidn’tthinktwice.Hejustofferedhimtheposition.“Whencanyoustart?”
“Today,sir.”Colehoppedupfromhischair.
Josefstoodup.“Great,butfirstthingsfirst.”HeledColetothefrontseatingareaandpulledoutthe
taxforms.“Filltheseoutthen…”Joseftrailedoffwhenhisphonebegantoring.Helookeddownand
sawthatitwasthearchitectfortheAndersonhouse.“SorrybutIhavetotakethis.”Colenoddedhis
andgottoworkfillingoutthepaperwork.
Joseftookthecallinhisoffice.ThearchitectwantedJoseftomeethimattheAndersonpropertyand
gooversomelast-minutechangestheAndersonswantedtomake.Hehungupthephoneandlooked
out at Cole. He smiled at the concentrated look on Cole’s face. His lips moved as he read over the
papersandfilledthemout.Josefdidn’twanttoleavebutworkcalled.
Hewalkedbackintotheroom.“Cole,IneedtogomeetwithanarchitectforaprojectIhavegoing.
I’llcalltheforemanforthejobI’msendingyouto.Hecanshowyoutheropesandgetyoustarted.
I’msorryIhavetoleaveyou.”Andhewas.MorethanColecouldpossiblyunderstand.
“It’sokay,really.”Colestoodupandheldouthishand.“Thanksforeverything,sir.Ipromisenotto
letyoudown.”
Josef silently cringed at the sir usage again. He wasn’t one of those guys who was into the whole
master-and-subscene.NotthatthatwashowColemeantit,butdamnifJosefwasn’tattractedtothe
man.AllhisthoughtshadgonebelowthebeltsincehemetColefifteenminutesago.
“Please,callmeJosef.”HegrabbedCole’sforearmasheshookhishand.
“Josef.”Colesmiledbrightlyathim.

“Good.”Reluctantlyheletgoandheadedforthedoor.“I’llcallDaveandhe’llmeetyouhere.Just
hangtightandleavethosepapersonthedesk.Dominicwillgetallthatsquaredawayfromyoulater.”
Josefleftbeforehefoundanotherexcusetostay.HeputacallintoDavewhowasenroutetothejob
andwasokaywithturningbackaroundtocomeandfetchCole.
Ashedroveoff,hismindwanderedaimlesslybacktoCole.Themanstoodclosetohisownheight,
maybeaninchortwoshorter,andlookedthickwithmuscle,whichJoseffoundappealing.Hewasn’t
intothinlittleguys.Hewantedamanwhocouldgiveasgoodashegotandlikedtotaketurnsbeing
inthedriver ’sseat.
He sighed as he thought about running his fingers through the soft, shaggy, blond hair on Cole’s
head. It was cut short in the back and trimmed close to the scalp around the ears and back and laid
floppy on the top. He had a straight nose and sharp jawline, covered in a light covering of stubble.
Thehairswerealittledarkerthanthehaironhisheadandstoodoutagainsthistanskin.
Josefwantedtoreachoutandtouchthespikylittlehairsandfeelthemticklealongtheundersideof
hispalm,thenleanforward,closingthedistancebetweentheirlipsandkissingCole’sbreathaway.
Shit!
Josefpushedharderonthegaspedalandspeddowntheroad.Heneededtofocusonwork,notgetting
intothepantsofhisnewemployee.

ChapterTwo

WithJosefgoneColecouldbreatheandthinkclearly.

“Just my luck. The only place to hire me just so happens to belong to my mate,” he whispered.

“Freakingperfect.”
ColecouldsmellJosefbeforeheevenwalkedthroughthedoor.Itknockedhimoffhisaxisandhe
couldn’tthinkstraight.Thatwaswhyheknockedinsteadofopeningthedoor.
HeknewJosefcouldn’tsmellhim,buthecouldseethedesireintheotherman’sbrowneyes.Itwas
distracting,butColedidhisbesttoignoreit.Thelastthingheneededtoaddtohislistofproblems
wasamate.
ColehadenoughproblemswithhispackwithoutinvolvingJosef.HecouldsmellthewolfonJosef.
Hedidn’tknowwhatthesituationwaswithJosef’spackandthoughtitbesttokeephisidentityasecret
forthetimebeing.Thelastthinghewantedwastohaveanotherpackofwolvesplayingtug-of-war
overhim.
Hisfatherwasthealphaoftheirpack,andhistwinolderbrotherswerethebetas,andColetheomega.
Hisfatherpracticedthetraditionalwaysofwerewolflifeandgovernedwiththeoldlaws.Therewere
threetiersinthehierarchy.Alpha,betas,andomegasweretheleadersofthepack,andtheyweretobe
respected.
BeingtheomegameantColehadtheabilitytomaskhisscentfromothers.Healsohadtheabilityto
calmothers.Attimeshewasreferredtoasashrinkbyhisoldpackmembers.Infactthatwaswhathe
had been attending school for. Cole wanted to be a psychologist, but his father was only humoring
himbylettinghimgotocollege.HeneverhadanyintentionsoflettingColehavealifeawayfrom
the pack, and once Cole figured it out he confronted his father. Nothing good ever came from
questioninganalpha,andthatwaswhyColesatinanofficefillingoutpaperworkforajob.
Leavinghispackhadbeenatoughchoice.Itwastheonlylifehehadeverknownandhehadnever
been apart from his brothers, Jacob and Joshua. They understood Cole’s need to leave but weren’t
strongenoughtofollowsuit.Theywouldstayandfollowtheirfathertohellandbackiftheoldman
asked them to. His brothers were loyal to a fault. They were also strong as fuck. The stars were
alignedthedayhisbrothershadbeenborn.Twoidentical,strongbetasborntoanalpha.Itwaslikea

werewolflottery.Thentohaveathirdsonbeinganomega,somepackmembersjokedthathisfather
mustofsoldhissoultobesolucky.
Cole didn’t think himself lucky at all. It wasn’t until he met another wolf, Cody, on campus did he
realizenotallpacksfollowedtheoldways.Granted,hedidn’tknowtheyweretheoldwaysuntilhe
talkedwithCodythentohisfather.Colealsolearnedthathisabilityasanomegadidn’tnecessarily
workonotherwolvesnotraisedtobelieveinanomega’sgift.Mostpacksjusthadanalphaandlived
their lives the best way they could to fit in with human society. They didn’t think themselves better
thanotherwolvesorhumans,unlikehisfather.
His father didn’t mingle well with others and didn’t like other wolves or humans on his property.
Colealwaysfounditfunnythathisfatherchoselawenforcementforhiscareer,consideringthathe
basicallyhatedeveryonebuthissonsandpackmembers.Butwhenhethoughtaboutit,hisdadwasn’t
always like this. It wasn’t until his mother was killed by a drunk driver that his father became
prejudicedtowardothers.
Colewasonlyfivewhenhismotherdied.Shehadtakenhimandhisbrotherstothelocalpark.Joshua
kickedaball,anditwentintothestreet.Hismothertoldtheolderboystostayputandkeepaneyeon
himthenjoggedafterit.Shehadjustreachedtheballwhenacarcamewhippingaroundthecorner.
Thedriverneversawheruntilitwastoolate.
Herememberedseeingherbodygoflyingupintotheairattheinitialimpact.Shefellintoaheapat
thesideoftheroad,andthedriverinthecarspedaway.Coletriedtoruntoher,buthisbrothersheld
himback.Hestoodtherehelplesswhilehewatchedotherpeopleintheparkcallforhelp.
Tearsrandownhischubbylittlecheeks,buthedidn’tmakeasound.Joshuahuggedhimtohischest
and held onto him until their father arrived. Everything that happened after that had been a blur.
Accordingtooneofhisprofessorshismindblockedoutthoseharmfulmemories,andColehadto
agree.Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutit.
Thedoorbehindhimopenedup,andColeturnedtoseeanoldermaninhislatefortiesstandinginthe
entrywaysmiling.
“YoumustbeCole.”HeheldhishandoutandColegotuptogreethim.
“Yes,sir.”
“Sir?”Themangrinnedathim.“Ilikethat.Youjustmightworkoutafterall.Hopefullyyoucanrub
off some of those manners on the other fellows we got working here.” He patted Cole on the
shoulder.“Sir ’snice,butyoucancallmeDave.Youready?”
ColenoddedhisheadandleftthetaxformswhereJosefsaidtoandfollowedDaveoutthedoor.Dave
saidtojustfollowbehindhim.WhenheaskedifColehadacellphone,Colesaidno.
WhenColeleftthepackhisfathertookthat,too.
Davesaidhe’dhaveColeworkhalfthedaythensendhimintotowntogetacellphone.Thecompany
paidforallfieldemployeestohaveaphone.Davelaughedandsaiditwastokeeptabsontheguys.
Coledidn’tcarethewhysofitbutwasgrateful.Hehatednothavingaphone,butuntilhefoundsteady
workhecouldn’taffordit,andnowhedidn’thaveto.
FortyminuteslaterDaveintroducedhimtoagroupofmen.Theywereworkingonputtingtheroof
on a house they had just finished constructing. Dave said they were planning on putting up the
Sheetrock tomorrow, but today they wanted to finish the outside work as much as possible. It was
supposedtorainlater,andDavedidn’twanttheinsidetogetwetorit’dsetthembackaday.
Therestofthedaywentbyfast.Oneofthemen,Jamie,tookColeunderhiswingandshowedhimthe
ropes. He gave Cole an extra tool belt with nails and a hammer. Jamie and Dave were both really
helpfulandansweredallhisquestions,andbeforelongColewasworkingonhisown.Hehadalways
beengoodwithhishands.Hisbrothersandhewouldhelppackmemberswithbuildingprojects,so
thistypeofworkwasn’tallthatnewtohim.

Like Dave said, he had Cole call off around one. He gave Cole a card with Carsten and Son’s
informationandtheplacetogotogetthephone.ColetriedtogiveJamiebackthetoolbelt,buthe
wouldn’ttakeit.SaidColewouldneedittomorrow,andColethankedhimandtooktheofferedbelt.
Thedrivetotownwasquietbecausetheradioinhistruckdidn’twork.Whenhelefthome,heonly
tookwhatwasinhissavingsaccountbeforehisfatherputablockonit.Heonlyhadalittleoverthree
thousand dollars that he had to make last. He rented a little apartment in Silver Creek from a nice
olderladywhohesworewascuttinghimadealandboughtsomegroceries.Withtheremainder,he
boughtthisrustyoldtruck.Beggarscouldn’tbechoosers,andforathousanddollarsitwastheright
priceforwhathecouldafford.
ThewomanattheAT&TstoreknewtheownersofCarstenandSon’sandsethimupwiththelatest
iPhonethatalltheemployeeshad.Colefellinlovewiththelittlepieceofmachinery.Itwasnicerthan
whathehadwhenhelivedathome,andsincehedidn’thaveatelevisionthislittleguywouldoffer
himsomeentertainment.
Afterheleftthestoreheheadedhome.Heyawnedandgotthechancetostretchwhenhestoppedata
stopsign.TheEarlyBeanCaféwasrightacrossthestreet,andhesawMargie,hislandlady,standing
outsidetalkingtooneofheremployees.ColethoughthisnamewasShane,buthecouldn’tremember.
Theybothwavedashistruckcoughedandsputtereddowntheroad.Hewavedback,andhischeeks
heated with embarrassment. He used to drive a brand-new Dodge Ram, but like his phone, his dad
tookthat,too.
Hepulledhistruckupalongthecurbandgotout.Hereturnedtheirwavethenclimbedthestepstothe
frontdoor.Coleslowlyclimbedthetwoflightsofstairstohislittlestudioapartment.Hisquadsand
calvemuscleswerekillinghim.Hehadtodosomuchsquattingontherooftoptodayandhisbody
justwasn’tusetothat.Allthetimehespentinthegymdidn’tpreparehimformanuallabor.
Cole unlocked the door and stepped inside. He couldn’t help but smile in pride at his little home. It
wasn’tmuch,butitwashis.Colekickedoffhisboatsbythedoorandwentintothekitchen.Hepulled
outafrozenpizzaandpoppeditintotheoven.Aftersettingthetimerheheadedtothebathroomto
grabaquickshower.
Withinsecondssteamfilledthesmallroom,andColesteppedunderthewaterfallofhotwater.The
watercascadeddownoverhisheadtoruninriversdownhisbackandchest.Hismuscleseasedabit,
andhestartedtorelax.Hesoapeduphiswashclothandscrubbedhisfaceandbodythenshampooed
hishair.Whenhewasdonehespuninacircle,rinsingoffthesoapbubbles.
Ashestoodtheresoakingupthewarmthfromthewater,hisminddriftedofftothoughtsofJosef.His
black hair stood out in contrast to his pale, creamy skin. Cole would guess the man was older than
him but not by too much. Josef’s warm brown eyes held a maturity that only belonged to a person
whoknewhardshipsandheartache.
Coleranhishandsleisurelydownhischest.Hiscockperkedupandstoodoutinfrontofhim.Letting
onehandmoveupwardtowardapebblednipped,Coledroppedtheothertohisgrowingshaft.
He’dneverforgetseeingthesurpriseinJosef’seyeswhenheopenedthedoor.Josefwasalittletaller
thanhimbutColewaseverybitasbroadasJosef.Theystaredateachotherforwhatfeltlikehours
untilColebrokeJosefoutofhistrance.
Itwasn’teasyforColetobearoundJosef,anditclearlywasn’teasyfortheotherman.ButColekept
histruescenthiddenfromJosef.IfthemancaughtonelittlewhiffthatheandColeweremates,they’d
probablyhadgoneatitlikerabbitsrightthereinhisoffice.
His hand gripped his cock tight as the image of bedding Josef over the edge of his desk overcame
him. Cole wanted to rip away the snugfitting cotton polo Josef wore with his teeth. He stroked his
length as he visualized how Josef’s muscles would jump and pulse as Cole rubbed along his spine
goingdownwarduntilhereachedthefirmglobesofJosef’sass.

“Oh,God.”Cole’shandspedupashejerkedhiscock.Hedroppedhisotherhanddowntofondlehis
balls.
ColejustbetthedarkhairthatsatonJosef’sheadcoveredhiswholebody.Anicepeltoverhischest
thatranathinlineofhairdownhistreasuretrailuntilitreachedhisgroin.Colewantedtoburyhis
face in the tight thatch of curls surrounding Josef’s thick cock and breathe in his manly scent. And
ColenewitwasthickbytheoutlineinJosef’spants.Themanhadamightyfinepieceofmeatbehind
hiszipper.
HepicturedrunninghistonguedownthegrooveofJosef’sspineuntilhereachedthetopofhisass.
Thenhe’dpullhischeeksapartandstareatthedarksprinklesofhairshroudingJosef’sentrance.
Cole’shandfalteredforamomentasheenvisionedlickingandsuckingattheotherman’sopening.
Hetookadeepbreathandstrokedfaster.Hisballsdrewupclosetohisdickashisorgasmclimbedto
thesurface.Twomorepullshadhimshootingwhitearcsoverthetiledwalloftheshower.
Herestedhisheadbackagainstthewallandtriedtocatchhisbreath.Coledesperatelywantedtodoall
thosethingstoJosef,butColehadtogethislifeinorderfirst.Hecouldonlyimaginewhathisfather
wouldsayifColebroughthomehismatewhojustsohappenedtobeawolf,whichwouldpleasehis
father,butalsoaman,whichwouldnotpleasehisfather.
Beep,beep,beep.
Thetimerontheovensounded,andColeturnedoffthewater.Hequicklydriedoff,threwonsome
boxers,andwenttosavehispizzafromburning.
Colegotoutaplate,stackedsomeslicesonit,andgrabbedsomejuicefromthefridge.Hecarriedit
allbacktothefrontseatingarea,satdownonthecouch,andbegantoeat.Hewasstarving.
ThewholebeinggaythingneverbotheredColebefore,butheknewhisdadwouldn’tlikeitonebit.
Hewantedhissonstomarryandhaveashitloadofkids,givinghimgrandchildren.Beinggaydidn’t
meanColecouldn’tgivehimgrandchildren.Itjustmeantthatsaidgrandkidswouldmorethanlikely
be human. Cole still wanted to have a family one day, and adopting was an option for him that he
totallyintendedtoexplore.
But his father would never accept humans into his life. Even if they were Cole’s children through
adoption.
“Fuckhim,”Colegrumbledashebitintoanotherpieceofpizza.“Idon’tneedyourapproval,Dad.”
And he didn’t. When he chose to finally let Josef know they were mates, he wouldn’t let his dad
poisonwhatheandJosefhad.
After he finished his dinner Cole played around on his phone. Around ten o’clock Cole decided to
call it a night. He got under the soft cool sheets. His body ached from a hard day’s work but the
mattress hugged his body to perfection, putting Cole at ease. He let his eyes fall shut. Behind his
eyelidsallhecouldseewasJosef’ssmilingface.
Colegroanedandrolledoverontohisstomach.Hepulledthepillowoverhisheadasifthatwould
blockoutJosef’ssexyimage.Coledidn’tknowhowlonghecouldwaitbeforeherevealedhimselfto
Josef.Afterhiswankintheshower,hisbodycravedtherealthing.

ChapterThree

AfterJosefmetupwithJensenCollins,thearchitectwhodesignedtheAndersonhouse,hehadto

reallyquestionJensen’smotivesforthemeeting.Nothingontheblueprintshadchanged,andmostof
thetimetheystoodaroundtalkingaboutthefuckingweather.

NotthatJosefdidn’tlikespendingtimewithJensen,hejusthadotherthingstodothanwastehis

time away doing nothing. The guy was a cute redhead, not typically his type, but a week ago had
Jensenpropositionedhimhewouldhaveaccepted.Butnowhewasn’tsosure.Luckilyhegotacall

fromDevonandmadehisescapebeforethatawkwardconversationcameup.

The day ran long, and he got busy helping some guys finish installing windows on a small

cottage-stylehousethatJosefwascertainheldmorewindowsthanactualwalls.Itwaspretty,butJosef
wouldbetmoneyit’dbedraftycomewinter.

Josefremovedhisshirtandtosseditintheback.Hehadsweatedsobadthatthedamnthingstuck

tohimlikeasecondskin.Whenhegotintohistruckheturnedtheairconditioningonmaxandletthe
coolairblowacrosshisdampskin.Alittlechillcausedhisarmhairtostandonend.

His phone started to ring, and he didn’t even look to see who was calling. He just hit the call

screen.“Hello.”
“Josef,hi.It’sJensen.”
Josefsilentlycursedhimself.Hesodidn’tneedtofinishthisconversation.Heknewwhythemanwas
calling,andanyothertimehetotallywouldhavebeenintogettingapieceofthatsexylittlegingerbut
now…
Histhoughtstrailedoffasapictureofatallblondmanwiththemostintriguingeyesdancedacross
hismemory.Cole.
Josefbroughthisfistuptohisforeheadandbangedtheflatendagainsthisforehead.Heshouldhave
checkedthecallerIDfirst.“Hey,Jensen.What’sgoingon?”
“Notmuch.Ijustwantedtothankyouagainforcomingouttoday.”Jensenfellsilent,andJosefstarted
topullthephonefromhiseartoseeifhehaddroppedthecallwhentheothermanspokeup.“Iwas
wonderingifyouwouldliketogetsomethingtoeatsometime,withme.”
And there it was. A part of him wanted to say yes, but then a part of him felt like that would be a
betrayaltoCole,whichwasridiculoussincehehadn’tevenbeenonadatewiththeguy.
“Jensen,I’mflattered.Ireallyam,butIdon’twantthistoinfringeuponourworkingrelationship.”
Josefspokethetruth.Devonwouldshitmonkeysifhehookedupwithoneoftheonlyarchitectshe
actuallyreallyliked.
“You’renotoneformixingbusinessandpleasure.”Jensenlaughed.“Icanunderstandthat.Butyou
can’tblameaguyfortrying.”
“No,youcan’t,andIdon’t.”
“Great.WellIguessI’llcallyouiftheAndersonsmakeanymorechangestotheirhouse.”
They talked for a few minutes more, laughing about how the Andersons kept changing every little
thing,thensaidaquickgoodbye.Jensenhadanothercallcomingthrough,andJosefhadjustpulled
intothedrivewayinfrontofhishouse.
Beforegettingoutofthetruckhereachedoverandsnatcheduphisdiscardedshirtandclimbedout.
AsheheadedupthewalkwayhenoticedDevonsittingonthefrontporchdrinkingabeer.Hewalked
upthestepsandsatintheloungechairnexttohisfriend.
“Sohowdidthenewguyworkout?”Devonasked.
“Cole?”Devonnoddedhishead.“WellIhiredhimifthat’swhatyou’reasking.”Josefusedhisshirt
towipethesweatfromhisforehead.Forsomereasonhefeltlikeitjustgothotter.
“Good, but I meant how did he work out? He’s not going to be one of these guys that we hire and
neverseeagain,ishe?”
JosefunderstoodwhereDevonwascomingfrom.Theyhiredmenbeforewhoworkedoneday,then
itwasasiftheyfelloffthefaceoftheplanet.“No,Ithinkthisoneisgoingtostickaround.Ihadhim
workwithDaveandhiscrewtoday.Andthekidmusthavemadeagoodimpression.Davesenthimto
get a cell phone already. He said he had a good feeling about his one. Whatever the fuck that’s
supposedtomean.”
“Hey,ifDavelikeshim,theguymustbeontheup-and-up.Thatmancansmellaworthlesspieceof
shitinamanurepile.”

Josef just nodded his head. Now that Devon brought Cole up, that was all he could think about. It
drovehimcrazythathecouldn’tshakethisneedyfeelingtobearoundthemanortoseekhimoutand
pleadforsex.Hewasn’tthetypetobegforanything.Menthrewthemselvesathimallthetime.Case
inpointJensen.
“Everythingokay?”Devoncrunchedhisbeercanagainsthisknee,drawingJosef’sattentiontohim.
“Yeah,I’mjusttiredIguess.”Toemphasizehispointheyawnedrealwide.
“Sureyouare.”DevontossedtheemptiedcaninJosef’slap.“Nowseriously,what’seatingyou?Ever
sincewestartedtotalkaboutColeyou’vebeendoingthatnervouslegtwitchythingyoudo.Sowhat
gives?”
Living and working with his best friend was great most of the time, but at times like this it sucked.
Devonknewhimsowellhecouldn’thidetheslightestthingfromhim.Josefletoutafrustratedgrowl
andsmackedhisshirtoverhisknee.“Honestly?Ican’tstopthinkingaboutCole,andit’sdrivingme
crazy.”
“Really?”Devonsatforwardinhischair.
“Don’tgettoothrilled.He’snotmymate.”Hecouldtellhisfriendwasgettingexcitedanddidn’twant
tobursthisbubble.
“Oh.”Devon’ssmilequicklyturnedintoafrown.
“Yeah,thescentwasn’tthere.I’mdefinitelyattractedtohim,butthat’sit.”ForsomeoddreasonJosef
feltlikeashitforsayingitwasjustasimpleattraction.Itfeltlikemorethanthat.Butthebigindicator
ofamatewasthesmell,andColesmeltgreatandallbutjustnotlikeamateshould.
“Thatsucks.”Josefnoddedhisagreement.Devonstoodupandheldouthishandforhimtotake.“But
nothing’sstoppingyoufromaskingthemanout.”
JosefletDevonpullhimtohisfeet.“True.”HegaveDevonahugeshit-eatinggrin.“GodknowsI’m
sexyashell,andIhaveJensenCollinstoproveit.”HesmotheredhismerrimentwhenDevon’seyes
widened.“Hecalledandaskedmeoutonadate.”
“Hedidn’t.”
“Hedid.”
“What did you say?” Devon asked, and Josef couldn’t help but think the man looked a few shades
palerthanusual.
“WhatdoyouthinkIsaid?OfcourseIsaidyes.I’mmeetinghimlatertoviolatehissweetlittleass.”
AnytimetheopportunitytomesswithDevoncameup,Joseftookit.Whatelsewerefriendsfor?
“Likehellyouare,”DevonshoutedashefollowedJosefintothehouse.
Hecouldn’tstoplaughingattheiratelookonDevon’sface.BeforeDevonlosthiscoolandblewa
gasket, Josef fessed up. “I’m just fucking with you. I know how much you like Jensen’s work. I
wouldn’tmessthatworkrelationshipupforyou.”HewrappedanarmaroundDevon’sshoulderand
guidedhimtowardthekitchen.
“Whatarelief.Youhadmegoingthereforaminute.”Devonstoppedhimbeforetheycouldenterthe
kitchenwheretheothershadalreadyconvened.“ButifitturnsoutthatyoudoreallylikeJensen,Ican
makeanexceptionforyou.”
Josef appreciated Devon’s offer, but it wasn’t necessary. Until he got Cole out of his system all the
meninahundred-mileradiusweresafe.“Ilikehim,butjustnotinthatway,Devon.Butthankyou.”
Devongavehimacurtnodthenheadedintothekitchen.Hismate,Aiden,satattheendofthetable
talkingwithErik.Devontooktheseatnexttohismate,andAidengavehimawelcomekiss.
JoseflookedacrossfromthosetwolovebirdstoseeViktorandShane.Theywerewhisperingsoftly
tooneanother,andJosefhadnodoubtitwasinreferencetothemhavingcrazywildsexsomewhere
laterthatnightinthegreatwideopen.
Hetookhisseatattheend,andEriklookedupfromhisplatetosmileathim.Erik’seyeswentfrom

onecoupletothenextthenheshookhisheadandrolledhiseyes.Josefstartedtolaugh,andthefour
meninquestionlookedathim.
Yepthiswashislifenow.Watchinghisfriendsfindlovewhilehesatbackinthewingsallalone.It
wouldn’tbeforever.Josefhadfaithhe’dfindhismate,butthequestionwaswhen?Andwhenhedid
findhismatewouldthissillycrushhehadonColegoaway?Josefcouldn’tputhisfingeronwhyhe
liked Cole. They just met and only talked for a few minutes. Surely what Josef felt on the inside
stemmedfromamajorcaseofloneliness.
Skyler brought over dinner and everyone dug in. Conversation drifted from one person to the next
andtheidlechatterbrieflytookhismindoffamanhecouldn’thave.
****

Thenightwentbyfast,andJosefhadtothankahardday’sworkforthat.Afterdinnerhetooka

shower and turned in for the night. His dreams were filled with Cole in different degrees of being
undressed.

Josef welcomed the dreams. At least in his subconscious he didn’t feel guilty for pining over a

guyhejustmet.Infactitgavehimthecouragetogoandseethemanthenextday.Withanyluckhe
couldgetareadonColeandmakesurehewasinterestedbeforehewentandembarrassedhimself.

Withaplanset,Josefleftthehouseoflove,ashestartedtorefertoit,andheadedtowardthework

site.HehadcalledDavetoconfirmhehadColeworkingatthesamehouseagain.Theywerehanging
Sheetrocktoday,andJosefthoughtthatgavehimanexcellentexcusetogoandsupervise.

Josefhadthemusicturnedupandwassingingalongtoasongwhenafamiliarrusty,not-fit-for-

the-roadtruckcameintoview.Itwaspulledoffontheshoulderwiththehoodproppedopenandthe
ownerstandinginfrontofit.

“Itseemstobemyluckyday.”Josefsangoutthewords.Hehithisblinkerandpulledupbehind

Cole’spickupandgotout.“CanIhelpwithanything?”

AtthesoundofhisvoiceCole’sheadpeekedaroundthecorner.Awarmsmilecrossedhislips,

andhewavedJosefover.“Onlyifyouknowanythingaboutengines.Ithinktheoldgirlisonherlast
leg.”

Josef stepped beside Cole and took a deep breath, just checking to make sure he didn’t miss

somethingbefore.
Nope,justsoapandCole’snaturalmusk.ButstillJosefthoughtthemansmeltdelicious.
Helookeddownattheinsideoftheoldtruckandalmostlaughed.Thewiresconnectingthebattery
werebeingheldtogetherwithmaskingtape.Notthetypeoftapethatcanwithstandhightemperatures.
“I think I know what your problem is.” Josef pointed to the crumb-covered battery that looked
originaltothetruck.
“Yeah,what?”Coletookastepback,andhiselbowbrushedagainstJosef’sarm,andhisbreathcaught
inhischest.Thesmalltouchwaselectric.
“I’m not sure how much you know about trucks”—he pointed down at the offending battery—“but
masking tape isn’t the best choice to hold car parts together.” He did laugh then at Cole’s raised
eyebrows.“It’slikehookingupatowhitchwithashoestring.”
Colesteppedbacktothetruck,bracedhishandsontheedgeofthehoodandlookedinside.Joseftook
the chance and skimmed his eyes over Cole’s backside. His jeans were a little baggy but not much.
Josefcouldmakeoutthehardmusclesthatclungtohislegsandass.God,he’dgivehisrightnutto
seethismannakedevenifforjustaminute.
“Fuckme!”Coleshouted.
“Gladly,”Josefmuttered.
“Excuse me?” Cole looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him. “Did you say
something?”

Josefquicklylookedupandwipedhishandacrosshismouth.He’djustbeencaughteyeingtheman’s
assanddidn’twanttoaddinsulttoinjurybydroolingdownhischin.“Uh,no.Ididn’tsayanything.”
Colesquintedaneyeashelookedathim.Asmallknowingsmilegracedhislipslikeheknewexactly
whatJosefhadsaid.Buthewhisperedthewordsosoftlytherewasnowaytheothermancouldhave
heardhim.Josefmighthavelosthisfinessewheninthisman’spresence,buthesureasshitwouldn’t
have said something like that for the man to hear. If Cole wasn’t into him, he could file a sexual
harassmentsuit.ThatwasthelastthingJosefneeded.
“WhatamIgoingtodo?”Colesaidmoretohimselfasheturnedbacktowardhistruck.“Fuck,Iso
don’tneedthisrightnow.”Hebangedhishandsdownonthehood.
“Hey,calmdown.”JosefsteppedupbehindColeandrestedhispalmsontheotherman’sshoulders.
Helightlyranhisthumbsinacircularmotiontryingtorelievethetensionintheman’sbody.“Letme
makeaphonecall.I’llhavetheshopintowntowitbackandhavethemfixthebattery.”
“Ican’tdothat.”Coleturnedaroundtofacehim.“Eveniftheyfixit,Ican’taffordtopayforit.I’m
screwed.”
Josef’seyesfelltowatchCole’slipsashetalked.Itwaslikethismanputhimunderaspell,andno
matterwhathewantedorrequestedJosefwantedtodoit.HewantedtoseeColesmileagain.
“Nottodayyou’renot.”JosefsteppedaroundCole.Heneededtoputsomedistancebetweenhimand
themanbeforehekissedthebreathfromhisplumppinklips.Hedroppedthehoodandpulledouthis
cellphone.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Coleaskedashefollowedcloselybehindhim.
“I’mgoingtohaveyourtrucktowedbacktotownandpaytohaveanewbatteryputinit.”Heheldup
hishandwhenColestartedtoprotest.“Juststop.Youcanpaymebackwhenyoucan,norush.”
Colechuckled.“That’sverytrustingofyou.HowdoyouknowI’llpayyouback?”
“Wellfirstoff,Isignyourchecks,andsecond,Iknowwhereyoulive.”
After a minute of Cole staring at him the man finally relented and nodded his head. “Thank you. I
promisetopayyoubackeverycent.”
“Itrustthatyouwill.”Josefdialedthenumberandhitsend.Hepacedbackandforthwhilehewaited
for the call to be answered. Once he got the arrangements made he turned back to Cole who was
leaningagainsthistruck.
“Allset?”Coleaskedashestoodup.
“Yep.”Josefnoddedhishead.HemotionedfromCole’strucktohisown.“Whydon’tyougrabyour
stuff,andI’llbeyourchaufferfortheday.Besuretoleaveyourkeysundertheseat.They’llbehere
withinthehour.”
“Chauffer,” Cole said the word teasingly. “I might get use to that. I’ve never had my own personal
driverbefore.”
Josef couldn’t believe he offered it. He just sentenced himself to be around the man who made his
bloodboilandhisdickhardalldaylong.

Helookedheavenward.PleaseGod,givemethestrengthnottoembarrassmyselftoday.It was a

smallprayerforcontrolandhehopedthebigmanupstairswaslisteningandtookpityonhimtoday.

OntheridetothejobsiteJoseftalkedthewholeway.Hisnervousnesswascausinghimtofidget

andtalknonstop.ThankfullyColedidn’tnoticehisdiscomfort.HetalkedrightalongwithJosefasif
talkingaboutlate-nighttelevisionwastrulythatinteresting.

Josef breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled up and saw Dave’s smiling face. The foreman

politelytoldColewhattheywereworkingon,andColegotrighttowork.Josefwasimpressedwith
howeasyColefellrightintoplacewiththeotherguys.Everythingandeveryoneseemedtobeextra
calmandrelaxed,anditactuallymadetheworkgobysmoothly.CarstenandSon’shadsomereally
great employees, but when a group of men were thrown together, in the heat no less, sometimes

emotionsranhigh.Ifaguywasn’tpullinghisweightsomeonewouldcallhimonit,andthenextthing
JosefknewacallwascomingintohimorDevontocomeputoutafire.Josefdidn’tcarewhatreason
hadthemengettingalong.HewasjustappreciativebecausenowhecouldfocusonColeallday.

Afterstandingaroundfortenminutes,Josefpickedupahammerandstartedtohelp.He’dworked

constructionforDevon’sdadwhenhewasinhighschool,andhestillhelpedoutwhentheoccasion
calledforit.Sohardlaborwasn’tsomethingnewtohim,andithelpedkeephismindoffasweaty,
smilingCole.

Cole reminded him of Aiden. Both men were attending school to become a psychologist, and

Josefhadtoadmit,likeAiden,Colehadawayabouthimthatmadeapersonwanttoemptyouthis
soulandtalkabouthisproblems.Itwasn’tthatColepriedoranything,hejustlistened,andsometimes
that’sallittook.

Around eleven o’clock the mechanic from the auto body shop called and said Cole’s truck was

finishedandreadytobepickedup.NotwantingtogiveuponthechancetospendtimewithCole,he
askedthemantodeliverittoCole’sapartmentandsaidthathe’dcomebyandpayfortheworkand
pickupthekey.

Josefleftwiththeexcusethathehadtogotoameetingandthathe’dbebacklater.Hehurriedto

town and paid the bill then drove by Cole’s apartment to make sure the truck had been delivered
safely.Notthatitwouldmatterifthetruckgotsideswiped.It’dprobablymakethehunkofjunklook
better.

DevoncalledwhenhewasheadingbackandaskedhimtogolookatthesidewalkinfrontofThe

EarlyBeanCafé.Theowner,Margie,hadcalledsayingthatShanestumbledwhilesweepinginfront
of the café and Viktor wanted the whole thing replaced. Shane was Viktor ’s mate, and he knew his
friendwasbeingoverprotective,butitdidn’tmatter.Josefturnedhistruckaroundandparkedinfront
oftheshop.

“Hey,”Shanecalledouttohim.

“Hey,Shane.”Josefwalkedaroundhistrucktoinspectthesidewalk.Itwasn’tterriblybad,butallthe
saltthathadbeenthrownonthegroundthispastwinterhadcausedsomedamage.
“Youknow…”JoseflookedoveratShaneandsmiled.“Ithoughtcatsweresupposedtobeagile.”He
startedtolaughwhenShaneflippedhimoff.“Iwasjustkidding.”Hehelduphishandsinselfdefense.
“Asshole,” Shane said but had a smile splitting across his face. “I swear you wolves must have an
inferioritycomplex.LikeItellViktor,Idon’tthinktigersarebetter.Iknowweare.”Shanesnapped
hisfingersanddidalittledance.“Howdoyoulikethat?”
Josefshookhishead.“Yougotme,tiger.”
“Funny.” Shane punched him lightly in the arm. “So about this sidewalk. I know Viktor is
overreacting, but I’d hate for Margie to take a spill,” he said quietly, not wanting the woman in
questiontohearthem.
“Iagree.Ifanythinghappenedtoher,whowouldmakethechocolatefudgecakeIlovesomuch?”
Josefgottoworkwritingupanestimate.HecutthepriceinhalfbecausetellingMargiethattheywere
doingitforfreewouldn’tflywiththewoman.Shewasveryindependent,andJosefrespectedthat,but
itstilldidn’tmeanhecouldn’tcutheradeal.
AfteracupofcoffeeandapieceofhisfavoritechocolatecakeheheadedbacktoCole.Theywere
finishinguponhangingtheSheetrockwhenhepulledupoutfront.Hesteppedoutofthetruckand
stumbledonhisfeet.
Colewasn’twearinghisshirt,andhishairstoodupinalldirectionsfromcombinghishandsthrough
it. His laughter carried through the open door, and Josef’s heart skipped a beat. He just stood there
staring,unabletomove.
“Josef?”theobjectofhisaffectionholleredouttohim.“Youokay?”

Josefshookhimselfawakeandplasteredasmileonhisface.Onceagainhe’dbeencaughtlooking
justalittletoolong.“I’mgreat.”
Therestofthedaywentalongwitheasyconversation.Colewasafunnyguy.Hecrackedthelamest
jokes,buttheywerecutehowhedeliveredthem.Josef’scheeksachedfromsmilingsomuch.
Colelikedtousehishandswhenhetalked,andhelookedsoanimated.Healsolikedtotouch.More
thanonceJosefdroppedhistoolswhenthesearingtouchoftheothermanlandedonhisarm.Josef
wasrelievedwhenDavefinallycalledworkfortheday.AnymoretimespentwithColeinhishalf-
dressedandsweat-coveredcondition,JosefwouldbeonhiskneespullingoutCole’scocktofeaston.
He just needed to get the other man home safe and sound without jumping him. Josef thought that
mightbesomethingmoreeasilysaidthandone.

ChapterFour

JosefpulleduptoCole’sapartmentandparkedinfront.Hedidn’tturnofftheengine.Hedidn’t

wantColetothinkheexpectedanythingfordrivinghimhomeorforfixinghistruck.

“Well,thanksagainformytruckandfordrivingmearoundtoday,”Colesaid.Heturnedinhis

seat,andJosefgazedintohisvibrantemeraldeyes.

“Itwasnoproblem.”Josefwavedoffhispraise.“Ienjoyedit.”“Youenjoyedit?”Coletiltedhis

head, and Josef feared the man could see right into his brain and read all the dirty thoughts he was
having.
“Um…yeah,”wastheonlyintelligentthinghecouldmustertosay,andthatwasbetterthannodding
orpointing.
Cole’ssmilefellfromhislips,andhescootedalittleclosertoJosef.JosefheldhisbreathwhenCole
reached out his hand and ran a finger down the side of his face. His eyes blinked shut at the soft
contact.
“Ienjoyedit,too.”Cole’swhisperedwordsmethisearsjustsecondsbeforehislipstouchedJosef’s.
JosefslowlystartedtomovehislipsagainstCole’s.Theworldseemedtostop.Cole’stongueeagerly
pushedathismouth,wantingentrance,andJosefwasn’tonetorefusesuchasimplerequest.
AlltoosoonColepulledaway.“Shit.Ididn’tmeanforthattohappen.”Colewipedhishandacrosshis
lips.
Josefcoughedtoclearhisthroat.“It’sokay,really.”HewantedtocalmColedown.IfColegottoo
workedup,therewouldn’tbeanotherkissfollowingthatone.
“No, it’s not.” Cole laughed without humor. “You’re my boss, and I’m also not looking for a
boyfriendrightnow.”Heblewoutahardbreath.“Let’sjustforgetthiseverhappened.”
Ouch! Cole’s cold statement was like a punch to the nose. He thought the kiss was earth shattering.
Fireworksexplodedbehindhiseyesatthefirstbrushoflipsagainstlips.ThewayColewasintothe
kisstherewasnowayhecouldhavefakedthat.Colepursuedhim,nottheotherwayaround,andnow
themanwantedtopretendlikeitneverhappened.
“Sure,”wasallhecouldsayinresponse.
Colesmiledathimonemoretimethengotoutofthetruck.Josefpulledbackontothemainroadand
got stopped by the next stop light. He rubbed at the pain in his chest. That one kiss was enough for
Joseftorealizehewantedmore.ButColeshutthatdown.Hesaidhewasn’tlookingforaboyfriend.
Acarhornblaredbehindhim,andhelookeduptoseethelighthadturnedgreen.Helookedinhis
rearview mirror and waved an apology to the woman behind him. Motion in the mirror caught his
attention,andhepulledofftothesideoftheroad.
HewatchedastwoverylargeandveryhandsomemenapproachedCole.Colemusthaveknownthem
andtookoffrunningintheirdirectionandjumpedintooneofthemen’sopenarms.Theotherman

camearoundtohugColefrombehind.ItwasalikehumansandwichwithColeinthemiddle.
Whatthefuck!Josefgroundhisteethtogether.Hispulsepoundedathistemples.Nowhesawhowit
was.Itwasn’tthatColedidn’twanttodate.ItwasjustJosefhedidn’twanttodate.Andtopileontop
ofanalreadyshittysituation,Coleapparentlywasdatingsomeoneelse.No,checkthat.Twosomeone
else’s.
Josef checked for oncoming traffic and spun his tires as he raced down the road. He didn’t care if
Colesawhimornot.Hewashurt,andheneededtoputasmuchdistancebetweenhimandtheother
manaspossible.
Hefeltlikesuchanidiot.Ithadonlybeentwodays.Whywashesoaffectedbythisoneman?
Hisphonestartedtoringashepulledintothedriveway.HelookeddownandsawJensen’snumber
flashingacrossthescreen.Agrincurvedhislips.Jensenmightnotbethemanhewantedtobewith
buthesureashellwouldhelptakehismindoffofCole.
****

ColegotoutofJosef’struckfeelinglikeanidiot.Helethimselfgiveintohisdesiresandkissed

him.Itwasstupidofhimtodo,butafterworkingalongsidethemanalldayhehadsomuchpent-up
aggression that he had to unleash. Granted he didn’t mean to release it all over Josef’s mouth, but
Cole wasn’t perfect. Josef was his mate, so it helped him not feel as guilty or slutty for throwing
himselfathisbossbutitstillwasn’tfairtoJosef.Hecouldseethattheothermandesiredhim,andif
Colewasn’tgoingtoclaimhismate,thenhehadnobusinessleadinghimon.Hewasn’tsayinghe’d
neverclaimJosef,justnotrightnow.Heneededtimetofigureouthisfucked-uplife.

A familiar high-pitched whistle had him spinning on his heels. Cole’s brooding mood quickly

shiftedtoelation.
“Hey,littlebrother,whatchadoing?”
Thesightofhisbrotherswasawelcomeone.Hehadn’tseenthemintwoweeks,andwithnophonehe
hadn’tbeenabletocallthem.Thathadbeentheexcusehetoldhimselfbutthetruthwashedidn’twant
them to pressure him into coming back home. He loved his brothers more than life itself, but they
abidedbyalltheirfather ’scrazyrules,andthatjustwasn’tthelifeColewantedtoliveanymore.
“Josh,Jake.”Withoutthinkingtwiceaboutit,heranstraightintoJosh’sopenarms.Theyhuggedhim
tight,andhecouldfeeltheirbrotherlybondseepintohisskin.They’dalwaysbeenclose,andwhen
onewasfeelingdowntheothertwowouldrallyaroundtheotheruntilhefeltbetter.Justlikewhathis
brothersweredoingforhimrightnow.
“I’vemissedyoutwosomuch,”Coleadmittedwhenhisbrothersfinallyreleasedtheirdeathgrip.He
was happy to see his brothers, no doubt about it, but if they came to him it had to be for a good
reason.Theyknewwhyheleftandunderstood.Theywouldhaveleftwithhimiftheythoughttheir
dadwouldn’thavedraggedthemallback.JoshandJakewantedColetohaveachanceatlifewithout
theironruleoftheirfather.“ButIhavetoask.”Coleraisedaneyebrowashescrutinizedhisbrother ’s
uneasybodylanguage.“Whyareyouhere?”
“Toseeyou,squirt,”Jakesaidwithasmile.Hislipsbegantotwitch,givingawayhisnervoustick.
Coleknewinstantlythiswasn’ta“wecametovisitjustbecausewemissedyou”visit.
“Yeah,nicetry.”Colecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Whatelseyougot?”
“Asshole.” Josh punched Jake in the arm, and Cole flinched at the hard impact the sound made.
“You’vealwaysbeentooobservant,littlebrother.”
“WellI’velearnedfromthebest,”Colesaid.“Sowhatgives?”Colepressed.
JoshlookedtoJakethenbacktohim.“Youtellhim.”
“No,youtellhim.”JakeshovedJosh,andthenextthingColeknewhisbrotherswerewrestlingonthe
ground.
“Stopit,”Colehissedashelookedaroundtomakesuretheyhadn’tattractedanaudience.Hehelped

histwoNeanderthalbrotherstotheirfeetthenheadedupthefrontsteps.“Let’stakethisinside.”
Oncetheywereinhisapartment,Colegrabbedsomesodasandbroughtthemouttohisbrothers.Cole
tookalongpullfromthefrostycanandwisheditwereabeer.Fromthenervousglanceshisbrothers
keptshootingeachotherhehadafeelinghewasn’tgoingtolikewhattheyhadtosay.Hequirkedhis
eyebrows at his brothers and waved his hand in a circular motion wanting them to get on with it.
“So?”
“Wehatetocometoyouwiththis,”Joshanswered.“Anditwasn’tdadwhosentus.He’sstillpretty
pissedatyouforleaving.”
Colerolledhiseyes.Nosurprisethere.Coleknewhisfatherthoughthewasbeingdisrespectfulby
notfollowinghisordersandbeingtheperfectlittleomegahewassupposedtobe.Mostomegaswere
passive, and for the most part Cole was, but he was sick and tired of all the hate his father spewed
everywhereandofhimnotwantingColetolivealifeoutsideofthepack.Hetotallyunderstoodhis
father ’sangerovertheirmother ’sdeath,butnotallhumanswerebad.Justlikenotallwolveswere
bad.
“Shocker,”Colesaidinmockhorror.
“There’sanewpackthathastakenresidenceinourterritory.Fatherhasaskedthemtomoveon,but
the guy won’t budge. He keeps hinting around that he’s going to challenge father for his rank as
alpha,butfatherlaugheditoff.Saysnottoworryaboutitbecauseheisn’t.”
Colenoddedhishead.Thatsoundedjustlikehisfathernotbotheringhimselfwiththreatsfrompeople
heconsideredbeneathhim.“Sowhat’stheproblem?Iffatherisn’tworried,whyareyoutwo?”
“Becausewefoundadeadwolftodayonpacklands,”Jakesaid.“Itsthroathadbeenrippedout.”
“DearGod!”Coledidn’tmeantoraisehisvoice,butthatwasserious.
“Don’tpanic,”Joshwasquicktoreassure.“Itwasn’tashifter.Itwasanactualwolf-wolf.”
Cole wanted to flick both his brothers on the head. They could have opened with that tidbit of
information. “So what? A dead wolf is hardly anything to lose your shit over.” Cole shrugged his
shoulders. “It could have been hunters or even a wolf attack. What makes you think it was this new
packintown?”
“Because,smartass.”Joshsethissodacandownandleanedforward.Hefishedablood-stainednote
fromhispocketthentosseditatCole.“Thiswasshovedinthepooranimal’smouth.”
Coleflattenedoutthecrumbledpieceofpaper.Inblock-styledhandwritingwasanotetohisfather.
IthoughtI’dgiveyouatasteofwhat’stocome.You’renext,Alpha!
Herereadtheshortnoteoverandoveragain.Itwasclearlyathreatdirectedathisfather.Hecouldn’t
comprehendwhyhisdickofadadhadn’ttakenthissickfuckoutyet.
“WhathasFathersaidaboutthis?”HelookedtoJoshthentoJake.
“Nothing.Hethinksit’sanemptythreat,”Joshanswered.
“Right.”Coleslowlynoddedhishead.“BecausenoonewoulddaremesswiththefearsomeRandal
Weathers.”
Allhislifehegrewupthinkinghisfatherwaslargerthanlife,andafterhismotherdiedthatimage
skewedintosomethingdifferent.
Hisfatherthoughthimselfindestructible.Thepackandevenheandhisbrotherslivedinfearoftheir
alpha.
It was quiet. They all sat there, not saying a word, and Cole had to wonder again why his brothers
came looking for him? If his father didn’t want him back, then why did Josh and Jake waste their
time?Nodoubttheyweregoingtogettheirasseshandedtothembytheirfatherwhenhefoundout.
“NotthatI’mnothappytoseeyouguys,becauseIam”—Colerelaxedbackonhischairandcrossed
onelegovertheother—“butwhyexactlyareyouhere?”
“JoshandI”—ColewatchedasJakelookednervouslyovertoJosh—“werehopingyouwouldcome

backandmaybetalkwiththisotheralpha.Useyourfreakygifttogethimtoseereason.”
“What happens if it doesn’t work?” He sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees and stared
betweenhistwobrothers.Hisgiftdidn’tworkontheirfatherandfromwhathisfatherhadtoldhim
when Cole was just a child most alpha’s were immune to his gift. “You both know my gift doesn’t
affectalphas.Andnotallwolvesorevenhumansaresusceptibletomyability.”
“Ifitdoesn’twork,we’llkillthatfucker,”Joshsaidbluntlywithnoemotionbehindhistone.
Colecouldonlystareathisbrother.Itwasalongshotthatmightgetthemallkilled.Hedidn’tknow
squat about this other wolf and his pack members. Cole and his brothers could walk right into an
ambush.
Notwantingtodiscussitanymorewithhisbrothers,Colesaidhe’dthinkaboutit.Hehadstartedalife
inSilverCreekandcouldn’tjustpickupandleavetownforafewdays.Hehadajobthatcountedon
him,andhehadbillstopay.
“That’sallwecanaskfor,littlebrother.”Jakegavehimagenuinesmile.
“Sowhendoyouguyshavetogoback?”Itmighthavebeenpackbusinessthatbroughthisbrothers
tohim,buthewasgladtheywereherenonetheless.
“Notuntilmorning.Dadwenthuntingwithafewofthepackmembers,sohewon’tbebackuntillate
tomorrowevening.”
NotsurprisingonceagaintoCole.Intheeyeofpossibledangerhisfatherwouldgohunting.Typical.
“Youtwocanstayheretonightifyouwant,”Coleoffered.
“Weappreciatethat,”Joshsaidasherelaxedback.“Sowhatcanwedoforfunaroundhere?”Josh
wiggled his eyebrows, and Cole knew exactly what his brother had in mind, and truth be told he
neededsomethingtohelptakehismindoffofJosef.

ChapterFive

“Whereyougoing?”

JoseflookedupwhenheheardViktor ’sroughlowvoice.“Out.”“Thatwasn’tmyquestion.”Viktor
steppedclosertohim.“I’mgoingout.”Josefshovedhiswalletintohisbackpocketand

checkedthemirror.Hefingercombedthroughhisdamphairthentookabriefmomenttoassess

hisoutfitonemoretime.Hedidn’tknowwhyhewassonervous,buthewas.Jensenwasafriendnot
someone he had romantic lovey-dovey feelings for, but he couldn’t shake the guilt that caused his
handstotremble.HesortoffeltlikehewascheatingonCole.

Whyshouldyoufeelguilty?Heobviouslydoesn’t.PlusCole’sprobablythecenteringredienttoa

three-way sandwich, being sexually violated, in a good way, by those two hunks you saw him with
earlier.

Josefclenchedhisteethatthememoryofseeingthosetwobrutesembracingthemanhewantedto

be with. His conscience was right. He shouldn’t feel guilty. He wasn’t with Cole, and Cole made it
abundantlyclearhedidn’twanttobewithhim.Andwhywouldhe?Colehadapairofhottwinsinhis
backpocket.
“Where?”Viktorstaredathiminthereflectionofthemirror.

Josefalmost forgot hisfriend was inthe room. “I’m goingto Club Sinwith Jensen,” Josef spit

out.Viktorwouldn’tleavehimaloneuntilhefessedup.
Viktorwhistledlow.“Thathotlittlearchitect,nice.”HehelduphishandforJoseftohigh-fivehim.

“ViktorCarsten!”Shanehissed.Being,ashewas,atigershifteritwasanactualhiss.“You’renot

allowedtothinkothermenarehot.”Shanecrossedhisarms,andhislowerlipstuckoutinapout.

“Oh,baby.”Viktorwalkedovertohismateandpulledhimintoahug.“Nooneisashotasyou.”

Viktorbenthisheadandstartedtonibbleonhismate’sneck.“Orastasty.”

Josef rolled his eyes heavenward. “For the love of God, can you guys please not do that in my

fuckingroom?Jeez,”Josefgrumbledashepassedthem,leavinghisroom.
“Hey,canwecome?”Viktorasked.

“What?”Josefaskedasheturnedtolookathisfriend.“Whywouldyoutwowanttogoclubbing

withmeandJensen?”
“It’s where we first met.” Viktor looked all doe eyed when he looked down into his mate’s eyes. It
madeJosef’sstomachrollwithenvy.
“Plus it’s good foreplay,” Shane chimed in as he stood up on his tiptoes to plant a kiss on Viktor ’s
lips.
He didn’t particularly care if his friend and his mate tagged along. Josef knew the pair would be
wrappedaroundeachotherlikewirepipecleaners,ignoringtherestoftheworldaroundthem.
“Ifyoutwopromisetoknockthatshitoff,thenfine,let’sgo.”Hebeckonedforthetwomentofollow
him.
Josef suggested, no more like demanded, they drive separately. He didn’t think he could handle
listening to the two of them kissing and doing their sexy little whispering back and forth to one
another.HewashappyforViktor,hereallywas,butitalmostfeltliketheywereconstantlyrubbing
thefactthattheyfoundtheironeandonlyinhisface.Itwasridiculous,andheknewit,butitdidn’t
makehishearthurtanyless.
AlittleoverthirtyminuteslaterJosefpulledintotheparkinglot.Jensenhadtextedthathewasalready
insideandhe’dwaitatthebarforJosef.Likeheexpected,onceinside,ShaneleadViktoroutontothe
dancefloorwheretheywerebumpingandgrindingallovereachother.
“Trulysickening.”Josefshookhisheadasheturnedtoheadforthebar.
The sight of a hand waving at him caught Josef’s attention. Jensen sat perched on a barstool with a
manandwomansurroundinghim.Josefliftedaneyebrowatthetriothecloserhegot.Thewoman
wasleantoverclosetoJensen’sleftearwhiletheguywasdoingthesametohisrightear.Bythelook
onJensen’sfacehedidn’tmindtheattention.
“Jensen,”Josefsaidloudlyovertheblaringmusic.
“You made it.” Josef hopped off the stool, turned to the pair and said something, and left them
standingthere.Thecouplelookeddisappointedbutmovedontoanotherguy.
“Yep,didyoudoubtme?”
“No,justsurprisedisall.”JensenlookedupthroughhisthickeyelashesgivingwhatJosefconsidered
aseductiveleer.
HisdicktwitchedbehindhiszipperashestaredbackintoJensen’ssoftblueeyes.Themanwasgood-
looking, no doubt about it, and Josef’s body responded to him. There was one little thing that kept
floatingthroughJosef’smind,Cole,andthatputastoptohisrisingerection.
Clearinghisthroat,Josefnoddedinthedirectionthemanandwomanwent.“Whatwasupwiththat?”
Heneededtochangethesubjectandgethismindoffofsex.
“Ohthem?”JensenturnedtolookoverhisshoulderthenturnedbacktoJosefwithasmirkonhislips.
“Theywantedmetojointhem.”HewinkedatJosef.
Joseflookedoveratthemanandwomanagain.ClubSinwasmainlyaclubforgaymen,butwomen
didfrequenttheestablishment.Thewomenhehadmetsincehestartedcomingheresaidtheylikedit
because the men weren’t pawing all over them. They could come drink and dance without being
fondled.Itdidn’tbotherJosef.Hehadmetalotofnicewomenthatway,butneverhadheeverbeen
propositionedbyone.
“Huh.” He rubbed his chin and pointed back to the bar. “Want another drink?” Josef motioned to
Jensen’semptyglass.
“Sure.”

Josefclearedapathbacktothebarandorderedtheirdrinks.Hedrownedhisshotinonegulpthen
ordered another. The liquid burned as it rushed down his throat, and his eyes watered. He needed a
little extra liquid courage to help him feel free. Jensen wanted him, and Josef needed to find some
relief.
Hethrewbackthreemoreshotsoftheamber-coloredwhiskeyandslammedthesmallglassdownon
thecounter.
“Hey, slow down,” Jensen said. Soft fingers ran up the length of his arm, igniting goose bumps to
coverhisskin.
JosefpulledJensenclosetohim,andhegrinnedwhenashockedlooklituptheman’sface.“Youwant
to dance?” He didn’t wait for Jensen to respond, just grabbed him by the hand and led him to the
dancefloor.
****

ClubSinwastheonlyclubColehadvisitedsincemovingtoSilverCreek,sothat’swherehetook

histwoverystraightbrothers.He’dseenwomentherebeforeandthoughtitgavehisbrothersbetter
oddsatfindingawillingbedpartnerorwhatevertheywerelookingfor.Cole,ontheotherhand,just
wanted to let go and forget about the mishap earlier with Josef. The man lingered in his every
thought. When he closed his eyes he saw the man’s smiling face staring back at him. His damp
swollenlipsfromthekisstheysharedandthedazedlookinhiseyes.
“Dude!”Joshshoutedabovethemusic.“Whatthehell,Cole.Thisisadude-on-dudeclub.”

Cole pinched his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “Yes, it’s a gay club, but there are

womenallaround.”Hepointedtowardagroupofwomen.“See.”
“Yeah,buthowdoyouknowtheyaren’tlesbians?”Jakeasked.

Good question. His gaydar didn’t extend toward the female species. “I don’t,” he said bluntly.

“Whydon’tyouguysgotalktothemandseewhathappens.Attheveryleastyoucanjusthavesome
fun.”

WiththatColeturnedonhisheelandheadedtowardthebar.HeorderedaBudLightanddidn’t

evenacknowledgethebartender ’sadvancesashehandedoverthebeerandcaressedhisfingerover
Cole’s knuckles in the process. Cole didn’t want anyone. He already had a someone. Josef was his
mateeventhoughtheothermandidn’tknowit.

The music pulsed loudly, and his heart fell in beat with the rhythm. He looked over to see his

brothers had indeed found some straight women and were using their God-given charms on the
ladies.Colesmiledintheirdirectionthenmovedtowardthedancefloor.

Bodiesdancedandswayedtothemusic,andColeboppedhisheadtothebeat.Hiseyesateupthe

dance floor. He scanned the occupants and wished he had the energy to go out there and join them.
Coleleanedagainsttherailingthatlinedthedancefloor,restingonhiselbows.

Hewastakinganotherdrinkofhisbeerwhenahardbodygrabbedhisattention.Themanhadhis

backtoColeandwasdancingwithanotherman.ThemanwithhisbacktowardColehadthickdark
hair,andsweatdampedthebackofhisshirt.Hemovedhishipswithhisdancepartnerwhohadhis
armstwinedaroundtheotherman’sneck.

Colescentedtheair,wantingtoinhalethesmellsofmenandsweat.Watchingthemandancehad

himwanting.Anothersetofdancersbumpedintotalldarkandsexy,andheturnedaround.
Josef!

Coleclenchedhisfistaroundhisbeerbottleandstoodupslowly.Angercoursedthroughhisveins

fuelinghislegsintomotion.Therewasnowayhismatewasgoingtosexydancewithanyoneother
thanhim.Hislittledancepartnerhadasmackdowncoming.Noonetouchedwhatwashis.

He stormed forward. The music changed again, and more bodies filed onto the dance floor. He

pushed his way through the crowd, only stopping when he reached Josef. With a tight grip on his

mate’sarm,hespunhimaround.

RecognitionflaredinJosef’seyes.Andbetweentheflushedskin,fullpinklips,Colecouldn’thelp

himself. He fisted his hands in Josef’s shirt and yanked him forward, covering his oh-so-kissable
mouth.Cole’shandscameuptogripathiswrist,buthedidn’tpullaway.Colehummedhisapproval
asheforcedhistongueintoJosef’smoistheat.Thespicytangofhardliquorburnedhistongue,but
hedidn’tbreakthekiss.HesuckedandnippedatJosef’slips,layingclaimtowhatbelongedtohim.
“Excuseme,”asmallfaintvoicesaidfrombesidehim.

Cole pulled away and stared up into Josef’s big brown eyes. Josef’s tongue darted out to lick

alonghislips,andasmilecurledCole’supperlip.Hismatelookedutterlydebauched.

“Josef?”thefaintvoiceaskedagain,pullingCole’sattentiontowardhim.

He slowly turned his head, keeping a firm grip on Josef, to look down at the other man. Cole
narrowedhiseyesatthemanandsaidonelittlewordthathadahugefuckingmeaningtoit,“Mine.”
ColereleasedhishandsfromJosef’sshirtandgrabbedhimbythehand.Heguidedhimthroughthe
throngofsweatybodiestowardthebackdoorthatledtotheparkinglot.Colekickeditopenwithhis
footandthecoolnightaircaressedhisdampface.
“Cole,what’sgoingon?”Josefasked.
Figuringtheywerefarenoughoutnottobedisturbed,Coleturnedaroundwithlightning-fastspeed
andpinnedJoseftothesideofacar.“This,”hegrowledrightbeforeheslammedhismouthdownon
Josef’skiss-swollenlips.
Josefgasped,andColetooktheopportunitytoravagehismate’smouth.Asthekissgrewdeeperand
theirhandsgrabbedandstrokedeachother ’sbodies,Cole’sscentslowlystartedtofilterthroughto
hismate.Hedidn’tmeanforthattohappen,buthisbodywasonoverloadandallhiswolfwantedto
dowasclaimitsmate.
EverytimeJoseftriedtopullawayColefollowedhimforward,notallowingtheconnectiontobreak.
He let his hands stroke down Josef’s chest, and he didn’t stop until he reached the fastening on his
mate’sjeans.Hequicklypoppedthesnapanddraggeddownthezipper.Coleshovedhishandintohis
mate’spants,andtheybothmoanedwhenhisfingersclampedaroundJosef’shardlength.
ThehardmusclecoveredwithsilkysmoothskinfeltheavyinCole’shand.Hejerkedhishandfrom
basetotipandlethisindexfingertrailacrosstheleakingcap.Dripsofpre-cumslickedhisfingers.
Colewasexcited,andhiscockthrobbed,demandingrelease.
KeepingonehandonJosef,continuingtoworkhismeat,heusedhisotherhandtofreehisgrowing
erection.Whenhewaspulledfromhisdenimbinding,hebumpedhisnakedfleshagainstJosef’s.His
matemoanedloudlyandlethishandsdropdown,andColeflinchedatthetightholdJosefhadonhis
ass.
Innotimeflattheyfoundtheirrhythm.ColerockedintoJosef,rubbingtheirheatedcockstogether.
Josef’stonguefoughtfordominanceoverCole,buthejusttightenedhisfist,bringingJoseftoheel.
Colemightbeanomegaandcalmbynature,butinthebedroomhelikedtolethisdemandingside
takeover,andsomethingtoldhimJoseflikedlettinghimsitinthedriver ’sseat.
AsoftwhimperleftJosef’sthroat,andthesmallsoundurgedColeon.Heworkedhishandinquick
pulls,combiningtheirjuiceswitheverytug.
TinglesranalongCole’sspine,andhisballsdrewupclosetohisbody.Hisorgasmnearedthefinish
line, and he could feel Josef’s dick swell in his hand. A few pumps of his fist later Josef shot his
creamycumoverCole’shand,andColefollowedhimintotheabyss.Heshothisload,beingsureto
angle his cockhead at Josef’s groin area, painting his mate in his cum. Cole needed to mark his
territory.
Astheirbreathingstartedtoevenout,ColekissedalongJosef’sjawline,dippinglowertonipathis
neck.Itmighthavejustbeentheeuphoriafromjustcoming,butColefeltlighterthanair.Beingso

close and sharing such an intimate moment with his mate put Cole at ease. So much so he wasn’t
preparedwhenJosefplacedhishandsonhischestandpushedhimaway.Colestumbledashispants
werehalfwaydownhislegs.
Hefellagainstthecarparkedbehindhim.Helookedupandsawthehardsetofhismate’sjawand
knewhehadalotofexplainingtodo.

ChapterSix

Aftertheorgasmichighstartedtofade,Josefcamebacktohisbodywithahardthud.

“How?”Hebitouttheword,justbarelyhangingontohisrage.Theheavenlycentofcinnamonand
chocolateclungtohisnose.ThearomageneratedfromCole,anditwasanintoxicatingscentJosef
hadneversmeltfromthemanbefore.ItspoketohissoulandmadeJoseffeelcompleteinwaysno
loverhadbefore.Whichmeantonlyonething.
“Howwhat?”Coleaskednonchalantlylikehedidn’thaveafuckingclueastowhatJosefreferredto.
“Don’tgivemethatshit.”HeedgedclosertoColeandhoveredoverhim.“Howdidyoumaskyour
scent?Iknowyou’remymate.Yoursmell”—Josefcouldn’thelpbutscenttheair,hisnostrilsflaring
—“makes me feel alive, and I want to touch you, love on you, and never stop.” He bent down the
coupleinchesittooktobenosetonosewithhismate.“SoIwillaskyouagain,howdidyouhidethis
fromme?”
“All right,” Cole finally said. “But can we at least pull our pants up? I don’t want to have this
conversationwithmydickblowinginthewind.”
“Fine.” Josef took a step back and rearranged his clothes, making a show of tucking his semi-hard
cockaway.HecouldfeelCole’seyesonhim,andnomatterhowconfusedJosefwasatthemomenthe
stillwantedCole.
Oncetheywerecompletelydressedagain,JosefwavedahandatCole.“Speak.”
“I’mnotadog,”Colehuffed.“Youdon’thavetobarkordersatme.”
“Oh really.” Josef crossed his arms over his heaving chest. “You’re right. You’re not a dog, just a
liar.”
“Liar?Howthehellso?”
“Becausewe’rematesandsomehowyouhidthatfromme.Notanoutrightliebutaliebyomission,
allthesame.Butmyquestionishowdidyoudoit?Icansmellthatyou’reawolf,butfifteenminutes
agoIdidn’tsmellshitcomingfromyouandnowI’mbeingdamnnearblindedbyit.Howdidyou
hidethis?”Josefwaspuzzledbyallthis.Hewasawolfforfuck’ssake.Howdidhenotscenthismate
orthattheguywasawolf?
“First,nottellingyoudoesn’tmeanIlied.Iwasjustprotectingmyselfandyou.”Colesighed,casting
hiseyesdownward,thenlookedbackupwithsuchsadnessinhiseyes.Josefwantedtogotohimand
takeawaywhateverwascausingColetobeupset,buthecouldn’t.Heneededanswers.
“Protectingmefromwhat?”Josefthoughtitbesttostartoutslow.WorkuptothewholeissueofCole
hidinghisidentityfromhim.
“Myfather,”Colesaidsimply.
Josef shrugged. “So? I’ve dealt with asshole parents before.” Not really but he didn’t want to give
Coleanoutonkeepingthisfromhim.
“Notlikemyfather.He’sthealphaofmyoldpack,andhefollowsthetraditionalwaysofrunningit.”
Cole flashed him a small smile, and Josef’s heart began to race from how sexy it looked on his
mate’slips.
“Traditional?Howso?”Josefasked.
“Wellforstarters,I’manomega.”Josefquirkedaneyebrowatthat.He’dheardstoriesaboutomegas

before,buthehadnevermetone.“AndbythelookonyourfaceIcantellyoudon’tknowmuchabout
mykind.”
Josefcoughed,pretendingtoclearhisthroat.Hedidn’tknowhowtorespondtohismate.Hedidn’t
wanttosoundlikeacompletebuffoon,butifheadmittedhislackofknowledgetowardthatsubject,
hemightbeabletokeepColetalking.“Notreally.”
Colenoddedhishead.“Don’tfeelbad.Themajorityofpackstodaydon’tfollowtheoldways,butmy
fatherdoes.Herunshispackwithhimasthealpha,mybrothersatthebetas,andthenthere’sme,the
omega.Lowmanonthetotempole.”
“Brothers?”Josefwaseagertolearnmoreabouthismateandthestructureofhisformerpack,but
hearinghimsaybrothersmadehimstarttowondersomething,andifhewascorrecthemadeanass
ofhimselfbyoverreactingandputJenseninthemiddleofitbyaskinghimoutonadate.“Arethose
theguysIsawyouwithearlier?”
****

Coletitledhisheadandeyedhismatecuriously.Andjustlikethatitsmackedhimintheface.Josef

sawhisbrothersandhimtogetherinfrontofhisapartment,andaftertheirdisappointingkissJosef
thoughthewasseeingsomeoneelse.“Areyouherewiththatguytogetbackatme?”Hetookastep
towardJosef,angeregginghimon.

“Nottogetbackatyoubuttoforgetaboutyou!”Josefshouted.“TheselastcoupleofdaysI’ve

been losing my mind over you and couldn’t figure out why. Then you kissed me, and it was so
fuckingperfect,thenyoupulledawayandactedlikeitwasnothing.AndwhenIleftIsawyougetting
alittlecozywiththosetwohugeguyswhatwasIsupposedtothink?”

“Dude!”Colesnapped.“You’reawolfforGod’ssakes.Wehaveexcellenteyesight.Couldn’tyou

seetheresemblance?”
“TobefairIjusthadmyheartsquashedbyyou.”JosefpointedafingerintoCole’schest,andhehad
todoallhecouldnottosmackitaway.“Iwasn’tlookingforafamilyresemblancebetweenyouand
thetwomenwhoweretouchingyou.Sopleasefuckingforgivemefornotnoticing.”
Coletookadeep,calmingbreath.Fightingwouldgetthemnowhere.Theybothneededtoberational
andtalkthisout.“Sorry,it’sjustbeenalongnight.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”Josefleanedbackagainstthecarbehindhim.
“Yes,thosetwomenaremybrothers,JoshandJake.”
“Okaythen.”Josefbroughtahanduptoscrubacrosshischin,andColefollowedhismovement.“I’m
sorry I overreacted, and I feel like a complete ass for leading Jensen on. I probably ought to
apologizetohim.”
“Yeah,Ithinkwebothshould.”Colefeltlikeanidiotforthewayheactedtowardtheotherman,butin
hisdefenseJensenwasalloverhismate,andthatwasn’tacceptable.
“But it can wait.” Josef stared at him for a long moment. “I’m eager to learn about this omega
businessandthislittlegiftyouhaveofconcealingyourscent.”
“It’snotagift,”Coleadmittedbecauseattimesitwasapaininhisass.Hadhebeenbornjustaregular
wolf his father wouldn’t have cared what he had done with his life. “It’s a life sentence of being a
submissivegoodlittlewolfdoingasmyalphasays.”
“You’resureasshitdon’tactsubmissive,”Josefsaidunderhisbreath,butColestillheardhim.
“BecauseI’mnot.It’sinmyomeganaturetobethecalmingelementinmypack.WhenI’maround,
people’stempersrunlow,andtheyfeelmorerelaxed.Myfatherfindsmyabilitytobeuseful,andI
wassickoflivingunderhisthumb.”
“Understandable.” Cole watched as Josef kicked at the ground with his foot. “So is that the only
reasonwhyyouleftyourpack?”Josefasked.
Coledidn’treallywanttodelveintohispastquitesosoonwithhismatebuthemightaswellgetit

over with. “The main one but there is more. Ever since my mother died from the recklessness of
humans,myfatherhashatedallhumans.Doesn’tmatterman,woman,orchild,hehatesthemall.He
detestedthatIwasattendingcollegetohaveacareerinthehumanworldandlivealifeawayfromthe
pack.SobetweenhiscontrollingwaysandhishatredIfinallyhadhadenoughandleft.”Hemadeit
sound easier than it really was. The disappointment in his father ’s eyes still burned straight to his
soul,butColecouldn’tlivelikethatanymore.
“That’sasadwaytolivealife.Imeanforyourdadandall.”
“Yeah,wellit’shislifenotmine.”ColereachedoutandgrabbedJosef’shand.“Thereasonyoudidn’t
smellmewasbecauseIhavetheabilitytomaskmyscentfromotherwolves.Somepackslikehaving
anomegaaroundtokeeptheirpackcomplacent.Ineverdidittomisleadyouortodenyyou.Ijust
neededtimetoworksomestuffout.”
“Likewhat?”JosefpulledonhishandandColewalkedintohiswarmembrace.
“Mydaddoesn’tknowI’mgay,andIdon’twanthimtocomeafteryouifhefindsoutthatyou’remy
mate.”ColeranhisfingertipsoverJosef’sforehead.Hismateclosedhiseyesandletoutasatisfied
sigh, and Cole smiled. “I couldn’t survive if anything happen to you. I knew from the moment I
walkedintothatofficethatyouweremineandIcouldnomoredenyyouthanlivewithoutmyheart.
It’sjustnotpossible.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”JosefkissedColeonthelips.Itwassoftandsubtle,justabrushingoflips
andagainstlips.“Thismatingthingissobizarre.It’slikeloveatfirstsniff.”JoseflaughedandCole
joinedin.Itwasnicetobehappyforonce.
“Soyou’renotangryatmeanymore?”Coleasked,lettinghislowerliphangdowninapout.
“No.” Josef dragged the one word out. “But we have to start being honest with one another. No
secrets.”
“Nomoresecrets,”Coleagreed.“Whataboutmydad?Idon’twantyoutogethurtbecauseofme.”
“Well, my love, we don’t know how your dad will handle the news, and if he takes it bad”—Josef
gaveashrug—“sowhat?Aslongaswearehappy,fuckhim.”
ColewisheditwasaseasyasJosefmadeitsound,butknowinghisfatherhe’dbeathorninCole’s
sidejusttospitehim.
“So what do we do now?” Cole asked. He knew what he wanted to do but didn’t want to be
presumptuous.
“We”—Josef dropped kisses up and down Cole’s neck—“go back to my place and finish what we
started.”
“Ah,thatsoundslikeanamazingidea.”ColepulledbackfromJosef.“ButfirstIneedtogotellmy
brothersI’mleaving.”
“Ofcourse,andIneedtosaysorrytoJensen.Ifeelbadforleadinghimon.”
Coleheldhishandup.“Let’snottalkaboutit.Let’sjustsaywearebothsorryandleaveitatthat.Iwill
bethefirsttoadmitthatI’membarrassedbymyearlierbehavior,buthehadhishandsalloveryou.
Notcool.”
“Ohlook.”Josefgiggled.“You’resocutewhenyou’rejealous.”
ColerolledhiseyesandlandedaplayfulpunchonJosef’sarm.Thiseasybanterbackandforthwas
nice. There was no more underlying tension between him and Josef, and Cole couldn’t be happier.
Josefpromisedtostandbyhimandwasn’tscaredawaybylearningaboutCole’sfather.GrantedJosef
hadn’t met the man yet, and if Randal Weathers was anything, it was intimidating. But Cole had a
feelingJosefcouldhandlethepressure.

ChapterSeven

Josef held the door open for his mate, and they set out looking for Cole’s brothers and Jensen.

Jensenwasnowheretobefound,soJosefshothimatextsayinghewassorrytowhichJensenreplied
backwitha“noproblem”andasmileyface.

Cole briefly introduced Josef to his brothers. Josh and Jake weren’t overly concerned about

meeting him. Both brothers had two women, one under each arm, wrapped around them. Josef felt
sorryforCole’sapartment.JoshandJakelookedliketheyhadfullintentionsofhavinganall-night
orgyatCole’splace.Coledidn’tseemtoobotheredbyitthough.Hejustgaveatight-lippedsmileand
handedoverhiskeyswhichmadeJosefhappy.Hecouldn’twaittogethismatebacktohishouse.

OnthedrivebacktohisplaceeverythingColehadsaidranrampantinhisbrain.Hismatewasan

omega. To him it wasn’t a big deal because neither Devon nor his father before him practiced the
traditional ways of pack life. From what Cole said on the drive home, most didn’t. Like in human
societyeverythingchangeswiththepassingoftime.Thingsbecomemoremodernized,andtheneed
forafullarmyofwolveswhowereobedientlikedogswasnotneeded.Wolvesdidn’tneedtoliveina
pack to survive, and they didn’t get hunted down like a wild animal for being a lone wolf. On the
occasion that a wolf went bat shit crazy, it was an unspoken rule for a pack to take care of the
problem.
Whentheypulleduptohishouse,ColejumpedoutbeforeJosefevenstoppedthetruck.Theywere
botheagertogetaloneandnaked.

Josefranpasthismateastheybothheadedtowardthedoor.Allthelightswereout,andwhenhe

openedthedoor,nothingbutsilencemethisears.Thetwonoisiestpeopleinthehousewerestillatthe
night club dry humping each other. Josef smiled. He could totally relate to Viktor and Shane now.
Nothingcomparedtobeingwithone’smate,andJosefhadnointentionsofevergoingbacktothat
drabwayoflife.

He stepped inside with Cole pressed against his back. The long, thick length of Cole’s erection

pressedintothecreaseofhisass.
“Iwanttofuckyou,”ColewhisperedroughlyinJosef’sear,causinganexplosionofshiverstorun
downhisspine.
Josefpushedhisassbackagainstthehardness.“AndIwantyouto,”hesaidbreathlessly.Josefrather
preferred to be on the receiving end of things when it came to sex. Most guys saw him and all his
ripplingmusculargloryandwantedJoseftotakethemforaridebutnotCole.Maybealltheyearsof
being an omega and being referred to as a submissive had turned his mate into a dominating sex
machine.Josefcouldn’twaittofindout.
JosefledthewayupthestepstohisroomwithColenippingandsuckingathisnecktheentireway.
Cole’s fingers moved up his shirt to toy with his nipples. The raised peaks begged for a nice wet
tongue to play with them, and Josef totally agreed with their desire. His body hummed with
anticipation.
OnceathisdoorJosefpusheditopenandsteppedinsidewithColeattachedtohimfrombehind.Cole
kickedthedoorshutwithhisfoot,orderedJoseftoremovehisclothes,andthenurgedhimtoward
thebed.
Thecoolairfromthecentralairconditioningblewacrosshisskin,andchillsrakedoverhisbody.
“Lay down.” Cole pushed gently on his shoulders, and Josef laid down on his stomach at the
command.“I’mgoingtofuckyouuntilyouscreammyname.”
“Yes,sir.”Josefhadnoideawhyhesaidsir,butitjustseemedright.HewantedtobeatCole’smercy.
Tobetakentotheedgeandbackagainoverandoveruntilhecouldn’tmove.
Cole’stouchlefthisbody,andhecouldheartheothermanremovinghisclothes.Asplitsecondlater
Cole had his chest pressed against his back, touching from shoulder down to where their legs
intertwined.JosefsquirmedunderneathColefromthelighttouchesandsweetkisses.

“Onyourknees,”Coleorderedasheclimbedoffofhim.Josefdidashewasaskedandarchedhis
back,lettinghisassrisehigherintheair.“God,Ican’twaittobeinsideyou.”
HisbodytrembledasColeghostedhisfingersdownhisback.Josefmovedhiskneesfurtherapart,
openinghimselfupfurthertohismate.Cole’sstronghandsgrippedathisass,massagingoutward,
pullinghischeeksapart,andexposinghistenderhole.
Josef’s rock-solid cock hung heavily between his thighs. He let his head fall forward to rest on his
arms,givingintoeverysensationhisbodythrivedon.
ColeblewabreathoverhisentranceandJosefletoutalust-filledmoan.
“Youlikethat?”JosefcouldhearthesmileinCole’stone.
“God yes.” Josef wiggled his ass back further into Cole’s face. “Please, Cole,” he begged. What he
wasbeggingforJosefwasn’texactlysure.HewantedtofeelCole’sthickrodinsidehim,buthealso
wantedtofeelhismate’stongueandfingersaswell.Iftheyjumpedstraightintothesexit’dbeover
toosoon.
“I’mrighthere,lover.”Cole’ssoothingwordsrelaxedhim.“Wehaveallnight.”
Cole’ssmooth,wettonguecircledaroundhisopening,andJosefdamnnearjumpedoutofhisskin.
The light touch was like a hot poker on his flesh but in a good way. His body burned for this, for
Cole.
Afterafewmoreteasinglicks,Joseftensedasthefirstfingerenteredhishole.
“I love how tight you are,” Cole said against Josef’s ass cheek. “I’m going to have so much fun
makingyoucome.”
Josefcouldn’tspeakevenifhewantedto.Theonefingerbecametwothenthree,sawinginandoutof
hisbody.Colespatonhishole,usingthatforlubrication,butitwasstilltoodry.Notthinkingaboutit,
or what it would do to Cole’s position behind him, Josef reached for his nightstand. He fumbled
aroundanduntilhefoundwhathewaslookingfor.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Gettingyouthis.”Joseftossedthelubeoverhisshouldertohiswide-eyedmate.“Iwantyoutofuck
mebutnotdry.”
AwrysmilecurvedCole’slips.“Can’thavethat,canwe?”ThesmilefellfromCole’sface,andhe
tookonaseriousexpression.“Josef,thisisn’tjustfuckingforme.Whenwedothis,thisisusmaking
love.”
Hecouldhearthehonestyinhismate’svoice,anditmadeJosefloveColeevenmore.Neverinhis
lifehadhefeltsospecial.He’dneverbeeninlovebefore,andalltheothermenbeforeCole,Josef
justhadusedtopassthetimeandsatehissexualurges.Butthiswasdifferent.Colewasprovingthat
Josefwasimportantandthathedesiredhim.
“Ilovethesoundofthat,”Josefwhispered.
Colepickedupthelube,andJosefwatchedoverhisshoulderashismatesqueezedthecleargelinto
his hand then coated his angry red length. His heart raced. This was finally going to happen. Josef
knewtheyjustmet,butitdidn’tmatter.Hehadbeenwaitingforwhatfeltlikealifetimeforthisone
moment,anditwasperfect.
Josefturnedhisheadbackaroundtorestonhisforearms.ThesheetsrustledasColescootedcloser
to him. He gasped as the head of Cole’s cock brushed against his pucker, looking for entry. Cole
rubbedtheslickcrownbackandforthandeachtimepressedalittleharderatJosef’scenter.
“Stopteasingme.”Josefwasbecomingfrustrated.Hewantedthatjuicycockinhim,makinghimfeel
complete.
“Sobossy,”Coleteased.
Josef grunted a response, but it quickly turned into a moan as Cole pushed through his resistant
muscles to sheathe himself deep into Josef. Cole didn’t give him time to enjoy that first delicious

stroke before he started working his hips in and out. Josef gasped and grabbed at the sheets as his
bodysplitapartwithdesire.
“Sogood,”Colerasped.
He could only nod his head against the mattress. Josef wanted to say how good it felt. How Cole’s
cock caressed all the right places, sending sparks straight to his dick, causing clear juices to run
freelyfromthetip.Sexhadneverbeenlikethisbefore,andheknewitwasbecausethisactwasdone
outoflove.
****

ColeslidoutofJosef’sbody,andhismatewhimperedhisdispleasure.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Josef’sshakyvoiceasked.
“Iwanttoseeyourbeautifuleyeswhenyoucome.Iwantyoutoseewhoisgivingyouthatpleasure.”
ColepushedJoseftohisbackandquicklysettledbackbetweenhislover ’sthighs.“Iwantyoutosee
me.”
“You’retheonlymanIeverwanttosee.”Josefgavehimalopsidedgrin.
Thetwinkleinhismate’seyesspurredhimon.HehookedhisarmsunderJosef’skneesandpulled
themup.ItopenedJosefupwiderforCole’scocktoplowintohissweetheat.Sweatranintohiseyes
ashekeptuphisbrutalpace.Hecouldn’tgetenoughofJosef.Apartofhimwasworriedhe’dhurthis
mate,butJosefliftedhiships,silentlybeggingformore.
Coleclenchedhiseyestightashisreleasenearedthesurface.“Soclose,baby.”Hegrunted.“Ican’t
holdonmuchlonger.”
“Thendon’t.”
Whenheopenedhiseyesagain,hewatchedasJoseftiltedhisheadtotheside,exposinghisneck.It
wasanoffertoclaimhim,andColewasn’tsurewhattodo.Ifhetookwhatwasrightfullyhis,there
wasnogoingback.Hecouldn’thidehismatingfromhisfather.Afatherhe’dnevermakehappy,so
whyshouldhecarewhathethoughtofhismating?
It only took a second for him to decide. Cole struck fast, piercing the tender flesh of his mate’s
shoulder. Josef cried out below him. At the sweet coppery taste of his mate’s blood Cole lost his
controlandshothiscreamdeepintoJosef’sbody.Hisheartbeatintimewiththepulsingofhiscock
ashetookhispleasurefromhismate’sbody.
ColeslowedhishipsashisorgasmbegantofadeandgentlyextractedhisteethfromJosef’sskin.His
bodywasnumbwithhappiness.Nothinghadeverfeltsogood.
HestartedtositupwhenJoseftightenedhislegsaroundhiswaistandflippedhimontohisback,with
his cock still nestled deep inside Josef’s body. Cole shivered as Josef rocked his hips forward,
smilingdownathimwithanevilgrin.
“Myturn.”ThatwasCole’sonlywarningbeforeJosefsunkhisteethrightbelowhisleftshoulderinto
hischest.
Itstungatfirst,andhegrippedJosef’shairinhishands.Butslowlythepaineasedintomindlessbliss
witheverypullofhismate’sgreedymouth.Deepdowninhissoulhecouldfeelhisconnectionwith
Josefforgetogether,makingthembothcomplete.
Josef freed his mouth from Cole’s body and sat up. He fisted his cock in his hand, and his face
screwed up tight. Cole had never seen a more glorious sight than this one in his entire life. Josef’s
handmovedinarapidspeedashepoundedhisassdownonCole’ssensitivecock.Coleranhishands
upJosef’stensethighsuntiltheyrestedathismate’ships.
“Comeforme,mate,”Colepurred.
He watched as his mate’s mouth fell open, but no sound came out. Hot spunk shot from the tip of
Josef’scock,paintingwhitestripesacrossCole’schest.WitheverysplashofwarmthCole’sfingers
sunkdeeperintoJosef’sskin,holdinghimsteady,neverwantingthisfeelingtoend.

AlltoosoonJoseffellforwardandColewrappedhisarmsaroundhismateholdinghimclose.The
coolingcumonhisbodysmearedagainstJosef’s,buthedidn’thavetheenergytocare.Beingcoated
in his lover ’s cum and blood, mixed with his own, didn’t bother him. He liked the way their scents
mingledtogethertoformoneperfectscent.
“Weshouldgocleanup.”Joseftriedtorolltohisside,butColeheldtight.
“No, we don’t.” He let his softening cock ease from Josef’s wet hole and moved to lie on his side,
facing his mate. “I like knowing you’re dripping wet with my cum and me yours. Why would you
wanttowashthataway?”HegentlykissedthesideofJosef’smouthwaitingforhismatetoanswer.
Josefsighedandturnedhisheadtotheside,exposinghisneckforCole’swonderinglips.“IguessI
don’t.”HemovedhisheadsohelockedeyeswithCole.“Ilovehavingyouinsideme.”
“Goodanswer.”Coledoveinforakiss,smashinghismouthontoJosef’s,leavingnoroomforany
moretalking.
Thehoursseemedtodriftawaylikeapassingrainstorm.Theystayeduplatetalkingandgettingto
knowoneanotherbetter.HelearnedhowJosef’smomanddadhaddiedandthathegrewupwiththe
Carstenbrothers.HisheartbrokeforhismateasJosefexplainedaboutlosingMr.andMrs.Carstenas
well.
JosefalsotoldhimaboutAidennotonlybeingDevon’smate,butalsothesonofahunter.Butitwas
ontheup-and-up.Aiden’sdadkepttheminformedonthegoings-onwiththehunters’councilsothat
Josefandhispackstayedoutofharm’sway.Anditwasn’tjustAidenwiththehunterconnections.The
youngestCarstenhadfoundhismatealittlelessthanayearagowhenhe’dbeenkidnapped,andthe
kid’smatejustsohappenedtobeahunteraswell.
WhenColefinallycurledhisbodyaroundJosef’safteranotherboutoflovemakingthesuncrested
thehorizon,paintingredsandorangesacrossthesky.ColepulledJosefclosertohischest.Heloved
how his big strong mate was a hopeless cuddle bunny. Cole also loved how Josef let him be in
control.Hemasteredhismate’sbodyeverywhichway,andthemanstillbeggedformore.Colehad
to think fate got it right when she matched him with Josef. They fed off each other ’s wants and
desires.Andlovehadbeguntobloombetweenthem.Colehadafeelingofcompletenessinhissoul.
Nothingcouldeverbeanybetterthanthis.

ChapterEight

ThenextmorningwhenJosefwokeuphecouldfeeltheheatofCole’sbodyathisbackandsmell

thetracesoftheirlovemakingintheair.Itcausedhiscocktotwitchwithreneweddesire.Hepulled
outfromCole’sheavyarmandturnedtofacehismate.

ThesunstreamedthroughthewindowshoweringbrightlightacrossCole’ssun-kissedskin.Dried

blood clung to his mate’s chest, and Josef roamed his eyes lower to see that his pale-green sheets
were splattered with remnants of cum and blood from their tryst the previous night. Skyler would
haveafitabouthavingtowashhissheets,butJosefcouldn’tfinditinhimtocarewhattheotherwolf
thought.Buthethoughtitbesttothrowthesoiledsheetsinthewashbeforehisoverlydramaticfriend
caughtsightofthem.

Josefgotupfromthebedandwalkedtothefoot.Hegrabbedahandfulofthesheetandslowly

pulleditdownward.AbulgelaybetweenCole’sthighs,andasJoseftuggedthesheetlowerhecould
seeCole’scocktwitchandlengthen.ThesheetwasaboutmidthighwhenColegrumbledandtriedto
yankitbackup.

“Cutitout,”hemumbledasherolledtohisside.“I’mtryingtosleephere.”

“Wellit’stimetowakeup,mysleepymate.”JoseflaughedwhenColeraisedhishandandflippedhim
themiddlefinger.“Iwanttointroduceyoutomyfamilyandsincetheyprobablyheardusfuckingall

nightlongit’sbettertogetthatoverwith.”
“Fine,”Colesaidwithapoutthenrolledoverandkickedtheremainderofthesheetoffhisbody.
“Ah,baby,don’tbeupset.Wehavetherestofourlivestosleepinandhavelazydays,butweshould
atleastmakeanappearance.”ItwasSaturday,andeveryonewouldbehome.Josefthoughtitbestto
just get introductions out of the way so the house could get back to normal and everyone could go
aboutlivingtheirlives.PlushethoughtitbesttogiveDevonaheadsuptothefactthathemighthave
apissed-offalphaonhisasssoon.IfwhatColethoughtwascorrect,Mr.Weathersmightbecoming
foravisitoncehegotwordoftheirmating.
“You’reright,butyouowemeablowjob.”ColehoppedupfromthebedandsmackedJosefonthe
assashepassedhimheadingforthebathroom.
“Forwhat?”Josefchuckledashefollowedhismate,lettinghiseyesrackdownhismuscledbackto
landonhisfirm,bubbledbutt.
“Isn’titlikeinthematingcodeforone’smatetowakethemupwithoral?”Colesquintedaneyein
thought.“I’mprettysureIreadthatsomewhere.”
“Thenyouowemeone,too,”JosefraspedagainstCole’searashismateturnedonthewaterfacetto
theshower.HerubbedhishandsupanddownCole’schestthentracedhisfingerslowertothedips
andvalleysofhisrippedabdomentocirclehishandaroundCole’snowvery-hardcock.
“I do aim to keep my mate happy.” Cole arched his back and brought his arms up to wrap around
Josef’sneck.
JoseffollowedColeintotheshowerstallandbegantowashhisbody.HewatchedasColesoapedup
hishandsandranthemalonghiswetbody.Sudsfoamedandrandownhistorsoclingingtothecurly
thatchofgoldencurlsathisbase.
Steppingforward,JosefmetCole’seyesandranhishandalonghismate’sshaft,washingawaythe
soap.HeplacedabriefkisstoCole’slipsthenloweredtohisknees.ColeletoutalowcurseasJosef
engulfed the tip of his cock. Josef teased his tongue around the ribbed edge then poked his tongue
againstthesmallslittryingtocoaxoutmoreofCole’ssweetflavor.
“Yeah,justlikethat,”Colemumbled.FingerscombedacrossthetopofJosef’sheaduntilColehada
goodgriponthebackofhishead.Colegaveanexperimentalthrustforward,andJosefrelaxedhis
jaw,lettinghismatefuckhismouth.
ColeglidedhiscockinandoutofJosef’smouth,andJosefhungeredformore.Hesankhisfingers
into Cole’s round globes, urging him to go faster. Cole answered the call and quickened his pace.
WithColedelirioustosensations,Josefteasedafingerdownhismate’screaseandplayedalongthe
rippledskinatCole’sentrance.Colemoanedlongandloudandpushedontohisquestingfinger.He
slowlyworkedhisfingerashetookCole’scockdeeperintohisthroat,swallowingaroundthetip.
“Yeah,yeah,”Colegaspedbreathlessly.ThesoundurgedJosefontotakemore.Heworkedhisthroat
muscles around the thick cock in his mouth and surged deeper with his finger stroking against his
sweetspotwitheveryinwardthrust.
Cole’sbodywentbowstringtightashisreleasefloodedJosef’smouth,thetastebitterandsaltyonhis
taste buds. He pulled back with a hard suck, cleaning off every ounce of cum from Cole’s shaft. It
tookhimaminutetocatchhisbreathasherestedhisheadalongsideCole’sthigh.
“Comehere.”Stronghandspulledhimupbyhisarms,andJosefleanedagainstthetiledwall.“My
turn,”Colesaidwithasinfulgrinonhislips.
JosefbarelyhadtimetocomposehimselfbeforeColerammedhismouthdownonhissolidlength.
Hismatewentforaquick,hardsuckofhiscock.TherapidmovementandthewayColecradledhis
ballsinonehandhadhisheartracing.
“OhmyGod,”Josefsaidonalowmoan.HewasstillrecoveringfromgivingColeablowjob,and
nowhismatewasblowinghimawaywithhisoralskills.Hewantedittolastlonger,buthecouldn’t

call back his orgasm from exploding out his body. He’d been turnedon for too long, and his cum
burstforthfromhisbody,andColehappilydrankdowneverydrop.Joseflookeddownandcouldsee
hislipssmilingaroundhiscock.Likehim,Colewashappy.
WhenthefeelofCole’slipsandtonguebecametoomuchforhissensitivedick,hetappedhismateon
thetopofthehead.“Ifyoudon’tstopthatIthinkI’mgoingtopassout.”
Colelookedupandshothimawidesmile.“Can’thavethat,canwe?”Hestoodupandmovedinto
Josef’spersonalspace.“Iwastotallyjokingaboutwakinguptoblowjobseverymorning,butIhave
tosaythatwasawesome.”
Josefchuckled.“Funny,Iwasjustthinkingthesamething.”
Theysharedonemorekissthenfinishedtheirshower.JosefloanedColeachangeofclothesandwith
only being a few inches taller than his mate, Cole fit the clothes perfectly. As they made their way
down the stairs, Josef was excited to show off his mate. He was finally a member of that exclusive
clubhisbestfriendswereapartof.
****

Colefollowedalongbehindhismateastheyheadedtowardthekitchen.Thesoundofvoicesgrew

loudertheclosertheygot.HisheartpoundedinhisearsashestressedaboutmeetingJosef’sfamily.It
wasn’tbecausehewasabadguyorwasjustusingJosef.No,itwasbecausehedidn’tknowhowthe
alphaofJosef’spackwouldreacttohimbeinganomega.

“Morning,” Josef said gleefully. Cole moved in front of him when Josef pulled him forward.

“Everyone,I’dlikeyoutomeetmymate,Cole.Cole”—Josefwavedahandoutinfrontofhim—“this
iseveryone.”
“Hey,”hesaidnervouslyandgaveasmallwave.
Alleyeswereonhim,andColewasafraidtomakeasinglemove.Whatifhedidsomethingwrong
oroffendedthisgroupofmen?“Morning,Cole.”Atallmanwithlongdirty-blondhairstoodup.

“I’mDevon,andthisismymate,Aiden.”

“Nicetomeetyou.”Heshooktheofferedhandsheldoutinfront
ofhim.
“I’dliketosayit’snicetomeetyou,butIdidn’tsleepwelllast
night,”apetitemanwithdarkhairsaidashebroughtaplateof
wafflestothetable.“Allthenoisecomingfromyouall’sroomwasa
littledisruptive.”
“Skyler,don’tbelikethat.”Colewatchedhismatewalkuptothe
othermanandgivehimaone-armedhug.“You’lltotallyunderstand
whatit’slikeoneday.Untilthenyoucan’tblameusforgettingalittle
carriedaway.”
“OhIblameyou,”Skylersnapped.“Amancanonlymasturbate
somuchbeforehishandordickfallsoff.”Themanspunaroundand
headedbacktothestove.
“That’ssogross,”ayoungermanshoutedfromthetable.“You
gotofftothemgettingoff.”ThekidpointedaforkinColeandJosef’s
direction.
“Sweetie,ifyouheardhalftheshitIdidlastnight,you’dknow
whereIwascomingfrom,”Skylersaidashewalkedbacktothetable
withaplateofsausage.
Josefnudgedhisarm.“ThatlittleguyisErik.He’sDevonand
Viktor ’slittlebrotherandapainintheassattimes.”
ColelookedattheyoungermanwhostuckhistongueoutatJosef

thenturnedabrightsmiletowardhim.Hegaveafriendlynodof
acknowledgment.
ThemouthwateringsmellsoffoodfloatedinfrontofCole’sface,
andhisstomachletoutaloudgrowl.Embarrassed,heshiftedonhis
feet.
“Youhungry?”Josefasked,andColenodded.“Thenlet’shavea
seat.Youcangettoknoweveryoneelsealittlebetter.”
Colehadjustfilledhisplateandwastakingabitewhentwoother
menwalkedintotheroom.TheywerethetwowhowereatthebarwithJoseflastnight.Hemetthem
brieflybeforeheandJoseftook
off.
“Goodmorning,mylovelyfamily,”theonenamedViktorgreeted
everyone.“Suchalovelyday.”
“Ifyousaylovelyonemoretime,IswearI’mgoingtoskeweryou
withmyfork,”Skylergrumbledashestabbedhisforkintohiswaffle.Viktorwhistledlowthensaid,
“Touchy.”
“Forgivehim,Vik,”Devonsaid.“Itwouldappearthenewlyweds
kepthimupallnightwiththeirhumping.”
ViktorlookedbetweenhimandJosefandsmiled.“Nice!”Heheld
uphishandandJosefhigh-fivedhim.Coledidthesamewhenthe
manheldouthishand.
“So,Cole,tellusaboutyourself,”Devonsaid,hiseyesassessing
Cole.“Icansmellthatyou’reawolfsonousehidingthat.ButIhave
toask,where’syourpack?”
EversincehemadehisscentknowntoJosef,hehadn’tthoughtto
maskitagain,soitwasnosurpriseDevoncouldsmellhim.He
wouldn’ttakethatsimplejoyawayfromhismatebecauseinorderto
hideitfromothers,hehadtohideitfromJosef.Hemightaswellsee
whatthisalphawantedfromhim.
“There’snotthatmuchtotell,”Colesaidlikeitwasnobigdeal.
“Ihadafallingoutwithmyfather,andIchosetomoveaway.”“I’msorrytohearthat.”Devon’seyes
softened,andColebelieved
themanwasbeingsincere.
Knowingitwouldcomeoutsoonerthanlater,Colewantedto
admithisomegastatusjusttogetitoverwith.“Thankyou,butthere’s
moretomystory.”HedartedhiseyestowardJosef,andhismategave
aslownod.“I’manomega,andthatplussomeotherthingswerethe
stemtoallmyproblemswithmyfather.”
“Omega.”Devonrepeatedthewordlikeitwasnothing.“That’s
cool.”
“That’sallyouhavetosay?”ColewasshockedbyDevon’s
reaction.Mostalphaswouldfindthatextremelyinteresting.“Cole,Idon’tknowifyouhavenoticed
butwe’renotyour
traditionalpackhere.”Devonshruggedhisshoulders.“You’rean
omega,sowhat?”
“Excuseme,what’sanomega?”Devon’smate,Aiden,asked.“Babe,anomegaislikeapeacekeeper
withinapack.”Devon

wipedhismouthcleanwithanapkinthenrelaxedbackinhischair,
drapinganarmoverhismate’sshoulders.“Backintheday,like
beforeIwasevenborn,wolvesstrictlytraveledinpacks,andthey
weremadeupofanalpha,typicallytwotothreebetas,anomega,and
theremainingpackmemberswerereferredtoassoldiers.Thetheory
wasthatitkeptthepackstrongandreadyincaseofanattackfroma
neighboringpackorhunters.Buttheomegaisthewolfinthepack
thatexudesacalmingagent.Notreallysurehowitworks,butothers
aremorerelaxedaroundthem.Whateverneedtherewastofightjust
fadesawayintheirpresence.But”—Devonheldupafinger—“from
whatIlearnedfrommyfather,noteverywolfisaffectedbyan
omega’spresence.Somethingaboutevolutionandhownotalotare
bornanymorebecauseofthewayweaswolvesadapttotheworld
aroundusnow.”
Colewasusedtobeingconsideredspecialandprizedamonghis
packbutnothere,notwiththesemen.Herehewasjustlikeeveryone
else,andhefounditarelief.HewasjustCole.Awolfmatedto
anotherwolf.
“SowhatamI?”Erikteasinglyaskedhisbrother.
“You,pup,arejustapaininmyass,butotherthanthatyou’rejust
you.”Thatelicitedlaughsaroundthetable.“Dadneverfellintothose
practices.Hedidn’tliketolabelpeople,andneitherdoI.”Devon
winkedathiskidbrother.
“IthinkI’mgoingtoloveithere,”Colesaidbeforeherealizedhe
spokeoutloud.Therewasnopoliticsamongthispack.Nostupid
hatredofothers.Thesemenjustwantedtolivetheirlivesas
comfortablyastheycould.Ofcoursehunterswerestillaproblem,but
fromwhatJosefsaid,theyhadaninsideronthecouncil.Aiden’sdadwasahunter,andsowasthekid
Erik’smate.Theywereintheknow
whenitcametothehuntersandtheirwhereabouts.
“That’sgoodbecauseyouaren’tgoinganywhere.”Josefplaceda
fingerunderhischinandturnedCole’sfaceupwardandkissedhim
onthemouth.“Thisisyourhomenow,thatis,ifyouwantittobe.I
don’twanttoforceyoutostayifyoudon’twantto.”
TherewassuchsincerityinhiseyesthatColefelttearswellupin
his.“ThereisnootherplaceI’dratherbe.”Heleanedinforanother
kissbutthenpulledbackandlookedbackatthestaringfacesof
Josef’sfamily.“Ifthat’sokaywithallofyou?”
Thetableeruptedwithapprovalandwelcomestothefamily.Cole
hadfinallyfoundahomewheretherewasn’tanypressuretobe
somethinghewasn’t.Hewasoverthemoonwithjoy.Notonlydidhe
havetheloveofhismatebuttheacceptancefromthesementobea
partoftheirfamily.

ChapterNine

“JosefsaidyouwereattendingHemsworth.Psychmajor,right?”ColeaskedAiden.

After breakfast they sat around talking for a little bit longer before Viktor and Devon pulled Josef
awaytotalkaboutworkstuff.Coledidn’tmind.Aiden,Shane,Erik,andevenSkyler,oncehehadhis
morning fix of coffee, were great guys. They treated Cole like a longlost friend. There was no
awkwardsilencebetweenthem.
“Yes,Iloveit.”Aidensmiledwarmlyathim.
“Idid,too,beforeIhadtotakesometimeoff.Myfatherwouldn’tpayformyschoolingifIleftthe
pack.”Heshruggedhisshoulders.“ButImadetherightchoice.Iplantosaveupandgobackassoon
asIcan.”ItstillbotheredhimthathisfatherhadyankedawayhisfinancialsupportandleftColewith
nootheroptionbuttotaketimeoffofschool.Hisfatherknewdamnwellhecouldn’taffordthehigh
tuitionrates,buttheoldmandidn’tcare.Hisfatherwantedtomakehimsufferforturninghisbackon
thepackandtookawayhismeanstoattendcollege.
“Thatsucks!”Aidensoundedoffendedforhim.
“Itdoes,andI’mnotdefendingmyfatherwhenIsaythis,buthehashisreasonsfornottrustingthe
human world. Misguided? Totally, but he’s allowed to have his opinions.” Cole explained about his
motherandhowaftershediedhisfatherwentoffthedeepend.
“Still,heshouldn’tforceyouoryourbrotherstobesomethingyouaren’t.”Skylersatforwardinhis
chair.“Ifyoudon’tmindmeasking,howareyourbrothershandlingallthis?”
“I don’t mind.” Cole thought about it for a moment before he answered. “They more or less stay
around to keep an eye on our father. They’re four years older than me, and I think they feel
responsible for him. They knew him before he changed.” They never said as much, but Cole could
seeitintheiractions.Nomatterwhat,hewasstilltheirfather,andhisbrotherswouldstandbyhim
justtokeephimsafe.They’ddothesameforCole.That’swhytheydidn’tcausearuckuswhenheleft.
“The things we do for family,” Aiden said with a smile. Aiden asked him where he was in his
schoolingwhenhehadbeenforcedtoleave.CometofindouthewasonlyasemesterbehindAiden.
“Youshouldn’tbeworkingconstruction,”Aidenblurtedout.“Youshouldfinishschool,andIknow
forafactJosefwouldwantthat,too.”ShaneandSkylernoddedtheiragreement.
“Thanks guys, but I have to save up. I’m not complaining. It’s what I like to call a life lesson,” he
teased,tryingtolightenthemood.
“Bullshit it is,” Skyler said in a raised, dramatic tone. “You have a goal, and it was thrown off—
forgive me for saying this—by your asshole father. Josef has the means to pay for your education.
Youjustneedtoaskthatofhim.Heisyourmateafterall.”
Coleshookhishead.Josefmightbehismate,buthedidn’twanttohavetodependonhimforevery
littlething.That’swhathappenedwithhisfather.Hehadtolearntorelyonhimself.
“They’re right, you know.” Cole turned toward the entryway when he heard Josef’s voice. “You
shouldbeinschool,notbreakingyourbackbyworkingconstruction.”Josefwalkedintotheroom
andkneltbywhereColesat.“I’dgladlypayyourtuition.Youhavedreamsthatshouldn’tbeignored,
especiallywhenwehavethemeanstopayforit.”
“We?”Colecockedhisheadandstaredathismate.
“Yeah,youandI.”JosefpointedtoColethenbacktohimself.“What’smineisyours,andwhatbetter
waytospendsomeofoursavingsthantoputyouthroughschool?It’snotdoinganyoneanygood
justsittinginthebank.Iwanttoinvestinyourfuturewhichmeansourfuture.”
Suchsweetwords.Coledidn’tknowwhattosay.Hefearedifheopenedhismouthhe’dstarttosob
likeababy.WhenJosefsaiditlikethat,itwouldbeaslapinthefacenottoaccept.Josefwaslaying
all his cards out on the table. Him using the we and our words was a big comment on his part. His
matewastellinghimthathewasn’tgoinganywhereandthattheywereateamfromhereonout.Cole
totallyhitthematelotterywithJosef.
“Youguys,let’sgivethemsometimealone,”AidensaidasheusheredShane,Erik,andSkyleroutof

theroom.
Whenhefinallyfoundhisvoice,Coleasked,“Doyoureallymeanallthatstuff?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Josefreachedforhishands.“Whathappenedbetweenuslastnightwaslifechangingfor
bothofus.We’reateam.I’dgladlyshareeverythingIhavewithyou.”
“Me,too.”Colelethiseyesfalltostareatthefloor.“Butit’snotreallyfairtoyou.”
“Howso?”
“I have nothing but an old beat-up truck that doesn’t work most days and a rented apartment filled
withusedfurniture.Seemslikeyou’retheonlyonethathasanythingworthwhiletoshare.”
“Ah,babe.”JosefcuppedthesidesofCole’sfacewithhishands.“Idon’tseeitthatway.”Hekissed
Coleontheforehead.“AndIknowiftheshoewasontheotherfootyou’ddothesameforme.”
Cole nodded manically because he would in a heartbeat. He loved Josef. There was nothing he
wouldn’tgiveordofortheman.
“Sopleasedon’ttakethisthewrongway,butyou’refired.”Josefchuckled.
Hisemotionsfinallygotthebestofhim,andhistearsfelllikerain.Josefhadalreadygivenhimso
muchjustbylovinghim,andnowhewasgivinghimthemeanstogobacktoschool.
Josef pulled him down to sit in his lap and covered his mouth over Cole’s. The kiss was sweet and
gentle. His mate was showing him through his actions how much he loved him. Neither one had
utteredthewordsyet,butheknewtheywouldintime.
Hisphonebeeped,indicatingatexthadcomethrough.HelookeddowntoseethatitwasJoshtelling
himtheywouldbeheadingoutinafewhours.Josefagreedtodrivehimbacktohisapartmentsohe
couldsaygood-bye.
****

Josef felt so happy he swore he bounced when he walked. He loved that Cole wanted to be Mr.

Independent, but the man needed to go back to school. He had already decided to foot the bill for
Cole’sschooling.Theyweremates,andJoseftrulythoughtofhismoneyastheirmoney.Everything
heownedhe’dgladlysharewithhismate.

WhentheyreachedhistruckheopenedthedoorforColetoclimbinside.Theytalkedalltheway

toSilverCreekaboutnothingandeverything.Itwasliketheyhadbeentogetherforever.

Colereachedovertograbhisarmwhenhepulleduptothecurboutsidehisapartment.“Canwe

keepthewholememovinginwithyouasecret.Idon’twantmybrotherstoknowjustyet.”

“Okay.” Josef wasn’t hurt by this. He knew Cole hadn’t told his father he was gay, and his mate

fearedhisfatherwouldunleashhiswrathonthem.

“Really, you’re not mad at me for being a coward?” Cole started to nibble on the corner of his

bottomlip.Josefthoughtthegesturecute.

“No,Idon’t.Butkeepinmindatsomepointwewillhavetotellthem.It’snotgoodtokeepsecrets

fromtheonesyoulove.”
“Iagree,butIwanttohavethistimetoenjoyeverything.”AsmilelitupCole’sface.“It’salsobrand
new and exciting. I want to ride the waves for a little longer before I have to crash back down to
earth.”
“I’mdownwiththat,baby.”JosefpressedaquickpecktoCole’slipsthenhoppedoutofthetruck.
He intertwined his hand with Cole’s. Josef just liked having even the briefest contact with the man.
Whentheyreachedhisapartmentheletgoandopenedthefrontdoor.
JoshandJakesatonthecouchwiththeirheadsdownlookingattheirphones.Theiridenticalheads
poppedupwhentheysteppedintotheapartment.
“Hey,babybrother.”JoshjumpedupandgaveColeahug.“Josef.”
“Josh.”HenoddedinJake’sdirection.“Jake.”
“Soyoutwooffalready?”Coleasked.

“Yep.Fathershouldbebacktonight,andhe’llexpectustobethere,”Jakeanswered.Itlookedlikethe
ideaofgoingbackhomedidn’tthrillthetwobrothers.“Yousureyoudon’twanttogowithus?”
Josef’sheadsnappedinhismate’sdirection.Wasthatevenachoice?
“Uhno,”Coleanswered.“Ifanythinghappenscallme.JustbecauseFatherandIaren’tonspeaking
termsdoesn’tmeanIdon’tcare.It’sjust…”Coleshookhisheadandgaveashrug.
“Don’tsweatit,littlebrother.”JoshpulledColeintoahug.“We’llcomevisitagain.”
“Youguysdothat.”
“Josef,itwasnicemeetingyou,”JoshsaidasheheldhishandoutforJoseftoshake.OnceJoshhad
hishandaroundhis,theothermantightenedhisgrip.IttookJosefbysurprise,buthedidn’tlethis
shockshowonhisface.“Begoodtoourbrotherorwe’llfindyou.”Therewasalethalpromiseinthe
man’seyesthatsaidhemeantit.
“Josh!”Colegrumbled.“Stopthat.”
Josef squeezed the hand in his harder. “I care a great deal for your brother.” And he meant those
wordswholeheartedly.“I’dneverhurthim.”
Joshstaredstraightintohiseyes,andJosefdidn’tflinchaway.Thesemenlovedtheirbrotherandjust
wantedtomakesurehewasbeingtakencareofandwouldbesafe.
Joshmusthaveseenwhathewaslookingforandsmiled.“Ibelieveyou,justdon’tprovemewrong.”
“Ihavenointentionsofthat.”JosefsmiledandreleasedJosh’shand.
Afterafewmoreminutes,Josef,withColebyhisside,escortedthetwomendowntotheircar.As
theydroveoffhismatestoodtherestaringafterthemuntiltheywereoutofsight.Josefdidn’tlikethe
lostlookonhismate’sface.HelaidahandonCole’sshoulderandgaveagentlesqueeze.
“Yougoingtobeokay?”Josefasked.
ColeturnedaroundandloopedhisarmsaroundJosef’swaist.“Yeah,Ijusthatehowtheyfollowour
fatherwithoutquestion.SometimesIfearhe’llgetthemkilled.”
“Oh,baby.”JosefranahandupCole’snecktobrushthroughhishair.“I’msureyourdadwouldn’tdo
anythingtoputthemindanger.”OratleastJosefhopednot.
****

Coleknewheshouldtellhismateaboutthethreatsuponhisfamily’spack,buthehimselfdidn’t

have all the facts. This could all be a big misunderstanding that his father had blown out of
proportion,andnowhistwobrotherswereleftpickingupthepieces.ButColecouldn’tsayforsure
becauseheleftbeforetheseproblemsstarted.

“Hey,youokay?”Josefcuppedthesideofhisface,andColenuzzledintothetouch.“Lookslike

you’veseenaghostorsomething.”

“No,notaghost,justmyworrisomenature.”Colesmiledathismate.

“Well I can help you take your mind off of things.” Josef’s hands fell to grip Cole’s ass. “If you
want,”Josefsaidinaseductivevoice.
He couldn’t help it. Cole began to laugh. His big strong mate was trying to seduce him, and it was
cute.JosefbattedhiseyelashesandwiggledhishipsclosertoCole’s.God,howhelovedthisman.
“What’ssofunny?”Josefpouted.
“Nothing.”Coleshookhisheadashetriedtoswallowhislaughter.“Ijustloveyousomuch.”
ColewasstillgigglingwhenJosef’ssilencehadhimlookingupathismate’sshockedface.
“Youloveme?”Josefasked.
Hedidn’tmeantojustblurtitout,butitwasthehonesttruth.ColelovedJoseffromthemomenthe
laideyesonhim.Therewasnousedenyingit.
“Yeah,Ido.”HeranthebackofhisknucklesalongJosef’sjawline.“Doesthatscareyou?”
“Fuck no,” Josef said with a smile. “I’ve seen my friends find their mates, and I never quite
understood the whole love-at-first-sight thing, but after meeting you I could swear I’ve loved you

forever.It’slikewhenwemetitjustawakenedwhatwasalreadythere.”
Colenoddedhisagreement.HelikedthewayJosefwordedit.Itwasasifhislifehadbeenonhold
untilhemethismate.JoseffilledhimwithsuchhappinessandcompletenessColewasn’tsurehowhe
survivedbeforemeetingtheman.“Iagree,”hesimplysaid.
HeopenedwidewhenJosefdovebackinforahardkiss.Theirtonguesbattledbackandforthinthe
mostsensualofways.Thismanownedhimheartandsoul,andColeneverwantedtolosethisfeeling
hefeltrightnow.Allhisproblemswithhisfatherandstressoverhisbrothers’safetyseemednotas
heavyonhisshouldersbecausehehadJosefathissidetohelpbeartheload.

ChapterTen

Whentheygotbacktothehousewithallhisbelongingsfromhisapartmenttheysatdownfora

familydinnerwithJosef’sfamily.Afterwardtheyallwentforaruninthewoods.Itwasfuntojust
runfreeandplaywiththeothers.Aiden,beingtheonlyhumaninthehouse,satinaloungechairand
watched from the patio. When they came back from their run, Devon let out a series of barks and
nudgedhisfurryheadinAiden’sdirection,andColecouldhaveswornhesawthewolfgrin.

TheyalltookoffandrushedtowardAiden.Thehumanwascaughtoffguardandscreamedlikea

girlwhentheysurroundedhim.“Youjerks,youmademespillmytea.”

Coletookinhissurroundings.Thiswasfunforhim.Nopressuretofitin.Thesemendefinitely

marchedtothebeatoftheirowndrumwhenitcametopacklife.Helltheyevenhadawhitetigerin
thepack,Shane.

Hesatbackonhishaunches,notreadytoshiftback.Thenightwastooserenetogobackinside

justyet.Josefcameovertohimandsatbesidehim.Hismate’sfurwasblackasmidnight.Justlikethe
haironhishumanhead.

Josefnudgedhimintheshoulderwithhissnout,andColewasheldcaptivebyhisbigbrowneyes.

Theyweresosoftandinviting.Colefelthimselffallinlovealloveragain.

“Well,guys,we’recallingitanight,”Devoncalledout.“Mymaterequiresalittlealonetimeif

youknowwhatImean.”Hewinked.
“Youaresuchanass,youknowthat?”Aidenchidedhismate.
“But,honey,weallknowwhathappensafterahardrun.Thingsgethardinthebedroom.”
ColewatchedasDevondrewAideninforakiss.Heshouldn’thavebeenwatching,butitwaskindof
hardtolookaway.Hefelthiscocktwitch,andhehadtoagreewithDevon’sassessment.Shiftingdid
causeayearningofsorts,andwhenapersonhadamatetheycouldexpendallthatenergywiththeir
lover.
Aidenwavedaquickgood-byeandlethismateleadhimbackintothehouse.ViktorandShanedidn’t
bothershiftingback,justranthroughthefrontdoorandoutofsight.Thegraywolf,Erik,tookoff
acrossthebackyardanddisappearedintothenight.Skylerhadleftafterdinner,sohedidn’tpartake
intherun.SothatjustlefthimandJosefaloneonthepatiowithnothingbutthestarsabovethemand
mothernaturesurroundingthem.
Cole looked up at the sky one last time then turned toward his mate. He licked his tongue across
Josef’snose.Hismategavehimawetkissbackthennoddedhisheadtowardthebackdoor.
Shifting back, Cole strode in all his naked glory to the door, giving an extra sway of his hips with
everystep.Heheardalowhowlcomingfromhismate.HeturnedintimetoseeJosefshiftintohis
human body. A look of pure lust lit up Josef’s face, and he took eager steps to reach Cole. Cole’s
tonguesnakedouttowethislipsashiseyesfelltothehardrodbetweenJosef’sthighs.Hesuddenly
feltveryhungry.
“Bed,now,”Josefordered.Hepulledopenthedoor,andColerushedthroughit.

HeracedupthestairswithJosefathisback.Whenhereachedthebedroomdoorhepusheditopen
andspunaroundtofacehismate.JosefkickedthedoorshutandpulledColeupintohisarms.Cole
broughthislegsuptowraparoundJosef’swaist,smashinghiscockintoJosef’shardstomach.
“It’smyturn.”Josef’swordscameoutthickandgravelly.“I’mgoingtocomeinsidethistightlittle
assofyours.I’vebeendyingtofeelyouwrappedaroundme.”
“Yes,ohGod,yes,”ColepantedasJosefkissedthebreathoutofhislungs.
JosefcarriedhimtothebedandthenploppeddownwithColetrappedbeneathhim.Josefworkedhis
waydownCole’sbody,stoppingtoteasehisnipples.Hesuckedandpulledatthepebbledpeaks,and
Colearchedoffthebed,rubbinghiscockintoJosef’swarmth.Josefmovedtohisothernippleand
suckedsohardColeshoutedatthepain-pleasureitcaused.
“I’mgoingtoloveyousogood,”Josefraspedagainsthisskin.
“Stoptalkingandshowme,please,”Colebegged.Helovedtopping,buthealsowantedtofeelwhatit
wasliketohaveJosefinsidehim.He’dneverletanothermanhavethatpleasurebefore,andthiswasa
gifthecouldgivetohismate.
Josef reached over his body and grabbed the lube. Cole watched as his mate popped the cap and
drizzledtheliquidoverhisfingers.Hepulledhiskneesuptohischest,exposinghisholeforJosef.
Josef traced his wet fingers down his crack, and Cole’s whole body tensed when a finger brushed
overhispucker.
“Relax,lover,”Josefwhisperedagainsthislips,andColetriedhisbesttocalmhisracingheart.
“Oh my God,” he shouted as one large finger eased inside him. The stretch burned, and his body
clampeddownonJosef’sfinger.Hegulpeddownbreathafterbreathtryingtorelaxhisbody.
“Shh,it’sokay,Cole.”Josefkissedhimlightlyonthelips.Themorehismatekissedhim,themore
Cole’sbodyloosenedup.“Damn,you’resotight.”
Colechuckled.“IhopesoconsideringI’veneverdonethisbefore.”Hegruntedwhenanotherfinger
pushedinbesidethefirst.
“Never?”Josefleaneduponanelbowtostaredownathim.
“No.Notunlessyoucountthismorningwhenwewereintheshowerandyoufingeredme.”
“This might make me sound like a complete asshole, but I love that no one else has gotten to
experiencethispartofyou.Callmeselfish,Idon’tcare.”Josefkissedhimhardonthemouth.“But
thisturnsmeonlikeyouwouldn’tfuckingbelieve.”
“I’mglad.”ColecoastedhishandsdownJosef’sback,rakinghisfingernailsashewent.WhenCole
reachedJosef’stight,hardass,hecurledhisfingersintothesolidmuscle.“NowshowmewhatI’ve
beenmissing.”
Itwaslikepullingatriggeronagun.Heunleashedafirewithinhismatehedidn’twanttoreinback
in. Josef ravished his mouth until Cole couldn’t breathe. His body broke out in a hot sweat, and he
pulledJoseftightertohisbody.
Josef’s fingers toyed inside his hole, every so often bumping against his pleasure button. It caused
Coletojerkandsquirmwithdesire.
Finallyafterwhatfeltlikealifetime,Josefpulledhisfingersfreeandsatup.Colelookeddownhis
bodyasJoseflineduphiscocktohisentrance.Joseflookedupandmethishungrygazethenslowly
pushedinside.Colebreathedthroughtheinitialpainbutdidn’twanthismatetostop.Heneededthis.
“God,you’resotight,”JosefsaidwhenhewasseatedfullyinCole’sbody.“It’slikeyouwerecustom
fittedformycock.”
Colewouldhavetoagree.Josef’sthick,vein-coveredcockfitperfectlyinhistightsheath.Hisshaft
rubbedallCole’ssecretspotsheneverknewexistedbefore.Heliftedhiships,urgingJoseftomove.
SlowlyJosefpulledoutandthenpushedbackinside.Colecouldfeelhisbodygripthehardlength,
tryingtokeepitinsidehim.Witheveryin-and-outmovementhisbodyloosenedmore,andColerode

thewavesofpleasureitcaused.
Josef leaned down and kissed his lips, and Cole turned his head away. “Don’t stop.” He reached
betweentheirsweat-slickedbodiesandtuggedonhisthrobbingcock.
“Never,”Josefgrowledasheplowedforwardwithalittlemoreforce.
AsJosef’sthrustspickedupspeed,Colewaspushedupthebed.Hekeptonehandonhisdick,jerking
fordearlifeandonegrippingatJosef’sback.Cole’seyesclenchedtightashisorgasmengulfedhis
body.Sparksignitedinhisballsandrushedouthiscockhead.Hiscumshotouthisbody,smearingon
hischestasJosefdroveharderandfasterintohim.
Josef’sbodystiffened,andColefelteverypulseofhislover ’scockashecamedeepintohisbody.
ColewrappedhisarmsandlegsaroundJosef’sbodyandhuggedhimtight.
ThenewpositionputJosef’sshoulderevenwithhismouth.Colelethisteethlengthenandstruckdeep
into his mate’s flesh. Josef cried out then tucked his head close to Cole’s neck. And just like he’d
done,Josefbitintohim.Aftershocksquakedwithinhisbody,andhepulledharderonhismate.
Colelickedthemarkonhismate’sshoulderandhecouldfeelJosefdoingthesame.Josefrolledto
thesidebutquicklypulledColeoverhim,andColerestedhisheadonhismate’sdampchest.
“Thatwasawesome,”Colesaidashefinallycaughthisbreath.
“Thanks.”Joseflaughed.“Idoaimtoplease.”
“Wellyoudid.”ColesatuptohoveroverJosef’sbody.“Itwasperfect.”HestareddownintoJosef’s
eyes.“Iloveyou.”
AsmiledrewacrossJosef’sfaceandhepulledColedowntohischest.“Iloveyou,too.Foreverand
ever.”
“Ever and ever.” Cole cuddled close to his mate, not wanting to let him go for even a minute. He
yawned wide and settled in. Sleep had never come so easy before, and it was due to the man in his
arms.Josefwasmorethanhismate.HewasCole’ssalvation.Apromiseforabetterfuture.
****

Theweekendcameandwent,andonMondaymorningJosefdrovehimtotheHemsworthcampus

toseeaboutstartingthesummersessionlate.Hewasonlybehindonesemester,soColehopedthey
would let him enroll late. And when the fall semester started, he would be back on track. He didn’t
haveanydesiretobeaforeverstudentandwaslookingforwardtograduating.

“Thatseemedeasyenough,”Josefsaidastheywalkedoutoftheadministrationbuilding.

“Wellofcourseitiswhenyourboyfriendpaysforyournextyear ’stuitionupfront,”Coleteased.
“Bullshit.” Josef gave him a soft nudge in the shoulder. “They looked at your records, and your
gradesarewhatswayedthem.Ithadnothingtodowithmoney.”
Cole’scheeksheatedwithembarrassment.Hewasn’tusedtogettingpraise.“Maybenot,butitdoesn’t
hurt.”
“Sureitdoesn’t.Butthesummersessionisonlytwoweeksin,soyou’llbeabletocatchup,andAiden
canhelpyoustudy.Healreadyagreedtohelpinanywayhecan.”
“Hedid.”Colesmiled.“Thisallseemstoogoodtobetrue.”
“Whatdoes,baby?”Josefsteeredhimbacktowardhistruck.
“You,yourpack,andnowschool.Foroncethingsjustseemtobefallingintoplaceforme.I’mafraid
tosayanythingoutloudforfearI’lljinxmyself.”Colewasn’tsuperstitious,buthefearedthat,ifhe
talkedabouthowgreateverythingwas,he’dwakeuponlytorealizehehadbeendreaming.
“Wellit’sreal,sogetusedtoit.”Josefstoppedhimbeforehecouldgetintothetruckandkissedhim
onthelips.“Idon’texpectyoutoforgetyourpast,butdon’tletitspoilyourpresentandfuture.”Josef
grinned at him. “This is only the start of good things to happen for us. We’re together and happy.
Notingcouldruinthisforus.”
Colecouldonlynodinagreement.Tospeakhishappinessandreliefoutloudseemedtobetempting

fatetoomuch.

ChapterEleven

Cole had been living with Josef for close to two weeks and attending school during the day.

Everythingwasgoinggreat.HisdayswerespentgoingtoclassthenhangingoutwithAiden,Shane,
andSkyler.Hisnightswerespentwithhislovingmate.Josefshowedhimthewondersofbeingmated.
They’druninwolfformforhoursonend,thenwhentheyweretooexhaustedtogoanyfarther,they
wouldlayunderthestarryskyandmakelove.

AsColelefthislastclassfortheday,heworeasmileasbrightasthehotsummersunthatbeat

downonhisneckashewalkedtotheEarlyBeanCafé.ItwasFriday,andJosefhadpromisedtotake
himcamping.RapidFallswasaboutanhourawayfromNehalemandhadalargelakesmackdabin
themiddle.Theyplannedtospendthedayshikingandswimming,andtheirnightsmakinglovewith
thesoundsofnatureserenadingthem.Hecouldn’twait.Theonlydownerwastheywouldhavetostay
inhumanform.Aiden’sdadhadwarnedthemagroupofhuntershadbeenstakingouttheareaaround
RapidFalls.ButColecouldlivewithoutlettinghiswolfoutforafewdaysifitmeanthegottospend
sometimealonewithhismate.

“Lookatthatgoofysmileonyourface,”ShanesaidasColewalkedintothecafé.“Letmeguess.

You’rethinkingaboutyouandyourboyfriend’shot,sex-filledweekend.”

ColeshouldhavebeenembarrassedbywhatShanesaid,buthewasn’t.Nothingwasgoingtoget

himdown.“Youknowit.”
“So do you have everything packed and ready to go?” Shane went back to wiping down the
countertops.
“Yep, I’m all set. Just waiting for Josef to come home from work.” Cole took a seat on one of the
highbarstools.
“SorryI’mlate,”Aidenapologizedasherushedthroughthedoor.“Skylerlockedhiskeysinhiscar
again,andIhadtodrivebackhometograbthemthentakethemtohim.HowthatmanfunctionsI’ll
neverknow.”
“Noworries.Ijustgotheremyself.”Aboutaweekagohisbeatupoldtruckblewitslastpuffofblack
smoke and died on the side of the highway. Josef had hounded him for two solid days until Cole
relented and finally let Josef buy him a new truck. He would have been driving it today, but he had
swervedtoavoidhittingadeerthepreviousdayandthrewthealignmentalloutofwhack.Histruck
was in the shop getting repaired. Aiden, having taken the summer off, agreed to pick him up from
classuntilhehadhistruckback.
“Good.”Aidenlookedrelieved.“Shane,hitmewithmyusual.”Heslappedhishandonthecounter
thensnappedhisfingers.
“Boy,youbetterstopsnappingatmelikeI’mafreakingdog.”ShanenarrowedhiseyesatAidenwith
falseanger.“Andhotchocolateishardlyastiffdrink.”
“Well, kitty, I’m not old enough to drink yet, so the sweet stuff will have to do.” Cole dodged the
papercupShanethrewatAiden.
“Smartass,”ShanegrumbledbutwassmilingashefilledAiden’sorder.
“Boys, be nice or I’ll have to separate you and take away all your toys. And by toys I mean your
mates.”Colelaughedattheirshockedexpressions.AidenandShaneremindedhimofJoshandJake.
Hehadn’theardfromhisbrotherssincetheycametovisittwoweeksago,andeverytimeColemeant
tocallthemhegotdistractedandforgot.Hemadeapromisetohimselftocallthemwhenhegotback
fromhisweekendtripwithJosef.
“That’sharsh.”Aidentookadrinkofhiscocoa.

“Like I could keep your mates from you. They’d beat my ass.” Cole jumped in his seat when his
phonebegantovibrateinhispocket.Hehadturnedtheringeroffwhileinclassandforgottoturnit
backon.ColefisheditoutofhispocketthensmiledwhenhesawJosef’snumberflashingacrossthe
screen.“Hello,”hecooedintothephone.
“Hey,babe.”Josef’smasculinevoicecarriedovertheline.“Igotsomebadnews,sopleasedon’tkill
me.”
“What’swrong?”Thehairsonthebackofhisneckroseinstantly.
“Calm down. It’s nothing serious, just that I won’t be home until late. We broke ground on the
Andersonhousetoday,andwe’verunintoaproblem.There’sashittonofhugerocksrightwherewe
starteddigging.I’mwaitingtohearbackfromJensenonwhethertheAndersonswanttopaytohave
themremovedoriftheywanttobuyadifferentlot.”
“IbetJensenisjustlovingthis.”Colewasn’ttypicallythejealoustype,butheknewthatJensenhada
thingforhismate,andthatmadeColeuncomfortable.
“Ohstopit.Jensenisjustdoinghisjob,andbesideswhywouldIwanthimwhenIgotyouathome?”
“Iknow,buteverytimeIhearhisnameIcan’tgetpasttheimageofhimdrapedalloveryouthatnight
attheclub.”Andhecouldn’t.Jensenseemedlikeaveryniceman,butheheldatorchforJosef,and
hiswolfwasn’tthatunderstanding.
“I know, baby, but I swear he hasn’t tried to put the moves on me, honest. If anything he keeps his
distance.”ThatmadeColefeelalittlebetter.“ButbacktowhyIcalled.I’mgoingtobelate,butI’m
stillupforheadingoutonceIgethome.Isthatokaywithyou?”
“Soundsperfect.I’llbereadytogowhenyoupullup.”
“Excellent,I’llseeyouinawhile.Loveyou.”
“Loveyou,too.”Colehungupthecallandwasreachingdowntosliphisphoneintohispocketwhen
itslippedfromhishand.Heheardthesplashbeforehesawit.“No!”heshoutedashesnatchedhiscell
phonefromthesoapymopbucketbyhisstool.
“Ah, shit.” Shane came around the counter. “I’m sorry, Cole. I forgot to put the bucket away after I
mopped.Doesitstillwork?”
Coleusedhisshirttodryoffthelittledevice.Nomatterwhatbuttonhepusheditwouldn’tcometo
life.Itwasdead.“No,”hefinallysaid.
“I’msosorry,”Shaneapologizedagain.
“It’s my fault. I let it fall in the first place. Don’t stress on it, Shane.” He wrapped an arm around
Shane’sneckandpulledhimintoaone-armedhug.“Icangetanotherone.”
“Just look at it this way,” Aiden said around a mouthful of cookie. “Now you won’t have any
distractionsthisweekend.
“True that,” Cole agreed and gave Aiden a high-five. Josef would be with him all weekend, and if
anyonefromthehouseneededhimtheycouldjustcallJoseftoreachhim.
Cole and Aiden waited until Shane was done and gave him a ride home. Skyler was making dinner
whentheygotback,andtheyalllentahandtohelpout.Thirtyminutesaftertheygothome,Erikcame
runningthroughthebackdoor.Hiseyeswereredandswollenlikehe’dbeencrying.
“Erik?”Aidencalledafterhim,butthekiddidn’tstop.Hejustspedpastthem,neveracknowledging
them.“Excuseme,guys.”Aidenfollowedafterhismate’skidbrother.
“What’seatinghim?”Coleaskedashechoppedupsomeappleforthesalad.
“Ithinkithassomethingtodowithhismate,”Skylersaidfromwherehestoodinfrontofthestove.
“Really?”ColelookedoverhisshoulderinthedirectionErikranoffin.“ButIthoughttheydidn’tsee
eachother,youknow,becauseofthewholeagething.”Erikstillhadonemoreyearbeforehewasof
legalagetoconsummatehismating.Butthatwasn’tthebiggestobstacleintheirway.Withhismate
beingahunter,Coledidn’thaveacluehowthatunionwasgoingtoworkout.

“Comeon,Cole.Youwereyoungonce.Didyoufolloweveryrulesetuponyou?”Shaneasked.
“No,butthisisdifferent.Erik’smateisahunter,andplusisn’thelikeinhisthirties?Heknowsnotto
messwithaminor.”JosefhadtoldhimErik’smate,Brandon,wasastandupguyandwouldnevertake
advantage of the situation. But if he thought about it, it didn’t mean Erik was keeping his distance.
Maybethekidgotshotdownorsomething.
“Still,ithastohurttoknowyoucan’thavetheonepersonyoureallywant,”Shanesaidashewent
backtotearingapartthelettuceleaves.
Aidencamebackintothekitchen.Helookedupset,andhishairhadbeenrumpledfromrunninghis
fingersthroughit.“Thatkidisgoingtogivemegrayhair,Iswearit.”
“Whathappenednow?”Skylerasked.
“Notsure.Hewouldn’topenthedoor,butIknowhehasbeensneakingoutalotlately.Hethinkswe
don’tknow,butDevonandIaren’tstupid.”
“What’shedoingwhenhegoesout?”ShanemovedtoputthesaladbowlonthecounternexttoCole
thenshiftedtolookatAiden.
“Personally I think he’s spying on Brandon.” Aiden waved the three of them closer and spoke in a
hushed tone. “My dad told me he’s seen Erik drive past Brandon’s house on several different
occasions.”
“HasheaskedBrandonaboutit?”Coleasked.Hefoundhimselfintriguedwiththepair ’sromanceor
lack thereof. It was kind of like Romeo and Juliet. Two people destined to be together, but life and
circumstanceskeptgettingintheirway.Colefounditterriblysad.
“Dad says Brandon won’t discuss it with him. Says it’s personal. But he swears he hasn’t had any
contactwithErik.”
“Maybethat’stheproblem,honey.”Skylercarriedthepotofpastafromthestovetosetonthetable.
“Rejectionisamotherfucker.”
“True, but once Erik turns eighteen things can change. They can be together,” Cole said, being
optimistic.
“Cole, it’s not that simple,” Aiden said. “From what I understand Brandon will have to make a
decisiontoeitherbewithErikorstayonthecouncil.AndonewouldthinkifBrandonwantedtobe
with Erik, he would have left the hunters’ council already, but he hasn’t. If anything he is more
engrossedwiththem.Ican’tbeangrywiththemanforthat.Betweenhimandmydad,theyhavekept
ourpackandafewotherssafefrombeingkilledorkidnappedforstudyingpurposes.”
“True,butyouneverknow,strangerthingshavehappened,”Skylerchimedin.“Itcouldbelikeoneof
thoseepiclovestorieslikePrettyWoman.”Skylerclappedahandtohischest.“I’msojealous.”
“No,youdork.”AidentossedabreadstickatSkyler.“You’rejusthorny.”
“True,Idoneedtogetlaidandsoon.”Skylerpluckedthebreadfromtheairandtookabiteofit.
ThetableeruptedinpealsoflaughterandColewasrighttherewiththem.ApartofColefeltguilty
for having a good time while Erik was obviously upstairs hurting. But as it was, there was nothing
theycoulddoforthepoorkid.Inayearthey’dhaveabetterideaonhowtohelpErik.Colehopedthat
ErikandBrandondidenduptogetherbecauseheknewhowharditwastohaveamatehecouldn’tbe
with.Thatwasafateworsethandeath.
Josefstillhadn’tgottenhomewhentheyfinishedwithdinner.Colehelpedclearthetableandwentout
onthebackporchtohangwithhisnewfriends.
Skylerbroughtoutsometeaandthefourofthemsataroundthelargeglasstableinthecomfylounge
chairs. Cole rocked his chair up and down. The sun had started to set, and the heat of the day was
beingchasedawaybyacomfortablenighttimebreeze.Hestaredoffintothedistance,gettinglostin
thepicturesquescenery.HecouldhearSkylergoingonaboutthisandthat,butheonlyhalflistened.
Asthewindblewacrosshisface,hehummedhiscontentment.

Asharphowlshookhimfromhisdaydreaming.Inthedistance,andthankstohissuperbwolfvision,
hesawtwowolvesrunningtowardthehouse.Onewaswhitewithablackpatchoveritslefteye,and
theotheronewhitewithablack-coloredpatchonhisright.JoshandJake.
“What’sgoingon?”Aidenasked.
ColelookedovertoseeShane’sandSkyler ’stenseposture.Thembeingshifterstheycouldsensethat
theseweren’ttheaveragewolvesrunningaroundtheproperty.
“Shifters,”Shanebitout.Hestoodup,movingtostandprotectivelyinfrontofAiden,theonlyhuman
amongthem.Shane’sbodybentatthewaistasifhewasgettingreadytoshift.
“No,waitaminute.”ColereachedouttostopShanefromleapingintotheair.Shaneturnedhisface
towardhim,thehardsetofhisjawandsteelygazeaimedrightathim.“They’remybrothers.”
“Whataretheydoinghere?”SkyleraskedashemovedtostandontheothersideofAiden.
“Ihavenoclue.”Colelookedoutintotheyardashisbrothersgainedgroundandgotclosertothe
house. If his brothers came searching for him, it didn’t mean good news. “Josh, Jake?” he asked
loudly.
Theairshimmeredaroundhisbrothersastheyshiftedbackintotheirhumanform,nakedforallto
see.Thetwinsworematchingfacesofdespairandconcern.
“Holyshit,”Skylerwhispered.“Theyareasfineasthedayislong.”
Colerolledhiseyesandpushedbyhisfriendstoreachtheendofthedeckwherehisbrothersstood.
“NotthatI’mnothappytoseeyouguys,butwhyareyouhere?”
“It’sFather,he’sbeentaken.”
And just like that his happy world started to crumble like a decaying building. Cole should have
knownthingsweregoingtoogoodforhim.Lifejustcouldn’tlethimbehappy.

ChapterTwelve

“Thanksfordrivingmehome.Ireallydoappreciateit,”Josefsaidforthemillionthtime.

“Honestly it’s not that big of a deal,” Jensen said with a smile. “I just hope your boyfriend doesn’t
mind.”Jensenletoutalowwhistle.“Ionlymethimthatonetime,butIcouldmostdefinitelytellhe
wasn’thappywithme.”
“Yeah.”Adopeygrinspreadoverhislips.Itmightmakehimadick,buthelikedknowinghismate
gotjealous.InaweirdwayitmadeJoseffeelspecial.
“Thanks.” Jensen narrowed his eye and gave him a stern look. “I’m glad my humiliation and
potentiallygettingmyasshandedtomemakesyousmilelikealove-sickteenager.”
Shit!He’dforgottenaboutthat.Josefcoughedintohisfist.“Aboutthat,I’msorryagain.Itwasstill
reallynewbetweenmeandCole,andwhenhormonesareinvolvednotellingwhatcanhappen.”He
reallyhopedJensenboughtthatexcuse.Itsoundedbetterthansayinghewaspoutinglikeababyand
decidedtodrownhissorrowsbyhookingupwithanotherman.
“Yeah,Igetit.Butstill”—Jensentookhiseyesawayfromtheroadtolookoverathim—“whatwasup
withthatwholeminething?Thedudegrowleditatme.Freakedmeout.”
Jensen didn’t know that he or any of the Carsten family were werewolves, and he didn’t plan on
sharingthatinformation.Thelesspeoplewhoknewaboutitthebetter.
“WhatcanIsay,he’sapossessivesort.”Hestifledachuckle.IfColeheardhimtalkinglikethis,he’d
probablypunchhiminthegut.HewasmakingColesoundlikesomebarbariccaveman.
“Noshit.”Jensenpulledintothedrivewayandputhiscarintoparkbutdidn’tshutofftheengine.
JosefopenedthedoorandturnedtolookatJensen.“Youdon’twanttocomeinside?Igotatextfrom
DevonandViktorbeforeweleft,andtheyshouldbehomeanyminute.”
“No,that’sallright.Tellthemhiforme,butIreallyshouldbegoing.”

“IsthisbecauseofCole?”Hedidn’tgiveJensenachancetorespond.Hereachedoverandpulledthe
keysfromtheignitionandclimbedoutthecar.
“Hey!”Jensenhoppedoutandmethimatthepassengersidedoor.“Givemebackmykeys.”
Jensenwenttoswipethemoutofhishand,andJosefraisedthemhighabovehisheadintheair.He
wasagoodseveninchestallerthanJensen,soittrulywasn’tafairfight.“No,comeinandsayhi.I
thinkit’dbegoodforyouandColetobefriends.”
“Why?”Jensenstoppedjumpingforthekeysandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.
“Because you and I work together a lot, and he’s my boyfriend. No matter what, we’re all in a
relationship of sorts together. I want us to all be friends.” And he did. Since Jensen knew he had a
boyfriend, he stopped the subtle flirting, and Josef actually really liked hanging around Jensen. He
waslaidbackandeasytolike.
Jensen pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger and let out a heavy sigh.
“Fine,Iagree.Ireallydon’twantColetohatemeorthinkI’mafteryou.Idon’tpoachothermen’s
boyfriends.That’snotthekindofpersonIam.”
“Iknowyou’renot,andIthinkColewouldseethatifhegottoknowyoubetter.”JosefhandedJensen
backhiskeys.“Sowhatdoyousay?Wanttocomesayhi?”
“Sure,whynot.”JensenpocketedhiskeysandfollowedJoseftothefrontdoor.
Josef was reaching for the door handle when a loud howl whipped through the night. Without a
second thought he took off running around the house toward the backyard. He could hear Jensen
callingouttohimandchasinghimaroundthesideofthehouse.
Wild animals did roam their land, but that sounded different from any ordinary wolf. It was a wolf
shifter.
Ashereachedthebackdeckhesawtwowhitewolves,andrightbeforehiseyestheyshifted,andJosef
instantlyrecognizedthem.ItwasCole’sbrothers,JoshandJake.
“Holyfuck!”
Josefsilentlycursedunderhisbreath.He’dforgottenJensenwasbehindhim.Whenheheardtheloud
howlallhecouldthinkaboutwasgettingtoCole.
“Jensen,it’sokay.”JosefturnedaroundandgrabbedJensen’shandashestumbledclosertoJosef’s
side.
“Josef?”Colecalledout.
Josefusedhisheadtowavehismateovertohelphim.Jensenlookedtobeonthevergeofpassing
out.
“Ohboy.”ColerushedtoJensen’sothersideandhelpedJosefmoveJensentowardthedeckandintoa
chair.
When they got closer to Cole’s twin brothers, Jensen stopped and stared up at one of the brothers.
Josefcouldn’ttellwhichonewaswhich,seeingastheywereidentical.
“You,”Jensenwhisperedashestaredupatoneofthebrothers.Hisvoiceshookwhenhespoke,and
hisskinfeltclammytothetouch.
JoseflookedfromthetwinsbacktoCole.Coleworethesameperplexedexpression.Hewasaboutto
saysomethingwhenJensenfelllikeatonofbricksandheadedtowardtheground.Beforehecould
movetocatchtheman,oneofCole’sbrothersmovedinandcaughtJensen.
“Igothim,”thetwinsaidashecradledJensonclosetohischest.
Josefpursedhislipsashestaredatthefacesaroundhim.Hehadjustgottenhome,lookingforward
toalongweekendawaywithhismateandthenallhellbrokeloose.
“Someonepleasetellmewhatthehellisgoingonhere.”Josefgrittedoutthewords.
****

“Josh?”ColelookeduptohisbrotherasheheldJensenasifhewerethemostpreciousthingin

theworld.
“Notnow,”wasallhisbrothersaid.
“I’vehaven’tgotthefaintestclueastowhat’sgoingonouthere,butsomeonebetterstartexplaining
andfast.”Devon’sboomingvoiceechoedinthebackyard.
“We’resorryforcomingunannounced,Alpha,”Jakespokeupanddippedhisheaddowntoresthis
chin against his chest. It was a show of respect without baring their throat to another alpha. Cole
rememberedhisfatherteachingthemthatwhentheywerejustkids.
“Okay.” Devon looked at him, and Cole shook his head, indicating he didn’t know why they were
there.“Whydon’twetakethisinside?”
JosefgrabbedCole’shandandledhimupthestepstothebackdoor.JakeandJoshfollowedbehind
him.Devonheldthedooropen,andwhenJoshwenttopassby,Devonletoutahardcurse.
“WhatthefuckisJensendoinghere?”Devonshouted.
“Mytruckwouldn’tstart,andhegavemearidehome.Hewascomingintosayhitoeveryonewhen
thetwinwondersoverhereshiftedrightinfrontofhiseyes.”
“Hey,”Jakesnapped.“Youcan’tblameusforthat.Wehadtocomehere.Weneedourbrother ’shelp.”
WithallthecommotionColepushedasidehisbrother ’swordsabouthisfatherbeingmissing.Nowit
wastimetofacethemusicandseewhatneededtobedonetofindtheoldman.
Cole led Josh to a nearby couch to lay Jensen down on. Viktor ran upstairs to grab Josh and Jake
somepants.ColecouldtellViktorandDevondidn’tlikethattheirmatesweregettinganeyefulofhis
naked brothers. Viktor came running back down the stairs and tossed them some shorts, and his
brothersquicklypulledthemon.
Josef sat down on the opposite couch then tugged on Cole’s hand to sit next to him. Everyone else
took a seat, and he looked over to Josh when he saw his brother sit down on the floor in front of
Jensen. He found his brother ’s reaction to Jensen curious, but now wasn’t the time to decipher the
connectionbetweenthetwo.
“You said Father was missing. What happened to him?” Cole got the conversation rolling. Josh
lookedathimthendartedhiseyesinDevon’sdirection.“Josh,youguyscanspeakinfrontofDevon.
Thisismynewpack.Theyallarelikefamilytome.”
Josh gave a stiff nod. “All right then.” Josh rubbed his hands together. “Jake and I went for a run.
Fatherwasgoingoffononeofhistiradesagain,andweneededsomespacefromthemanbeforewe
lost our fucking minds. We were heading back when we saw the smoke. Jake and I pushed paw to
groundandranfasterthanweknewwasevenpossible.Thecloserwegotthesmokerolledinblack
wavesallaroundus.Ourhousewasengulfedinflames.Itdidn’tevenresembleahouseanymore.It
lookedlikeadancingdemonblowinginthewind.”
“Oh God no,” Cole mumbled as he moved forward to sit on the edge of the couch cushion. His
childhoodhomewasgone.Whatmemoriesofhismotherhehadwereallsurroundedbythathouse.A
tearstreakeddownhischeekatthethoughtofneverseeingitagain.
“Wasitanaccident?”JosefaskedwhenColecouldn’tspeak.
“Itwasnoaccident.”Joshpunchedhisfistintohisotherpalm.“Rememberthatotheralphawetold
you about?” he asked Cole, and he gave a short nod. “It was him along with some of our pack
members.TheywerecarryingFatheroff.Hewasunconscious.”
“Whydidn’tyouattack?”Viktorasked.
“Becausebythetimewereachedthehousetheyhadalreadypiledintotheircarsanddrivingoff.The
smokewassothickwecouldbarelybreathe.”Colesawthedefeatedlookinhisbrother ’seyes.
Theroomgrewquiet.Coledidn’tknowabouteverybodyelse,buthecouldn’twraphisbrainaround
hislarger-than-lifefatherbeingtakenbysurpriseorthatanyoftheloyalpackmembershe’dgrown
upwithwouldturnontheiralpha.

****

DevonsatbackandthoughtaboutwhatJoshandJakehadjusttoldhim.Hedidn’tknowalotabout

Cole’s home life before he came to live with them, but from what Josef said Cole’s father was
domineeringanddemandingofhissonsandpackmembers.Buttohavehisownpackmembersturn
onhim,themanmusthavebeenarealpieceofwork.

“Doyouknowthenameoftheman,thisalpharesponsibleforthis?”

“HisnameisDrakeanddon’tbotheraskingforalastname.Wenevergotone,”Joshanswerednone
tookindly.
Themanhadachiponhisshoulderasbigasaboulder.Josh’sattitudewasgratingonDevon’slast
nerve.Heunderstoodthemanmustbeoverwhelmedwithworryforhisdad,butallDevonwantedto
dowashelp.
“Isuggestifyou’regoingtowantourhelp,youlosetheattitudeandcooperate.”Hekepthisvoice
calm.
“Weneveraskedforyourhelp.”Joshjumpedtohisfeet.
“Maybenotbutyoutwocan’tdothisonyourown.”
“Two?”Joshletoutabitterchuckle.“There’rethreeofus.”
“That’s where you are wrong.” Devon glanced over to where Cole sat. His head was down, and he
looked a little pale. “Cole is a part of my pack now, and I won’t allow him to go off on a suicide
mission.”
“Isecondthat,”Josefsaid.“Iknowit’syourfather,butIcan’tjustletColegoofflikethat.It’stoo
dangerous.”
“Youthinkwewouldputourownbrotherindanger?Welovehim.Andexcusemeforsayingthis,but
thisisafamilymatter,sobuttthefuckout.”Josh’svoiceroseinvolume.
“Family?” Josef started to laugh. “You’re joking right? Where were you when your dad kept
pressuring Cole to quit school? Where were you when he took everything from Cole and sent him
packing?Ifthat’swhatyouconsiderfamilythenthankGodI’mnotapartofit.”
“Motherfucker!”JoshstartedtowardJosef,andJosefstoodtohisfullheight.
DevonwasjustabouttojumpintoseparatethetwowhenColefinallysnappedbacktolife.
“Stop,please,”Colebegged.“Josh,we’reallfamilyhere,evenyoutwo.SopleasetellDevonwhathe
needstoknow.We’regoingtoneedtheirhelpgettingFatherback.IfourpackhasturnedonFather,
thenthey’veturnedonus.Ifwegointhereunprepared,wecouldbeambushedandkilled.”
“Fine.”JoshfinallyrelentedandtoldDevoneverything.
Cole’s father had been receiving threats for the past three weeks, and according to Josh, he’d been
getting untraceable e-mails for months before that. Apparently this alpha Drake wanted the land on
whichColeandhisfamilylived,butthatwasn’tallhedesired.HewantedColeaswell.Omegaswere
rare,andDrakewantedtoaddColeandhisabilitytothepack.Whentheirfatherignoredthethreats,
theyseemedtostop,likeaquietbeforethestormasDevonwasseeingitnow.
Afterhearingallthewolfhadtosay,Devontookaminutetothinkaboutitall.Theyneededtofind
this Drake and take him out. In this day and age it was unheard of to fight over land or over pack
members.Timeshadchanged,andtherewasn’tanyneedforthatanymore.Werewolveswereallowed
tohavefreewill.Theydidn’tneedtobeapartofapacktosurvive.
“Hewantedme?”Cole’seyesexposedhissurprise.
Joshblewoutahardbreathandscrubbedahanddownhisface.“Yeah,hedid.That’swhydadwanted
youtoleaveschool.Andwhenyouchosetoleavehethoughtitmightbeforthebest.”
“Buthetookawaymyaccesstoallmymoney,mycar,everything.Whywouldhedoallthatifhewas
justtryingtoprotectme?”
“LesschanceofDrakebeingabletotrackyou.Fatherdidn’twanttobesocruelbuthethoughtitbest

tokeepyousafe,”Joshexplained.
“Do you know where to find this Drake?” Devon asked. He could feel Josef’s stare on him, but he
didn’tturnaroundtoacknowledgehisfriendjustyet.
“No.” Josh hung his head. The man looked tired, and Devon could relate. “The notes he left were
handwrittenwithnoreturnaddress,andallthee-mailswereuntraceable.”
Fuck!Devonsmackedhishanddownonthearmrest.
“Waitaminute,”Jakespokeup.Theothertwinhadbeensilentuntilnow.“Igotalicenseplatenumber
offoneofthecars.”
DevonsmiledoveratJake.That’salltheyneeded.

ChapterThirteen

Colehatedfeelingweakandshowingsomuchemotioninfrontofhisfriends,buthisfatherhad

beenkidnappedbyaderangedwolf,andsaidwolfwantedhim.Itwasalotforonemantotake.Thank
GodDevonagreedtodoeverythingwithinhispowertohelphimandhisbrothers.

“This better be good.” A young man came slamming through the door. “I was on a date with a

reallyhotguy.Andallthesecrypticmessagesyouguyskeptsendingweredistractingasfuck.”

“Iseveryoneinthishousegay?”JoshaskedandColeturnedtolookathisbrother.

“Onlythecuteones,”Skyleranswered.HelookedalittleoffendedbyJosh’soutburst.
Devonquicklyexplainedthesituationtothenewcomer.HisnamewasDominic.Helookedwaytoo
youngtobedrivingletalonehackingintoDMVrecords.
Dominicgotstraighttoworktypingawayonhislaptop.Hesaiditwouldtakeafewminutes,soCole
tookthetimetospeakinprivatewithhismate.
“Sowhatdoyouthink?”Coleaskedoncetheywerealone.
“I’mworried,”Josefanswered.“Idon’tliketheideaofyougoingafteramanwhowantsyou.The
manclearlyisn’trightinthehead,andIdon’twantyougettingmixedupinallthis.”
Colenoddedhishead.Heunderstoodwhathismatewassayingandwhyhewasconcerned,butinthe
endhisfatherhadbeenabducted,andhecouldn’tleavethemantoanunknownfate.Plusfromwhat
Josh told him earlier, his dad had been trying to protect him. It didn’t take away all the years of
growingupinahate-filledhouse,butitshowedthathisfatherstillcaredabouthim.
“Iunderstand,butit’swhatIhavetodo.He’smyfather.”
“Iknow,andthat’swhyI’llberightbyyoursideeverystepoftheway.”JosefpulledColeintothe
warmembraceofhisthickarms.Colesoakedupthecomforthismateprovided.
“Thanks, babe.” Cole moved forward and kissed his mate on the lips. Touching Josef kept him
groundedandhelpedrelievesomeofthestressswirlingaroundhisbody.
“Igotit!”Dominichollered,andColeandJosefranbacktowardtheofficeDominictookupstation
in. “His name is Drake Williamson, and he lives actually not too far from where you three used to
livebeforeyourhouseburntdown.”
ColegrabbedupthemapDominichadprintedoutandscannedthelocation.“Sowhat’stheplan?”He
lookedtoDevon,thealphaofhisnewpack.
“I’vebeentalkingwithJosh,andhere’swhatwe’regoingtodo.”
The plan was that Cole would approach the house in human form. He’d keep the alpha distracted
whiletheotherwolvesscopedoutthearea.TheyneededtofindouthowmanypackmembersDrake
had.Oncetheygotaheadcount,theotherswouldattack.Itsoundedsimpleenough,butbest-laidplans
nevergoastheyshould.
“IhatethatCole’sbeingusedasbait.”Josef’sfacewashardsetashelookedatDevon.
“Idon’tlikeitanymorethanyoudo,butit’swhatweneedtodotogettheirfatheroutofthere.We

alsoneedtotakecareofthisalpha.Hecan’tbeleftalonetohisowndevices.Ifhegetsaway,what’s
stoppinghimfromgoingafteranotherpack?It’lldrawattention,andthenextthingweknowwe’re
beingoverrunwithhunters.”
“He’sright.”Colenoddedhishead.“Weneedtoendthisguynomatterwhat.”
“I wish you would let me call my dad.” Aiden had been saying that for the past hour. There was
nothingmoreColewouldlikethantohaveextrabackup,butitwastoorisky.
“Sweetheart,I’vealreadytoldyouthis.YourdadandBrandonwouldwanttobringinbackuptotake
careofthisproblem,andyourdadcan’tprotectusall.Weneedtohandlethisoneonourown.”
“Iunderstand,butitdoesn’tmeanIlikeit,”Aidengrumbled.
“Doesanybodyhaveanyquestions?”Devonasked.Noonesaidaword,andColestartedtofeelthe
pressureofthesituation.Theywereabouttoheadouttobattlewithanotherwolfpack,andheprayed
they all made it out alive. “No? Good. Aiden, I want you to stay here with Erik where it’s safe. If I
haveyoutwooutthere,Iwon’tbeabletoconcentrate.”
ColethoughtAidenwouldcomplain,buthedidn’t.Thetwomensharedalook,andwhateverpassed
betweenthemdidn’tneedwords.
“Okay,gentlemen,let’sgo.”
TheyallpiledintoalargeblackEscalade.Nightwasuponthemandnotacloudinthesky.Itwould
havebeenbeautifuliftheyweren’theadingsmackdabintoafight.Fromthesoundsofit,thisDrake
didn’tseemlikeonetonegotiate,andColehopedthatwhateverhappened,Josefandtheothersmade
itoutsafe.Thiswasn’ttheirfight,andtheydidn’tdeservetosuffertheconsequences.
TwohourslatertheypulleduptothesmalltownofClayton.ItwasabouttwentyminutesfromCole’s
hometownofSmithville.Hecouldn’tbelievehowclosethispacklivedtohisfamily’shome.
“Don’tforgettheplan.”Devon’svoicedrewhisattention.“Cole,justwalkuptothefrontgate.Look
asnonthreateningaspossible.KeepDraketalkingsowecandoaquickreconoftheareaandgeta
headcountoftheotherwolves.”
“Igotit.”Colewipedhissweatypalmsdownhislegs.Hecoulddothis.Hewasn’tlikeotheromegas.
Colewastallandhadplentyofmuscletobackuphispunchifhehadtousehisfist.
Hisbrotherscameovertohimandgavehimahug.“Goodluck,”Joshsaidashelethimgo.
“Cole.”Josefpulledhimtotheside.“Ifyougetahintofanydangerorifsomethingjustdoesn’tseem
right,shiftandrunasfarasyoucan.”
ColewantedtosmackJosefintheheadforevenbringingthatupasanoption.“Iloveyou,andyou
mustknowIcan’tdothat.”Hereachedupandplantedakissonhismate’slips.“You’remymate,and
thisisourpack.Westandtogetherandfighttogether.Wearenothingifwedon’thaveourloyaltyto
oneanother.”Hecouldn’tbelievehowmuchhesoundedlikehisfatherrightthen.Amanwasonlyas
goodashiswordandhishonor.
“Godyou’restubborn.”Josefflickedhimonthenose.“ButIguessthat’swhyIloveyou.”
“Probably.”Colesharedonelastkisswithhismatethenlethimgo.
Coletookacouplecalmingbreaths.HelookedtoDevon,andthealphagavehimonestiffnod.Cole
started walking up the road that led to the two-story brick house this Drake guy called home. The
closer he got he could see the shine from the outdoor lights. A wrought-iron gate ran along the
propertyandinfrontofthehouse.Hecouldseeandsmelltwowolvesstandingatthefrontgate.
Schooling his face to one of utter calm, Cole walked right up to the men. He had to keep his face
impassiveastonotgiveanythingaway.
“Excuseme,”Colecalledout.Thementurnedinhisdirection.“I’mheretoseeDrake.”
Oneofthemensmiled,showingoffyellowstainedteeth.“Wellifitain’ttheomegaouralpha’sbeen
looking for.” The man advanced toward him, and Cole didn’t much care for the wild gleam in the
man’seyes.Heunmaskedhisscentandlethiscalmingabilityflowthroughhisbody.Noteverywolf

wassusceptibletohisscent,buthehadtohopeitdidn’tfailhimnow.
Colewatchedasthemanstoppedwalking,shookhishead,andlethisarmsfalltotheside.“Letme
callDrakedown.”Themanheadedforthegateandopeneditup.“Pleasejustfollowme.”
TheothermanjustdippedhischiningreetingasColepassed,andhefiguredhehadovercomethis
one small hurdle. Now he had to see if he could get Drake to succumb to him, but it wasn’t likely.
Alphaswerementallystrongandnoteasytomanipulate.
He followed the wolf up through the yard. Lamp-styled lights lined the driveway, and a spotlight
attached to the house flooded the open front yard. Cole narrowed his eyes, trying his best not be
blindedbythebrightness.
Thefrontdooropened,andalargemancamestrollingout,lettingthescreendoorslambehindhim.
Themandidn’tlookthetypetocommitarsonandkidnapping.Hehadlongwavybrownhairanda
beard trimmed close to his face. Cole thought the man had a rugged quality that others would find
attractivebutnothim.ColeknewwhatDrakewascapableof.
“Iknowyoucameforyourfather,butpartofmewouldliketothinkyoucametomeetme,”thecocky
bastardsaid,givinghimaflirtatiousgrin.HewalkeduptoColeandheldouthishand.“It’sapleasure
tomeetyou,Cole.”
Colewantedtocringeawayattheotherman’stouchbutheldfirmandshookhishand.“Ican’tsaythe
same, Drake,” Cole answered honestly. He didn’t want to seem too accepting toward the man who
kidnappedhisfatherandburneddownhisfamilyhome.“Sowhat’syourendgamehere?”
Drake let out a loud laugh and smacked his hands down on his thighs like what Cole said was the
funniestthingheeverheard.“Ilikeyou,Cole.You’refeisty.That’sunusualforanomega.Icanmost
certainlygetusedtoyouropennesstospeakyourmind.”
“Yeah,that’snotgoingtohappen.Justtellmewhatweneedtodotorectifythis.Youwantourland?
It’syours.Justgivemebackmyfather.”
“Thisgoesbeyondjustwantingland.”Drakesnappedhisfingers,andanotherwolfcamerunningup
tohim.“Goandgetourguest.”
Cole’sheartbeatquickened.Thiswasit.HelookedoverDrake’sshouldertowardthehouse,tryingto
seeanysignofhisdad.
“See,Cole,yourfatherhasbeenlessthancooperative.He’sarealdickifyoudon’tmindmesaying.”
DrakereachedforCole’selbowandpulledhimalongbesidehim.Cole’steethgratedtogether.“I’ll
admit it was about land at first. You know, proving my dominance, but then there was you.” Drake
caressedhisfingersdownCole’sarm.“Hekeptyourabilitysecret,butifyougotmoneyandpower,
youcangetanythingyouwant,evenpeople.”
“Isthatwhatyouofferedmyfather ’spackmembers?Money?”Cole’sfistclenched,andhewantedto
punchthisguyandeveryoneofhisoldpackmemberswhobetrayedhisfather.
“Wellthatandyourfather ’sameanbastard.Itdidn’ttakemuchtopersuadethem.”Drakespunaround
andtookColeoffguard.ThemanhadCole’swristpinnedbehindhisback,andnomatterhowmuch
he struggled, the man’s hold wouldn’t budge. Drake leaned close to Cole’s ear. “But I’d trade the
wholelotofthemifitgotmeyou.”Awettongueflickedathisearlobe.
“ButI’mnotforsale.”Colebitoutthewords.
“Didyouknowbackinthedayanomegadidn’thaveachoiceinwhathappenedtothem?Theywere
theweakestmembersofthepackandneededtobeprotected.Theydidastheyweretold.”
“AsyoucanseeI’mnotlikeotheromegas.”
“I know.” Drake snaked his tongue into Cole’s ear, and his body jerked with disgust. “And I think
that’swhyIwantyouevenmore.It’llbefunwhenIbreakyou,”themanwhisperedagainsthisear.
Colewasgearinguptoarguebackwhenthedoorslammedshut,andtwomencarriedhisfatherout
ofthehouse.Theyweredragginghim,hiskneesskimmingacrosstheground.Whentheygotcloser

Coletriedtogotohisfather,butDrakeheldhimtight.Thementhrewhisfatherattheirfeet.
“Father,”Colesaidinasoftvoice.Hisfatherwascoveredinblood.Scrapesandbruisesmarredhis
face.HewasalmostunrecognizabletoCole.
“Cole?”Hisfatherwasabletocroakouthisnamethroughcrackedlips.Itwasfollowedbyafitof
coughing.
“See,oldman,”Drakespatout.“Iknewhe’dcomeforyou.”Themanpulledbackhisfootandkicked
Cole’sfathersquareinthejaw.
“Hey!”Colefoughttogetfree,butDrakestillhadaholdofhiswristinoneofhislargehands.
“Calm down, my sweet.” Drake yanked on Cole’s hands, bringing them chest to chest. “Maybe if
you’regoodI’lllettheoldmanlive.”
Colelookedtothemenstandingaroundthem,tryingtoimplorethemtohavemercyonhisfather.He
recognizedafewtobehisoldpackmembers.They’dbeenlivingunderhisfather ’straditionalways
fartoolong.Thewolvesthoughttheyneededacontrollingalphalikethis,buttheydidn’t.
He closed his eyes, urging his calming agent to fill the air. When he opened them, the look in the
otherwolves’eyesappearedtobemellow,buttheyweren’tmovingtohelphisfather.
“Don’tworry,mysweet.”DrakeranhishandthroughCole’shairandgrippedthestrandstightinhis
fist. “I’ll be real gentle with you.” Cole didn’t have time to react before the man smashed his lips
downhardonhis.
Coletriedtopushthemanoffhim,butitwasuseless.Thecoldchillsofdesperationclimbedalong
hisspine.ThemanforcedhistongueatCole’stight-closedlipsandColelookedtowardthewoods,
pleadingforsomehelp.Drakewasstrongerthanheanticipated,andhecouldn’tbreaktheman’shold.
As if hearing his silent pleading, Cole’s pack attacked. His eyes connected with a pair of sparkling
brown eyes for a heartbeat of a second. The rest happened in fast forward. Josef and the others
chargedforwardinachorusofbarksandhowls.

ChapterFourteen

JoseffollowedDevonupthebacklotoftheproperty.Itwasthickwithtreesandwildgrowthof

shrubbery. He could see the glow in the distance of where the house sat. The closer they got, Josef
expectedtoseewolvespatrollingthearea,butthereweren’tany.Josefhadtoassumethisalphawas
overconfident,whichwascrazy.Fromtheactionsthisalphahadtaken,onewouldthinkhewouldbe
preparingforanattack,butthefactthathewasn’twasagoodthingforJosefandhispack.They’dbe
abletotaketheothermenbysurprise.

TheyshiftedintotheirwolfformassoonasColetookofftowardthehouse.Hefollowedclose

behindDevonandkepthisearsopenforeventheslightestofsounds.Lettinghismategooffonhis
owntookallthecontrolhehad.ThedangerofthesituationscreamednottoletColego,buttheyhad
toseewhattheywereupagainstwiththisalpha,Drake.

Devonshiftedbacktohumanandwavedhishandsoverhishead.Joseflookedtowardhisfriend,

and Devon pointed toward the gap in the trees. He held up three fingers, signaled for Josef and the
otherstostayput,thenshiftedagainandtookofftowardtheothersideofthepropertywithViktor.

Josef edged closer, but still keeping a good amount of distance between him and the house. He

couldn’tallowfortheotherwolvestocatchhisscent.Hesettleddownintoaspotandwatchedashis
mate walked up toward the house. The look on Cole’s face disguised the turmoil Josef knew was
eatingattheman.

Thefrontdoorslammedshut,andJoseftorehiseyesawayfromCole.Drakecamewalkingoutof

the house with a cocky swagger like he didn’t have a fucking fear in the world. Well, Josef would
soonshowthemanthathisconfidencewasn’tagoodthing.

ThesoundofgrasscrunchingunderfootdrewJosef’sattentionawayfromthedisplayinthefront

yard.Devonhadcomeback,andheshiftedtohumanformoncehewaswithindistance.

“Ionlycountedeightwolvesontheoutsideofthehouse.Notsurehowmanyareinthehouse,but

we’regoingtohavetotakethechanceandhopethattherearen’tany.”Joseflookedbacktothehouse
thenbacktohim.“IfwecantakeoutDrake,theotherwolveswillcometoheel.Wejustneedtogetto
themanfirst.”

Josefnodded his headbut didn’t makea sound. The planthey came upwith was dangerous, but

thishadtobedealtwith.Drakeattackingtheirpacknextwasaveryrealpossibility.

HeheardColeshout,andJosefsnappedtoattention.Drakehadhismate’sarmspinnedbehindhis

back.Anotherdoorslammed,andhewatchedasCole’sdadwasbeingdraggedoutofthehouse.Once
themanlayatthealpha’sfeet,themankickedCole’sfather.Colecriedout,butthenhiscrieswere
drownedoutwhenDrakekissedhim.Josef’slipscurledbackintoasnarl,andDevongaveonesharp
yelp,andtheyalltookoff.

When they came into view, Drake pushed Cole to the ground and shifted. A brown-and-black-

coloredwolfstoodwherethemanoncehad.Josefdidn’tstopuntilhetackledtheotherwolfsquarein
thechest.

Drake snarled and used his legs to propel Josef off of him. Before Josef could stand up, Drake

wasalloverhim.Thesharpstingofteethinhisneckcausedhimtohowloutinpain.Thealphashook
hisheadwithJosefstillclampedbetweenhisjaws.Heclawedandpushed,tryingtodislodgetheman
fromhisneck,butitwasuseless.Thewarmtrickleofbloodmatteddownhisfur,andhesnappedhis
teethtogethertryingtocatchanypartoftheotherwolf.

Just as the fight started to seep out his body, Drake let go. Josef fell to the side and watched as

Colegrappledwiththeotherwolf.Hetriedtomove.Hehadtoprotecthismate,buthisbodywouldn’t
cooperate.
Joseflaidonthegroundinapoolofhisownbloodhelplessashismatefoughtthealpha.
****

Whenthewolvesattacked,Colefelltohisfather ’sside.Theman’seyeswereswollen,buthewas

abletocrackopentheleftonejustabit.Asmallsmilestartedtoworkitswayacrosshisface,andhis
lipscrackedopen,andblooddrippedfromthegash.

“Cole.” His father ’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Father, we’re going to get you out of

here,”Colepromised.Hisdadandhemayhavehadtheirdifferences,butwhatDrakehaddonetohim
wascruelanduncalledfor.
“Thankyou,Son,forcomingforme.”Hisfatherstartedtocoughagain,andColecradledhisfather ’s
headinhislap.
“You’remyfather,ofcourseI’dcomeforyou.”Colebrushedtheblood-mattedhairfromhisface.
“JoshandJakearehere,too.TheysawDrakeandhismendragyouoff,buttheyweretoofarawayto
reactintime,”Coleconfessedinarush.
“It’sokay,Cole.Theyfooledme,too.Iguessallmypackmembersweren’tasloyalasIthought.”His
fathertriedtolaugh,butallthatcameoutwerewheezingcoughs.
Coleopenedhismouthtocommentonwhathisfatherhadsaidwhenahowlrippedthroughthenight.
Thesoundsoveryfamiliartohim.ColeturnedaroundtoseeJosefbeingshakenfromsidetosideby
Drake.DrakehadahardgriponJosef’sneckwithhislargecanines.Thealphawastryingtowrench
thelifefromhismate.
“Father,stayput.”Colelaidhisfather ’sheadbackontheground.Hepulledoffhisshirtandlaidit
underhishead.“Ineedtohelpmymate.”Coledidn’twaitforhisfathertocommentbeforeshifting
intohiswolfandchargingthealpha.
DrakeyelpedandreleasedJoseffromhismeatyjawswhenColehithisside.Thealphatriedtoturn

around and catch Cole with his teeth, but Cole was faster. He bit down into Drake’s back leg right
around the thigh and pulled. Skin and muscle ripped from the alpha’s body, and the man howled in
pain, but Cole didn’t stop. He spat out the chunk he tore from the man’s body and went back for
seconds,beingsuretostayclearofthealpha’smouth.
HestruckagainandagaingoingaroundincircleswithDrake.Thealphafakedleftandwentrightand
spunonColequickerthanColewouldhaveimaginedwithallthebitewounds.Drakebaredhisteeth
andgrowled.Themanwalkedslowlytowardtheleft,andColecounteredhismovement,goingright.
Theywalkedinacircle,snarlingandsnappingatoneanother.
Cole knew the instant the alpha was about to break free and charge. His right paw scratched at the
groundasifheweregettingarunningstart.Cole’sbodytensedforasplitsecondbeforehecharged
forward,beatingDraketothepunch.Thedistancebetweenthemgrewshorter,andhewasjustabout
tobenosetonosewithDrakewhenshotsrangout.
“No!”hisfathershoutedasheknockedColetotheground.Helaytrappedunderhisfather ’sheavy
weight.
“Caleb,holdyourfire.”
Colecouldhearshoutingandmoregunfire,buthecouldn’tfollowalong.Hemanagedtowiggleout
fromunderhisfatherandshifted.
“Oh,Godno.Dad!”Colecriedashepushedhishandstothesopping-wetwoundinhischest.
Hisfather ’seyesblinkedopen.“Ican’trememberthelasttimeyoucalledmedad.”
Coleletoutashortlaugh.“It’sbeenawhile.”Tearsburnedhiseyes,andhecouldn’tstopthemfrom
runningdownhischeeks.
“Well, I’d venture to say that was due more to my fault than your own.” His dad coughed, and it
soundedwet,asifhewerefightingforeverybreath.“DidIhearyousaymateearlier?Whendidthis
happen?”
Colesmiledthroughhistears.“Yeah,Josef,wemetwhenhehiredmeforajob.”
His father struggled for his next breath, but Cole could see the old man grinning up at him.
“Congratulations,Son.”
“Thanks,”Colewhispered.Histhroatachedfromholdingbackhissobs.
“Father.” Josh’s voice broke through the quiet bubble Cole felt like he was sitting in. His brother
rushedtowardthem,andJoshslidinonhisknees,gettingtotheirfather.Jakefollowedsuitandknelt
nexttoJosh.“It’sgoingtobeokay,Father,”JoshsaidasheclampedhishandsoverCole’swherethey
restedontheirfather ’schest.
“Son,it’sokay.”HisfatherreacheduptorestahandonJosh’sarm.“Iwantyouboystoknow…”His
wordstrailedoffasaboutofcoughingtookover.Blooddribbledoutthecornerofhismouth,and
Coleknewitwasbad.“IwantyoutoknowthatIloveyouall.Iwon’tlie.I’vemadesomemistakes
alongtheway,butmyloveneverfaltered.”
“Weloveyou,too,Dad,”Colesaid.
Hisfatherturnedtolookathim.“Don’tmakethemistakesIdid.Lossisapartoflife,butyoucan’tlet
itconsumeyou.Iwantyouboystobehappy.”
“Weare,Father,weare,”Jakesaidthroughhistears.
“Didyouboysknowyourbrotherhasamate?AmannamedJosef.”
“Yes,Father,weknow.Josefandhispackaretheoneswhocametohelprescueyou,”Joshoffered.
“He’sagoodman,Father.You’dbeproud.”
“I am proud of all three of you. Don’t ever forget that.” His father ’s voice started to falter, and his
skinbecamepale.“Iloveyou.”
Colewatchedashisfather ’seyesfellshutandhischestceasedtomoveupanddown.Heshookhis
father ’sshoulder.“Dad.”Heshookagain.“Dad!”hescreamed.“No,no,no.”Itwasn’tfairtolosehis

fathernow.Thiscouldhavebeentheirnewbeginning,butitwasgoneandforwhat?
“Cole.”Someonepulledathisshoulders.“Cole!”
“What?”HelookedoverhisshouldertoseeJosef.Hisskinwasashy,andhehadahandheldtohis
neck.Colecouldseethedryingbloodonhisskin.
“He’sgone,baby,”Josefsaidsoftlyandwithcompassioninhiseyes.
Cole looked back down to his father, and he lost his grip on his emotions. He cried and cried.
Tremors raked through his body for a man he barely knew but still was one of the most important
peopleinhislife.
Hecouldfaintlyhearhisbrothers’sobsoverhisown,andtimeseemedtostop.Hiseyeswereopen,
buthewasn’tseeing.Hecouldn’tfeelanything.Itwasasifhisbodydidn’tbelongtohimanymore.He
wasbeyondthankfulhismatewasokay,butitdidn’treplacethepainoflosinghisonlylivingparent.

ChapterFifteen

ViktorwentbackfortheirSUVanddroveitupthedrivewayofAlphaDrake’shouse.Josef,with

the help of Viktor and Shane, got Cole and his brothers into the backseat. They all looked to be in
shock.OncehehadColeinthebackseat,hekissedhimgentlyonthelipsthenshutthedoor.

Josef spun on his heel and marched toward where Devon stood arguing with Aiden’s father,

Phillip.
“Whatthefuckhappened?”hedemanded.
The men stopped talking and looked at him. Behind Phillip was a man who had his head dropped
downtohischest.
“Itwasanaccident,Josef,”Devonanswered.“Aidenwasworriedforoursafetyandcalledhisdadto
comehelp.Hemadehimpromisetonotbringcouncilbackup,andhedidn’t.HejustbroughtBrandon
andanewrecruit,Caleb.”Devonshookhishead.“Hedidn’tmeanto,Josef,hedidn’tmeanto.”
Josef walked forward and didn’t stop until he was toe to toe with the other man. Devon and Phillip
movedtostandbetweenthem,butJosefglareddownatthemanovertheircombinedshoulders.
“Man, I’m sorry. It was an accident.” The newcomer, Caleb, pleaded. “I swear I was aiming for the
alpha.”
“You’resorry?”Josefnarrowedhiseyesattheman.“Itwasanaccident?Thatdoesn’tcutit.”Hespat
thewordsout.“Youtookaninnocentman’slifetonight.ButIguessitdoesn’tmattertoyouhunters.
Onedeadwolfisasgoodasthenext.”
“Hey!”PhillipshoutedthenpushedatJosef’sshoulder.“YouknowInolongerseeitthatway,andyou
knowfordamnsureneitherdoesBrandon.DoyoureallythinkI’dbringjustanybodyinonthis?My
son is the most important person in my life. I would never allow a hunter in our inner circle if I
couldn’ttrusthim.”
Josef’sangerstartedtosubside,andhefeltlikeashitforsayingwhathedid.Philliphaddonenothing
buthelpthem,andhehadtoagreethatPhillipwouldn’tjustletanyoneinontheirarrangement.Butit
didn’ttakeawaythefactthatthismanjustkilledhismate’sfather.
“I know that, Phillip.” Josef ran a hand through his hair. “But what do I tell my mate and his
brothers?”HereallywantedPhilliptoanswerhim.Aiden’sfatherwastheonlymanhecouldlookup
tolikeafatherfigure,andheneededsomeadvice.
“Youtellthemtheirfatherdiedahero.”Philliprestedahandonhisshoulder.“Calebwasaimingfor
Drake, but Cole got in the way. His father took the bullet that was whirling toward your mate. He
sacrificedhislifetosavehisson.It’ssomethinganyfatherwouldhavedone.”
“NothingIcansaywillchangewhathappened,butI’msosorry,”Calebsaid.“Iwouldneverhurta
wolf.”

Josef nodded his head. His throat had gone raw with emotion, and he couldn’t form any words to
speak.Itwasanaccident,andJosefcouldseethat,butwoulditbeenoughforColeandhisbrothers?
An hour later they were driving back toward Nehalem. His body ached from the earlier fight and
fromthesadnesshecouldsensecomingoffofhismate.
Aiden’sdadandhismenhelpeddisposeofthedeadwolves.Therewereonlyelevenintotalwhowere
on Drake’s property, and the ones that didn’t run away in fear when the fight broke out died in the
battleincludingDrake.
DevonmadearrangementstohaveCole’sfather ’sbodydrivenbacktotheirhouse.Theydidn’thave
thehearttoaskthebrotherswhattheywantedtodowithhisremains.Itwasstilltoosoon.
WhentheygotbacktothehouseJosefcarriedasleepingColeuptotheirroom.Hetuckedhismatein
andheadedbackdownstairs.
“Where’sJensen?”heaskedwhenhewalkedbackintothelivingroom.
“Heleft,”Aidenanswered.“WhenhewokeupheseemedcalmerandIexplainedeverythingtohim.
Hetookitallreallywell.TheonlyoddthingwasthathesaidheneededtoleavebeforeJoshcame
back.”
“That’sweird.”Josefploppeddownonthecouchlettinghisheadrestonthebackcushion.
“Josef.” Aiden sat next to him. “Devon told me what happened.” The younger man nibbled on his
lowerlip.“Ihadnoideathatwouldhappen,butIwassoworriedaboutyouguys.AndDevonismy
mate.I’ddoanythingtokeephimsafe.”
Josef could relate to what Aiden had done. He was just trying to help his mate and keep him from
gettingkilled.AndtherewasnowayAidencouldhaveknownCole’sfatherwouldbekilled.Itwasan
accident.
“It’sokay,Aiden.”JosefpattedAidenontheknee.“I’mjustgladColeandhisbrothersgotthechance
tosaygood-bye.Thatmakesabigdifference.”
“I’msureitdoes,butitwillnevertakeawaytheirpain.”Aidenhunghisheaddown.“IhopeColecan
forgiveme.”
“Hewill.Ifnotrightnow,hewillintime.Youdidn’tpullthetrigger,Aiden.AndCole’sfatherdied
protectinghisson.Itwasanoblesacrifice.”
The sound of the front door opening and closing had Josef looking up. Devon, looking worn and
ragged,camewalkingintotheroom.Hishandsomefeatureslookedpinched,andhelookedtenyears
olderthanhisthirtyyears.
“Everythingokay?”Josefasked.
Devon looked up as if he just noticed him and Aiden in the room. “Yeah. Mr. Weathers’s body just
arrived. I had them store him in the barn for now.” Devon sat down on the couch next to his mate.
“We’llneedtoknowsoonwhatthebrotherswanttodowiththeirfather ’sbody.It’ssummer,andthe
bodywilldecomposefast.”
“Iknow.”Josefswipedhishandoverhismouth.Hefeltsohelpless,andyethecouldn’tmakethese
decisionsforhismateandhisbrothers.
“Idon’twanttopressurethem,butweneedtoknowsoon.”Devoncursedunderhisbreath.“Thisisa
shittysituation.”
Aidenhiccupped,andJoseflookedtoseetearsstreamingdownhisreddenedcheeks.“I’msosorry,
Devon.Inevermeantforanyofthistohappen.”
“Baby.” Devon pulled Aiden close and hugged him to his chest. “No one blames you. In fact your
father, Brandon, and even Caleb helped us out majorly. We were outnumbered, and things weren’t
goinginourfavor.Youdidgood,baby.”
JosefhadbeensowrappedupintryingtokillDrakehewasn’tawareofthedangerallaroundthem.
His friends fought and fought, but Drake had numbers on his side, and those wolves fought dirty.

Devontoldhimafterwardthatifithadn’tbeenforPhillip’shelpSkylerandShanewouldhavedied.
He sat for a bit longer and talked to his friends and tried to make the arrangements they could for
Coleandhisbrothers.DevonalsotriedtocallJensen,butitwentstraighttovoicemail.Josefhadto
guessthepoormanhadenoughshocksforonenightandneededsomespace.
Josef went up to his room. He turned the knob softly and stepped inside. Darkness surrounded him
with only a small amount of light spilling down from the moon and stars in the sky. A dark figure
stoodblockingtheviewoutthewindowandJosefwasn’tsurprisedtoseethatColehadwokenup.
“Cole.” Josef slowly made his way toward his mate. Cole turned to look at him. His face looked
indifferent,buthisbodytensedandposedtoattack.
Beforehecouldsayanythingelse,Colepounced,tacklinghimtothebed.Josefdidn’tfighthismate.
Thefaraway,lostlookinhiseyestoldJosefhismatedidn’tknowwhathewasdoing.Thestressof
thenighthadtakenitstoll,andhismateneededtoreleasehisanger.
ColeusedhisclawstoshredJosef’sshortsfromhisbodythenshovedhisthighsapartandmovedin
betweenthem.HisthickcockheadprobedforentranceatJosef’sbackdoor.ColegrabbedJosefbyhis
wristsandpinnedthemtothesidesofhishead.JosefgaspedoutloudwhenColedroppedforward,
plantingademandingkissonhislips.Itwasallteethandtongue.Afainttraceofbloodtrickledacross
Josef’stongue,buthedidn’tpullback.Coleneededthis.
The hard length between his cheeks became more persistent. Josef cried out when Cole thrust
forward,andthecrownbrokethroughhisresistantmuscles.Itwasdry,andthestretchbroughttears
tohiseyes,buthedidn’tsayaword.Coleneededtoletloose,andJosefpreferredhismatediditon
himthansomeoneelse.Josefcouldtakeanythinghismatecouldgivehim.
Even through the pain, Josef’s cock thickened and rubbed along Cole’s washboard abs with every
inwardmovement.Cole’shipspickedupthepaceandslammedintohim.Hiscockleakedclearjuices,
smearingbetweenhisandCole’sbodies.Hewasclose.Hisballstingled,andaswirlingpressureshot
upfromhisballsandouthisdick.Theorgasmrakedthroughhisbody,havinghimscreamingouthis
release.
Colestruckhardandfast,sinkinghisteethintoJosef’sshoulder,takinghisbloodwhilehiscocktook
hisass.JosefwasatCole’smercyandturnedoverallhiscontroltohismate.Colepushedforward
twomoretimes,thenhot,wetheatbathedhisinsides,andColestilledoverhim.
Timeseemedtostopashismateheldontohim.TearsdampedJosef’sneckandsobsstartedtoshake
hismate’sbody.JosefheldColetightandcooedsoftwordstohim.Coleneededtoletgoofhishurt
andpain.Thefeelingoflosswouldnevergoaway,butColeneededtostartthehealingprocess.
“It’sokay,Cole.”JosefcombedhisfingersthroughCole’sshortblondhair.“Justletitallout.”
HecouldfeelColeopeningandclosinghismouthagainsthisskin.“Ijustcan’tbelievehe’sgone.”
JosefcontinuedtocaresshishandsupanddownCole’sback.Hehadnowordsofadviceforhismate.
Lifewasn’t easy, andpeople died, andthere was nothing thathe could possiblysay that would ease
thatbrandofpain.
Cole shifted, and his softened cock slipped out of Josef’s stretched hole. He cringed. His ass ached
withsensitivity.
“Oh,Josef.”Colesatupandlookeddownathismate,hisfingerstouchinghismostintimatelocation.
“I’msorry.Youmustbesosore.”
JosefpushedhisfingersawayandyankedonCole’shandtocomelaybacknexttohim.“I’mfine.”He
kissedColegentlyonthelips,justabrushingofskin.“AllIcareaboutithowyouarefeeling.”
“Itachesrighthere.”Colerubbedahandagainsthischestrightabovehisheart.Asmallsmiletugged
up at the corners of his upper lip. “I can’t believe it took him dying to finally admit how much he
lovedus,stubbornbastard.Healwayshadtodothingsthehardway.”
JosefkissedColeonthetopofhisheadandheldhimclose.“Butatleastyouknowhowhefelt.”

Cole sat up. “True. In this fucked-up situation, it feels really good to know that. I never wanted my
fathertodie,butithelpsknowinghowmuchhelovedus.”
“I’msureitdoes.ButIreallythinkhefeltittheentiretimebutwastooblindedbyhisfearandhatred
toadmitit.Itdoesn’tmatterthereasonjustaslongasyouknow.”
“Iagree.”ColetuckedhisheadintoJosef’sneck.“AndI’mgladIgottotellhimhowmuchIloved
him,”hewhispered.
Coledidn’tsayanythingmore,andJosefdidn’tpushhim.It’dtaketime,butheknewColewouldbe
fine.Hismatewasstrongandwouldlearntolivewithhislossandcometoseethemanwhohecalled
fatherdidtrulycareabouthimallalong.
****

ThenextmorningColewokeupinJosef’swarmembrace.Hewokehismatewithsoftkissesand

tookthetimetoloveonhisbodyonemoretimetherightway,withplentyofprepandlotsoflube.
Lastnighthejustcouldn’tcontrolhimself.HeneededanoutletforhispainandJosefwastherefor
thetaking.

WhentheywentdownforbreakfastDevon,Aiden,Erik,Shane,Viktor,Skyler,Dominic,andJake

weresittingatthetable.Joshwasnowheretobefound.Jakesaidheleftsometimeinthemiddleofthe
night. Out of the three of them Josh had been the closest to their father or as close as anyone was
allowedtobe.

Devontoldthemthattheirfather ’sremainswereinthebarnandtheyneededtodecidewhattodo

with him. Jake had never been one to make decisions. That had been Josh’s job. But Josh wasn’t
around at present, so Cole made the big decision to have his father ’s remains cremated. Devon
noddedandcalledintohaveitdoneimmediately.

ThefireinvestigatorsalsocontactedColeandinformedhimthathischildhoodhomewasatotal

lossanditappearedtobearson.Colealsospoketotheinsurancecompanyandtheagentsaidtheyhad
achoicetohaveacheckcuttothemortorebuild.Itwasuptohimandhisbrothers.

Jake didn’t know what he wanted to do, and Devon made the offer to have Jake join their pack.

WithnoJoshinsight,Coleurgedhisbrothertostay.TheycouldbeafamilytogetherherewithJosef
andhispack.Jakeagreed,andColebreathedasighofrelief.Hewantedwhatremainedofhisfamily
to be close to him, and he really did believe Jake would like it here. In time he hoped his brother
wouldfindhisownvoice.

LaterthateveningDevonpulledhimasideandmadeitclearthesameofferextendedtoJoshas

well.Colethankedthealphaforallhe’ddoneforthem.Devonjustsmiledandbrushedoffthepraise.
Hesimplysaidtheywerefamilyandthat’swhatfamilydidforoneanother.

AfterdinnerColewentouttostandonthebackporch.Thefreshnightairhelpedcalmhimalong

withthesoundsofnaturethatsurroundedthem.Hereinthegreatoutdoorshefeltfreeofhispain.

“Whatchadoing?”Josefsaidinateasingvoiceandbumpedshoulderswithhim.

“Ah,nothing.Justenjoyingthenicenight.”Helookedoverathismate.“Howaboutyou?Whatare
youdoing?”
“JustwonderinghowIgotsolucky.”
Cole’sheartwarmedatthebrightsmilehismateaimedhisway.“Ifeelthesameway,mymate.”
“Good,thenwecanbothagreewe’reextremelyluckyandcanbedeliriouslyhappytogether.”Josef
inched closer, and Cole met him halfway. When their lips connected Cole saw the bright lights of
fireworks spark to life behind his eyelids. Being with his mate was his heaven, and he knew there
wasn’tanythinghecouldn’taccomplishaslongashehadJosefinhiscornercheeringhimon.

THEEND

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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. A lover of M/M

romances,shehasstartedwritingherownstoriesforotherstoenjoy.Sheloveshercharacterstobe
antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be
found in the craziest of places and a little humor along the way never hurt. To her, there’s nothing
sexierthan two menfinding their soulmate and falling inlove. When sheisn’t chasing around her
kids,shecanbefoundsittingonthecouchwithhertrustedlaptopgivinglifetothevoicesinherhead.
ForalltitlesbyAJJarrett,pleasevisitwww.bookstrand.com/aj-jarrett

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