Page 2 of Omega's Breed

“Caleb, this is Finn, a beta for the Rogue Pack.”

The gamma raised his eyebrows. “Interesting name.”

“We’re an interesting pack,” Finn retorted, although secretly pleased that this guy was young, virile-looking and seemed to maybe have a sense of humor—a rare trait in a gamma. “And, we’re in the market for some new gammas.”

“You got trouble?”

“Some,” Finn conceded. the Haldon Pack had been quiet for months, but Lorcan still worried about them, as did he and Deidre. “We could use fresh blood and more muscle. Our lands are fertile and can support a lot more pack members.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Are you game?”

The gamma, Caleb, didn’t answer right away. He seemed to mull the idea over, and that spoke well of him. Most shifters thought gammas weren’t into thinking much and tended to jump into things. The fact that this one wasn’t doing that was a good sign.

Caleb looked at Magnus. “Alpha?”

“It’s your choice. You know you have a way to go to move up in this pack. Could be a good opportunity, and you don’t have much family left here.”

A look of profound sadness crossed the gamma’s face before he squared his shoulders. “Where to?”

“Upstate Maine.”

Caleb’s expression morphed into a cocky grin. “The States, eh?” He shrugged. “Sure, why not? Could be fun.”

Finn clapped his hands. “Great. I want to leave quickly and get as much of our journey underway as possible. How much time do you need to pack?”

“I ain’t got much, so maybe fifteen minutes.”

“Perfect. Hopefully the boy will be ready by then, too.”

At Caleb’s confused look, Magnus spoke up. “He means Will.”

Finn gave a quick nod. “Yeah, your alpha insisted we take the omega along with you, and our pack needs breeders as much as it needs muscle.”

The gamma’s expression hardened. “You’re taking his pup, too, right?”

“Of course,” Finn was quick to assure the guy. He wondered, however, if he’d just found the pup’s sire. Certainly, Caleb’s reaction indicated that he cared in some fashion for the omega and his offspring.

“Good.” Caleb inclined his head formally at Magnus. “With your permission, sir, I’ll leave my post.”

The alpha waved him on. “Go. You’re no longer part of my pack. From now on, you answer to this beta.”

The gamma nodded briefly. “Yes, sir. It’s been an honor to serve you and your pack.” With that, the guy hurried off, his large, naked body equally impressive from behind.

His words, though, had been tinged with a certain insincerity, or perhaps that was merely Finn’s imagination. He’d been on the road for a while. It was going to be good to get back home. Yeah, home had a new meaning now. It hadn’t taken long for Lorcan and the rest of the Rogue Pack, as well as their new lands, to become important to him. He’d thought he’d never have that sense of belonging again, yet here it was giving him a sense of urgency to return.

Magnus gave him a two-fingered salute. “Good luck.”

“Thank you, sir, for all your help.” He meant what he said, except the alpha wasn’t really listening. He’d already turned to head to the longhouse.

Feeling suddenly antsy, Finn returned to his truck. Liam’s truck, actually. The gamma had lent Finn the extended-cab working vehicle for the trip, and Finn had on occasion even slept in it to save money. Lorcan had given him a good amount of pack funds for expenses, but Finn had been raised to be frugal, and he could do no less for his new pack. Sometimes he worried that his alpha was a little too generous.

“Excuse me, sir.”

Finn turned to find the omega standing only a few feet away, wearing an inadequate jacket and a sling of brown fabric around his front. A shock of curly, yellow hair peeked out from the top of the cloth and for a moment, he was transported back to a different time and place. The memory of a pup being carried like that by his mother hit him right in his solar plexus, forcing the breath from his lungs. For a few seconds, he lacked the strength to shrug off the reaction. He blindly reached out to lean against the truck’s hood, and a shudder ran through him. He stood staring, unfocused and trying to pull himself together.

The omega, Will, wrapped one arm protectively around his small bundle while hefting a battered duffel on his free shoulder. He stared at Finn warily, aware of the heightened emotional reaction, perhaps. Fortunately, he didn’t ask any questions. With an internal shake, Finn forced his mind and body to relax. This was here and now, not then and there. He had a job to do, and freaking out the omega—a totally unexpected bonus that would delight his new pack—would not make the journey back any easier.

He straightened. “That was fast. I appreciate it.” He nodded toward the truck and pulled open the back door. “Come on and get settled in. We’re waiting for Caleb.”

A ghost of a smile graced the pretty boy’s lips. “Caleb is coming with us?” He pulled his bag off his shoulder as he approached. Then stopped and dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry, sir. I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn.”

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