Page 73 of The Night Wolf
“Come with me.”
Sean followed him into the great room, where Gareth had started a fire. It was warm and toasty and time to fulfill the wish his wolf had shown him.
“Shift for me, please.”
Sean’s eyes popped open, but then he slowly stripped off his clothes. With wide-eyed fascination, Gareth watched as Sean morphed from his beautiful mate to an exquisite red wolf. As soon as Sean was settled, Gareth repeated the actions. They stood, facing each other, and then Gareth nudged Sean closer to the fire. As soon as Sean lay down, Gareth wrapped around him, resting his head over Sean’s neck.
This, as far as Gareth was concerned, was perfection. He wanted more of this. Wanted the dream he’d had of their son and daughter, laughing and loving. Of being the family he’d always known he wanted.
They lay together for hours, until the sun dipped below the horizon. It was time for Gareth to meet Ryker and for this whole threat to his family to end. When he stood, Sean whined, a sweet and pouty sound. Gareth chuffed and gently bit his neck. The grumble that came out as Sean got up was every bit as adorable as the whine. God, he loved Sean with all his heart and soul.
They shifted back, then dressed. Neither of them spoke, because what was there to say? Gareth refused to say anything that might upset Sean. He’d spoken privately with Lyram and told him that if things didn’t go the way he expected, Lyram was to get Sean out of Lydon and somewhere safe. No matter what, Sean and the babies needed to be taken somewhere they could flourish.
“You don’t have to come,” Gareth reminded Sean.
“Trust me, you’re going to want me there. Today will be the start of a whole new era for wolves and humans alike.”
What a curious statement. “What do you mean?”
“Ryker has been a scourge on wolves for far too long. Today, that’s going to end. People who lost hope will once again be able to walk out in the sunshine and have it warm their faces.” Sean swallowed hard. “I was one of those. You took me in and gave me a home, a life…. I honestly thought I would die out there as a wolf, never again knowing my human form. Then this white knight showed up and literally swept me off my feet. He brought me here, to a haven, where the people showed love and kindness. He gave of himself, expecting nothing in return. For the first time in my life, I didn’t hate an Alpha. I discovered that there are good ones too. You and Lyram? You’re incredible. So thank you for… I guess, for my life.”
He wrapped his arms around Gareth’s waist and hung on. Gareth rested his chin atop Sean’s head, inhaling the scent that told him this was his home, and now the time had come to protect it.
The time had come for Ryker to die.
WITH DANIbeside him, Sean waited for Gareth and Ryker to step from Ryker’s compound. They hadn’t yet announced how the fight would take place, but a large crowd had already formed. People from Lydon were on one side, while Ryker’s pack stood on the other. Sean could see hope and fear in their expressions, and it broke his heart knowing that in his own way, he was responsible for their suffering, for what happened to Quinn…. For all of it.
When Quinn had heard Gareth was going to fight Ryker, he’d gone into a meltdown. He fretted over what would happen if Ryker got his hands on Quinn again. No matter how much Sean tried to reassure him, he wouldn’t be consoled. Sean even tried to use his Omega abilities to help Quinn relax, but it was all for naught. In desperation, Gareth had called Deke, who’d come over and, with a few quiet words, calmed Quinn down. Now the two of them were in Lydon, with Deke watching over Quinn, giving him tasks to occupy his mind. Though Sean wished it didn’t need to be that way, he could see Gareth had been right. Deke needed to take control for Quinn to feel safe.
A ripple of murmured words floated through the crowd as the doors to Ryker’s place opened and he strode out, followed by Gareth. Both men had on crimson robes, cinched around the waist with a gold cord, though the difference in the two men was remarkable. Gareth was reserved, but scanned the crowd, and when he noticed Sean, he smiled. Ryker, on the other hand, was cocky, even for him. Sean was sure he’d planned something, especially since his enforcer, Kristopher, was nowhere to be seen.
Gareth? Can you hear me?
Sean.The word came through like a sigh.I can hear you, love. I’ve missed having your voice in my head.
That had been Sean’s doing. He knew it was wrong, but he needed to keep secrets, and if Gareth had been able to get into Sean’s thoughts, the whole thing might not play out like it was supposed to.
It’s good to hear you too. Listen, did you see Kristopher in Ryker’s?
No. I couldn’t smell him either. I’m guessing that’s a bad thing.
It means that Ryker’s going to try to cheat. Be careful, okay?
Of course. I’ve got too much to live for to get sloppy.
“Shut the fuck up!” Ryker roared, bringing the crowd to silence. “The Alpha from the pack of Lydon has challenged me for control of the Desmond pack. In accordance with tradition, I have accepted with the following stipulations: one-on-one combat, Alphas only. No other pack member may interfere. The fight will continue until one of us is dead. Now, as the challenged party, I am entitled to choose the forms. As such, I will use my wolf form, while Alpha Blackthorn must remain human.”
A gasp rose from the crowd, and a sick smile crossed Ryker’s face. This was how he’d won his other challenges. His wolf form was massive, and he’d torn out the throats of more than one person without breaking a sweat.
“The prize is control of the pack, the lands, and”—he gestured to Sean—“the Omega.”
All around Sean, the word Omega was on everyone’s lips. They turned and looked at him, and the hope he’d seen moments before bloomed into full-on need. Now was time to start the healing.
He stood, and a hush fell over the crowd. “Some of you know me, others may not. I was a member of Desmond’s pack until Ryker discovered I was an Omega. He wanted to use me to control people. To utilize my abilities for what he believes will give him power. I’m here today to tell you that will not happen.”
Ryker sneered. “You will be my bitch once again. I promise you that.”
Sean gave a soft smile, then lifted his shirt, exposing his belly. “My babies and I think differently, you bastard.”
