Page 3 of Omega's Breed

“You didn’t.”

The boy looked unconvinced. “I have trouble curbing my tongue and make my superiors angry.” He took a half-step back, hugging his pup even more tightly to him.

“It’s fine. And, I’m not angry,” Finn said, except he caught sight of his reflection in the truck’s side mirror. Frown lines carved deep into his face. Weird, he hadn’t meant to react badly to the question about Caleb. He felt sure that there was something between the omega and the gamma. Well, that was all to the good. Maybe they’d become a mated pair and give the pack even more pups, big and strong like their sire.

Shaking his head, he tried to change the muscles in his face to a more pleasant arrangement. He hadn’t had a lot of experience smiling the last few years, but the timid omega deserved to be handled with care. Spooking the kid from the start wasn’t going to benefit any of them.

“Here, let me help with that.” He reached for the duffel and after a second’s worth of minor tussle, the omega relinquished his hold and immediately used his newly-freed arm to hug the pup two-handed.

Finn tossed the bag into the far end of the back seat and had intended to move out of the way. Instead, he couldn’t resist sneaking a closer peek at the contents of the sling. The pup was small for its age, asleep and sucking adorably on its thumb. The kid was bundled up warmer than its father. Obviously the omega took care of his child if not himself. Looking at the quiet, gentle boy, it seemed hard to believe that he’d run wild within this pack, stirring up trouble as Magnus had said.

“What’s your pup’s name?” The question popped out unbidden.

Will smiled down at his precious cargo. “Annie.” He gnawed at his lower lip while he feathered a couple of fingers through the bit of his daughter’s hair sticking out from her knitted cap. “My new alpha is really going to accept her, isn’t he?”

The raw fear in the quiet question stabbed at Finn’s heart. “Of course. I promise you.”

With a sniff, the omega simply nodded and placed a chaste kiss on his pup’s head. Feeling the need to reassure the boy even more, he put his hand on his shoulder. He didn’t miss the way the boy flinched, but chose not to point it out.

“I know this must be scary leaving your pack, especially so suddenly.”

“Yes, sir, but I’m used to being scared. I won’t give you any trouble, and I promise I’ll make sure Annie’s good.”

Finn hated to think of what the boy’s experience must have been to make him say such a thing. Pups by their nature caused all kinds of trouble. It was actually one of the things shifters loved about their offspring. Unlike humans, they appreciated how the young needed to test their boundaries before maturity allowed them to be molded to pack rules. He didn’t get a chance to assure the omega that he wasn’t worried about the pup because Caleb’s arrival took both their attentions. The gamma hustled up to Finn, carrying a duffle much like Will’s.

The big guy smiled. “Hey, Will.”

The omega blushed. “Hi, Caleb.”

Once again, Finn had to wonder if the gamma was the pup’s sire, or more likely had simply been one of the many supposed males who’d serviced the omega during his heat. Finn’s lips curled up for a second, and he just barely kept the growl rising in the back of his throat from slipping out. He swallowed hard. Shit, what was his problem? He was tired, that was all.

“Let’s get going,” he said more gruffly than he’d intended. “Caleb, you ride shot-gun.”

“Yes, Beta.”

“Finn,” he called over his shoulder as he made his way to the driver’s side. Sliding in behind the wheel, he flashed a grin at his companion. “We’re kind of a relaxed pack, you’ll find.”

“Oh yeah?” Caleb slid in beside him and stuffed his duffel on the bench seat between them, crushing the empty bag from Finn’s lunch. “What’s the alpha like?”

Finn buckled up while starting the engine. “He’s a good strong shifter, without being an asshole.”

The gamma chuckled. “I like him already.”

Backing up, Finn caught sight of the quiet omega in the rear. The boy had maneuvered his seat belt around his body while still wearing the baby sling. The pup remained asleep.

“Crap,” Finn swore quietly. When anxious green eyes stared back at him, he elaborated. “I forgot we need a car seat for the pup. Do you have one?” Even as he asked the question, he bet that while the pack might have a few, no way the omega owned one of his very own.

Will lowered his gaze. “No, sir. I’m sure she’ll be fine, Beta.”

Finn shook his head. “The humans have strict laws about this. I’m not risking getting pulled over, nor am I risking the pup’s safety.”

“There’s a store along the way that would sell that kind of thing,” Caleb offered. Reaching into his front pocket, he added, “I have some money.”

“Good about the store. And, that’s okay on the money.” Finn put the truck in drive and headed out. “I appreciate the offer, but the alpha—Lorcan—gave me enough to cover all of our traveling expenses.”

Caleb froze. “You sure?”

“Absolutely. Annie is the Rogue Pack’s responsibility now.” With both hands on the wheel, he concentrated on driving carefully. Annie’s safety demanded his care. Tension filled him, but he ruthlessly buttoned himself down. Now, wasn’t the time to lose his shit.

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