Tamed by His Omega Read online

  Owen stared at him and then burst out laughing. “What? Did you really just say I’m going into heat? That’s not real. It’s bullshit that was made up centuries ago, back when omegas were controlled by the Alphas of the packs. Locked away and abused, only used for breeding and sex.” He shook his head, wide-eyed. “You must have some pretty backwards ideas about omegas. No wonder you think you can simply dismiss my claim on you.”

  “I’m not an ordinary shifter, Owen. I’m very different.” He backed away. “And you need to get away from me. I don’t have time to explain, but what I’m saying is true.”

  “Get away from you? You won’t hurt me. I know you won’t.”

  “It’s not about that. It’s about your body making a choice for you. Your wolf seeks to submit to mine instinctively. The fact we’re mates is probably making it worse. I was so thrown it slipped my mind this could happen. It’s a biological imperative your pack has grown beyond, but it’s real.” He moved out of reach as Owen tried to touch him again. “Didn’t you say you had no plans to sleep with me right away? Can’t you see how something is affecting your reason?”

  “I did say that, but the way you kissed me back makes me think that might be the way to persuade you.” Owen’s gaze lowered. “Is my scent causing that?”

  Watching Owen lick his lips as he stared at Ryden’s crotch only made the Fen’s cock ache more. Through clenched teeth, he said, “Of course it is. I can’t help it.”

  Owen searched his face. “Is that all? Just instinct?” He paused, and much more softly, he asked, “Don’t you find me attractive?”

  “You’re not exactly my type.” Hurt flashed across Owen’s face, and the emotion bothered Ryden far more than it should have. “Little one, you need to go. It hasn’t gotten a complete hold over you yet, but it soon will. This is my fault, so I’ll protect you as best I can now.”

  “Protect me?”

  “Yes. You’re not yourself.”

  Owen rubbed his shaft through his pants, a whimper coming from his lips. “It’s not supposed to be like this. My mate is supposed to want me.” He closed his eyes and let his head fall back as his hand moved faster.

  It’s too fucking late. What am I going to do now? I was supposed to be the one keeping order here. “Owen, look at me.”

  Owen’s head lolled to the side, and his eyes opened. “Please touch me.”

  “Do you trust me?” Ryden asked.

  “Yes, of course.” Owen came forward and pressed close, drawing Ryden’s hand to his shaft.

  Ryden’s desire surged higher as he caressed the omega’s unexpectedly long and thick shaft. “Then please don’t be angry when you wake.”

  Ryden touched Owen’s temple, and then caught him as he went limp. He glanced back toward the palace briefly before opening a portal and stepping through it. That action would probably cause an alarm to go up because this wasn’t a designated spot, but he’d simply have to explain later. I can’t let anyone see my mate like this.

  My mate. That thought gave him pause, and he looked down at Owen. The beast within him rose up briefly, angry that Ryden didn’t fully embrace their mate. His wolf demanded that they take care of Owen, insisting that one so small needed them and would be lost without their protection. He pushed the beast back, his own anger rising at his inability to focus his thoughts better. He and his wolf had never been at odds before. In less than half an hour, this omega had thrown everything into chaos.

  Ryden crossed his bedroom as the portal closed, and he laid Owen on the bed gently. The omega was ordinary in every way. He had unremarkable brown hair and hazel eyes, and there was nothing special about his features. But Ryden pushed a few locks of hair off his face and let two fingers slide down Owen’s cheek, noting how soft his pale skin was. Owen arched in his magically-induced sleep, and the temptation to touch him made Ryden back away.

  Ryden sat by the window and gripped the arm of the chair as he tried to think. He needed to go back and speak with the Alpha of the wolf pack. If the opening of the portal had in fact alerted someone, he needed to begin explaining himself right away. The elders wouldn’t care what the fae and the shifters thought, but they’d be annoyed if Ryden’s actions caused something that would waste their time.

  He closed his eyes a moment and made sure the house was secure. Once he knew the wards were all in place, he spread a blanket over Owen’s legs. Then he paused a moment, the action surprising him. He dismissed it as instinct. The drive to protect one’s mate was an unconscious one, and his action meant nothing more. Reopening the portal, Ryden gave Owen one more glance and then stepped through. Guards were already walking toward the trees, and Ryden held his hands up in a gesture of surrender. He recognized Erik, the captain of the guard, so he addressed him.

  “I must speak with the Alpha, please. There’s a delicate situation. I had no choice but to open the portal.”

  Erik looked around. “The ward alarms said two passed through. Who else went with you?”

  “I’d prefer to explain myself directly to the Alpha.”

  Erik took a step forward. “You’ll explain to me, or I’ll arrest you.”

  Ryden knew he could take Erik and the other two men with little trouble, even unarmed as he was, but that would only make things worse. “Owen, an omega from the wolf pack. We’re mates, and touching me sent him into heat. I had to get him away from other people. He was moments away from embarrassing himself.”

  Erik managed to nod and remain calm, but the other men looked decidedly uncomfortable. “Follow me then,” Erik said.

  Ryden did so, noticing Corren and Kiran eyeing him as he passed by. But then they went right back to drinking, which was probably for the best. They’d only laugh at the news, and he was just in the mood to fight both of them at once.

  Chapter Two

  Ryden had to wait longer than he’d expected. He rose and examined the paintings in the room he’d been left in. The landscapes weren’t all that imaginative, but he liked the vibrant colors, the way the artist created gradual contrast between the cool and warm tones. One painting had two wolves in the corner, drinking from a river. Ryden thought about Owen’s coloring and wondered what he looked like in shifted form. Was his fur brown like his hair, or was his coloring different? Ryden’s wolf was solid gray, as his father’s had been. He’d always wanted his fur to be white, like his mother’s, but his coloring had been the first of many uncontrollable elements in his life that he’d simply had to accept.

  Perhaps I should tell Owen about my life. I doubt he’ll want me so much once I do.

  The door that led to the hallway opened, and the Alpha strode in alone. Ryden frowned, not sure what to think. He’d expected the Alpha to bring at least one of his Betas. Was the Alpha careless, or did he not see Ryden as much of a threat?

  “You’re Ryden?” the Alpha said.

  “Yes. And you’re Gregor.”

  “Yes. I’m also confused about what I’ve just been told.” He strode over to the window and looked out a moment before turning back. “Where is Owen?”

  “In my house. Safe. I put him to sleep, briefly, with a spell. I didn’t exactly obtain his permission, but he wasn’t himself. I did ask him to forgive me. When he wakes.” Ryden frowned again, unpleased with how disorganized his answer had been.

  The Alpha didn’t respond right away. He crossed his arms and looked outside again before he said, “And he actually went into heat?”

  “Yes,” he said, surprised and impressed by the Alpha’s calmness. “We were arguing, and he kissed me. I wasn’t thinking clearly. His insistence threw me.” He tumbled those words back over in his mind, glad none of his kinsmen were present. Another frown came to his lips as he imagined Corren and Kiran, among others, laughing at him.

  The Alpha turned back to him. “I’ve heard it’s possible but find it hard to believe.”

  “It’s true, I swear. It’s the magic in my blood—our shapeshifting power is equal parts magic and genetics. It draws out somethin
g that is now dormant in most human shifters. I know you only have my word on this, but I’ve seen it. With an ordinary shifter, a Fen could easily have nearly as much influence as an Alpha. And I’ll take full responsibility.”

  “Well, he’s your mate, so that goes without saying.”

  I better get this part cleared up once and for all. “But I’m not going to take him as my mate. It would never work out.”

  The Alpha’s eyes illuminated, anger rolling off him for the first time. “But if you actually sent him into a heat, you have to mate him. What about the imprint?”

  “That will only take hold if we have sex while he’s in heat. I won’t let that happen. The pull is strong, but I’m stronger.”

  “What of his feelings?”

  “His feelings? We met less than an hour ago. He’ll find someone else. And I’m sure I can concoct a potion to make his heat fade even more quickly. I know I have a book with the formula in it. He’ll need to be away from others a day or two at most.”

  “While he climbs the walls, half crazy with need?”

  “It will be nothing like that, and I’d like to make it clear I did not do it on purpose! And I’ve said I will care for him. I do not shirk my duties. It’s my fault, and I will help him.”

  “I want to talk to him.”

  Ryden tensed, feeling both defensive and apprehensive. “You’ll be upset seeing him this way. And afterwards you’ll both be embarrassed. As his Alpha, you’ll trigger his desire to submit almost immediately. And feeling the way he does right now, he’ll seek to submit to you in a very intimate way.”

  “Then we’ll keep it brief. He’s still my responsibility, especially since you’re being so dishonorable.”

  Ryden clenched his fists and dug his nails into his palms to keep from lashing out. “Dishonorable?”

  “Yes. I’ve been reading more about your people. Choosing not to embrace a fated mating must be mutually agreed upon, or the rejected party can continue to pursue a claim. If you send him away when he wants to be with you, I say you’re behaving without honor.” He gave Ryden a pointed look. “I know feelings aren’t something the Sons of Fenrir value. I heard all about the offer that was made to the king and Vadik. To the rest of us, matehood is about more than alliances.”

  “I have behaved with honor. I could’ve taken advantage of Owen, but I didn’t. I didn’t have to turn myself over and seek you out right away, but I did. There is nothing wrong with allowing reason to guide you when it comes to mating. And you completely misunderstand our ways. If my fated mate wants the match, but I do not, he can make a claim for financial support or protection. But that rarely happens these days as it’s seen as a sign of weakness in the rejected party.”

  “And you despise weakness more than anything?”

  “Of course. The weak require protection and can become a burden.”

  “My, sounds like an idyllic existence.”

  “Better than living amongst the humans.”

  “Are you truly so isolated?”

  Ryden nodded. “Magic protects our borders. The humans never venture near us.” He took a step forward. “We’re stronger than you and intend to stay that way. That will only happen if we strengthen our bloodlines.”

  “So the gods are wrong in their choice?”

  Ryden knew the Alpha was trying to trick him. “That’s not for me to say. Perhaps they are testing my loyalty.”

  The Alpha actually rolled his eyes. “I want to talk to Owen. Take me to him, or I’ll go over your head.” He crossed his arms. “Do you really want to take Asmund away from his own wedding reception?”

  “I didn’t want to come to this wedding in the first place!” Ryden said, his blood boiling after that eye roll. He strode to the door and threw it open. “Come on then! We’ll open a portal properly so we don’t cause any more disruption.”

  Gregor hurried to catch up with him as he rushed down the hallway. “You know, I think I see why the gods fated you to Owen. You need his calming influence. His sweet nature will win you over in no time, I’m sure.”

  Ryden refused to reply or look at the Alpha, who seemed to find that amusing.

  ****

  Owen stirred, reaching out, but when he opened his eyes, he was alone. He sat up and glanced around, no idea where he was. But his mate’s scent surrounded him. He drew the blanket laid across his legs up to his nose.

  This must be his bedroom, but where is he?

  Owen’s cock still ached, and his clothes were still on. Obviously, nothing had happened between them. He tried to remember what actually had happened, amazed at how foggy his memory was. Everything had blurred when he’d gone into Ryden’s arms again. He threw the blanket off and stood up, reaching out for the bedpost as his legs threatened to give out. Once he was steady on his feet, he slowly walked around the room. Weapons adorned the dark wood paneling of the walls, and except for the bed, nothing in the room looked inviting or comfortable. The chairs were all hard angles with little cushioning, and the dresser and tables scattered around all had marble tops and almost no decorations on them.

  Ryden wasn’t in the bathroom, which was completely modern but still stark. Owen tried the door. It wasn’t locked, so he opened it and looked out into the hallway. The house was silent and still, and he shut the door again quickly, feeling nervous. Though he didn’t know how big the house was, it felt enormous around him. Big and cold.

  “Ryden?” he said, wondering if he could summon him somehow. He ran his hand over his cock again. The thought of his mate made him ache. He looked around for a clock, but he couldn’t find one. He’d heard others say the Fen clan lived in northern Europe somewhere. He looked out the window and saw snow covering the landscape. The mountains in the distance and the snow-dusted trees made him smile.

  “It’s beautiful,” he said softly. “I could live here.” He hugged himself. I’ll need some more sweaters, though. He rubbed his upper arms as he continued to look around. There were no pictures anywhere. Why didn’t Ryden have any photographs or digital picture frames? Or paintings even? Surely, he’d at least have one picture of his mother. Ryden had softened for a moment as he spoke of her. The house had electricity and modern plumbing, while the fae king’s palace was very different. Based on what he’d seen, the entire palace was lit by candles and magical lanterns, the bathrooms lavish but antiquated to Owen’s thinking. He wondered if there was a reason for the contrast. Was there a TV or computer here somewhere? The house certainly seemed closer to an ordinary human home. He wanted to explore to learn more about his mate, but the idea of leaving the room made him anxious.

  Owen sat on the bed, wondering what to do next, when a portal opened against the wall. Ryden stepped through, with Gregor behind him.

  Before he even knew what he was doing, Owen had bolted up. He bowed low to the Alpha, filled with terror at the idea of having displeased him. “My Alpha,” he said.

  “Owen, I need to talk to you. To know you’re all right,” Gregor said.

  When he looked up, Owen saw the Alpha eyeing him critically. He swallowed and said, “I’ve … had an eventful day.” He wanted to cross the room and kneel before the Alpha. He imagined rubbing his head against Gregor’s leg, waiting for the pleasure of the man’s hand on his head. Fuck, what is wrong with me?

  “Ryden says he can help you. Is that what you want?” Gregor said.

  “I’m not sure I have much choice.” His entire body ached, and he moved behind a high-backed chair, gripping it and pressing against it, needing something between him and the other men. His erection had grown even more obvious, and more painful. “If he can help me, I’d like for it to be soon. He said I’m not myself, and I’m starting to really feel it.”

  “Just to be clear, you don’t want to come with me?” Gregor asked.

  The Alpha’s voice sounded so inviting. Owen closed his eyes and shook his head, sweat breaking out on his forehead. “I can’t even look at you right now. Please forgive me. I mean no disrespect to yo
ur mate.”

  “You see I was telling the truth?” Ryden said sharply. “You’re causing him stress. His scent will overwhelm us both if you don’t leave soon. And his suffering will only worsen.”

  “I need your word he’ll be safe with you,” Gregor said.

  “Then you have it. I will not harm him, and I will not take advantage of his … current state. Please, leave us so I can begin my work.”

  Owen looked at the two men as they seemed to be staring each other down. He began to tremble, gripping the chair harder. He reached up to loosen his tie, feeling far too warm all of a sudden.

  “Very well.” Gregor moved back toward the portal. “But I expect updates.”

  Ryden withdrew a cell phone from his pocket and extended it to the Alpha. “Enter your number. I’ll send word within the hour.”

  The Alpha did so and handed it back. “You get reception way out here?”

  “With help from a few spells.” Ryden gestured to the still open portal. “If you please.”

  Gregor looked at Owen. “The moment you wish to leave, I’ll come for you.”

  “Thank you, Alpha,” Owen said quickly, turning away again.

  Gregor left, and the portal closed. Owen yanked his tie off and shed his suit coat. “I’m burning up now,” Owen said.

  Ryden took off his cloak and tossed it to the bed. He unbuttoned his waistcoat and threw it down as well before rolling his sleeves up. “I told him not to come. He’s your Alpha. Your wolf already longs to please him. You’d have been humping his leg in another few minutes.”

  Owen untucked his shirt. “I’m sure you’re right.” He ran his hand over his shaft, unable to stop himself. “Where’s this help you’ve promised?”

  Ryden watched him with seeming interest, but then his expression hardened again. “Stay here. I’m going to make a potion for you.”

  “I don’t want to be away from you. I don’t like being here alone.”

  “Nothing here could harm you,” Ryden said, but then he sighed and headed for the door. “We don’t have time to argue. Come with me.”