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Chapter Text

Prelog

Cody stood admits the carnage, his sword in hand, the dull red colour of dried blood making the sword look rusty belying the sharpness of the weapon. The battle was over; his knights had won the day against the hoard of monsters… Funny how the word monsters was toss around when Cody and his men were the ones standing victories over the dead…

As the highest ranking alpha in a large pack of shifters that was organized like a military army Cody had been in charge of the other alphas. His alpha brothers would defer to him in this case but it wasn’t always easy. Alphas liked to take charge and order the betas around, But Cody trusted his alpha brothers to manage the smaller sub pack of beta. It was how they had won this day against a pack of savage monsters.

Was there a difference between the monsters that lay dead at his feet and his men? Not a dame thing in the eyes of the people they were protecting. Just because they happened to also be werewolves had not made a difference in the battle, Cody’s men were too good for that.

Werewolves were werewolves …. Monsters, mindless beasts, Just because Cody and his men lived and worked under the banner of the Protectors of the land they were somehow more trustworthy then the werewolves that lived with no allegiance to the brotherhood.

Cody’s men lived more like humans then the ones who made the wilds there home but did that make them more or less evil then a lone Shifter?

Normally shifters without a pack were the dangerous ones, but this battle had put pack against pack. It shouldn’t have happened this way…but now the dead lay at his feet, and the humans would be happy that they killed their fellow shifters.

The humans feared the shifter pack that had made this area home, blamed them for everything from missing sheep to misguided husbands and wives, spoilt crops, sickness and bad weather.

Cody was conflicted, but he had his orders and his orders were to kill the shifters that had scared the humans so badly that they had paid Cody’s masters a lot of gold to have the problem sorted out.

The wolf pack that had probably done nothing to the town was now gone, dead at his feet and Cody felt sick.

“All right …” Cody said mustering up one last bit of steal in his voice as he addressed his men, Despite his miss giving’s the alpha and beta’s looked to him for guidance, “Spread out and look for survivors…”

“Merciful death sir?” The blonde alpha Rex asked him, Rex was in charge of his own pack and had come to aid Cody in this massacre. Not that their own people hadn’t suffered losses, but Cody felt it could all have been avoided. Too bad his masters didn’t care what he thought in the end…

Cody pressed his lips together, he wanted to say yes…knew he should say yes… but he was so sick of death… He let out a sigh as he looked to Rex, “Take them prisoner and have a healer look at them.”

“Sir…” Rex asked with a frown, “You want to save them?”

“No.” Cody asked, “We bring them into the pack, Make them ours…”

“Sir that’s too much of a risk.” Rex said his voice hard. “What will the masters say?” he frowned, Rex loved his master, was loyal to him, Cody was too, but his master never liked the idea of senseless killing.

Cody shook his head, “I’m sick of killing of what is essentially our brothers…” he said, “Besides, it’s not like they don’t let bring others into the fold.” Werewolves or shifter were made form men, bitten and cursed by one of their own. Normally they didn’t take in shifters from other packs… Shifters could breed with each other. But the babies were mostly human until they came of age and were bitten and given the ability to shift. At least that’s how it was supposed to work; Cody didn’t have any omegas in his pack to know the fine details of breading and babies.

Rex frowned, “Cody…” He reached out a placed a hand on his shoulder, “We were fallowing orders,” He said, “I’ll spread the word among the men to look for survivors.”

Cody breathed a sigh of relief; Rex was a good alpha a good brother, if crazy at times an adrenalin junky. “Thank you brother,” Cody said glad he had a brother like him to depend on. The pack was made up of young men who all came from the same extended family; they all looked so similar to each other outsiders found it strange.

“Save anyone that will live,” Cody told Rex, “And…quick and painless for the ones that have no hope…”

“Yes sir…” Rex said as he reached out and placed a hand on Cody’s shoulder giving it a squeeze. Rex was a young man compared to Cody…or it felt like it on days like this.

Rex shifted his feet before running a hand over his short blonde hair; He didn’t know what was going on inside of Cody’s head but knew him well enough by now to guess. They might have been made into a weapon to fight but when you looked down at a monster and saw yourself staring back… The killing took a toile…

“I’ll take a group of men out and look for survivors.” Rex told him although from his voice Cody knew the man didn’t think it was likely.

Cody however nodded his head, “Make sure the others know.” He said, “We don’t kill for the joy of it…we are different…” he sighed not sure if he believed they were so different anymore.

The blessing/curse of the werewolf gave Cody and his men the strength and speed of a wolf; they could shift at will shedding their human body for that of a wolf. It wasn’t just during the full moon that they became the mindless beast.

Not so different at all, some on two legs other looked like regular wolves, just bigger. Then there were others that had a mix of half man half wolf. Pointed ears, thick tails and clawed hands…some with jaws and teeth of wolves but others had the faces of men.

Just like his own men.

Cody closed his eyes and tried to shut out the battle seen before him. He had a job to do, walking among the fallen to find any survivors. He wasn’t sure if he hoped to find any of his men alive, but he would call the healers to either save them or end their suffering.

The skies that had been threatening them all day finally opened up and rain began to pelt down hard on the parched earth. The ground turned to slick mud but it also washed away the blood that had decorated Cody’s armour.

So far he had not found anyone alive, not his own men and not the monsters… but then he heard it, a cry, high pitched and fearful.

It couldn’t be one of his men, not that they wouldn’t be justified in their fear, but it sounded like a child…

Straining his ears Cody for a moment considered manifesting his wolf ears so he could pinpoint the sound. But as he turned his head was able to follow it to the sores. The crying of a child…why would a child be on the battlefield?

Had a child from the village snuck out into the battlefield and got lost among the dead?

Surely the child was human…But the crying tuned into a high pitched howl and Cody felt his heart clench. Could someone be born with the shifter cruse? Did they have to be bitten to transform into a wolf?

Cody and his men had trained all their lives together before taking the pledge and received the cursed bite of a werewolf. Someone a long time ago had thought that only a monster could defeat monsters… Maybe they were right but it didn’t stop them from being men first.

Overhead the skis were rolling with dark clouds and thunder, rain threatened to fall as the battle weary night walked among the fallen, the dead… Both of his own men and that of monsters. The truth of the matter was that they were the same, Cody and his brothers however hid behind the title of knights and protectors of the realm, men and (a few) women who were no different from the monsters that terrorised people in the night.

How could a lone shifter pack have gotten this big without anyone knowing about it? Were they several packs banding together? Or had this one just grown? Shifters were different from humans and animals alike, if you counted the alpha beta and omega differences in the shifter then they had six different sexes … four of which could become pregnant.

The whole alpha, beta and omega thing was another level to how different the shifters were from normal humans they served. Both men and woman could be alphas or betas and there was almost no difference in their human counterpart, (other than a knot in the males), but omegas were special. Omegas could give birth to other shifters without the bite, even the male omegas…

In Cody own pack the omega population was tightly controlled; only omegas with strong alphas were allowed to fight in the battlefield. Bonding with an alpha stop the omega’s pheromones form driving every other werewolf shifter in their path wild… good thing they only came into heat on the full moon.

Bonding however lead to breading, which lead to pups… it was probably a good thing there was so few omegas in the shifter population.

But what if…

He quickened his pace and when he found the sores of the crying/howling Cody could only stare in shock, there was no way it was possible. Werewolves were cursed, bitten, how could the small thing with the body of a child have wolf’s ears and tail?

Cody stood there looking down at the small naked werewolf child, their body covered in mud and blood as they cried, wailing their fear into the rain.

The crying stopped and the big eyes looked at Cody.

They stared at each other stunned for what seemed like an eternity before the little werewolf climbed to his feet, just a child, a baby. If he had any instinct the naked little werewolf boy would have run away from Cody, but he took a few unsteady steps towards the knight.

The werewolf baby stumbled and Cody’s sword fell from his hand as he rushed to catch the naked boy before he fell face first into the mud and blood of the battle felid.

Stunned at his own actions Cody cradled the small child in his arms, staring down into those big golden brown eyes. There was so much trust in that baby face that Cody felt his heart clench. A patch of mud stained the left side of their face, but when Cody reached up a hand to brush it away he realised it was a patch of darker skin on his face.

The baby werewolf curled against Cody body and began to tremble, from cold or fear… maybe both. Cody couldn’t help himself; he held the baby werewolf against his chest and let out a shaky sigh. What the hell was he going to do with the little one in his arms?

“Sir!”

Cody turned to look at the man, Waxer, his bald head was just as flexed with mud, there was a wild look in his eyes and he was breathing heavily. Waxer was a beta…he was loyal and brave.

“Sir we got a problem…” Waxer gasped out but stopped short when he saw what was cradled in Cody’s arms, “Um…I see you got the same problem…” he said softly.

Cody let out a sigh, “You found others…babies like this one?”

“Children…” Waxer said nodding his head, “Three of them…the oldest one looks to be about five or six…but maybe that’s just cuss he so big.”

“Are they aggrieving?” Cody asked closeting his eyes as he held the toddler against his chest.

“Not…really…” He said, “I mean they’re scared…sure, one of them keeps trying to bite whoever gets to close but he’s not attacking.”

Cody nodded his head, “I’m coming…” He said sighing softly as he looked down at the baby in his arms; the little thing had closed his eyes and looked to be sleeping… He was even sucking a thumb… god Cody was done in, he was so cute.

Waxer led the way to where the other little ones had been found, Cody shook his head as he looked down at them huddled together looking at the knights that stood around them with fear. They looked wild and feral with fear in their eyes, but all Cody was little ones, kids, babies…

As Cody took a step forwards he knelt down showing the three the one he carried. The biggest one let out a cry and reached forwards but the other two on his sides held him back. They were all muddy and naked with tails and ears of the wolf, but they were children.

“It’s all right…” Cody said softly holding back the alpha in him…for the first time he wished he was an omega like Waxer so he didn’t frighten the babies, “You’re safe now…” He gave them a smile as he brushed the dirty hair from the baby face in his arms, “No one’s going to hurt you…”

“Sir…” Waxer said from beside him, “We um…know were supposed to um…defeat the enemy… but these are…”

“Babies…” Cody said unable to hold the alpha back form growling, “No one’s going to hurt them.”

Waxer let out a sigh of relief, “Good…good,” He said hand on his chest, “I…that is, the men didn’t feel right about …you know…”

Cody smiled knowing what Waxer ment, the beta was protective of his pack but he couldn’t see the danger in the little ones, he saw someone that needed protecting, “Get some blankets, some food.” He ordered, “We have to show them we mean no harm.”

“Yes sir.” Waxer said as he grabbed one of the men, Cody thought it was Boil and hurried off to get the supplies.

Cody let out a sigh as he looked at the three werewolf children, “It’s all right,” He told them, “No one’s going to hurt you, your safe…”

The skinny gray one let out a growl as he hugged the side of the big one with short mousy brown fur/hair. On the other side of the big one the one with rusty red fur cocked his little wolf ears to Cody’s voice but his eyes were squinting so hard it was hard to tell if he even saw anything at all.

“Your safe …” Cody held out his free hand to them knowing it might get bit for his troubles.

The biggest one stared at the outstretched hand as the other two clung to him. Cody realised that the other two were holding him back as much as clinging to him. He leaned forwards bringing the other two with him sniffing the air.

“That’s it…” Cody said drawing his hand back to stroke the tangled mess of brown hair of the one in his arms. “Everything okay now…” He held his hand back out to them, like a dog wanting to trust the big boy leaned in and brushed Cody’s hand with the side of his cheek.

Smiling Cody stroked the mud splattered chubby cheeks of the boy; it only took a moment before the werewolf boy was cuddled into Cody’s side dragging the other two with him.

“Were they found together?” Cody asked one of them men standing close by Wooly.

The dark haired man shook his head, “No sir, we bought them here when we found them…” he said to Cody, “They could be related but…” he didn’t say it but unlike the pack these boys only had a passing resemblance to each other.

“Well, they are brothers now.” Cody said softly as he ran his hand over the top of the fuzzy gray head, a growl escaped the boy but he didn’t lift his head form where it was buried in Cody’s chest next to the baby in his arms.

Waxer hurried back with a blanket in his arms and a ration pack. Knowing Waxer, Cody was sure it was the man’s own gear.

“Here sir…” Waxer said as he handed over the blanket, Cody wrapped it around the children’s naked shoulders, “I also grabbed some linen…” Waxer pulled out one of the off white bed shirts that the men only slept in if they found a bed to sleep in.

Cody was sure it was from Waxer’s own stash, and probably Boils and any other’s he could get his hands on and be forgiven.

“Sir…” Waxer said, “What are we going to do with them?”

Cody sighed; “Someone’s going to have to stay behind …” He was not going to take babies into another battle felid…

“Sir…I could-” Waxer was sure to volunteer since he was an omega but Cody couldn’t lose the man, he was his seconded in command despite being an omega. Besides Boil would go wherever Waxer went and Cody needed them.

“No Waxer…” Cody sighed, “I need you by my side…”

“What about Rex?” Boil asked as he stood back from the ankle bitters, he wasn’t as maternal as Waxer… but he was still a good beta, “He’s already got group of boys back in pack territory.”

“A group of teenagers,” Cody said, Ones that were going to be given the bite and take the pledge soon. It was how the clan did things, train boys up that showed skills and when they came of age at fifteen they were given the choice of becoming a werewolf or stay as a human and have normal life. Most choose to become werewolves and Rex was going to have his hands full in the next few moons, he wouldn’t have time to look after four pups…

“And you want to give Rex more work?” Waxer asked rolling his eyes seeing the problem just as Cody did.

Boil smirked as he shrugged, “Teenage werewolves…can’t be harder then looking after pups.”

“There more like toddlers then puppies…” Waxer said as he crouched down next to the little ones. “Cody Sir…are you positive we can’t keep them?”

Cody sighed softly shaking his head, “We have orders to move on as soon as this battle was over.” He said, “We can’t take them with us but…” he looked at the little ones bundled under the itchy blanket as a thought came to him, “The ARCs…”

“Them old alphas?” Boil asked, “Aren’t they you know…lone wolfs?”

Cody snorted, “They are already in charge of training the new pack members on how to handle their wolf side, and it’s not much of a stretch to ask them to look after some pups.”

Waxer cocked his head to the side, “If you say so sir…” He said, “Which one do you want me to get?”

Cody looked at Waxer, “All four of them,” He said, “They each get one, the old alphas just became fathers...”

*

Cody looked at the four alphas that stood before him; it was near dusk by the time the older alphas finally made an appearance. The pups had become a bit of a distraction for the men in Cody’s pack. Some of the men like Waxer were all smitten with the four boys but most of them were weary… likely fearful that Cody was going to appoint one of them babysitters…

His men were lucky however, Cody had no intention of dropping four youngsters on men who had no idea how to handle kids. It was almost amusing to watch some of his betas act around the pups… Cody could only imagine the pups being spoilt within the hour.

No he needed the older alphas that trained young ones, sure the pups were a lot Younger than the normal candidates but it shouldn’t be that different?

Apparently the older alphas didn’t think it was the same thing at all…

“You’re shitting me…” Fordo said with a growl in his voice, he sounded ready to transform and bite someone.

Beside him the other three alphas had different levels of annoyance and confusion on their faces. Blitz was scratching the back of his head as he looked to the three young pups at Cody’s feet huddled in spare tunics given to them by the men. Cody still held the littlest one in his arms with his fluffy brown tail and birth mark on half his face.

“I’m not shitting you.” Cody said putting a growl in his own voice, He was Alpha here, and the four in front of him were his subordinate alphas in this case.

“We don’t know anything about raising …pups…” Havoc said frowning down at the pups at Cody’s feet. “They sure are cute though…”

Colt elbowed Havoc in the ribs, “We don’t do Cute,” He said, “You sure you’re not an omega behind that skull?”

Havoc growled at Colt’s teasing but he held himself back from attacking his pack brother with a huff. Cody was sure the two were an item but he wasn’t going to say that out loud.

“You don’t have to be an omega to care for pups.” Blitz huffed as he rolled his eyes, “Besides that one has a birth mark that looks like half a skull.” He pointed out, “Looks just like you’re insignia Colt.”

“Maybe its fate then,” Colt said as he looked at the pup in Cody’s arms, The small pup let out a growl as he stared Colt down. Apparently the older alpha liked his spunk because Colt grinned as he reached out and ruffled the pup’s messy brown hair, “Terrifying,” He said with a grin.

Cody took his chance and passed the young pup over to Colt.

Havoc shook his head and snorted, “Well…how hard can it be…” He muttered as he reached out to the pup with silver hair only to have his fingers snapped at.

Frodo laughed at him. “Little bitter that one.” He said, “I like it.”

“He’s yours then,” Havoc said as he used his foot to nudge the bitty one towards Frodo.

“Chicken,” Fordo said as he smirked down at the silver haired wolf boy. “Well bitty?” He asked, the skinny thing growled at him but Frodo just grinned.

“How …long is this assignment?” Blitz asked as he crouched down in front of the strawberry blonde pup who squinted up at him.

“If we have to care for them until there ready to move into the dorms-“ Frodo was cut off when the boy at his feet bit his leg, a string of cruses fell out of his mouth.

“That could be years.” Havoc said as the last pup got up from his place at Cody’s feet and reached out to wrap his pudgy arms around the alphas legs holding tightly.

“I know you men can do it.” Cody said forcing a smile on his face, “And It won’t be forever…just a few…” months? Years? War and Battles took a long time… there was no telling how long this could take. “Just…do your best and I want updates; I’ll be stopping in from time to time when I can.”

“Sir, yes sir,” Frodo said with a grin that was all teeth.

Cody looked at the pups again before sighing and making a hasty retreat to organize his men. The Alphas would be fine… they were only looking after four young pups after all; it wasn’t like they were going into battle…

“Good luck.” Cody said as he gave the boys one last look, he wasn’t sure he should be more worried about, the pups or the Alphas. He left them too it, he had to trust that they could handle themselves.

The four alphas looked at each other and then young pups they had been saddled with as the Cody took his leave of them.

“Could be worse…” Colt said with a sigh as the little one in his arms snuggled against his chest.

“How’s that?” Havoc asked as he tried to pry the pup off his legs.

“He could have ordered us all to live together too.” Colt smirked at Havoc.

“We would kill each other by the end of the week…” Havoc said.

“A Week?” Frodo asked, “I would give it a few day, tops…”

Blitz rolled his eyes, despite being subordinate to Cody the older alphas had their own territory away from the other wolf packs, but they didn’t live under the same roof, although they did share the territory.

“Think on the bright side…” Blitz said as he held his hand out to stop the pup from putting a stick in his mouth. “We get to train some pups from the start, it’s not like they have any bad habits yet.”

“We don’t make werewolves this young,” Havoc said, “They must have come from an omega…”

“So?” Frodo asked as the silver werewolf pup tried to bite him again.

“Just saying…” Havoc said with a huff, “never thought Cody would have us adopting orphan pups that we orphaned…”

“So?” Blitz asked, “Cody’s not heartless, besides, there kind of cute…”

“Tell me that when your hand is covered in bandages.” Havoc said and looked to Frodo as the silver pup snapped at him again, “Try some food, maybe he’s hungry.”

“Well,” Colt said, “Come on brothers, we got babies to look after now…”

“Yeah too bad none of us are omegas,” Havoc said with a huff as he lifted the pig pup onto his hip. “They have mothering instinct…”

“Care to make a bet on what they are?” Blitz asked as he held onto the small hand of the strawberry blonde pup.

“Alphas, Beta’s …” Havoc said with a smirk at the Colt who’s pup was asleep in his arms sucking a thumb, “Or Omegas?”

“I say this one’s an alpha.” Frodo said as he held out a piece of dried meat to the silver haired werewolf boy. He looked over to Colt, “Beta or omega for that one…” He frowned at the other two, “Betas I think for them.”

“Just cuss there not sinking their teeth into our flesh doesn’t mean there not alphas.” Colt rolled his eyes

“Won’t know until there older,” Havoc said.

“We should have an idea by the time they hit puberty.” Frodo said with a snort as the silver haired boy snatched the dried meat from his fingers. “Then they can be Cody’s problem…”

“Don’t get attached or anything.” Sarcasm dripped form Colt voice as he shook his head at Frodo. “They will need names.”

“I would call that one Snapper.” Blitz said pointing at the silver haired wolf boy. “Or Bitty….”

“Hey,” Frodo huffed, turning to glare at Blitz, “Name your own.” He ordered only to get his thumb bit by the silver wolf boy.

The other three ARC’s snickered at Frodo as he cursed up a storm at the wolf boy.

*

(Many Moons Later…)

The forest was brimming with life, bugs, birds, animals, not to mention the leafy green forest itself. The little brown wolf with a long fluffy tail and a wavy brown main cocked his wolf ears form side to side listening for new and existing things as he fallowed his alpha through the woods on a little used animal path. Hunter could hardly contain his existent as he fallowed Colt through the woods. He loved his alpha and tried to lean everything the older shifter had to teach him; Hunter hoped one day he would be as strong and smart as the alpha wolf.

How many times had Colt commented on how impressed he was with Hunter skills? The ability to track his target with nothing more than his nose wasn’t uncommon for shifters but Hunter had a knack for it. The young werewolf didn’t remember much about the time before Colt.

He hadn’t had a nightmare about that time since he was small…

But Colt was always there for him when he woke up scared of his nightmares.

The older alpha had named him Hunter since he was so good at it.

It made the young shifter proud of his name…

“Where are we going?” Hunter asked as he took note of his surroundings.

Colt looked back at Hunter, “We are going to visit the boys,” he told Hunter, “You can show them all your new skills you’ve learned,” Hunter’s tail wagged happily at the idea. “They are going to be your pack after all.”

Hunter frowned, he was still just a pup, “My pack?” he asked confused, “But what about you, aren’t you my alpha?” He asked, “Won’t you be lonely …without me?”

“I’m a lone wolf.” Colt said with a chuckle, “Besides I have my alpha brothers, your pack will be your family, werewolves you can trust and depend on for anything.” He frowned, “Don’t you want a pack were your closer to your own age?”

Hunter cocked his head to the side as he looked at the older werewolf that had been his alpha for so long, “Who will be the Alpha?” He cocked his head to the side, “Will I be Alpha?”

The older werewolf sighed and stopped so he could turn and face Hunter; Colt reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No Hunter…” He said softly, “You won’t be Alpha.”

Hunter frowned, “Why not?” he asked. “The others are buttheads, always fighting…”

Colt held in a snicker, It was true, the others liked to Butt-head’s. But the other three boys were clearly alphas and Hunter…was not.

“You can’t be an alpha Hunter because you are an omega,” Colt said as he bit his lip looking uncomfortable, embarrassed…

“What’s an …omega?” Hunter asked and he saw Colts lips twist a little as if he was chewing on his own lip. “What do they do?”

Colt let out a sigh but nodded, “It is important,” He said, “An omega can be very important to the pack, if their brave enough.”

Hunter lifted his chin, “I’m brave.”

A chuckle escaped Colt and the alpha nodded his head, “Yes you are.” He said, “An omega looks after their Alpha,” He looked over his shoulder at Hunter, “They keep the peace between pack members.” He didn’t say how he did that but the young shifters eyes widened and he nodded his head.

“I can do that…” Hunter said looking determined to prove himself.

Colt smiled and patted his shoulder, “I’m sure you can,” He said as he turned back down the path and lead the way.

Hunter smiled at Colt, his tail wagged happily and he looked so adorable to the alpha.

Colt had been shocked at how fast the young werewolf grew, even more shocked when his little Hunter had presented as an omega after training the wolf boy. It had been different raising a child then training young men who were knew to the shifter world and their abilities. He had been at a loss of how to go about training an omega; in the end he trained Hunter like he would any alpha.

Hunter was smart, talented, and nothing like what the older alpha thought an omega would be like.

The four alphas had gotten together every so often for a moon of collaborative training, but this was the first time Colt had talked about how the four would be a pack together.

Colt looked back over his shoulder at Hunter and offered the boy a smile but the omega had his wolf ears cocked to the side as he looked off into the trees.

“What is it?” Colt asked knowing that Hunter had better ears then he did.

“I don’t…” Hunter said sounding confused before he snapped his eyes to Colt.

The pain shot through the alphas chest and a gasp escaped his lips. Looking down Colt stared at the arrow sticking out of his chest.

“Colt!” Hunter lunged for Colt as his legs crumpled under him, “Alpha!” the young pup griped the bigger man by the shoulders, “Colt!”

“Hun-er…” Colt gasped out, blood on his lips, “Run…”

“But-“

“Get to - clearing by - w-water-f-fall.” Colt whispered, “You know …the way. Tell the o-others …” He reached up and touched the birth mark on Hunters face, “Need to know…”

Hunter nodded his head as tears stung his eyes but he ran dropping to all fours, his clothing shredding as he ran and transformed into his wolf at the same time.

*

The small clearing with the water fall was not just a slice of beautiful nature; it had been set up as a training ground for newly turned werewolves. The stepping stones had been placed in the water under the waterfall, fallen logs might look haphazardly placed but it was the perfect place for new werewolves or in this case werewolf pups to train their bodies.

Cody had questioned whether it was too soon for the four boys to train like this but the alphas assured him that the boys were ready. He smiled as he looked over at the three young wolf boys already there, they had grown big in the last year, the size of young teenagers but they were clearly still boys who just wanted to rough house and have fun.

“I never thought they would grow this fast…” Blitz commented to Cody as the young werewolf pups easily transformed from one shape to the other as they played together.

“They are still just pups.” Cody said, “Can you tell if there alphas or betas yet?”

Havoc chuckled softly, “Oh yes.”

On his other side Frodo snorted, “Alpha,” He said, “Crosshair’s definitely an Alpha…” He held up his hand that showed old teeth marks. “He still bites me every time…”

Havoc let out a snort, “And you didn’t call him Bitty?” He shook his head with a smirk.

Frodo grinned back at Havoc showing off his own sharp teeth. “It was his good eye sight that earned him is name.” Frodo said, “I started training him on a bow and arrow as soon as he could pull the string back, Kids got a knack for it.”

Cody didn’t comment but he thought Frodo looked like a proud father right then. It pained Cody a little to think he was taking he boys away from their big brothers, but the ARC’s were lone wolfs, and with the boys coming of age they needed a pack.

“What about the other two?” Cody asked as he pushed the guilt away, it wasn’t like they would never see the ARC’s again.

Blitz grinned, “Tech’s a smarty pants alpha.” He said as he shook his head. “He’s gonna piss everyone off the moment he opens his mouth.”

Cody chuckled softly as the big one flopped on top of the two smaller boys and just sitting there tong hanging out like a big puppy.

“Wreckers an alpha,” Havoc said nodding, “but he’s not mean, just likes to push his weight around…”

“Three alphas…” Cody shook his head, “What a handful…” he wondered about the last boy, “Any idea what Colt’s boy is?”

Havoc coughed, “He’s smaller,” he said.

Frodo shook his head “I think the boys an omega…” He said, “All the singes are there.”

“How…”

Frodo slapped Havocs shoulder, “This one’s pup got afraid going up tree clime,” He nodded to Wrecker, “The shrimp scurried up the tree and talked Wrecker down the hole way.”

Havoc nodded his head, “Wrecker has a thing with heights.” He said.

“We won’t know for sure until or if Hunter goes into heat.” Blitz said, “Colts keeping an eye on that but he’s not looking forwards to it…”

Frodo snorted with amusement, “We’ve been arguing about how to handle that when it happens…”

Cody sighed, “Rex has a few omegas in his pack.” He said, “Maybe he would be willing to have the boy spend time with them.” As an alpha Cody knew there were things about omegas that he didn’t have to deal with, how was he going to guide a young omega through their first heat?

“Maybe,” Blitz said, “But we agreed that they should start their pack now, rather than later.” He shrugged, “Otherwise, It will be difficult to integrate him with three alphas when he gets older.”

“Colt came up with the plan,” Havoc said scratching his chin, “He wants the boys to sort out their dynamics when their young.”

“And whom would the boys be staying with?” Cody asked because he couldn’t see the four Alphas spending more time together then was necessary…they would kill each other in frustration.

Blitz coughed, “It was suggested,” he looked at the other two, “That they would stay with you.” He said.

Cody’s eyes widened, “Me?” He demanded glaring at the three Alpha’s “And who suggested That?”

The three older alphas looked at each other and Cody knew they were going to toss Colt under the wagon because he wasn’t there. A sigh escaped Cody and he shook his head, “Never mind.” He said as he looked up at the sky trying to judge the time, it was getting late… “Shouldn’t Colt be here by now…”

The three Alphas looked at each other and nodded, they were feeling uneasy about this too, Colt was never late…

Havoc let out a sigh, “Maybe I should go and –“

Before he could make the suggestion of going to find their missing alpha brother the birds scattered from the bushes and trees as a brown wolf rushed into the clearing. The brown fur-ball ran striate into Cody’s side and knocked the older werewolf over before transforming only half way back into his human self. The young werewolf’s ears were flat to his head and his tail tucked between his legs as he began to sob and shack as he clung to Cody.

“Hey…hey …” Cody put his hands on the boys shoulder and pushed him back to get a look at him, “What is it?” He asked in his alpha voice, it usually shocked a shocked werewolf out of silence, “What happened?”

The pup whined and ducked his head at the growl in Cody’s voice. The whimper reminded Cody what the other alphas had said about the boy… an omega… growling at him was not going to work. Sighing to himself Cody reached up a hand and brushed the shaggy brown hair from the boys face and rubbed the spot behind his wolf ear.

“Hey, come on,” Cody said softening his voice, “None of that now… I’m not mad at you…” Big tear filled brown eyes looked up at Cody and the alpha felt his heart go out to the boy. “Where is Colt?” he asked softly.

Another whimper escaped the boy but he managed to speak. “Colt…” Hunter whispered, “Dead…”

Cody looked up at the three alphas as they stared down him and the wolf pup, shock and anger marred their faces. Cody didn’t have to ask them to go find out what happened, they were going to go even if Cody ordered them to stay, Colt was there brother after all.

Frodo gave him a sharp nod, “I’ll go check it out.” He said.

“We will go check it out.” Havoc said as he looked at the other three boys who were still playing in their wolf body’s like big overgrown puppies, “Wrecker! Stay put with Cody.” He ordered, “I mean it!”

The big dark werewolf cocked his head to the side and let out a whine.

Blitz nodded his head to Tech, “You stay as well Tech.”

“Crosshair, Don’t bite anyone!” Frodo ordered Crosshair as he took the lead, “And stay with Cody!”

The three half grown werewolf pups watched as their alpha caretakers dashed off into the woods leavening Cody and the whimpering brunet in his arms. Cody held the younger werewolf tightly as he combed his fingers through the boys brown hair trying to sooth him and whatever had frightened him.

Cody put his nose to the top of the boys head and sniffed, under the fear was the smell of an omega… He felt the strong sense of protectiveness for the brunet; thankfully he was too young to emit the pheromones that would drive his alpha self into a rut…

But there was still something there and the other three young alphas responded to it.

The young alphas cocked their heads to the side watching the smaller werewolf with bright eyes. Wrecker let out another whine as he moved close and poked the brunet with his black snout. Tech came next and he sat on Cody’s other side as he began pawing the half naked werewolf boy, he had ruminates of a tunic that had ripped with a hasty transformation. Crosshair stayed back prowling back and forth between Cody and the woods; He was clearly on watch waiting for whatever danger was in the woods.

Biting his lip Cody knew he couldn’t defend the boys if his arms were full of a scared werewolf pup. He pried the clawed hands from his tunic and held them as he looked down at Hunter; Cody hadn’t seen him since he had picked the toddler up out of the mud on the battle field. He had grown a lot in a short amount of time, like the others he had aged faster than any human would have but he was still a child underneath.

A scared child that had seen something terrible, Cody let out a sigh and pressed his forehead to Hunters.

“It’s gonna be okay…” He told Hunter who let out a whimper. “Tell me what happened?”

Hunter’s breath hitched in his throat and the two young alphas by his side pressed against him, even Crosshair moved behind him and pressed his silver snout into the back of Hunters neck and hair. The three alphas were acting on instinct; they saw a suffering werewolf and wanted to protect, an omega was the most vulnerable of a pack, the most coveted…

For a moment Cody worried there would be a fight between the three alphas over the omega that was clearly terrified. Many omegas got hurt when they got caught between alphas…

“Hunter…” Cody said softly trying to get the omega to settle his emotions. “Look at me…” He hoped Havoc had given him the right name…

Brown eyes looked up at him from behind his shaggy long hair. “A-Alpha…” Hunter whispered.

“Cody…” He said softly, “Call me Cody,” He reached up and brushed the hair from Hunters face, “Whatever happened…Your safe with me okay?”

Hunter whimpered and the three young alphas pressed against him. “I-I heard it…” He whispered, “I heard it but I couldn’t stop it…”

“Heard what?” Cody asked softly.

“The …the poacher…” Hunter looked up at Cody, “T-They …Colt….he’s …”

“What happened to Colt?” Cody griped the young werewolf by the shoulders but he held back form shacking him, it would do no good to scare the pup …

“Dead…he’s Dead…”

Tears clouded the brown eyes and Cody wanted to gather the young werewolf into his arms, shielding him from the pain. But the alphas were pushing themselves close to Hunter, wedging between him and the older alpha. Wrecker let out a whine and pushed his head against Hunters side and reached up to lick the omega’s salty cheek. The silver wolf pressed his nose into Hunters ear and let out a huff as Tech pressed against his legs. The alphas were responding the omegas distress and Hunter soaked it in more than any words of comfort Cody could offer.

Cody closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh, he had hoped…but he feared that Hunter knew what dead was and wouldn’t mistake it for something ells. He stood back and looked around the clearing by the waterfall, this place was safe for now and he couldn’t smell anything on wind, but that didn’t mean it going to stay that way.

He looked to the four young werewolves three of them in wolf form as they piled around the omega. Cody wasn’t going to let anything happen to them…

By the time the other alphas came back to the clearing it was starting to get dark, Cody had light a fire and was currently making a stew of dried meat and a few wild herbs. The boys were still sleeping in a pile but Hunter had transformed into his wolf body curled up in the middle of the cuddle pile.

Cody lifted his head when he saw Blitz approach him, He looked grim.

“Did you find him?” Cody asked softly not wanting to wake the boys. He spooned out a bit of stew into a mug and handed it to Blitz.

The alpha nodded his head as he took the mug holding it in his hands as he sat on the stump next to the fire. “We found his body.” He said to Cody before taking a sip form the mug. “Arrow to the heart, would have died in moments…”

Cody sighed heavily, “Poachers?”

“Looks like it.” Blitz said, “Havoc is taking care of the body…”

“And Frodo?”

“Tracking the poachers scent.” Blitz said, “Cody…We’re going after them.” his sharp teeth showing.

Cody blinked, “All of you?”

Blitz shook his head, “Colt was our brother, we were a pack, we might not have lived under the same roof but we were a pack…” He let out a sigh, “You need to take care of the boys now…”

It had always been Cody’s intention to take the boys on when they were older, it was why he had asked the four alphas to look after and train them until they were ready to join the ranks in his pack. He just never thought it would be this soon.

Cody let out a sigh as he looked at the boys; His heart went out to them, but they weren’t ready to join the pack, to battle the darkness that threatened innocent people… But he couldn’t just leave them alone, Cody knew it was going to take some work on his part, but he would do it for them.

“Leave them to me…” Cody said softly before looking back at Blitz, “Take care of each other…”

Blitz gave Cody a nod of his head before he stood up, He downed the mug of stew and handed it back to Cody. “Don’t worry about us.” Blitz told him with a smile that was all sharp teeth. “Just …look after the boys.” He might not say it but Cody knew the alphas had grown fond of the orphan pups that Cody had thrust into their care.

“I will.” Cody said softly as Blitz headed back out into the woods, the darkness swallowed him, Cody wondered if any of the alphas would come back one day… His gut feeling said that they wouldn’t until they had avenged their fallen brother.

He let out a sigh and looked to the four boys; he hoped he could handle what lay ahead of him with the boys.

Three alphas and an omega… he was going to have his hands full, that was for sure.

*TBC…

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Rex stared up at the small cottage that sat at the edge of The Golden Packs territory. It had been a long time since he had seen his brother Cody, years actually. Maybe he should have sent a letter first, but he had made this special trip to see his alpha brother not just for social reasons.

As Alpha of his own pack, Rex was hoping his alpha brother could help him with something very important. Rex didn’t want to involve his own pack; he didn’t want to let them down.

When he traveled into Cody’s territory he didn’t think he would be pointed into the wild heart of his brother’s territory. Unlike human lands shifters built along the borders and kept the heart of their lands wild. When Rex had walked up to the main compound that looked like a medieval castle, he thought at lest he would be directed to one of the other border compounds but instead the shifter had pointed him to the heart of Cody’s territory.

If Rex hadn’t been so well known to Cody and his pack he might have been told to cool his heals and wait. Instead he was told where the alpha was and sent on his way into the heart of Cody’s territory. Rex was grateful he didn’t think he could stand waiting for Cody in to show up when he felt like it.

Normally the heart of the territory was kept wild for shifters to stretch their legs in animal form. It prevented any accidental human/shifter encounters, which was bad for all parties involved. Still most shifters lived in the main compounds but apparently Cody was living in the heart of the large forest for some time.

The men at the front gates had told Rex that Cody had spent most of his time tucked away in a secluded untamed wilderness then anywhere ells. He came to the compound once a week for a day or so to make sure everything was running smoothly before heading back into the woods.

Unfortunately for Rex, this wasn’t a day he was in house. So here he was trekking through the heart of another alphas territory, if it had been anyone but Cody, Rex would have been on higher alert. But nothing had happened so far, not a rabbit or dear had crossed his path by the time he had come upon the small cottage tucked among the trees.

Shaking his head Rex stepped on the dirt path that lead to the cottage, as he got closer he got the feeling of being watched. The trees were thick and the undergrowth was over grown with bushes and brambles. Despite being away from the main encampment the cottage sat smack in the middle of Cody’s territory, it was probably the safest place to be… The only reason for that was if Cody was protecting something…

As a shifter, Rex’s scenes were keener then a humans and he felt eyes on him. He felt it for the last hundred yards but no one had approached him, he thought Cody might be messing with him; the alpha had been a good tracker in his younger days… But why would he bother trying to sneak up on Rex? It wasn’t like Rex was hiding himself, or his scent.

Rex narrowed his eyes as he felt the short blonde fur on the back of his neck raise up. He placed a hand on his blade; a rustle in the tall grass drew his attention.

A growl came from behind him. Rex wasn’t rusty by any means, he wiped around just as an unknown werewolf slammed into Rex’s chest knocking him to the ground. The blade was knocked from his hand and Rex found himself staring up at into a pair of golden brown eyes behind a half mask of death.

The brown wolf on top of him was small but menacing… if not for the red strip of fabric around his neck Rex realised he had to be a shifter.

“Hunter! No!” Cody’s voice barked out.

The growling stopped and the wolf cocked his head to the side wolf ears twitching up to focused on Cody as he rushed over. The young shifter and he was young, whined at Cody, his ears flattened to his head.

Cody let out a sigh as he stood over them, “It’s okay Hunter,” Cody said, “I’m not mad, you did good.” A smile tugged at his lips as he looked down at Rex.

At the parse Cody gave him, Hunter leaned close and began sniffing, inhaling the blonde alphas scent. His cold wolf nose puffing air against Rex’s face sending a shiver through the alpha.

“”Hunter, He’s a friend,” Cody said, “It’s all right; you don’t need to bite Rex’s face off.”

“That’s not funny Cody…” Rex grumbled as the wolf nose poked him in the ear and inhaled deeply. The werewolf sneezed once and sat down heavily on top of Rex, a grunt escaped the blonde alpha.

Res watched as the shifter wolf, transform back into a human. Rex always felt a little sick whenever he watched a wolf transform into human or the other way around, the sound of popping bones was always too loud in Rex’s ears. Despite this he watched as the wolf jaws shrunk the black nose narrow and sharpen and the fur disappear into the smooth young face. The one side of his face that had been half mask of black fur took on the shape of a half skull of a brown birth mark. The ears on the side of his head were still wolf like as his paws turned into long fingers black claws cutting into the fabric of Rex’s shirt.

The transformation slowed and stopped with a naked young man sitting top of Rex’s stomach. He still sported wolf ears, and a very fluffy tail but the rest of him was human. The young man was not that heavy and Rex thought he could push him off easily, but he held still as there was a wild look in the werewolf’s golden eyes.

“Cody?” Rex asked watching the wolf ears on the boys head twitch and he leaned down to sniff at Rex again but with his human nose.

Cody chuckled, “It’s okay Rex, Hunters just …young, he’s just assessing you scent, best to just let him do it otherwise …” Cody shrugged but didn’t finish that thought. Instead he cleared his throat, “It’s been a while,” he said, “How are you doing?”

Hunter face pressed into his shirt inhaling deeply. Rex was used to this from shifters in their animal form but never when they were on two legs.

“Oh yeah, you know,” Rex said as he tried to push the wolf boy off of him…well he was hardly a boy, more of a young man. “I…Got a,” Rex shifted uncomfortably as the young shifter began sniffing lower…much lower, “ah!” Rex grabbed the back of the main of wild hair to stop him from sticking his nose in Rex’s junk. “Problem…” Rex let out a growl as the alpha in him rose to the surface.

The young shifter lifted his head and growled back sharp claws bit into his skin as Hunter bared his sharp teeth at Rex; their noses almost touching and as an Alpha Rex was surprised at how brazen the young pup was. Was he going to have to teach the brunet a lesson about who was the top dog…wolf?

“Rex, easy,” Cody said, “He’s young and we don’t get many visitors…”

“So… what?” Rex demanded, “You want me to roll over and show my belly?”

“You’re already on your back.” Cody said looking amused, “Hunter,” his voice was warm but firm. “It’s all right, Rex is my alpha brother.”

“Brothers?” The voice that came out of the young werewolf was almost a growl, but Hunter had stopped barring his teeth which had been more wolf-like then human. Rex loosened his hold on the main of brown hair. He looked down at Rex with narrowed eyes, “You…are brothers? Alpha brothers?”

“Yes.” Rex said keeping the growl out of his voice as he loosened his hold on the brunets hair, “Cody and I grew up together.” In the back of his mind he couldn’t help but notice how soft and silky Hunters fur like hair was.

The younger werewolf looked up at Cody; the big fluffy tail began wagging happily behind him like a puppy. Cody nodded his head smiling… the man was actually smiling!

Rex turned his eyes back to the younger shifter on top of him. There was something wild about him… How many werewolves did he know that ran around the compound naked? Well not ones that were as old as this one…

Rex was very aware of how a very naked young man was sitting on top of him. It didn’t help that Hunter was actually very handsome, curves in all the right places. His shaggy brown fur-like hair, pointed ears and a very fluffy tail made the shifter adorable. Even with that handsome face glaring down at him; the half mask of a skull made the glare look like the promise of danger… Rex had always been attracted to danger… shit… was he getting hard?

It had to be the scent coming off of the shifter sending him singles that he was sure to embarrassing if he didn’t control himself. There was no way he was an alpha …but… he didn’t smell like a beta either…

Was he an omega? Rex had a few in his pack … but none were this pushy. Only unmated omegas would be this pushy with alphas, weather they wanted the attention of a potential alpha mate or not… How many times had an alpha been seen by the healer with angry claw and or bite marks from an omega? One could never tell if it was because the two were in the throngs of mating or the omega had had enough of the stupid alpha that couldn’t take a hint.

The blonde alpha closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, oh yes…this was a young pup was an unmated omega. “When did you get an omega?” Rex asked trying to lighten his voice. The omega wasn’t marked, and Cody didn’t treat Hunter like a mate, more like a child…

“It feels like forever ago.” Cody said sighing softly, like he was remembering a difficult time, “They were still just pups then.” A sad smile spread over his lips, “Little more than babies, born shifters, I have no omegas in my pack, no young ones, so it’s been up to me to raise them.”

Rex knew that Cody had no omegas in his pack, the only new shifters they got into the fold was ones who were bitten by an alpha. But that wasn’t what caught Rex’s attention.

“Pups?” he asked, “As in more than one?” Rex was shocked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” He knew they didn’t always have time to write letters to each other but he thought this was something that he should have known about…

Cody chuckled, “Yes, pups…I have been a little busy, raising young shifters is no small task,” Cody said with a sigh as Hunter leaned close and began sniffing at Rex’s face again this time with his human nose, “They are a bit of a handful…As I’m sure you know…”

Rex felt a tug at his heart strings at the reminder. He cleared his throat trying to ignore Hunter’s advances. The young wolf shifter was still pushy but at least his claws and fangs weren’t digging into Rex.

“How many naked young men do you have running around here?” He asked wondering if Hunter was going to let him up anytime soon. “ Are you giving special training for Transformation during battle?” Was that why the young werewolf was naked in the first place? The blonde alpha was trying very hard not to look at the werewolf’s junk on display between them. If Cody wasn’t there he would take a moment to admire the stunning body sitting on top of him, thin waist, full chest and wide hips…tight mussels under that tanned skin.

“Four, and no special training, they transform from man to wolf whenever the mood suits them…”Cody snorted and shook his head, “They spend just as much time as wolves as on two legs…”

“Four, Huh…” Rex muttered as the werewolf pressed his face into the blonde’s neck and began rubbing him cheek and jaw all over his face, “Fuck…Get off me already.” Rex growled at him getting tired of having a conversation on his back.

“Rex… best stay down until he lets you up,” Cody said, “He putting his sent on you, It will be safer when you meat his brothers.” He fell silent and coughed. “There alphas…”

“You’re kidding me?” Rex asked as he wondered how long this would go on. This was more wolf-like behavior then human… He thought the others would have been betas, maybe one alpha. But to have three alphas and one omega was just asking for trouble. He tried to get up but Hunter pushed him back down with a growl.

“Not kidding,” Cody chuckled, “And Hunters the one that keeps them all in line, but if you think Hunters a handful wait till you meat his brothers,” He shook his head the grin still playing on his lips, “They can be pushy, and don’t fallow direction all that well…”

“Cody, I don’t have …” Rex frowned as Hunters face got between him and Cody again, Agitated Rex reached up to push the younger werewolf out of his face.

Rex got a big whiff of a scent and the blonde caption realised something very important right then. He inhaled deeply feeling the scent just hit him; Rex could feel his body respond with a tingle down his spine and a tightening of his pants.

Hunter snapped at Rex’s fingers and Cody reached out and taped the brunet on the back of his head.

“Hay!” Cody barked out, “Play nice.”

Hunter’s ears flattened and he let out a low wine, “Mm playing Nice.” He muttered as he pulled his thick fluffy tail into his lap. He looked down at Rex a pout on his lips as his tail flicked back and forth.

Only years of training to surpass his own animalistic needs prevented Rex from trying to dominate the situation and take the young werewolf for himself. But his patience was worn thin; he reached out and grabbed the tail that was flicking under his nose.

He didn’t mean to startle the young wolf but Hunter let out a yelp as he jumped up and dashed to hide behind Cody. He peeked over the commander’s shoulder with ears high and a pout on his face.

“It’s okay Hunter,” Cody told the younger shifter, “Rex means no harm, but he’s an alpha.”

“He smells…” Hunter’s voice rumbled like a purr, “So good.”

Cody let out a cough as he looked down at the blonde alpha, “Rex?” Cody asked, “Are you okay there?”

“Yeah! Yeah.” Rex tried to be cool as he got up from the ground, “Guess it’s pretty close to the full moon…” Rex tried to keep a tight leash on his alpha reaction to the young omega…the young naked omega….shit ….

Cody let out a sigh, “Yeah…” he nodded “Yeah it is…I’ve been keeping track of the moon waiting for his first heat to come,” he frowned, “but I can’t smell his pheromones anymore… so I don’t know when it’s gonna happen.”

Rex pushed himself up and dusted off his pants, “You can’t Smell it?” he demanded, “How is that possible?” Now that Rex had gotten a nose full of the omega’s sent it felt like his pants were way too tight.

Cody just shrugged, “I’ve gone nose blind to the scent of it,” He said, “All I smell is the boys…” He sighed rubbing the back of his head, “It happens to dean mothers and fathers apparently, and that’s what I’ve become to him …them.”

“Right… he’s your boy,” Rex ran a hand over his face and let out a chuckle, “At least you’ve training him well, He got the drop on me before I realised I was being fallowed.” He asked as dusted himself off as he stood up to face Cody, “But I think you need to work on his manners…”

Instead of being mad Cody let out a chuckle, “I can’t take all the credit; their instinct are stronger than ours,” Cody said shaking his head. “But you’re right, they don’t really have good manners…well, Human manners anyway…” He coughed, “They ruin their Clothing…daily…”

Behind Cody, Hunter let out a huff and nipped at Cody’s human ear with his teeth. Cody didn’t even blink and just reached up to flick the brunet wolf boy in the nose. Hunter ducked his head and hid his face into Cody’s back again; Rex could hear the disgruntled growling coming from him.

Cody let out a sigh, “They like to push the boundaries…” He told Rex, “believe it or not Hunter is better behaved then the other three…”

Rex snorted, If Hunter was the best behaved of the four werewolves then…what did that mean for Rex when he met up with them? Were they going to mark him by lifting their legs on him? Or just bite his face off…

“Why are you out here with them?” Rex could hear soft growl the young werewolf let out as he eyes Rex from over Cody’s shoulder. “Shouldn’t they be with the other men in your pack?”

“What? And bring an unmated omega into the pack?” Cody asked, “Are you asking for a blood bath? I thought you knew better than that, you have a few omegas in your pack.”

Rex frowned but nodded, “No, you’re right…that wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do…” The omegas in his pack either had bonded alpha mates or several beta brothers that would protect them.

Cody nodded his head, “I trust my men…” He said with a sigh, “But there is no reason to dangle a tempting bit of tail in front of the alphas.”

Rex nodded his head understanding, “Cody… As good it is to see you after so long,” Rex sighed, “But, I didn’t come to just chew the fat…”

Cody looked at Rex and pressed his lips together before nodding his head as he looked to Hunter whose golden brown eyes were focused intently on Rex, “Hunter, Go get your brothers,” He ordered the younger omega.

Hunter wolf ears perked up, before nodding his head, “Yes Cody.” He said as he stepping out from behind Cody giving Rex a full few of his curvy beautiful body. His tail flicked out and brushed it against Rex’s arm as he walked past. The blonde couldn’t help but watched the naked omega hurry off.

Rex really had to work on his self control right then, to fight his own instinct to drop to all fours himself and rush off after the omega. Chase him through the woods and ... This wasn’t a new feeling he had, werewolves ended up chasing tail all the time. It was the scent of an omega that drove most werewolves to lose control of their human side. The desire to bend the omega over and take him was very strong. It didn’t help that he was very easy on the eyes either. The strong shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist and the flare of his hips… Not to mention his very cute fluffy tail.

Rex couldn’t help but track the omega as he dashed off into the woods his body a work of art…

Cody sighed as the naked young man dashed off into the woods with his fluffy tail wagging behind him.

Rex blinked his eyes several times as he stared after the naked werewolf transform into his wolf self and disappear into the underbrush. He and Cody had ruined so many sets of clothing when they were learning to transform between human and wolf and the hybrid from that most humans associated with werewolves. It was always best to just undress and do it in the buff …

Cody coughed his cheeks pink, “They still don’t have a good grasp on being fully human, and their tails and ears don’t go always go away. They tend to forget to put clothing on when they transform.”

Rex raised a brow, “They are not ferial… are they?”

“Oh no, of cores not,” Cody said then rubbed the back of his head, “And Sorry about Hunter,” Cody said rubbing the back of his head, “He can be pushy and he’s not used to other alphas.”

Rex let out a snort, That was an understatement, if Cody had raised them in the pack there was no way Hunter would have pushed the boundaries like he had with an Alpha like Rex. Of cores with the way Rex’s body responded to Hunter maybe the young shifter knew what he was doing…

Cody sighed, “You might as well come in.” He said, “It’s nearly meal time for the boys as it is.”

“I’m shocked they don’t catch their meals…” Rex said as a joke as he fallowed his brother.

“Oh don’t get me started on that...” Cody said as he led the way inside the cottage, “It took me forever to get them to bring anything they caught so we could have a cooked meal… they still forget sometimes,” He said, despite being shifters Cody and Rex and most other packs started out as humans before getting cursed or blessed with the ability to shift into a werewolf.

Rex grimaced, “Well at lest they …um…” He wondered how he would get his foot out of his mouth now, “At lest they know how to fend for themselves.”

“Try not to get them worked up.” Cody said, “You’re an Alpha but this is still my territory and I am their alpha.”

“Clearly,” Rex said as he fallowed Cody inside, the cottage was warm and bright, very domestic; he stood in the doorway and watched Cody.

“You can leave your boots on,” Cody said, “Do you want some coffee?” he asked.

Rex nodded his head as he looked around the cozy cabin Cody had lived in, it was so different from the cold stone room that was only big enough for a cot and could be locked form the outside.

It was a modest little cottage, very rustic, but strangely there were modern amenities too. The kitchen, if the big open area could be called that, had a big wood slap table with benches on either side. Along the wall a rain barrel sat with pipes leading too it forms the ceiling. As Rex looked around he noticed the lived in look with the mess scattered around.

Rex cocked his head as he saw other details, books stacked along shelf’s or in piles on the floor, stuffed toys scattered around as well as tools and junk. It reminded Rex of their upbringing… before they had taken on the curse of the werewolf and became protectors of the land.

“So you raised them,” Rex looked back at his brother, “All on your own?”

“I had some of my older bachelor alphas looking after them for a short while,” he shook his head, “I intended them to be old enough to join the ranks but… they don’t get along well with other shifters, too wild, too wolf-like.” Cody said.

Rex watched Cody as he pulled a mug out from the cupboard, “So you’re their alpha daddy?”

“Don’t say it like that.” Cody made a face “Sounds dirty.”

Rex chuckled despite himself.

Cody sighed, “It’s been hard for them and they don’t trust many other shifters. So they formed their own pack, it shouldn’t work but it does.” he handed Rex a hot mug of coffee. “I think it’s because they don’t act like regular humans…and not just because they forget to put pants on after they transform.”

“No…no I think I get why the other shifters might not …understand them.” Rex said, he had been a shifter since being a young man but he didn’t go around smelling new shifters when he was in his human form.

Cody snorted, “You got off easy.” He said, “If one of the others had ran into you before Hunter did you might have a few teeth marks in you.”

Rex let out a huff as he sniffed his coffee and felt more relaxed when he took a sip of the dark bitter brew.

“I can just imagine potty training them…” Rex said trying to lighten the moon. After gotten bitten every shifter went through a stage where they tried to mark their territory like normal wolves would. He could only imagine what four young boys that were more wolf than human would do.

Cody chuckled, “Let’s just say it’s a good thing there was no carpet down.” He sighed “But they are coming of age; I worry about them, three alphas, one omega…”

Rex winched, he could only imagine how that would turn out.

“Oh, no don’t get the idea that Hunter can’t look after himself,” Cody said, “He actually keeps the other three in line.” He chuckled.

Rex’s huffed, “Seriously?” he asked, “An omega keeping not just one alpha but three in line?” he snorted, “No way.”

Cody however just chuckled, “I know, I know,” He said, “And believe me, If I had been told, what I just said to you…”

“They didn’t obey you?” Rex asked, “Their older alpha? Their den father?”

“You want to know how many times I’ve been bitten.” Cody asked with a snort, but he had a fond smile on his face, “It’s a good thing I’m already cursed with the bite of a werewolf.”

Rex raised a brow but decided to move on, “You mentioned watching the full moon,” He said, “You think Hunters going to come into heat on the next one?” If Rex had known Cody had a young unclaimed omega he wouldn’t have come here so close to the full moon. This could be a problem.

Cody snorted, “With the way the others are acting around Hunter…” He shook his head, “It will be this one, I would bet on it…” He looked at Rex.

Rex grimaced, “Handling an omega during the full moon is no joke,” He said, “It’s not like you can put a leash on them…” Or a chastity belt… “Are you worried about them being brothers?”

“There not actual brothers,” Cody said, “My pack found them after a battle, orphans.” He let out a sigh, “I don’t think they would be welcome into another pack.” He said, “Makes me wish I had some older omegas in my pack to teach Hunter…” He sighed, “I know it can be rough of them…”

Rex sighed as he remembered the smell of omegas in his pack during the full moon. How it riled up the alphas and betas, and with so many fights broke out between the normally harmonies pack. Some would even need to be patched up by the pack healer because of an omega in heat.

“I’m sorry for coming so close to the full moon,” Rex said wishing he could promise to be gone before the full moon but he couldn’t, he needed Cody’s help…

Cody nodded his head, “True Humans don’t understand,” He sighed, “It was never them we were hunting during a full moon.”

“Just our omegas in heat…” Rex said with a quark of his lips.

Cody shook his head, “I didn’t think much of it when I didn’t have any in pack, but now I have one and three young alphas, how are they going to deal with it?”

“It’s worse for the omegas,” Rex said with a sigh, “They not only have to deal with horny alphas and betas, but their own body’s as well…” He frowned, “An omega once told me that it was like …there body betrayed them, even if they came across a shifter they normally would never ever deal with, they were still compelled to mate…”

“How do your omegas deal with it?” Cody asked sounding worried for the young omega in his care.

“They shack up with an alpha before the full moon and become mates,” Rex said frowning, “Or they hide themselves away with other omegas.”

“Behind a big door I take it…” Cody said with a sigh.

“Honey werewolves.” Rex muttered, “The most dangerous monsters there, but not to humans, just each other.” To think humans just happened to get in the way of werewolves out on date night? It was kind of stupid.

Cody shook his head sighing, “Well Rex… before we are descended on by the boys, why are you here? Not to drink my fine coffee I suspect?”

“Cody…” Rex sighed putting aside memories to focus on why he was here, “I came because I need your help.”

Cody opened his mouth to ask what help Rex needed when the door bruited open and four Werewolves piled in. It was a sight; the four in their larger than average wolf forms bumped into each other snapped playfully as they entered the cabin.

Rex jumped to his feet and Cody snapped his fingers to get the boys attention.

“Boys, Settle down,” Cody barked at them, Rex wasn’t shocked that they didn’t listen, “This is my brother Rex.” Cody said to them with a sigh then looked at Rex, “Rex, you met Hunter,” He motioned to the golden brown wolf with the half mask of dark gray, his coat and tail were glorious and long, but he was the smallest of the pack even with all that fully fur. “The others are Tech, Wrecker and Crosshair.”

Rex didn’t think they were listening to the alpha at all as the strawberry blonde werewolf; Tech sniffed his way from the door to where the blonde alphas boots and stared up at Rex with squinty brown eyes.

Was he glaring?

No, he didn’t seem to be, young alpha kept sniffing the air at Rex as if he was using his nose to see him. Did the alpha have bad eyesight?

On Rex’s other side the biggest wolf he had ever seen pushed himself between Rex and the table nearly knocking him from his seat and the table back a few inches. Rex let out a growl trying to show his displease that the young wolf was being disrespectful.

“Wrecker…” Cody said with an exasperated sigh as he shifted the table back into place.

With his short black fur and domineering size Wrecker looked like the stuff out of legends, the fabled dire wolf was as big as a small pony. His left eye was white and the ear had a big notch out of it. He would have looked like a nightmare if not for the big tong that lolled out the side of his mouth. The werewolf looked like a big happy dog despite his size. His tail even thumped against the floor as it wagged.

Last of the brothers was tall skinny gray wolf that was all leg and with a short sleek silver coat and sharp yellow eyes. Crosshair let out a constant growl as he paced back and forth glaring at Rex like he wanted to take a chunk out of his leg. But he didn’t approach Rex only stood back growling and snapped his teeth in warning. The scare around his right eye gave the silver werewolf a deadly glare.

“It’s all right boys…” Cody said to them, “Crosshair you don’t have to glare like that…Rex is a friend, my brother actually.”

The brown saggy wolf that was Hunter came up behind Crosshair and nipped at his ear.

Crosshair snapped his teeth at Hunter but the brunet just ignored the teeth as he pushed his way over to Rex. With no more manners then a badly trained house dog the omega sauntered right up to Rex stuck his nose in the blonde’s crotch smelling inhaling deeply. That seemed to be the single for the others to invade Rex’s space. Before he even knew it Rex had a face full of fur as the other three werewolves’ crowded him along with the omega. Wet cold noses, fat warm slobbery tongs licked his hands and face and tails wagging back and forth hitting his back and legs like wipes.

Rex let out a growl of his own; if he had his wolf ears they would have flatten as he pushed the younger aside.

Hunter in wolf form pushed himself between his brothers and Rex and shaped his teeth with a loud click of teeth at them. Rex eyed the handsome young man’s wolf form and couldn’t help but admire how he handled his brothers. It was impressive since he was the smallest.

“Boys! Manners!” Cody barked out before huffing with a small laugh behind his hand.

Hunter began snapping at the other wolfs pushing them back from Rex, If the blonde hadn’t gotten a nose full of omega scent earlier he would have thought that this was Alpha behaviour.

Crosshair put his ears down and looked like he was ready to sulk or bite something. The big one Wrecker, bumped into him and got snapped at by Crosshair. Tech let out a huff as he sat down waiting for Hunter to wrangle the other two. Wrecker let out a huff as he flopped down but Crosshair kept growling until Hunter snapped at his ear. Crosshair let out a huff but quitted his grumbling.

Hunter then sat down, looking pleased, his tail wagging happily as he looked to Cody.

“Boys,” Cody sighed shaking his head, “Please shift into your human form…” he stopped as if remembering something important then barked out, “In your room, and put some clothing on while you’re at it!”

Hunter jumped up and began nipping at the other three werewolves to get them moving to the door. Rex watched as the smaller omega pushed the bigger wolves like he was the boss. Wrecker huffed happily and began wagging his tail like it was all a big game, maybe it was. With a playful snap at the bigger werewolves tails Hunter chased his brothers into one of the back rooms, the door shut behind them.

Rex coughed, “If I didn’t smell it on him …I wouldn’t think Hunters an omega.” He said.

“He dose boss them around.” Cody said with a smile, like he was proud of the boy.

Rex shook his head, “For an omega he sure acts like an alpha…I’m surprised the others let him push them around.”

“Hunter is very protective of them,” Cody just shook his head, “I think it’s because they think of him as theirs,” Cody let out a chuckle, “But he can be just as stubborn if not more than the alphas,” Cody shook his head, “He breaks up any fight between the three and gets them to do cores…”

“That hardly sounds like an omega at all,” Rex said.

“I think the problem is not with the omega but with us, the alphas who think they need to be top dog.” Cody said giving Rex a smile. “The three alphas are always trying to compete with each other but Hunter just watches over them, if something starts up between them he steps in to stop it.” He said, as he began filling the bowls with the hot stew he had been preparing.

“Sounds like a handful…” Rex said.

Cody grinned, “You have no idea.” He fell silent as the door to the bedroom opened and the boys in human form stepped out.

Thankfully they were dressed this time or half dressed; it looked like an assortment of old clothing that had been picked at random. Hunter wore a green tunic with his fluffy brown tail sticking out the bottom of it, his strong legs and feet were bare. His shaggy brown main like hair was pulled back with a red bandana.

Next to step out of the room was the most put together, with glasses perched on his nose. He wore a leather vest over a cream coloured shirt. His leather patched pants were held up by a belt with a lot of pouches that looked to be full of little treasures. Was the wolf part magpie?

The biggest one, had to be Wrecker, fallowed close behind. He wore no shirt, probably because nothing would fit across his broad shoulders, but he did have on a pair of bib overalls that looked like they had seen better days. His head was bald with a scar reaching his left eye which was white.

Last out of the room was the lean with gray silver gray hair. He wore what looked like a pair of full body underwear with his tail sticking out the back. The seat of the long underwear only held in place by a single button.

Cody didn’t comment on what the boys had put on and Rex was just glad they wore something.

“Hope everyone’s hungry.” Cody said as he set the bowls full of meaty stew on the table.

“I’m Starving!” Wrecker said.

“How’s that possible?” Crosshair snapped.

“What?”

“You’ve been hunting vermin all morning,” Crosshair huffed, “You even stole the eggs I found…”

Tech pushed up his glasses, “I shared the wild black berries with you Cross.”

“That’s not the point.” Crosshair grumbled, “They were my eggs…I spotted them.”

“Didn’t I tell you boys Not to eat before meal time?” Cody asked with a sigh.

“Don’t worry! I’m Never full.” Wrecker said with a grin as he slapped his belly, “It has never happened, Not yet.” Wrecker said as he dug into his stew.

Rex shook his head and took a spoonful of stew for himself, it was very good actually. He never knew Cody to be a good cook but maybe after looking after the young shifters had given him more skills then just leading men into battle.

“Did you make this?” Rex asked.

Cody chuckled, “No, this Rabbit stew is curtsy of Hunter,” he said, “Not only did he catch the rabbits, but he cooked it for us too.”

Rex looked at the saggy brunet, and Hunter seemed very pleased, if the tail wagging behind him was any indication. Rex couldn’t help but think he was so cute right in the oversized green tunic and red bandana holding his brown hair out of his golden brown eyes.

Tech cocked his head to the side as he looked down at his food, “A werewolves’ appetent is twice that of a human.” He said as he looked up at Rex, “Due to the high metabolism and the energies we burn off by shifting between our wolf and human form.”

Rex blinked, “I do know this…” He said and looked at Cody.

“Tech likes to study things…” Cody said as he dipped a piece of bread into his stew, and pointed to Tech, “This boy here is smarter than any human professor I know.” He smiled, “He’s come up with inventions and gadgets of all kinds.”

“Like what?” Rex blinked.

“Like the lights,” Cody pointed to the glowing lanterns, “The water system,” He pointed to the sink, “As well as a projectile weapon that can take down a beats from a distance.”

“Attacking a monster with sword is just stupid,” Crosshair said.

Wrecker chuckled. “But Fun.”

“Yes, a projectile base weapon is better.” Tech said, “And if the bullet or arrow head is silver it will weaken our kind,” He nodded, “It is always best to keep the distance, otherwise even a skilled fighter can be mortally wounded before killing a werewolf.”

“You know we would make short work of anyone.” Wrecker said with a grin.

Rex nearly dropped his spoon and looked at his brother, “What the hell have you been teaching them?” he demanded.

Cody sighed, “They need to know what they are vulnerable against,” He said as his blonde brother stared at him.

Rex turned his attention back to the werewolves; all four of them had a look on their face that Rex recognised. They knew what they were and what the world thought of them, even if it hurt. He gave a sigh and ran hand over his face.

“Why did you come all the way out here to find me Rex?” Cody asked his brother.

Rex bit his lip before he sighed, “I need your help Cody.” He said lifting his eyes to look at his big brother, “I think I found Echo.”

Cody blinked as he looked at Rex, “I thought…” He said, “Echo was dead…”

“He’s not.” Rex said, “I know where he is…” his breath hitched in his throat, “where he’s being held, but I need your help to get him back.”

Cody sighed, “What about the others, Fives? Jesse? Hardcase?” he asked, “Can’t he help you?”

Rex winched and looked away, “Fives is ...” He said shaking his head, “I don’t want to get his hopes up Cody, not after so long… he’s been struggling.” He looked to Cody, “I need your help Cody, please.”

Cody closed his eyes and set his spoon down. He wanted to cruse but he just looked tried as he placed a hand on his forehead. “Rex…”

“Fives went off the deep end after his brother …after we thought Echo was killed.” Rex told him, “He’s better now, But Fives was so angry …” the blonde alpha sighed, “Not that I blame him, I’m sure any other alpha would have come down hard on him but I couldn’t do it…not after Echo…” He looked away from Cody and sighed, “But he’s been better lately, even got close with another shifter, an omega named Tup.”

“But?” Cody asked feeling that there was more.

“Tup… is sick,” Rex sighed, “Fives is dedicated to him…I can’t pull him away from Tup.”

Cody sat back and looked at Rex with sad eyes. “I’m sorry Rex.”

Rex shook his head, “I can’t ask Fives for help, not if this is a …not if I’m wrong. ”He looked up at Cody, he could see the doubt and pity in Cody’s eyes, Echo had been more to Rex then just another pack brother, Echo and Rex had been close…not a mated pair but maybe they could have been, “Echo is alive.”

“How do you know?” Cody asked softly, his voice full of pity, “I can’t just go on rumours…”

“It’s not Rumours!” Rex’s anger bubble up inside of him as he slammed his fist down on the table. He couldn’t help it; he was upset, asking for help from the one wolf that could help him and Cody was going to say ‘No?’

The young werewolves jerked, Wrecker’s ears perked up his eyes bright and a deep rumble sounded in his chest. Tech bright eyes bore into him as his ears flat to his head as Crosshair bared his teeth in a snarl. Hunter on the other hand cocked his head to the side, his ears forwards twitching as he pushed forwards and put himself between Rex and his brothers.

It was an odd reaction for an omega but it reminded Rex of Echo… that cooled his temper more than anything Cody could have said.

Cody didn’t react; he was used to Rex, even being away from each other for so long he knew his brother, He set his spoon down and looked at Rex, “Tell me what you know…”

Rex looked at Hunter who still had a look in his eyes. He let out a deep sigh and allowed his poster to relax again before he reached into his travel bag and pulled out a crumpled flyer, he handed them over to Cody.

“One of our packs found this in a town close by.” He said as he handed over the flyer. It was black and white with a bit of red ink to make it pop; it looked to be made on one of them new printing presses, ‘Dr. Tambor Monster Emporium.’ Was splashed across the top in red and underneath was a black and white etching of a werewolf.

“Rex…” Cody looked up at him.

“Look at the picture, the mark on his chest…” Rex said wishing he had a stiff drink right then, he pushed his bowl of food aside.

Cody pressed his lips together but did as Rex asked. He couldn’t help but stare at the mark on the werewolf’s chest, a hand print that Rex knew like his own hand… because his hand had put it there. Tattoos made with a touch of foxglove in the ink allowed the deigned to come out onto the fur when a wolf transformed. Many of Rex’s pack had tattoos with the magical herb.

“Rex…” Cody said, he couldn’t argue that it wasn’t Echo; he was there when Rex had given Echo that tattoo.

“It’s him…” Rex said, “Please, you’re the only one I can turn to for this…the only one I can ask…”

Cody pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh, “I have to think on this Rex.” Cody told him. “I can’t just run off with you like in the old days, I have my boys to think about…”

Rex grits his teeth.

“I know this is important to you, and I want to help you.” Cody said to his brother, “I just can’t pick up and leave.”

“Cody,” Rex blinked, “I need your help…”

“I know,” Cody said, “Let me get some things in order, It will take a couple of days to …sort things.” He looked the boys, “Hunter, make Rex up a place to spend the night.” He set the flyer down on the table, “We have to be smart about this Rex, I’ll go and talk to my seconded in command and let them know I’ll be gone for a bit…” he sighed, “Then I need to figure out what to do with my boys.”

Rex sighed He wanted to go now, Right now…no Yesterday, but he sat down and nodded his head, Cody was going to help him…he had to be patient…

He was lost in thought as Cody left him there at the table with his uneaten stew and the four younger werewolves. Rex didn’t even register them being there until one of them reached across the table. Rex jerked his head up and blinked at the bright eyes behind the specials.

“May I look at the …” Tech said as he pointed to the flyer that Rex had bought Cody.

Rex blinked at him, “Um, yeah sure,” He said and handed the paper over.

Tech reached over and took the flyer and looked it over. Rex watched him with a raised eyebrow, he almost forgot that the others were there when Hunter reached over and picked up his half eaten bowl of food.

Rex jerked back as the brunets smell wafted over to his nose. He felt a shiver go down his spine and he found himself looking into Hunters golden brown eyes. The half mask of a birth mark on his face made his stare look intense. Deadly… like the grim reaper himself…

Hunter raised an eyebrow him, “You are done eating?” he indicating to the food.

Rex found himself blushing but Hunter merely cocked his head to the side waiting for him to actually answer him.

“Yes…” He said and Hunter took the bowl and handed it to Wrecker whose black tail wagged back and forth behind him like a big happy puppy.

“You shouldn’t waist food.” Hunter told him as he cleaned up the other dishes.

“Right, sorry.” Rex said. “I’m just… not that hungry…”

“You Cody’s brother?” Wrecker asked as he stuffed his mouth full of food.

Rex blinked, “Oh… well yes,” He admitted with a laugh, “Not just pack brothers though, my actual brother.”

Crosshair snorted. “You look alike…” he said. “Others look like Cody too…”

“We don’t…” Wrecker said, “Not like the others…” He looked at Rex, “Not like you.”

Rex frowned as he looked at the younger wolves, “Well… it’s because the pack is also a clan, The Fett clan has been a pack for a long time… I guess we all look similar.”

“Inbreeding will do that.” Tech said as he looked over the flyer, “It happens when close relations breed, its meant to enhance desirable traits but it can also be a determent if-“

Hunter huffed and elbowed Tech; it seemed to be the single to shut up because the wolf snapped his mouth shut and blushed.

“You must care about this …Echo,” Hunter said changing the subject, “It sounds like a dangerous mission to go after one shifter.”

“You gonna get yourself killed…” Crosshair asked a growl in his voice. “Cody too…”

“No, no,” Rex said that, “I would never let that happen.”

“You left this one behind…” Crosshair tapped the flyer Tech was hiding behind.

“I didn’t…” Rex felt his anger rise inside of him, “That wasn’t …I thought he was dead…we all thought he was dead…”

“It’s stupid,” Crosshair huffed.

Wrecker looked up from the food he was in hailing…without a spoon, “Stupid?” He asked, “Why?”

“Cuss it is!” Crosshair kicked at the Wreckers chair leg tipping the bigger alpha over and spilling the last of his stew on the ground.

“Hey!” Wrecker stood up “My food!” he thumped his hand on table.

Rex narrowed his eyes and his jaw clenched, was there going to be a brawl on the kitchen floor right in front of him between these two alphas? Was he going to have to step in and dominate them just so they didn’t hurt each other?

Before he could Hunter was there between them, pushing them apart like it was normal.

“Settle.” The omega ordered them with a bite in his voice, “Company…”

Rex watched as the two alphas glared at each for a moment before huffing and turning away from each other.

Despite the tension in the room Rex was impressed, this omega had control over not just one but three alphas. Rex knew that an omega had influence over their bonded alphas, but from the smell of Hunter the young omega was not bonded to anyone yet…

“Never seen an omega control alphas before…” Rex muttered although he didn’t realise that he said that out loud.

“Omegas in heat can…” Tech spoke up not even looking up from the papers.

“Tech!” Hunter barked out his cheeks turning red.

Tech blinked at Hunter looking confused at the omegas embarrassment.

At the mention of Heat and the fact that the full moon was not far off Rex couldn’t help as he inhaled deeply. Omegas smelt sweet and musky and the sent got stronger the closer they were to the full moon. He would be lying if he said that the young omega didn’t affect him the smell was intoxicating…

If he didn’t have a mission to find Echo…god he would take that omega and show him just what an alpha could do to him…

Across the table Wrecker thumped his bowl down on the table, Crosshair let out a growl, his ears flat against his head as he glared at Rex.

“Your smell changed…” Tech said as he sniffed the air.

Rex hadn’t realised he had let him get affected by the omega…

“Shit!” Rex barked out and jumped to his feet. The two alphas Wrecker and Crosshair let out a growl at him. Rex hadn’t meant to sound like a threat but it was clear from the tension coming off at least two of them…

Hunter looked to his brothers, “Wrecker, Crosshair, Go do your chores.” He ordered.

Wrecker blinked at him, “But-“

“Go,” Hunter said firmly, “I’m fine,” He leaned close to Wrecker, “We don’t need Cross taking a chunk out of Cody’s brother…”

Wrecker pouted but nodded his head as he let out a growl as he stood up, and reached down to pick up Crosshair. The silver alpha began squirming as he tried to claw and bite at the bigger alpha who just laughed at him. They sounded like a couple of scraping cats.

“Ignore them,” Hunter muttered, “They are just …being …alphas,” His cheeks red under the half skull patch of dark skin.

“They are being stupid,” Tech said, “There hormones are controlling the fight or flight response to the scent of a new alpha…” The copper werewolf’s tail wagged and he pushed up his glasses as he looked to Cody, “They usually competing with each other; Wrecker uses his strength but Crosshair relays on his …sharp teeth.”

Rex coughed, “A biter is he?”

“Yes,” Tech said, “Hunter has a scar on his ass when Crosshair tried to-“

“Ignore him too.” Hunter said quickly hoping Tech would shut up.

Tech wasn’t done however, “It’s not Crosshairs fault,” He shook his head, “He can’t fight the alpha instinct when it comes to omegas…” He looked to Rex, “Crosshair likes to bully Hunter…”

“It’s not …bullying…” Hunter huffed blushing, “Cross’s just… pushy.”

“Hunter lets him get away with a lot,” Tech said, “But not with things that really matter.”

“What about you,” He asked Tech, “Do you defer to Hunter? And Wrecker?” he could see that they did but was that normal for them or was it just because he was here?

Tech let out a snort, “Yes, but I have more control…over my emotions,” He said, “And Wrecker is well…Wrecker.” Tech cocked his head to the side, “What about you?” He asked Rex, “Are you a mindless animal when you smell an omega in heat?”

Rex coughed and looked to Hunter who stiffened suddenly his face turning red. He thought the omega might just die of embarrassment right then.

“I…like to think I have more control of my animal instincts then a couple of young pups,” He said hoping that the lie didn’t come back to bite him in the ass. Alphas were always affected by omegas no matter how old they were. But he didn’t want to scare Hunter; the young omega was so tough…

Tech raised an eyebrow, “I Find that hard to believe…” He muttered as he turned back to the papers in hand. “If an alpha like you isn’t affected by an omega’s pheromones your balls must be-“

“Tech!” Hunter backed out as he gave a swat to the back of his brother’s head, “Rude…”

Tech huffed looking like a chastised puppy as he adjusted his glasses, “Just saying…your smell has been getting stronger lately,” He looked at Hunter, “It’s why Crosshair and Wrecker have been acting out…”

Hunter let out a huff, “Go help Wrecker and Cross with their chores, I need to make up a nest-” Hunter shook his head at his slip of his tong, “Bed, I mean a bed, for Rex…” He hurried away from the Alpha sitting at the table.

Rex blinked as he watched Hunter run away. The brunet stirred something in the alpha that he hadn’t thought he would feel since losing Echo… Rex shook his head, he shouldn’t be thinking of that right now. Not when he was so close to finding Echo again…another mate would be wildly improper… not that Echo was his mate…

Tech cocked his head to the side as he watched the alpha with a keen eye, “Interesting…” he muttered.

Rex’s head whipped around to stare at Tech but the younger alpha moved away and pulled some books off the shelf as Hunter dragged blankets out and dumped them in front of the fireplace. It did look more like a nest then a bed but Rex did not comment.

It looked like he was staying the night.

TBC…

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Hunter felt restless; Ever since Rex had come to their home he had felt off. He wanted to run and howl at the moon even if it wasn’t full. Hunter couldn’t help but turn over and change positions in his nest of blankets. He tried to be silent about it with his brothers asleep not so far away but his body burned hot as if he had a fever and his body ached, and he was itchy at the back of his neck and between his legs.

Unable to help himself Hunter reached down between his legs were his member was already half hard. But that wasn’t what he was after… his fingers brushed against his cunt, finding it slick and wet.

Hunter bit back a gasp at the feeling that sent a shiver down his spine and squeezed his legs together…Shit, he couldn’t do this here! Not with his alpha brothers sleeping so close… They would surely smell him… and hear him… they might not have his keen nose or superior hearing, but they were still werewolves.

Lifting his head Hunter looked to his pack brothers and breathed a sigh of relief. The young alphas were fine, snoring away like normal, deep in dream land. Hunter knew eventually they would be His alphas one of them would claim him and he would be there omega, but right now they were just his pack mates, pack brothers, they might be older then Hunter but they were less mature somehow.

But Rex… shit Rex was a full blooded alpha and he smelt sooo good… he light Hunters body up in a way the other three hadn’t…oh sure Hunter knew he would pick one…or all three of the alphas one day… but Right now Hunters body wasn’t thinking or someday, it was thinking about how the blonde alpha was just on the other side of that door…

No no… Hunter knew his body was betraying him, was ‘this’ his first heat? No it couldn’t be, the moon wasn’t full it couldn’t be.

But what ells could it be?

Hunter bit his lip looking to his pack brothers, the alphas in the nest next to him. He was sure that they would smell him… alphas became crazy when they smelt an omega in heat. Cody had told him this would happen, and that he had to protect himself. It was best if he go make himself a safe den in the woods away from any alphas.

Away from the new alpha…

It had to have been Rex, that blonde alpha, with his powerful sent and commanding presence Hunter felt like he was entering his first heat even though it wasn’t the full moon yet…Rex was the problem; the alpha had come into their home and upset the balance of the pack.

Huffing in frustration Hunter pushed himself up, sleep wasn’t coming and his heat was he had to get out of here away from the alpha. The smell of Rex was overpowered everything ells he could pick up, was it because he was new? Mature? Or was it something ells like his strength?

It didn’t matter because Right then Hunter frustration pushed him to go and do something about Rex. The alpha that had invaded his home, as a werewolf Hunter was only fallowing his instincts.

Cody had always told them to trust their instincts, but he also tried to teach them to use their brains too.

Leavening his brothers to sleep Hunter silently slipped out of their room and shut the door.

Earlier Hunter realised how good the blonde alpha had smelt to him. So good, so…yummy, Like, really good, better then when Cody cooked venison over an open fire seasoned with garlic and herbs.

Not that Hunter wanted to eat Rex… or did He?

Hunter felt so wet between his legs as his insides clenched at the thought of eating Rex…or being eaten by him.

That was…not right…right?

Hunter needed to get out of here, get out of the cottage and hide out in the woods until this…whatever ‘this’ was… was over or Rex was gone.

As much as Hunter trusted and loved Cody, his adopted father was also an Alpha, he didn’t know what was going on inside Hunters body right then. His alpha father might be older and worldly but Hunter knew Cody had been a man before being a wolf… Hunter and his pack brothers had always been werewolves…they were born this way.

Whenever Cody left them alone, the small pack spent as much of their time or more as a wolf then on two legs. Cody would bring home all manner of human gifts for them, never something a wolf would care about. Books and scrolls for Tech, a stuffed doll for Wrecker that the big alpha cuddled even night, even now. Crosshair never got toys like that, only because he liked to chew on things when he was younger so most of gifts he got were practical, like weapons. Cody had given Hunter a red scarf that was so soft and cozy; Hunter would cuddle it and breathe in its sent whenever he got stressed.

But none of these things would be of interests to the wolf in them.

Despite them being more wolf-like then the other shifters, Cody trusted them, He trusted Hunter to look after his pack brothers. Cody had been a good father, a good Alpha; Hunter always wanted to be like Cody one day. A good strong Alpha who could fight and protect their family, But Hunter would never be an alpha.

He was an omega and his job was different, Cody said being an omega was a harder job because unlike an alpha, an omega was meant to keep the peace between the alphas.

Hunter took his job seriously; he tried to be a good pack brother, a good omega. He looking after his alpha brothers, making sure they didn’t hurt each other with their rough Play…

Cody had tried to teach him what happened to him when he came into heat that alphas would fight over omegas. Hunter didn’t want that to happen, he had to leave.

As much as he loved his brothers he didn’t want them to try and fight Rex… right now Hunter wasn’t sure who he was trying to protect. His pack brothers, Rex…or himself…

Hunter smelt the alpha before he even saw him; the pheromones hit him like one of Wreckers fists. He stumbled and caught himself in the doorway feeling weak in the knees.

The alpha was in their living room; Hunter had set him up a place to sleep there. The alpha musk had stolen all Hunters attention the moment he smelt it. All thoughts of sneaking out to the woods alone left his mind. There was something about Rex that just tugged at him, like there was an itch that only he could scratch.

Hunter licked his lips as his wolf zeroed in on the alpha just out of sight. He breathed in the alphas musk, closeting his eyes Hunter sniffed the air, his tail wagged happily as he peeked around the corner. Hunter crept to the edge of the living room where Rex sat by the fire. Shirtless, the fire cast a glow on the toned body, illuminating old scars. Hunter could see how tense the alpha’s body was, as he stared into the glowing embers.

Hunter watched him with his gold tinted eyes, his tail swish back and forth. He couldn’t help but feel a strange sensation in the pit of his stomach. Closeting his eyes Hunter breathed in the scent, He couldn’t help but feel like his head was swimming, like when he and his brothers had snuck a taste of the flask that Cody kept hidden in his room.

As silent as the night Hunter crept up behind Rex and opened his mouth.

*

Rex felt a shiver go down his spine as he realised one of the werewolves had snuck up behind him as he sat brooding in front of the fire. The hair stood up on back of his neck.

Using his claws Rex took a swipe at the werewolf that jumped back out of the way, Hunter crouched down low, his tail swishing back and forth behind him. His eyes wide, pupils blown out, his nostrils flaring as he breathed in Rex’s scent.

Rex narrowed his eyes at the young omega, he wasn’t stupid, and he could see the animalistic desirer in Hunters body. The way his tail flicked back and forth like a cat ready to pounce.

“Hunter, What are you doing?” Rex demanded as if the alpha inside of him didn’t already know.

Hunter cocked his head to the side, his wolf ears twitching, “You smell sooo good.” Hunter groaned out as he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply.

The words left Rex blinking. “I…oh?” he asked and couldn’t help himself as he lifted his arm to get a whiff of his own body odder.

He had turned his head away for just a moment, and the werewolf was right back in his face, glowing eyes staring into his. Hunter was very close to Rex now, his eyes half closed. Rex tried to lean back out of the way but Hunter closed the distance between them.

Rex fell backwards and found himself pinned to the floor with Hunter on top of him. As young as he was, the werewolf was strong, his hands holding fast to Rex’s arms as he leaned in pressing his nose against Rex’s neck and breathing in his sent, as his leg press against Rex’s crotch.

This close to the younger omega Rex couldn’t help but feel intoxicated by the scent of him. His body responded with lust. Rex cursed under his breath; Cody was so going to kill him for this…

“You should shift,” Hunter whispered in his ear, “I want to run in the moonlight…”

The moon light?

Rex felt like he was drunk as he stared at Hunter, mesmerized by the sent coming off of Hunter. Biting back a whine as the younger werewolf nuzzling at his neck; the older werewolf didn’t think he could control himself.

Hunter nipped at his flesh of his neck before backing up. The sting was miner, Hunters teeth were sharp and he felt the trickle of warm blood on his shoulder.

As he looked deep into Hunters eyes, Rex felt drawn in by the younger werewolf, like he was telling Rex to chase him. Hunter’s tail swished back and forth playfully and when he transformed into his four legged form ran for the door Rex could do nothing but transform into his wolf and fallow the omega.

Even though the moon was bright it wasn’t full but Rex felt exhilarated as he chased after Hunter on all fours. His sleek golden fur stood out in the forest shadows but Hunter’s dark fur blended in and disappeared.

Lifting his nose to the air Rex breathed in the scent of the omega in heat as he left a trail for him to fallow easily. He rounded the bend beside a set of large trees only to have Hunter jump out of the underbrush and playfully knock into him and rub his head under Rex’s golden chin.

The blond werewolf let out a wine, as he forced himself to change back into his human form. He knelt down panting for breath as he looked at Hunter still in wolf body.

“I-I’m not going to take you as a wolf.” He growled out. “Transform…”

Hunter cocked his wolf head to the side his ears cocked as his long dark tail flicking back and forth behind him. Rex wanted Hunter; he couldn’t help it, the omega smelt to good to resist. But If Hunter didn’t turn back into a young man then …then he was safe, Rex could resist…

Rex breathed heavily refusing to take the omega as a wolf. He almost hoped Hunter would run off, but the younger werewolf transformed back into the handsome young man, a handsome, naked young man, one with wolf ears and a tail. Rex had to admit he was super cute like that. Hunter looked up at Rex, his eyes half closed, his tail flicking back and forth.

Before Rex could act Hunter landed on top of him and tackled the blonde to the forest floor. They rolled and Rex being the bigger one pinned Hunter to the ground. Breathing heavily Rex stared down into Hunters golden eyes.

Rex blushed as he realised Hunter had just made the first move in courtship. It wasn’t a true claiming bite but it his body burn with lust.

For a split second Rex denied the feeling that was building inside of him as he breathed in Hunters sent. He had more control over himself then a young horny pup. Or at least he thought he did when his body betrayed him as he stared down at the Hunter.

His golden brown eyes stared up Rex full of lust and longing. Feeling like he had drunk one too many shots he leaned down and bought their lips together. He could feel Hunters fangs cut into his lip. As he pulled back, Hunter’s tong flicked out and licked up the drop of blood.

The look in the werewolf’s eyes was intoxicating.

Rex relaxed his grip on Hunters wrists and slide one hand into his to entwine their fingers Hunters grip was strong and his nails dug in but they didn’t cut. With his other hand Rex and cupped the werewolf’s face, stocking his thumb against his lips before trailing down his neck and chest.

Underneath him Hunter whimpered as he bucked his hips against Rex. Reaching lower Rex didn’t know what to say, so he just took Hunters member in his hand and gave it a steady stroke.

A gasp escaped the omega as he squirmed in Rex’s arms but not to get away, but to turn over onto his knees with his ass in the air. He looked over his shoulder at Rex and let out a whimper.

“Needy?” Rex asked with a grin as Hunter whimpered again, Begging him…

Rex might not be a sadistic man but he did enjoy the look on Hunters face as he ran his hands along Hunters skin, squeezing the omegas ass, “Like that?” Rex asked, “Use your words…” He reached out underneath Hunter and stroked the omegas small male member with one hand and stroking his fingers through the thick brown fur of the omega’s tail with his other.

Hunter gasped out, “Y-Yes,” Along with a growl that sounded like a purr his tail wagging back and forth. Rex grinned pumped his hand over Hunters member as the omega’s tail flicked back and forth. Using his other hand Rex slid his fingers between the omega’s ass and slipped them inside of Hunters wet cunt.

A gasp escaped Hunter before his tail curling up between his legs. Rex couldn’t help but growl at the fluffy tail in the way, Letting go of Hunters male member and grabbed his tail and pulled it side.

The omega gasped for breath as he looked over his shoulder at the blonde alpha, begging Rex with his eyes. Hunger arched his back giving Rex better access to his cunt as the alpha slipped a second finger inside,

Rex didn’t know if it was his own feelings or if somehow the omega was manipulating him but Rex wanted nothing more than to take Hunter with everything he had. His cock was painfully hard, he wanted Hunter, and he wanted him now…

Hunter whimpered, “A-Alpha…” He breathed out, “P-Please…” He pushed himself against Rex’s hand, wanting more.

“I think you’re ready…” Rex whispered as he griped Hunters hips bringing him close. Wasting no time Rex griped his stiff shaft and pushed inside. The omega was so warm, wet and tight that Rex thought he might black out from how good it felt.

Hunter bit back a gasp and shivered as Rex settled inside the omega. Rex didn’t think about how easy it was, how willing Hunters body was, all he knew was that it felt so good.

He didn’t want to hurt the omega by going to soon or to fast but Hunter began to move.

Rex gasped and met Hunters movements, slowly at first, gust rolling his hips, in slow steady thrust. Underneath him Hunter whimpered as his tail twisted sideways allowing Rex to take him fully. Griping the omega’s hip’s Rex began to thrust harder, faster. The growling gaps the escaped Hunter was delightful to his ears.

With the omega on his hands and knees they move together in quick thrusts, wet skin slapping together.

Wrapping his arms around Hunter, Rex pulled the omega up into his lap as he buried himself deep inside. Rex reached down with his hand and griped Hunters hard shaft and he began to stock Hunter in time with their thrusts.

The omega could barely contain himself as he through his head back and bit his lip to keep the whimpers inside. Hunter felt like his body was on fire, the way Rex stroked his member in time with his thrusts was driving him over the edge. He couldn’t do much as his legs jerked out and his body clenching around Rex’s member.

Rex grunted and buried himself deep inside of the omega his body going stiff as he filled Hunter with his seed. Panting for breath Rex slowly sagged down to lay on top of Hunter who shivered under him. Rex could feel his knot forming inside of Hunter, if he didn’t pull out now …

The omega, Hunter let out a throaty growl that turned into a whimper as he felt the swell of the alphas knot tying them together. Feeling drunken Rex on bliss opened his mouth and grazed his over the back of the omegas neck. Hunter panted loudly as he whimpered bearing the flesh begging to be bitten, claimed…

They were already tied together it would be so easy…

“Claim me…” Hunter gasped out between a whimper. “Mark me…”

Rex let out a grown as his lips hovered over the nap of Hunters neck; he trembled as he turned his head away and bit down on his own arm instead of Hunters neck.

The pain cleared the blonde alphas mind from the sex haze his brain was drowning in.

Rex’s suddenly realised what had happened, he an alpha had taken advantage of an omega going through a false-heat since the moon wasn’t full.

He could have bite the young omega, could have claim him in this fake heat, they where even knotted together.

But that wasn’t right.

It wasn’t right to chase the younger omega all over the woods and have sex with him. But it happened, and even if It was the wrong thing to do Cody had held himself back from biting Hunters neck. It wouldn’t be their choice and it would bind the two of them together before they even knew each other.

Rex clamped down one last time on his arm before opening his mouth, god his arm and jaw hurt…

The omega under him whimpered as he looked over his shoulder at Rex, “Why won’t it stop?” he gasped out, “It keeps…the feeling won’t stop…” He sounded confused, scared and unsatisfied as his heat burned through the young omega.

Rex knew a heat could be scary even painful to a first time omega.

“Hunter…” Rex gasped out, “Hunter I’m sorry…”

“P-please Y-You need to claim me… It won’t stop…”Hunter let out a whimper.

“I’m sorry Hunter…” Rex muttered softly, “I know you think you wanted this right now but in the morning… you will not feel the same.”

Hunter whimpered and wiggled under Rex, the movement sent a jolt through Rex again. They were still connected, Rex’s knot was still swollen and there was no getting away from each other for at least fifteen minutes… that is if the omega actually stopped squirming under him. The omega wasn’t trying to escape Rex, he was trying to get the alpha hot and bothered enough to lose what little control he had.

“Hunter…shhh… It’s all right,” Rex whispered in his ear as he wrapped his arms around the omega and griped Hunter’s still hard shaft between his legs. “I’ll take care of this but I can’t bite you…I will not…” He began stroking the omega’s hard shaft knowing the only way Hunter was going to settle down and return to normal was only one of three ways, well four if you counted waiting out the moon faze but… it was too late for that.

One bite the omega, two, get them pregnant, and three… give them several orgasms in a row.

Now Rex didn’t know why that was, but he was left with only one option. He hoped that Cody understood and didn’t kill him when he found out…

The pain in his arm helped focused Rex and he ‘attacked’ the problem head on. Holding Hunter tightly to his chest and waiting for his knot to deflate Rex stroked the omega. He didn’t need a reminder not to sink his teeth into the omegas neck because ever movement of his arm sent a jolt of pain through the alpha.

It took longer than Rex would have liked for his knot to settle but when it finally did, he pulled out and was able to focus solely on helping the omega through his first early heat. Time was an illusion, but it still felt like hours as Rex held Hunter tightly in his arms milking out orgasm after orgasm.

By the time Hunter was spent and he didn’t have much left in him to keep from falling asleep. Rex looked down at the omega as Hunter lay sprawled on the grass breathing heavily, his hair was a wild mess and his face was flustered but the look of ignorant bliss on his face was enough to stab Rex with guilt.

Rex wondered if he should try to pick Hunter up and carry him back home. But even just shifting into a more comfortable position Rex realised he was too tired to even stand and make the trek back, let alone carry the smaller omega with him. Rex let out a sigh as he eased his body down next to Hunter, wrapping himself protectively around the smaller werewolf, protecting him from the cold. He would have to rest for a little bit before trying to carry the omega back to the cabin.

Cody was going to kill him …

*

In the early morning Cody made his way to the main room, he had thought long and hard about Rex’s wild goose chase. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop him from going. Rex was never one to be controlled; he was brave and daring, evens a little crazy at times. The best Cody could do for him is make sure he didn’t get killed. So he was going to have to go with him, it’s all there was too it.

The idea of leaving his young werewolf boys behind was not ideal but they could look after themselves at this point. Taking them into the city was a stupid idea… They didn’t have the training he, Rex and the other werewolves of their old pack had.

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes Cody stopped in his tracks as he came to the main room.

Cody shook his head as he stood in the predawn light. He had raised his boys the best he could but he didn’t think he would have to deal with ‘This’ so soon, and with his own brother, too.

Looking down at the two tucked up together Cody pinched the bridge of his nose and cleared his throat.

Rex was always a light sleeper and his eyes snapped open and his hand reached out to where he kept his blade. Which wasn’t anywhere near him, his hand did connect with the sleeping werewolf next to him.

Cody stared in shock as Hunter was out cold, sleeping peacefully for once in his life. Cody didn’t want to think about why that was…

“Cody?” Rex blinked as he rubbed his eyes, He looked down at Hunter and his eyes went wide. “Shit…”

Cody wondered what was going on through his brothers head right then. Nothing good he was sure.

“I was going to say the same thing,” Cody said, his voice like ice.

“Cody I -…” Rex held his hand up and griped the blanket around his waist.

Cody put a finger to his lips, “Outside,” He said bit back a growl, “I want to yell at you in privet.”

Rex winched but he pulled his pants on and fallowed Cody out into the predawn light.

“Cody, I’m so sorry.” Rex said rubbing a hand along the back of his neck. “I shouldn’t have come here, at this time.” He said. “So close to the full moon…”

Cody let out a huff, “You probably made him come into early heat.” Cody really wanted to punch Rex Right then, his hands balled into tight fists, but he kept them at his side. “Did you Even Think?”

“I…” Rex sighed and hung his head, “I didn’t know we could make an omega come into heat…” He lifted his hand to rub the back of his head, “I’m not proud of myself Cody, but I promise I didn’t hurt him-“

Cody saw teeth marks on Rex’s arm.

“He bit you!” Cody shook his head had Hunter bit him to try and claim Rex or …or had he been fighting Rex off? Cody didn’t want to think the worst of his brother but dame it…Rex was an alpha and should know better! Hunter was just a pup! “Dame it Rex...Did you …did he?” he couldn’t get the words out.

Rex blinked looking at the bite on his arm, “No! No I did that to myself …hell it was all I could do to keep from …” Rex coughed going red, “To stop myself from claiming him Cody…”

Cody closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose again, “I smell Sex on you two…”

Rex hung his head and Cody wanted to hit him all over again. He needed to overcome that rage of an overprotective alpha father and just breathes. Beating his brother wasn’t going to solve anything.

“We…um…Yeah.” Rex admitted, “But I promise I didn’t hurt him.”

“Ah Shit…Fuck!” Cody let out a cruse; he normally didn’t cruse but right then it was better than attacking Rex, “Dame it…”

“I’m really sorry Cody…” Rex sighed, “I should have had more self control…”

Cody pressed his lips together feeling his anger building up in him so that it might explode but he wasn’t that type of alpha. Closing his eyes Cody let out heavy sigh knowing there was no point in blaming anyone…

“I should have expected this.” He muttered. “The boys have been showing interest in Hunter lately, but it’s not even the full moon yet…he shouldn’t have…”

Rex rubbed the back of his head, “I …yeah,” He said, “I mean, I smelt it on him when he first jumped me in the woods.”

Cody covered his face with his hand, “Has it happened with other omegas in your pack?”

“No,” Rex sighed, “But the omegas in my pack are with their alphas…” Rex sighed, “They don’t just ‘run into’ new alphas out of the blue.”

Cody sighed, “But it could happen…to an unmated omega.” He looked at Rex and narrowed his eyes at the blonde alpha, “Where you knotted together?” he asked

Rex looked away from Cody, Shame writing all over the blonde alphas face.

“Shit…”

The two alphas stood in silence before Cody blew up, “He’s too young! What if he’s with pups?” he ran a hand over his face and sighed, “He… he’s too young…”

Rex bit his lip, “It might not take…” He said, “I didn’t claim him and it’s not a true heat…”

Cody sighed, “I don’t know much about omegas at all…” He said, “My pack doesn’t have any omegas. I felt out of my depth when I found out Hunter was an omega…now he might have pups?” It wasn’t like the pack tried to reproduce, they needed females or omegas for that and because there were so few it wasn’t how they filled their ranks. Orphan boys were given a home and training before given a choice to have the curse of a werewolf when they became adults.

“There are some bonded omegas in my pack.” Rex said softly, “Maybe it would be best if Hunter come and stay with my pack if he’s…” he bit his lip unable to say it, “He could learn a lot from them.”

As much as Cody was angry at Rex right now, all he could think about was what was best for Hunter, and punching Rex in the nose wasn’t helpful. It might feel dame good though…

Cody pinched his nose, “And if he is …full of pups?” He asked, “Will you take care of him?”

“Of cores,” Rex said looking shocked at the idea that he wouldn’t.

“Will you claim him?”

“I…” Rex sighed and fell silent.

Cody looked to Rex; he knew his blonde brother already had a love in his life by the name of Echo… they never had the chance to claim each other before the smart omega had disappeared in battle.

For a moment Cody couldn’t help but pity Rex, for how alone he was…

“That…might not be a good idea…” Cody said after a moment of silence, “I was raising the four to be a pack together.” He told Rex, “I was sure one of the three alphas would step up and make a claim for him by the end of the year…”

Rex bit his lip but nodded, “Then…” he looked up at Cody, “I will offer him and his pack every support I can give him.” He told his brother, “My pack will look after them,” Rex bit his lip, “Even if you don’t help me find Echo…”

Cody closed his eyes feeling guilt wash over him then, He let out a sigh before opening his eyes and looking at the blonde alpha, “I woke up this morning thinking that we might as well discuss your plans to look for Echo.” Cody told Rex. “If he’s alive out there we need to find him…”

“Really?” The blonde werewolf asked existed, “You mean it!?”

“I do,” Cody sighed, “I thought to leave the boys here, they are not helpless pups anymore but we have no idea how long it will take to even find Echo… I can’t leave Hunter behind if he’s …” Cody coughed, “And if Hunters not staying behind then neither are the others.”

Rex stared at him, “You want to take them with us?” He asked.

Pressing his lips together Cody nodded, “They are good, well trained, just young, they will help find Echo…”

Rex let out a sigh of relief and nodded his head.

*

Hunter honestly never felt this good before, nothing had disturbed his sleep last night despite his heightened senses. The musky smell wrapped around him as he cuddled in the nest that felt so cozy, he didn’t want to get up. His dreams last night had been …intense, running through woods with a blonde wolf chasseing him. But he hadn’t been afraid, He had been …alive, every nerve of his body on fire and or sparking with lighting. After the wolf had caught hold of him…well that’s when his dreams had turned to something that the young wolf never realised was possible.

Remembering the dream Hunter felt a smile stretch across his lips as he stretched out this arms and legs and yawned. He didn’t want to get up, just roll over and fall back asleep in the pile of blankets that smelled so good… He gathered the blankets to his nose and inhaled deeply. The smell was intoxicating.

“Ahem!”

Hunter’s eyes open only to see three pairs of eyes staring down him.

It took him all of three seconds to realise why his pack brothers his Alpha pack brothers were looking at him as he lay tangled up in Rex’s sheets and the smell of the man all over him. Blushing Hunter jerked up and pulled the blanket around his naked body feeling embarrassed for the first time in his life at his nudity as he stared at his brothers.

“Morning…” Hunter squeaked out realising he was in more trouble then he thought.

Crosshair let out a low growl and his ears flattened to his head, “What did you do?” he demanded.

“I would believe it’s very clear what Hunter did from the smell alone.” Tech said adjusting his glasses; He again was the only one of his brothers that liked to dress more like a human.

Crosshair snorted and winkled his nose as if the scent offended him.

Hunter blushed and his own ears drooped, He hadn’t really thought about what he was doing last night. Only that he had an itch that needed to be scratched and the alpha had been the only one who could scratch it. It had felt good, too good not to enjoy it …but for some reason he felt empty. There was an itch in the back of his neck, like a bug bite. Hunter reached up a hand and rubbed at the spot but felt nothing and the itching didn’t stop.

Wrecker cocked his head to the side his fuzzy ears twitching, “So…is Rex your alpha now?” He asked. The big werewolf wasn’t as smart as Tech but he was more emotionally balanced then the rest of them.

“I…” Hunter frowned, “I don’t know…” He said dropping his eyes.

His brothers looked at him and Hunter couldn’t help but feel like he had disappointed them somehow. Before he could think of what to even say, maybe something along the line of how he would never chose Rex over them… when the door opened and Cody stepped inside with Rex and the smell of the alpha shot right though Hunter straight to his loins.

The itch on the back of his neck was madding and Hunter couldn’t help himself as he saw Rex. His tail wagged as his ears perked up and he wanted to reach out and sink his teeth into the alphas neck. The new alpha just smelt so good to him, too good. Before anyone could protests Hunter was over beside Rex wrapping his arms around the blonde breathing in his sent.

Rex blushed holding up his hands away from Hunter as the omega nuzzled his neck.

“Hunter…Can you…um…” Rex muttered looking to the three alphas that were at the blonde alpha as Hunter breathed in his scent, “Stop?”

Cody growled, “Hunter!”

Rex held himself still, his arms up but not touching the omega, “I-Its okay Cody,” He blushing, “T-this just means he’s …um…still in heat…”

“You’re saying he might not be...” Cody didn’t finish that sentence, before he barked out a laugh, “You’re Lucky Rex, really god dame lucky.” He then sighed and his shoulders sagged, “I’m too young to be a grandpa…”

“Y-yeah.” Rex said as he put his hands on Hunters shoulders and tried to push him away, “Hunter, Stop…you got to … control yourself.”

Hunter blinked up at Rex who had pushed him away and all he could think about was how warm Rex felt against his bear skin… He didn’t even realise he had left the blanket behind in his mad dash to get to Rex’s side.

Behind him his alpha brothers growled as Hunter cuddled up to the blonde alpha.

Crosshair let out a huff of anger as he snatched up the blanket Hunter had been huddled in a moment ago, and threw it at them before he stormed out of the cabin, pushing past Rex and Hunter who completely ignored him.

“Crosshair?” Wrecker called out confused.

“He’s upset…” Tech said like they couldn’t see that, “But it’s hardly Hunter’s fault…”

“Then whose fault is it?” Wrecker asked.

“I would not lay blame…so to speak…” Tech scratched his chin, “But Hunter was clearly affected by Rex…” He eyed the two as Rex wrapped the blanket around Hunters shoulders trying to get omegas hands off of him.

Cody pinched his nose “Wrecker, Tech,” Cody said, “Go check on Crosshair… Please.”

The two younger werewolves nodded and hurried off.

A sigh escaped Cody as he looked to Hunter and Rex, he could see how Rex strained to hold himself back and not react to Hunter hanging off of him like that. He almost felt sorry for Rex and it would have been funny if it was anyone but Hunter… his son…his omega son…

It was time to be the alpha father…

“Hunter,” He put a bit of a growl in his voice and Hunters ears perked up. Rex had had his hands full trying to keep Hunters blanket form falling off or his hands form roaming too far down.

Hunter looked over his shoulder to Cody his alpha, his father…his alpha father who spoke to him with a growl in his voice and a frown on his face. Pink blush spread across Hunters face as he realised what he was doing, pawing and trying to bite Rex like they were already mates.

“Leave Rex be,” Cody ordered the young omega, “Go get dressed, We have something to discuss over breakfast.”

Hunter’s ears drooped further but he nodded his head as he pulled the blanket around his shoulders, his tail was tucked between his legs. Cody watched him go feeling bad for having to put his foot down but he knew Hunter would get over it once he fell out of his premature heat. As much as he loved his brother Rex, Cody wasn’t about to believe in fated mates …he believed in horny omegas and irresponsible alphas. If the two had a relationship that was more than just pheromones Cody would be all for it… but right now, it was just a flash in the pan and he wasn’t going to let Hunter make any rash decisions …even if the omega got upset at him.

It’s what a responsible alpha did …

Cody sighed as pulled eggs and cured meat out of the cupboard by the water tank; another one of Techs designs, everything seemed to stay colder in the cupboard.

“I’m making eggs,” Cody said, “Are you hungry?”

Rex blinked a few times and ran a hand over his neck were Hunter had nuzzled him. The sensation was still there and he hadn’t tried very hard to push the werewolf away from him…

“Eggs are fine.” Rex said as he grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. “What I want to know is How I am going to deal with …With Him.” Rex sighed as he sat down. “Do I roll up a news paper and swat him across the nose?”

Cody glared at his brother, “Rex,” He said, “You know Hunter can’t help himself,” He said, “We were grown men when we got the curse. If we weren’t getting into fights with each other over something stupid, we were trying to show off to the few pretty omegas …”

“I know, you’re right.” Rex held up his hands, “I’m sorry I just…I have other things on my mind then one…”

“Pushy omega?” Cody asked as he cracked eggs into a bowl.

“I guess,” Rex sighed, “but I don’t want you to think I won’t take care of him if he’s…”

“Full of blonde pups?” Cody asked with a heavy sigh.

“Yeah…”

Cody looked up at him, “The other option would be to mark him and make him yours…” But he knew Rex had another werewolf on his mind and it wasn’t fair to suggest that he forget about Echo, not when the man thought he had a lead…

When Hunter came out of the back room he was dressed and looked about as ashamed as a pup that had an accident on the floor. Cody couldn’t help but feel for the young man, they had grown up so fast and so isolated. It wasn’t Hunters fault that Cody hadn’t been ready to talk about Sex, Breading and claiming a mate with them … If they had been human he would still have another five years or so… but the born werewolves had grown up fast.

Reaching out Cody pulled Hunter close and ruffled his saggy brown hair.

Hunter’s ears lifted a little and he looked at Cody, “I’m sorry Cody,” Hunter said, “I didn’t mean to make you mad…”

“Sometimes we can’t fight mother nature.” Cody told him softly. “But you have to respect Rex’s boundaries okay? He’s not your alpha.” Cody smiled, “Besides, you don’t want the others getting jealous.”

Hunter bit his lip and nodded, “Crosshair is mad at me.” He said, “The others too.”

“They will get over it.” Cody said ruffling Hunters hair, “You know there your alphas, and when they are ready one of them will make you feel better then how Rex made you feel okay?”

Hunter cocked his head to the side, “You think so?” he bit his lip, “one of them…” he looked hopeful but scared.

“I know so.” Cody said smiling, “You’re a strong omega, Hunter.” He cupped Hunters cheek in his hand, “Now, I’m making up some eggs, do you want to help?”

Hunter’s tail swished back and forth and he nodded.

Cody smiled and ruffled his brown head of hair, “Good boy,” He said, “We are going to have to have a good breakfast because we are leaving before noon.”

“Leaving?”

“Rex needs help-“

“I-We can help.” Hunter said ears perked up as he looked over at Rex who sat at the table looking like he wanted to jump up and run away.

“W-Were good!” Rex barked out.

Blushing Hunter ducked his head and looked away his tail drooping.

“Rex!” Cody huffed. “I told you, Hunter and his brothers are coming.”

Rex winched, “Right, Sorry.” He said, he looked at Hunter, “Cody says you’re a good tracker…”

A blush coloured Hunters cheek and he nodded his head, “The best.” He declared.

Cody was trying really hard to ignore the conversation; pretending to be deaf was very hard to do in this case. But he kept his mouth shut.

“We can find your man… your Echo,” Hunter said his ears perking up. “We’re the better than any of Cody’s men.”

Rex cocked his head to the side, “Are you now?”

“We are the best.” Hunter told him as his tail swished back and forth. “Cody said so.”

Cody chocked as he tried to keep out of the conversation.

“Yes…well that’s not the problem.” Rex scratched the back of his head, “We will be going to a human town, no shifters…no werewolves…”

Hunter frowned, “You want us to be more human… less wolf…”

“Um…yes but…” Rex sighed and looked to Cody, “Do you think you can?”

Hunter thought for a moment before nodding his head, “We can.” He said with determination. “We will get your Echo back.”

Rex couldn’t help but let his lips twitch into a smirk as he shook his head, “If we do…” It killed him to say ‘if’ Rex didn’t want to think about the possibility of failure, “After we get Echo back, you should come visit my pack for a little bit.” He coughed, “There are omegas there that can ….um teach you…stuff.”

Hunter cocked his head to the side, “Stuff?”

“About…being an omega.” Rex blushed darkly.

“I’m already how to be a good omega…” Hunter said turning look at Rex fully, “I stop my alpha brother’s from fighting, I know when they’re upset…I’m a good omega…”

“Rex isn’t saying you’re not a good omega,” Cody told him softly, “But I agree with him, there’s more that you need to know.”

“What about the others?” Hunter asked looking at Rex, “Crosshair, Wrecker and Tech?”

Rex opened his mouth and closed it again as he looked to Cody.

The older werewolf smiled gently, “They can come too.” Cody said as he looked to Rex for a moment before reaching out and brushing Hunters hair from his face, “They are your alphas after all, and you’re their omega,” He smiled at Hunter, “Okay?”

“Yes Cody…” Hunter nodded his head with a grin on his face, “When do we leave?”

Cody ruffled Hunters hair, “Soon,” He said before letting out a sigh, “We will leave soon.”

*

TBC…

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

They left later than Rex would have liked once the decision was made. But he shouldn’t have been shocked that Crosshair would snap his teeth at him or Wrecker would just shove him out of the way or that Tech was keen on telling him exactly what he was doing wrong and why.

They clearly had taken exception to Rex for what he and Hunter had done together.

Rex could handle this; they were no different from his own younger brothers that would challenge him. Fives had been a right little asshole after Echo had gone missing. Rex knew how to handle this, ignore it until they did something that needed a smack upside the head.

What he wasn’t expecting was to have problems with Hunter.

The omega was a handful; He would stick close to Rex and get between him and his brothers, snapping his teeth at them and him. Rex wasn’t sure if Hunter was trying to protect his brothers from him or Rex from his brothers.

It was almost embarrassing to have an omega trying to protect him.

But it would have been more embarrassing to have the omega hanging off of him or trying to cuddle up to him. Rex watched as Hunter stuck close to his brothers and them to him, it was how an omega should be with their alphas… Rex was honestly a little jealous that they had that when his omega was in danger.

Rex didn’t bother chastising any of the young alphas; Cody had that well in hand. Rex was worried more about how they would pass unnoticed in a town full of humans but as they travailed Cody got the boys to shed most of their wolfish ways. Keeping to their human side and even wearing boots on their feet. It didn’t stop them from complaining about it and snapping their teeth at Rex when a new blister from unfamiliar foot wear made them cranky.

They could at least pass as woodsmen instead of half beasts that needed to be feared…

By the time they got to the destination, an industrial town that smelt of all manner of horrid things the boys no longer had their ears and tails popping out when stressed, tired or hunger. For a bit Rex was almost going to suggest that boys go in their wolf forms but knew that wasn’t a good idea at all. It wasn’t like they could pretend to be some wolf dog, they were too big, especially Wrecker who was the size of a pony.

“Is this the place?” Cody asked.

Rex nodded his head, “Yeah…this is it.” He said as he pulled out the crumpled paper that had the likeness of Echo on it. Bile raised in Rex’s throat as he thought about Echo in this place, in the hands of a Dr. Tambon. There was a frayed edge on the top of the paper, Rex had ripped it off the moment he had seen the words there, in anger and fear. But he couldn’t help but think back to them and how he might find Echo…

‘Cure for Lycanthropy’

He knew he should tell Cody, but he couldn’t bring himself to utter the words… He feared Cody might just take himself and the others back to the safety of shifter territory.

“It stinks…” Wrecker waved his hand in front of his face as if that would help.

Hunter winkled his nose, “Smells worse than the cheese Cody bought home…” He lifted his head and scented the air before sneezing.

Wrecker chuckled, “Yeah.” He said, “But that sure tasted good…”

“Says you…” Crosshair grumbled.

“How do you purpose we find this …Echo?” Tech asked cocking his head to the side, “If we were in our wolf forms we sniff him out but …”

Rex sighed, “I know…” He said, “And with the stink around here we can’t exactly pinpoint a werewolf in our human forms…” the Curse of the werewolf made them stronger, their senses keener, than any ordinary man, even in their human bodies. But with the stink of the town they would never be able to use that gift.

“Actually…” Cody said as he looked to Hunter who although had a look on his face that spoke of degust he was still scenting the air. “Hunter has a pretty good nose even in human form.”

“Ah,” Tech held up his finger, “You think because Hunter is an omega he might be able to sent Rex’s man?” he asked, “Interesting….”

Cody coughed, “All I know is that Hunter can track anything, weather he’s on two legs of four…”

Rex frowned as he looked over at Hunter, “Can you do it?”

Hunter lifted his chin trying to stand taller, “I can,” He said, “My wolf nose is still better…” He said. “But I …” He frowned. “I need his scent…”

Rex frowned; he didn’t like the idea of sending the omega into a human town that might be dangerous, “I don’t know…”

Hunter however wanted a chance to prove himself, to prove to Rex he could be as good as he said he was, that he wasn’t just a …a silly omega that had lured the alpha out into the woods during a false heat. “I can go in when it’s dark and no one would see me.” He looked to Cody, “You know I’m the best at tracking, you always say so…let me do this.”

Rex felt hope flare in his chest as he looked Hunter over, the young omega had a determined look in his eyes. During the days of travel Rex had tried to see if there was any singes of any impending pups but the omega had spent most of his time in wolf form as he had scouted ahead. He thought thankfully that because it was a false heat that the mating hadn’t taken.

“Cody?” The blonde alpha asked.

“All right,” He said, “But the rest of us are going to be fallowing you into town.” He looked at the other three brothers, “On two legs.” He warned them.

“One of us could put a leash and caller on Hunter,” Crosshair spoke up, “Pretend he’s our dog.”

Hunter growled at his tall skinny brother.

“That’s not a bad idea…” Tech spoke up then frowned, “Why didn’t I think of it…”

Wrecker nudged the brainy brother, “Cuss you’re not a pervert like Crosshair.”

Cody cleared his throat before the brothers could descend into bickering that might end up in an actual fight if they got carried away. They settled down and Cody turned to Rex. “Do you have something of Echo’s?”

Rex let out a breath, “No…” he couldn’t help but be disappointed. Was that it? Were they so close only to stop now?

Hunter however frowned, “Then I will just have to sniff out any shifter I find.” He gave Rex a grin that was all teeth.

*

Hunter felt much better on four legs then he did on two. Everything was so much clearer when he was in his wolf form. His eyes could see in the dark, his ears could hear so much and his nose… well no one could beat his nose.

He had always been able to find his brothers when they played hide and seek. Hunter could even smell the toys that Crosshair buried in the ground when he was in a mood.

Despite being in new place with new human things and smells Hunter was on a mission. After shedding his clothing and transforming into his wolf body Hunter had inhaled the scent of Echo off of the bit of cloth Rex had held out for him Hunter had made his way into the human town.

The rope and leather belt/caller around his neck held him back as he fallowed his nose along the human streets. Hunter tried not to resent the brother that held the leash but he thought it was humiliating. Thankfully it was Tech that was holding the leash and not Wrecker or Crosshair, Cody had put his foot down when the two began to fight over who got to hold the rope…

Hunter wasn’t sure if giving Tech the rope was any better because the brainy alpha would stop and stare at the human town captivated by the different world. Hunter had to keep pulling him along whenever he stopped to study something.

Hunter only had one option of the human town…

It stunk… like really, really stunk… The industrial smells of smoke and chemicals burned his nose. Despite that Hunter put his head down and worked his nose. There was too much at stake to let himself be distracted. Despite the many stinking chemicals of the town there was living smells too. Humans, domestic dogs, cats, rats, mice, pigeons… So far no werewolves…

Hunter pulled Tech along, Wrecker and Crosshair sticking close to their brother as Rex and Cody were further back keeping an eye on the younger werewolves and the humans who might give them trouble.

Knowing that they couldn’t afford a confrontation with humans Hunter made sure to stay in the back allies and avoid the humans, but even then there were humans who made the back allies their home. Thankfully with the leather belt as a makeshift caller most humans thought Hunter was some kind of big domestic dog. Hunter would have been insulted if the humans he had encountered had smelt of anything other than booze, drugs or sickness.

He moved through the maze like streets sniffing out any singe of a werewolf. The others were counting on him. Especially Rex…Hunter was glad he was in his wolf form right then, thinking of the blonde alpha made his stomach twist into knots and his face heat up. Keeping his nose to the ground Hunter sniffed his way through the city if Echo was here…he would fine him…

With his nose to the ground Hunter sniffed form one end of the town to the other before he caught a sent he was looking for. He pulled on the leash dragging Tech along as he sniffed his way to a pile of garbage that had just a hint of werewolf…and more importantly; it matched the smelt of Echo…

Rex had been right; he had the scent of a werewolf, Echo was here. The scent had come from a pile of rags that had been tossed into a garbage bin out back of a large industrial building, smoke belching out of the smoke stacks.

Reaching into the dirty rag pile Hunter pulled out a bloody rag that smelt of Echo. Looking back at the building Hunter flattened his ears and dropped the bloody rag. Lifting his nose into the air he inhaled deeply before letting out a long low howl, letting that poor werewolf that someone was coming for him.

*

The mournful howl filled the town streets and echoed off the tall buildings. It reached the tall bell towers and deep into the cracks of the foundation of the factory, and among the contours and barges in the shipping yards.

Behind thick walls with a silver padlock on the cage door a crumpled figure jerked awake at the sound of the mournful howl. The man covered in wounds both old and new tried to push himself upright. His legs however failed to listen and he could only flop to his side. Missing his right arm the emaciated man struggled to sit up and look down at his legs that betrayed him.

Bile rose up in his throat as he looked down at the silver pins sticking out of the joints in his legs. Reaching out a trembling hand the prisoner fingers brushed against one of the pins and pain flared not only in his leg but tin his fingers were he had touched the silver.

Hissing the man jerked back with a hiss as his fingers burned from the silver.

Looking up to the tiny silver barred window that let in the only fresh air. He couldn’t see the moon but he could hear the howl of one of his kind. He wanted nothing more than to transform and howl a response to the werewolf.

There was so much said in that one howl, it said, I smell you, I am here, where are you, where are you where ARE you!

Knowing that his human throat would not be able to reproduce the complex language of a wolf howl but he had to try…

Pressing his dry cracked lips together he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. A pathetic weak sound moved past his lips but he wasn’t about to quit. Licking his dry cracked lips he tried again. This time a low mournful howl came out like a whisper before he put more power behind it.

It would never match a true wolf but he was not going to give up.

He would howl until he ran out of air and passed out if he had to. His pathetic howl answered the werewolf in the city, saying ‘I’m alive, I’m here, I’m Here! Find me! Please…find me…’ His throat was raw and scratchy and he felt like sobbing in desperation, ‘please, help me…’

*

Hunter cocked his head his ears perked, he could hear it, faint but there it was the desperate howls of an injured werewolf. If He had been in his human from and able to speak he would have told his brothers, Cody and Rex…

If he had been in human from however would he have heard the pitiful cry for help? His wolf ears like his nose were so much better than his human ones, even if he had the best ears and nose in both forms.

As it was, trying to pretend to be a domestic dog with a stupid degrading leash and caller holding him back, Hunter turned his head to his brothers and let out a whine.

Tech holding the leash cocked his head to the side and Hunter took hold of the leash with his teeth and gave it a tug.

“I believe Hunter can hear something.” Tech said as he knelt down beside Hunter.

“I didn’t hear anything…” Wrecker scratched the back of his head, then his shoulders and arms where the fabric covered his normally naked upper body; the fabric must be itchy to the big alpha.

Hunter sympathized, it was easier pretending to be a wolf/dog than a plain old human.

Behind Wrecker Crosshair gave him a shove but the big werewolf didn’t even budge, “Your mostly deaf anyway.” He huffed and snapped his teeth at the biggest brother. Even in human form Crosshair was kind of like a feral animal.

Hunter let tout a growl hoping he didn’t have to discipline them into behaving right now, they were on a mission they had to find Rex’s pack member and Hunter had a bead on him. He took hold of the leash/rope in his wolf teeth and tugged harder.

Tech turned back to Hunter and cocked his head to the side, “You lead,” He said, “We will fallow.” He reached down and untied the leash.

“You sure that’s a good idea?” Wrecker asked.

“Yeah, he still looks more like a wolf then a dog…” Crosshair said.

“I’ll leave the belt around his neck… it looks like a collar…” Tech said.

“Yeah but what’s Cody going to say?” Wrecker asked, “And Rex.”

Hunter let out a huff at the thought of Rex, Despite wanting to bend over for the alpha Hunter had a new feeling brewing inside of him, a need to protect and …and find a safe place to make a nest. But he didn’t tell his brothers that, It wasn’t time to nest build, he had to find and protect that poor pathetic wolf that had answered his call.

He didn’t wait for his brothers to stop arguing and hurried off into the night, confident that they would fallow, and behind them Cody and Rex.

Hunter tilted his head back and let out one more howl hoping it wasn’t too late…

*

Echo slumped against the cold flagstone; he was spent, so tried and broken. He had howled until his throat was raw hoping that the werewolf he had heard hadn’t just been a regular wolf… or worse, a trick of the mind.

He couldn’t discount that he was stuck in a fever dream either, his head spun and his body was so weak… the silver pins in his legs burned… He couldn’t transform with the silver inside of him and he couldn’t pull them out, the fingers of the only hand he had left were covered in blisters and sores from where he had tried…

The silver wasn’t the worst of it however; the ‘Wolfs Bane’ in his food had weakened his body and clouded his mind. The herb was deadly to werewolves in large amounts but the small amounts the mad scientist gave him was enough to weaken him… Echo had stopped eating most of the food given to him, he didn’t trust it… as it was, he was now weak and emaciated…

Had hunger, poison and pain finally broke his mind and he began hearing things? Imagining a rescue that wasn’t actually there…

Echo looked up at the tiny split of a window up high on the wall, he couldn’t see the moon tonight… but he could see a pair of golden eyes looking down at him, looking out at him behind a half skull of black fur…

For a moment Echo thought the moon goddess had come down to put him out of his misery but the wolf let out a whine and scratched at the windowsill. The window was high up on the wall but it must be at street level outside because he could see the wolves pawed feet pace back and forth.

“Are you really here…” Echo whispered his voice horse and dry.

“That question does not bode well…” A new voice said and the wolf was pushed aside and an angular face behind a pair of glasses looked down at him. “Are you hallucinating?”

Echo blinked, “I …don’t know anymore…”

“Well…” The young man pushed up his glasses, “Are you lucid enough right now to tell me your name?”

Echo let out a shaky breath, “Echo…I’m Echo…” He shook his head, “Who-“

“Oh good,” The young man said, “I’m called Tech, and I feared for a moment we were going to be rescuing someone ells.”

“Rescuing?”

“Yes… now if you could stand up and –“ Tech reached a hand through the window and held it out to him. The window was too high up for him to reach without help… but that hand…promised freedom if only he couldn’t reach it.

Echo tried to gather his strength but he had none, a sob escaped him.

“I can’t.” Echo said although he wished with all his heart that he could stand up and reach for the hand offered him.

“That is a problem…” The young werewolf muttered as he pushed up his glasses.

“Well… We can’t leave him…” A big voice said.

“Why not?” another voice hissed.

“Because Rex-“

“Shut up about that-“ The words were cut off by the snapping of teeth fallowed by a yelp. “All right all right,” the voice hissed again, “No need to bite me in the ass.”

The big voice laughed then but it was also silenced by more snapping of teeth, Echo could well imagine the wolf he had seen earlier snapping its teeth at the others in the pack. It must be an alpha…

Tech appeared in the window again, “I have an idea…” He said as he tested the bars again, “Wrecker…could you give me a hand?”

“No problem.” The big voice answered and Tech’s face disappeared again as a pair of big meaty hands wrapped around the iron. The sound of stone cracking, iron groaning and as the bricks that held the iron bars in place let go, dirt and dust rain down around Echo.

A moment later a pair of feet in soft leather slippers landed on the ground in front of him, followed by a booted pair of feet.

Echo looked up at the two young men who stood over him, one was the strawberry blonde with glasses and the other had silver gray hair and a narrow face. His nose might not be good right now in this form but the glow in their eyes told him they were werewolves.

He wanted to cry but for different reasons, they were here to save him…

“He looks like shit.” The silver haired one said.

Another form jumped down from the window, but this one was on four legs instead of two. The fluffy brown wolf pressed his nose into Echo’s face and sniffed the top of his head, behind his ears. Echo leaned into the feeling and tears formed in his eyes, the hot wet tong licked those away too. Unable to help himself Echo reached up his hand to grip the thick soft fur and buried his face into the wolf’s neck. He breathed in the scent home. He might not know this wolf but it was so close to everything he knew he couldn’t help it.

“These are silver pins in his legs,” Tech said as he knelt down beside Echo, “We have to take them out before we move him…” He reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a tool. “Echo…this will hurt, Crosshair, you’re going to have to hold him down…”

“I don’t think we have that kind of time…” Crosshair muttered as he knelt down and took hold of Echo’s legs. “Someone might have heard the noise Wrecker made…”

“It couldn’t be helped,” Tech said looking up at the hole in the wall, “Keep an eye out Wrecker.” He said.

“Will do.” Wrecker said with a grin on his face as he disappeared from view.

“Hunter,” Tech said to the wolf, “Lay on his chest, keep him from moving.”

The wolf huffed but lay across Echo’s chest and panted in his ear. With his one good hand Echo reached up and clung to the werewolf that pinned him down.

“This is going to hurt…” Tech said as he used the tool in his hand to grip the end of the silver pin, “Try not to make a sound, You can bite down on the leather belt around Hunters neck.”

Echo felt the belt around the werewolf’s neck and bit down on the warn leather. It was a good thing his legs were being held down by the other young man because as Tech pulled the first pin out pain flared and burned. Echo bit down on the leather belt as a whimper except him.

The wolf licked at his tears offering what comfort he could form the pain. With his nose buried in the brown fur Echo couldn’t help but breath in the scent of the wolf, his human nose wasn’t as good as his wolfs nose but this close he could smell the scent of an omega…

This was no time to get turned on by that…but it did help with the pain… Echo breathed deeply and let himself get taken away from the burn of the silver as it was pulled out of him one pin at a time. He wasn’t even sure how long it took but the omega made it bearable…

*

Hunter could smell the pain coming off of Echo, he wanted to help in any way he could and if biting down on the leather belt around his neck and hanging onto him with his one good arm Hunter was more than happy to let Echo cling to him.

The omega had a feeling of protectiveness over this poor werewolf that he normally reserved for his brothers. Hunter hated seeing them upset or in pain, real pain not the scraped knees or stubbed toes kind of pain.

This was real pain… Hunter nuzzled his nose into the back of the mans neck, hoping that it helped…

“There…” Tech said as he dropped the last of the silver pins to the ground. “Now, we should get out of here…” He looked to Crosshair, “Help me get him to the window, Wrecker will have to pull him out and carry him, I doubt he is strong enough to run let alone stand.”

“I hope the old alphas find a wagon we can use…” Crosshair muttered. “Otherwise we aren’t going to get far.”

Hunter licked the side of Echo’s face again. The injured shifter was clinging to Hunter so tightly with one hand it didn’t feel like he would let go.

Crosshair wasn’t about to wait for Echo to let go of Hunter himself, The skinny werewolf reached out and pried Echo’s hand from Hunters thick fur so the omega could get off. When Crosshair tried to pull him up Echo’s legs buckled under him.

Reaching out Tech griped Echo’s shoulder and was carful of the wrapped wound there. It took some manhandling and Echo wasn’t much help since he was so weak and in pain but they were able to get him up to the window were Wrecker was there to pull him out.

The three younger werewolves helped each other up and out the window. As a wolf Hunter had to take a running jump and use his brother as a stepping stone to get out the window. Tech went next with Crosshair giving him a boost up and out before the skinny gray haired werewolf climbed the wall like a spider. He could always find hand holds and liked to be in high places so it was no problem for Crosshair to get out of the cell.

Once out Hunter sniffed the air and took note of Rex and Cody as they approached long before he heard the clip clop of a horse and the sound of wheels against coble stone. They came into view and Hunter breathed a sigh of relief seeing the horse and wagon. He hadn’t thought far enough ahead about how to get a werewolf that couldn’t walk out of town.

Hunter turned back to Echo in Wreckers arms as the wagon pulled to a stop beside them.

“I thought we might need a ride out of town.” Cody told them with a smile but Rex only had eyes for Echo. Hunter could hear his heart pounding in his chest and the anger/sadness coming off of the alpha.

“Did you have trouble finding a wagon?” Tech asked.

“Oh you know…” Cody said with a grin, “Just borrowing it from a merchant that’s sleeping one off.” He said, “Besides this thing was empty, just some hay. Could have been haling anything…”

“Well hopefully he won’t miss it.” Wrecker grinned as he came closer with Echo in his arms,

“Echo…” Rex’s voice caught in his throat.

“Rex…” Echo sounded like he couldn’t believe he saw the blonde alpha, “A-are you really here?”

“God Echo…” Tears gathered in Rex’s eyes, “Yes I’m here…”

“We can do reunions later.” Tech said as he got up into the back of the wagon, “Wrecker put Echo in the back-“

Hunter jumped up into the back of the wagon and huffed at his brothers as he began pawing the hay into a nest for Echo. Wrecker didn’t need to be told to set the poor werewolf down in the nest Hunter had made for him. His brothers were used to Hunter looking after them like this, making them a nest when they were injured and curling around them like they were his pups…

He did the same for Echo now, it didn’t matter right now to Hunter that Echo was a stranger, he was hurt and he needed to be cared for. Hunter nosed his legs and the oozing wounds where the pins had been. They should heal faster because he was a werewolf but because the pins had been silver it was infected.

“Don’t lick it…” Crosshair made a face as he got in the back of the wagon next to Wrecker and Tech. “Grosse.”

“He’s right Hunter,” Tech said as the wagon began to move, “Let me clean it with –“

Hunter growled at his brothers as Tech moved close. If they hadn’t known Hunter so well they might back off but they understood that Hunter was in protection mode. Tech pushed up his glasses as the wagon rattled down the cobblestone streets. Hunter curled his body around Echo trying to keep him warm and protected. He couldn’t help but feel protective of him…

“Shit…” Rex muttered.

“What is it now?” Crosshair demanded.

“There’s a patrol hanging around the gates out of town.” Cody said, “Everyone just stay calm… and keep your mouths shut…”

The young shifters settled down, Hunter still in wolf form, huddled next to Echo who shivered in his rags. Wrecker shrugged off his big jacket and draped it over Echo just as a guard hailed them down.

“Well, It’s kind of late to be heading out of town,” the guard said as he held up a lantern, “Where you headed misters?”

“Just heading back home,” Cody said easily with a smile, “Market days always longer than one likes my boys are dead tired.”

“It’s well past midnight…” The guard said, “Your lucky the moons out tonight otherwise your horse will break its legs in the dark.”

“Don’t worry about us.” Rex said, “We plan on taking it slow…”

“Still…Full Moon means the wolves are out…” The guard frowned at them, “Werewolves…you know,” He whispered as he looked in the back where they sat.

Cody and Rex looked frozen in place, and Hunter jumped up blocking the view of Echo and his brothers by putting his paws up on the edge of the wagon and growled. With the belt around his neck the guard would hopefully think he was some kind of farm dog in the dim light.

The guard jumped back and grabbed at his chest before laughing, “Oh wow look at the size of him.” He said and held out a hand for Hunter to sniff only to pull it back as Hunter snapped at the hand.

“Oh yeah he’s a good boy but he doesn’t like strangers.” Cody said with a grin, “He keeps us safe from anything on two or four legs… supernatural or not.”

“Well…” The guard frowned, “I don’t believe in such nonsense.” He said, “But the governor here seems to think everyone that has a heavy beard is one of them moon loving dog men.” He shook his head, “I’ve never seen one in all my years,” He eyed Hunter again and the boys in the back of wagon, “Still, you be careful out there, strange things happen on the full moon.”

“We will sir.” Cody said nodding his head, “Thanks for the warning.” He forced a smile as the man stepped back and nodded his head.

“Have a safe trip…” He said and let them go.

Cody nodded and flicked the rains and the horse pulled the wagon out of town and into the darkness.

Hunter lay back down next to Echo and nosed the man’s cheek.

“Full moon?” Rex asked sounding more worried than he had before.

Cody looked up at the moon hanging over them as he drove the wagon down the road. “It’s not quite full.” He said and looked over his shoulder at Hunter in his wolf body. “Hunter…maybe you should change back?”

Hunter cocked his head to the side as he looked up at Cody from where he was curled protectively around Echo as Tech worked on cleaning the infected wounds on his legs. Echo lay there in a fevered haze from the pain and shock of being rescued.

A growl escaped Hunter as he nosed Echo again, he wasn’t about to leave the wondered werewolf to suffer alone. His instincts were to nest and care for the injured man and he wasn’t going to be pulled away by the alphas around him.

“Hunter…back off and let Tech work…” Cody said in warning and Hunter actually bared his teeth at his alpha father.

Rex and Cody looked at each other but Hunter didn’t care what they were thinking as he turned back to Echo and curled around him with his head on Echo’s chest.

Crosshair snorted, “Don’t bother trying to move him now.” He said folding his arms over his chest; if he had his wolf ears right then they would be flat against his head, “Hunters gone into protection mode.”

Wrecker laughed, “He thinks Echo’s his new baby.”

“I don’t think …” Tech said but sighed as he looked to Hunter who was glaring at all of them with bright yellow eyes.

Rex sighed, “Too close to the full moon…” He said softly, “And Echo is also an omega…”

Cody shook his head as he kept his eyes on the road, “Talk to him Tech, see if you can get him to change back…” He sighed, “We might have to find a place to hold up so he can nest…”

Rex winched, “Nesting …right.” the blonde man’s face turned red as he looked down at Hunter curled around Echo. “Pups…”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Cody sighed, “We don’t know…” He said, “He done this when in the past when one of the others was hurt…” He looked up at the mostly full moon, “I hope this is just his hormones finding an outlet because the moon is almost full and he’s not full of…” Cody snapped his mouth shut before he finished that thought.

The three younger alphas weren’t paying any attention to Cody or Rex as they drove down the road; they were trying to get Hunter to stop smothering Echo without losing a finger.

“Hunter…” Tech said softly, “Maybe you should transform back now…”

Hunter flattened his ears at Tech.

“Yeah you don’t need to be a wolf anymore.” Wrecker said as he smiled, “Echo’s safe now…”

A whine escaped Hunters throat and he lay his head down on Echo’s chest.

“Stop being a bitch and transform back.” Crosshair backed out at him.

Hunter lifted his head and bared his teeth at the silver haired werewolf.

Tech sighed heavily, “You’re not helping Crosshair.” He said as he pushed up his glasses and held his hand out to Hunter, “Hunter,” Hunter cocked his head to the side but focused his yellow eyes on Tech, “I could use your hands… Help me with Echo.”

Hunter let out a huff but he bowed his head and the sound of bones grinding and snapping was loud in his own ears as he shed his wolf form. The cold night air hit his naked shoulders and back and he shook his head, his hair flying as goose-bumps ran over his body. He ran his tong over his teeth as they became more human like and less like fangs.

“Here-“ Crosshair tossed Hunters green tunic at him, “If we get stopped again I don’t want to try and explain why your naked.”

“You okay Hunter?” Wrecker asked.

Hunter huffed and pulled the tunic on over his head, “’M fine…” Hunter said blushing, “Sorry…” He settling next to Echo and pulling the injured werewolf’s head into his lap. “He’s not good…”

Tech nodded his head, “I think it’s an infection…” He said, “Hold him as I clean his wounds…” Tech reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of distilled alcohol spirits, “This will hurt and he might jerk around.”

Echo let out a hiss as Tech began cleaning the wounds on his legs. Hunter tried to sooth him by ran a hand over Echo’s forehead like he was petting him, stocking his cheek, wiping away the tears that gathered in his eyelashes. Hunter hated seeing the poor wolf in pain, and it took everything in him not to snap at Tech for making him hurt worse even if all he did was clean the wounds and wrap them in bandages.

The bright moon hung high in the sky, almost full… Hunter could feel the tug of its power in his body, so very similar to when he had met Rex and he had pushed the alpha into chasseing him through the woods to mount him. But Rex had rejected him when he didn’t bite his neck and mark him. The itch back there was maddening almost as bad as the itch between his legs.

But now he had a different need building up in him, he Needed to make a nest and he wanted to make it for Echo. He couldn’t help himself, he wanted to pull Echo into his lap and sooth the hurts away, to make a nest and protect the injured werewolf… To rub his sent all over Echo and let everyone know that Echo was His… Like how the other three young alphas were his. He had made nest for all of them on other full moons and they would all lay together snuggled up safe and sound … there scents mingling together…

But this time the need was greater, was it because Echo was injured and they had rescued him? Possibly, It was like Echo was now part of his pack now and he had to make sure the others didn’t reject him. It made no sense but Hunter wanted him…

Sighing softly Hunter looked over at his three alphas as they watched Hunter holding Echo close. A growl rumbaed in Hunters throat as he tightened his grip of Echo.

“Hunter…” Tech said pushing up his glasses, “Let him breathe…”

Hunter’s eyes wiped over to Tech and he narrowed his eyes.

“Um Tech…maybe you should …” Wrecker started to reach for the other alpha but in Hunters mind he was reaching for Echo.

Hunter snapped at his fingers, he wasn’t even close to connecting but the sound of teeth snapping together made the big alpha jump back.

“Hey!” Crosshair barked out at Hunter and the burnet just pulled Echo closer to him and glared.

“Stop it Cross…” Tech said as he put his hand out to his alpha brothers, “Don’t antagonize him…”

“What’s wrong with Hunter?” Wrecker asked as the wagon bounced down the road, “He’s acting… mean…”

“It’s not his fault.” Tech said, “It’s because he is an omega.”

“What’s that got to do with…”

“Remember when he would drag us all from our beds and make us sleep on the floor together in the nest he made?” Tech said, Wrecker nodded his head and laughed as Crosshair let out a huff.

“Yeah!” Wrecker said, “Crosshair didn’t wanna but Hunter dragged him out of bed by his foot.”

“It’s called nesting.” Tech said, “It makes them feel safe when they feel maternal.”

“That and run around the forest at night… naked…” Crosshair smirked at the memory but he frowned at their omega that normally nested with them during the full moon as he clung to the werewolf they had just rescued. “Why is he clinging to that sad sack?”

“It could be his protective instinct.” Tech said, “We did just rescue Echo…”

“Well…” Wrecker rubbed the back of his head, “What do we do? How can we help?”

Rex coughed, “The omegas I know need a den when they go through nesting, a place that they feel safe.” He said over his shoulder to the younger alphas, “If we don’t he might just …kidnap Echo.”

Crosshair blinked. “You’re kidding …”

“No no,” Tech spoke up, “I’ve been reading up on animal instinct and it’s a very powerful thing, it makes birds fly south in the winter, and bears hibernate …squeals to gather food… and omega werewolves to build nests and dens to protect their young pups.”

“But Hunter doesn’t have any young.” Wrecker said.

The two alphas in the front of the wagon were silent at that comment about pups but the three younger alphas didn’t notice as they looked to Hunter who was wrapped protectively around Echo.

“But he has an injured and helpless omega that needs protection.” Tech said, “Maybe it’s close enough.” He cocked his head to the side.

“We can’t just stop the wagon and …” Crosshair shook his head, “Not this close to that stinking town, we will be caught.”

“I know that.” Tech sighed pushing up his glasses.

“What do we do?” Wrecker asked, “Toss a blanket over them like a tent?”

“Ah!” Tech said, “That might work.” He said as he reached into his backpack and pulled out the blanket he had stuffed in there. He always liked being prepared and he didn’t like being cold at night.

“What are you…” Crosshair demanded as Hunter growled at them pulling the injured werewolf closer.

“Giving him a den…temporary though it might be, Hunters needs to feel safe…” Tech explained as he unfurled the blanket, “Remember when he or one of us had nightmares?”

The two other young alphas nodded and Wrecker grinned, “He would hide us under blankets.”

Tech nodded and with a flick of his writes the blanket unfurled over Hunter and Echo, covering them. They could still hear the growls form Hunter like an angry cat under a blanket but he seemed to settle.

Wrecker moved over to the lump that was Hunters head and reached out. Before his hand contacted there was a growl but it settled as Wreckers big hand settled on Hunters head through the blanket. A smile spread over Wreckers face as he looked up at his other two alpha brothers.

“Good thinking Tech.” Cody said.

Tech nodded his head as he pushed up his glasses, “Of cores.” He said.

Crosshair snorted as he settled in the back of the wagon as it rattled down the road. “It’s only a stop-gap and you know it Tech.”

Tech frowned at his alpha brother, “And what would you sagest as we travel at night with an injured were wolf in the back that Hunter seems compelled to protect?”

“We need to claim Hunter,” Crosshairs blunt words even caught the attention of the two older alphas driving the wagon down the moonlight road.

“What’s That Cross?” Cody asked over his shoulder, beside him Rex was silent.

Tech pushed up his glasses and sighed, “Crosshair is suggesting we claim Hunter as our omega.”

“Isn’t he already our omega?” Wrecker asked.

“Not quite…” Tech said and looked over at Rex who had turned in his seat to look at the alphas in the back, “Rex’s arrival forced a premature heat, and since he did not claim him that night Hunters hormones have been …off.”

Rex let out a sigh, “I held myself back…I …” the blush on face could be seen in the moonlight, “He wasn’t mine…”

“Dame Right…” Crosshair growled.

“But… Hunter wants Echo …” Wrecker said.

“He wants to protect Echo…like a pup.” Tech said and looked up at Rex, “and Echo is an omega like Hunter…”

Rex nodded, “Yes…” He sighed, “Echo is an omega…” He sighed, “His twin was his alpha and they were a good team…”

“But not sexual…” Tech said and Rex shook his head.

“Was he your omega?” Wrecker asked.

Rex bit his lip and looked like he wasn’t going to answer that but he let out a sigh, “I wanted him to be…” he admitted.

Cody reached out and placed his hand on Rex’s shoulder, “I’m sorry Rex.” He said.

Rex shook his head and sighed, “Never mind me…” He said, “You were talking about Hunter…”

“Right.” Tech said and looked to Crosshair, “Right now Hunter is not himself, and Crosshair is suggesting that we need to remind Hunter who his alphas are by claiming him as our mate.”

“All three of you?” Rex demanded.

“Why not?” Wrecker asked.

Rex looked at Cody, “Cody?”

Cody shrugged, “I raised them to be a pack, it was only a matter of time.”

“But all three of them?” Rex frowned, “I never heard of that happening before.”

Cody shook his head, “Maybe it’s because I raised them together,” He said, “But if that’s how they want to go moving forwards as a pack.” he looked at Rex, “It’s their choice.”

“Oh…” Rex muttered and looked back at the young alphas, “and how will Echo fit into this?”

Tech cocked his head to the side, “Right now Hunter has claimed Echo as his to protect,” He said, “And since he is an unclaimed omega he feels the need to protect Echo from us …and you.”

Rex slowly nodded his head, “But if you claimed him …if all of you claimed him he wouldn’t …bite your hand off if you try to help…”

“I’m glad you understand.” Tech said and looked at Crosshair, “That is what you were trying to get at…right?”

Crosshair snorted and folded his arms over his chest, “Yeah Tech.” He muttered although he didn’t admit that he was starting to feel jealous of Echo as Hunter cuddled up around the injured werewolf…another omega at that…

“But…” Wrecker frowned, “Does that mean we have to claim Echo too?”

Rex stiffened next to Cody but Tech shook his head, “It would be unfair to Echo if we do.” He said, “It should be enough that Hunter has….um…rubbed his scent all over the other omega but until he is better and able to make his own choice to be without pack or return with Rex…”

The blonde alpha tried to relax after hearing Techs explanation even though it was long winded.

“But right now Hunters not going to let any of us close to Echo unless we …um…court him.” Tech said nodding to the lump that was Hunter and Echo under the blanket. Every so often Wrecker would reach out and place his hand on what must be Hunters head and the omega would start growling again.

“How do you um… ’court’ an omega?” Wrecker asked as Hunter growled again.

This time Tech was silent as he thought about what was appropriate courting behavior, even Crosshair didn’t open his mouth to make some rude remark about courting an omega in heat.

At the front of the wagon Cody couldn’t help himself as he let out a chuckle despite the situation. “Well Rex, any advice?”

The blonde werewolf felt his ears turn red and he would have hit Cody if he hadn’t been driving the wagon. Instead he bit back with words.

“If Cody wasn’t so involved in raising adopted pups he would know.” Rex shot back but then again he hadn’t been able to court Echo because the omega had been taken from him before their relationship had gone from a working one, to friendship…to something more… But Fives another alpha had gotten himself an omega by the name of Tup… “The best way to an omega’s heart is through there stomach.” He said.

“Huh?” Wrecker asked.

“Gifts of food,” Rex said. “It shows you’re a good provider to an omega who’s running on instinct alone.” He grimaced, “I remember one time, one of my men…Echo’s brother actually, Took down a full grown bull moose and dragged it to the omega’s doorstep he was courting.” He shook his head, smiling at the memory then sighed “That was after …Echo disappeared…”

“So we have to go hunting?” Wrecker asked.

“I think Rex just means you have to show Hunter that you will take care of him,” Cody said as he squinted into the darkness. “We have some dried meat and cheese that will work.” He sighed.

Tech nodded his head but frowned, “That’s all well and good, but we need to find a place to hold up for a few days, otherwise Hunter might decide to take Echo off somewhere to stash him.” Tech looked to the omegas under the blanket, “He…They are going to need a proper den…”

Rex frowned but let out a sigh, “I’ll scout ahead and see if I can find something.” He told them, “Maybe there’s as a cabin or barn we can use…”

“Rex…” Cody said, “Be careful, we’re not in our own territory, any farmer out here isn’t going to take kindly to werewolves…”
“I’m not stupid Cody,” Rex huffed as he pulled off his overcoat and tunic. “I’ll look for something abounded.” He ditched his boots and pants before blonde fur sprouted over his body and his bones began to shift.

The blonde alpha wolf shook himself out as he stood up and jumped down from the moving wagon as it rattled down the roadway. The horse startled at the big wolf suddenly beside it but Rex was already running past the beast of burden down the road.

The flash of golden blonde disappeared down the moon light road.

*

Hunter didn’t pay attention to the world on the other side of the blanket; he held Echo close to him trying to sooth his pain and keep him warm. The silver that had been imbedded in Echo’s body had poisoned him and Hunter wasn’t sure if the injured werewolf would be able to shift again.

His protective nature was telling Hunter that he needed to keep Echo close to him, and not let anyone touch him. Maybe it was over kill but Hunter couldn’t help himself. He knew the moment he had caught his sent that Echo was an omega and his nose was so good he could even smell just a slight tinge of the blonde alpha, Rex.

Echo was Rex’s omega…or he was at one point. The smell wasn’t strong, just a very faint scent.

Hunter’s omega instincts told him that Echo was in no condition to be Rex’s omega right then. The strong feelings inside of him drove Hunter to protect the older omega from the alphas.

He could feel them pushing against the edge of the blanket every so often, Hunter growled in response. The need to find somewhere to protect Echo was very strong; this wasn’t a safe place, and Echo was hurt, sick, he felt hot but shivered as if cold.

If Hunter could think to form words he would have told Echo that he was there, that he was going to protect him no matter what. The most he could do however was make soothing sounds and nuzzle the side of his cheek and neck as he held Echo against him.

It seemed to help…

“Rex…” Echo’s voice was a rasp.

Hunter lifted his head and looked down into Echo’s bright yellow eyes. The blanket creating a cave around them as their noses touched.

Echo blinked his eyes as it to clear them, “You’re not…Rex…”

Hunter worked his mouth, It was hard to form words right now but he needed to speak to Echo, let him know he was safe. That Hunter would protect him.

“Not Rex…but he’s herrre…” Hunter didn’t mean to make the words into a growl, but Echo seemed to understand.

“Who…” Echo blinked his yellow eyes at Hunter.

“Hunterrr….” Hunter shook his head, “Saved you.”

A frown tugged at the injured omegas lips, “Hunter?” he asked his voice little more than a rasp, “Your name is Hunter and you saved me?”

“Me…and alphas.” Hunter smiled proudly, “Smelled you,” he reached up and touched Echos nose then traced them to his ears “Heard you, call…”

Echo’s breath hitched in his throat, he opened his mouth but no sound came out, tears flooded his eyes.

“Shh… shhh.” Hunter cupped the poor omegas face in his hands wiping away the tears with his thumbs, “Echo safe now.” He nuzzled the side of Echo’s cheek, “Keep Echo safe…”

The poor omega let out a breath and reached up his one hand and griping the Hunters arm, “Your…you’re an omega.” He said closeting his eyes, “Shit, I-I can’t smell anything anymore… what did that asshole do to me?”

Staring down at Echo Hunter didn’t know how to answer that question but it didn’t seem like Echo expected him to. A shaky sigh left him as he looked back up at Hunter more tears in his eyes.

“The full moon, it must be close if you’re acting like this…”

Hunter nodded his head, “Yes, Full moon close,” He grinned showing off sharp teeth, “Don’t worry,” He taped his chest with his hand, “Will protect Echo, Protect injured omega from alphas.”

Echo let out a sigh, “Can I see Rex?”

Hunter shook his head, “Not safe,” He said trying to find the words, “Rex gone, find somewhere for us to make dean, make nest.”

Echo nodded his head, “Okay Hunter,” He said softly, “Thank you…”

Hunter felt a grin spread over his lips as Echo thanked him; it filled his chest with warmth. “’m good omega…” he said pleased with himself.

*

Echo never felt like he had been in so much pain in his life, but the warmth of the omega that wrapped himself around him eased a lot of the pain. He felt it had been a fever dream, the rescue, and the smell of wolves.

But it wasn’t a dream; the pain in his legs told him clearly that he was awake for this.

Hunter had been the wolf that had saved him, and now he was holding Echo close like he was one of his pups. His eyes flooded with tears as he basked in the protective embrace of the omega. He felt Safe… even if Hunter looked to be caught in the wild nature of the full moon.

As an omega himself, Echo knew that when they carried pups an omega could become overprotective to anything baby like or even the injured or helpless. Laying in the omegas arms Echo wondered who the alpha that had gotten Hunter full of pups.

It was just an idle thought, one that took his mind away from his own pain.

Still, as he lay there, he couldn’t help but think the omega smelt of Rex…or was that wishful thinking on his part? There was no way Echo could be Rex’s omega now…his body was so broken he didn’t think he could even shift into his wolf form anymore.

And what of pups? Would his body even be able to handle that now?

Echo let out a shaky sigh that was very close to a sob and Hunter wrapped his arms tightly around Echo’s shacking shoulders holding him close.

“Shh…Got you Echo…” Hunter whispered in his ear, “Keep you safe…”

Echo buried his face into the younger omegas chest and trembled as more tears leaked out his eyes. He couldn’t form the words to thank Hunter but he hope he understood with how tightly he held him. He just held onto Hunter tried to make himself believe that he was safe, the soft growling that came from the young omega was almost like a cats purr, and strangely it helped.

TBC…