Page 13 of Claiming the Omega (The Wolves of Sparrow Ridge)

Benjy looked up from his computer with a sly grin. "I got it nice everywhere, little brother." He started to laugh when Shane screwed up his face in disgust.

"If you start giving me details, I'm out of here. And for your information, I am not the little brother; I'm three inches taller than you."

“Don’t get all superior, that only makes you five foot seven.” Benjy reminded him playfully.

"Better than five foot four." Shane chimed. They could be like they were, friendly and lighthearted, when not discussing Daniel. When the subject of Shane's mate came up, all friendliness vanished, and dictatorial control took over.

"How is it going?" Shane knew that Benjy was asking about Daniel.

Benjy didn't hide his hatred of the man, even knowing that Daniel was Shane's mate.

It would mean the world to Shane if Benjy would at least try to get along with Daniel.

Daniel had apologized repeatedly, but to no avail.

Benjy would not let go of his initial impression and treated Daniel accordingly.

With a heavy heart, Shane came to the realization that, if he and Daniel were mated, they would likely never find peace or acceptance within this Pack.

It was gradually becoming clear that Benjy was never going to accept Daniel as Shane's mate.

Benjy, as Alpha Mate, held a lot of power and sway over the decisions of the Alpha, and that power would begin to erode Daniel's place in this Pack. In a lot of ways, he already had.

"Fine." That was all Shane said. Anything more would result, as it always did, in Benjy finding every fault with Daniel and their connection and Shane tirelessly defending his mate.

Benjy stared hard at his brother, willing him to say more. "There has to be more to it than that?" He asked finally. Shane stared back and said nothing. "Okay." Benjy finally relented, getting the message that Shane was not in the mood to argue.

“I want you to call off Edgar. I don’t need two bodyguards. It’s becoming difficult for me to blend in on campus. You know I hate drawing attention to myself.” He held his brother’s gaze and waited.

"I don't trust him," Benjy said after a moment of silence.

Shane didn't have to ask who he was referring to; he knew who he was referring to.

They sat there for several minutes just staring at each other in silence.

Shane refused to fight with him, and Benjy refused to give in, so there was silence.

Finally, Shane abruptly got up and left the room.

"Shane!" Benjy called, but Shane continued on his way through the living room and out the front door.

He kept walking and gave no notice to the man who was following him.

He didn't stop until he reached the lake, which was about a quarter mile away.

Shane stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking out at the lake but seeing nothing. He was lost in his thoughts.

“I’m quitting school.” He stated to the man standing silently next to him.

"Why?" Daniel felt his mate's agitation and infuriation and ached to be able to comfort him and take away his pain.

The tension around the Pack House was having a negative effect on both of them.

Shane felt trapped by his brother, by his brother, and by the fact that he wasn't allowed to make his own decisions.

Daniel understood, but he had to abide by Benjy's orders and try to gain the man's trust. If he didn't follow Benjy's orders, he could lose Shane forever and possibly be exiled from the Pack.

Daniel had offended the Alpha Mate right off, not realizing that the man's brother was going to be his true mate. At the time, he was speaking his true feelings; he didn't believe an Omega was a proper mate for an Alpha. But he should have kept his opinions to himself.

Looking at his lovely little mate, he now understood what the Alpha felt when he saw Benjy.

Shane was very obviously an Omega wolf, considering his size, build, and demeanor, and Daniel couldn't imagine anyone more perfect.

Fate makes the matches, and she is never wrong.

Daniel should have respected that before passing judgment. Now the judgment was all on him.

Although Shane wasn't able to shift, he was still a wolf and considered Omega, and who knows, perhaps once they bonded, Daniel's wolf would bring out Shane's. It had happened before. Shane was the child of a Beta wolf, and it was very likely he would eventually get in touch with his own wolf.

"I'm not sure I even want to pursue Library Science. It seemed like a good idea a year ago, but now it feels unsatisfying; it's not the direction I want to go." Shane turned to look at Daniel directly, silently asking for his opinion.

"Think about it, don't do anything rash. Ensure it's not just a reaction to your current situation. But if you want to quit, I will support your decision." Daniel told him softly. "If it isn't what you want, then decide what it is you do want and go after it."

"What I want doesn't seem to matter much these days.

" Shane's tone lamented, and he dropped his gaze to the ground.

"I want to get to know you better, Daniel.

I want to spend time with you alone. We're mates, Daniel!

" He glanced over Daniel's left shoulder and could see Edgar in the distance keeping an eye on them. "We are never alone."

"It has to be like this, for now. It's all my fault.

I destroyed your brother's trust in me, and now we are both paying the price.

I'm sorry, sweetheart, I am so sorry." Daniel reached out to take Shane's hand, but Shane pulled back and stepped away.

He wasn't mad at Daniel; he was just mad at the world.

He cocked his head to the side and looked out over the lake as if gathering his thoughts and emotions before speaking.

"I'm not a child, I am my own man. I’m only a year younger than Benjy and yet he rules me like he’s my father.

" He spoke through gritted teeth. "I'm going to petition other packs.

I have to get out of here. I won't be controlled by Benjy for the rest of my life.

" Shane looked at him with hard determination and turned without another word and headed back to the Pack House.

Daniel watched as his mate walked away. He couldn't seem to make his body move as fear and panic coursed through his veins, freezing his muscles at the thought of his mate leaving.

His panicked thoughts frantically searched for a solution.

If his mate decided to leave, he would follow.

He had a good reputation as a solid, reliable Beta, so he wouldn't have difficulty finding acceptance elsewhere.

He calmed slightly at the thought. Perhaps it was a good idea, maybe it would be better for both of them to start fresh somewhere else.