Page 6 of Claiming the Omega (The Wolves of Sparrow Ridge)

“I t means that you move in with me, I claim you, and you become a member of the Sparrow Ridge Pack.” It was basic to all mated pairs and expected, so Victor was a little taken aback by Benjy’s shocked expression.

“But I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, and I have a brother who depends on me.” Benjy began to ramble nervously. “And what if your Pack doesn’t like having a male Omega wolf as your mate?”

"I don't give a fuck what they like or don't like, my personal life is my own, and my mate comes first. If they don't like my mate, they can get the hell out of my Pack.

" His tone was harsh and final. "I need you close, baby, so how about you agree to come home with me, for now.

I won't make any demands upon you until you feel we know each other well enough.

Also, your brother is welcome in our home.

When you decide the time is right, I will claim you and present you to the Pack as Alpha Mate. "

They were just a loose suggestion to ease his concern while in the back of Victor's mind, he was angling for ways to speed up each of his offers. He could wait, but not for long, and he had his suspicions that Benjy wouldn't be able to wait long either.

The mate pull was powerful and would not be denied. But for now, he just wanted to put Benjy’s mind at ease and let him make his own choices, even if they were being slightly manipulated. He watched his mate’s face as he considered all of Victor’s words.

“Okay, but will I be a prisoner?”Benjy asked still not sure of his position.

"No, never," Victor assured. He stood up with Benjy still in his arms and headed for the front door, which was hanging slightly from its hinges.

"Wait, I need my things, and I have to wait for Shane and explain what has happened." Victor did not answer him until they were outside, standing before his black SUV.

"I'll have one of my men gather your belongings and cancel your rental.

He will also wait for your brother and bring him to the Pack House.

" He sensed Benjy's hesitance and added.

"It will be my brother Edgar who speaks with Shane.

He is kind and soft-spoken. He will treat him gently, and when Shane arrives, you can finish the explanation.

For now, I need you with me, in my home, my wolf demands it.

" With that, he placed Benjy in the passenger seat and buckled him in before rounding the front of the vehicle and taking his seat behind the wheel.

Benjy thought about texting his brother and giving him a heads-up, but he feared Shane would misunderstand and try to run or hide, which would just make things worse.

He wasn't completely sold on the fact that this Alpha would keep him long term, but for now, he needed to stay.

His wolf would not let him rest if he tried to leave the handsome Alpha, his true mate.

His wolf was antsy and wanted the Alpha’s comfort and support. This Alpha did strange things to his body and emotions, stirring things that had been dormant and bringing new sensations to life. He hungered, absolutely hungered for his touch and his affection and every minute became more intense.

He thought of his relationship with the Alpha's son, Greg, and what a disaster it had been.

Greg hid his sexuality from his family and the Pack, so he openly bullied and abused Benjy in public.

But when they were alone, he was all sweet and apologies.

It wasn't until the end when Greg showed his true colors that Benjy realized what a dolt he'd been.

Trusting that man had nearly killed him and Shane.

He had actually believed the stupid lies that Greg had told him.

Believing that they would make a life together in time, Benjy just needed to be patient.

Yeah, patient until the day Greg lead the death squad to Benjy and Shane's front door.

His secret turned out to be more valuable than their lives.

Would Victor prove to be the same ego-driven asshole?

Victor was his mate and mates had an innate bond that could not be resisted.

With that in mind, Benjy understood he had but a whisper of hope that Victor would be his forever love, and he would have a life here with him.

He wanted it to be for real. This Alpha made his blood run hot and his heart beat out of his chest. He was so handsome and had an unparalleled sex appeal.

He kept stealing glances at him, marveling at such masculine perfection and tried to push the doubt from his mind.

They drove for about twenty minutes before Victor turned right onto a gravel drive.

It wound its way for about another five minutes before ending at the open expanse of a large, two-story, stone house with a wraparound porch.

It looked old but stately, and numerous smaller homes were scattered around the area.

It was set up like a small community, set apart and self-sufficient.

It was well kept and had a pleasing design.

With that said, Benjy knew that it was pack lands, and he was now completely under the rule of this Pack and he felt a familiar tightening in his gut.

Victor got out and opened Benjy’s door for him.

Benjy slid out of the vehicle, a sense of finality snapping into place around his heart.

If Victor used him and abandoned him like Greg had done, Benjy was sure that he would not remain whole.

His wolf would pine and whither, and he would lose himself, just as his mother lost herself after their father died.

True mates need each other down to a spiritual level.

Victor, being an Alpha wolf, would not suffer as much.

Benjy had seen that to be true with his old Alpha.

Greg's mother died about five years ago, and yet the Alpha was able to move on and mate with a young girl from the Pack almost immediately following the funeral. It had been a sad and awkward day.

There appeared to be very little concern shown by the Alpha as he watched his wife and mate being lowered into the ground.

He moved his next mate into the Alpha house that very night.

Greg blew it off as not important, but Benjy's heart broke for Greg's dead mother.

He didn't know the woman, but she deserved more respect than she received.

"What's on your mind, Benjy?" Victor saw the tension on his face and the way his eyes darted around as if looking for an attacker. He knew that this was a man who had been looking over his shoulder for a long time. Victor moved up beside him and slipped his arm around his waist.

"This is a large pack." He stated the obvious.

Victor nodded but did not comment. "My Pack was small, only about fifty members.

It wasn't a good experience, even when my dad was alive, they still bullied Shane and me, just not when he was around.

I hate those people, that Pack. I don't know if I can open myself to your people.

" He might as well be honest from the start.

"My people will surprise you, and I know you will come to love them just as they will come to love you.

" The solid confidence that the Alpha expressed made Benjy smile and hope that he was correct.

"Come, let me introduce you to my betas who are home, and I will introduce you to my brothers when they arrive this evening.

" Benjy took a deep breath and steadied himself for meeting Beta wolves.

Other than his father, the Beta's at his old Pack had been monsters.

Victor hugged him close. “Don’t be worried; you will love it here.”

The inside was large and spacious. Victor gave him a cursory tour and promised to show him everything later, but right now, he was taking him to the backroom.

The backroom contained the working offices of the Pack.

Victor stood in the main meeting room and yelled for his Betas, Cole, and Daniel.

They came quickly and stood looking at the two of them, waiting for an explanation or an order.

“Cole, Danial, this is my mate Benjy Hammond. Benjy these are my two Betas, Cole Hewitt, and Danial O’Hare.” The understanding spread across their faces as they smiled and laughed.

"I’m very pleased to meet you, Benjy." It was Cole who moved first and held out his hand which Benjy grasped.

The handshake was warm and friendly. "You will be happy here Benjy we’re a good bunch.

" The assurance caught Benjy by surprise because it sounded so much like what Victor had been saying for the past couple of hours.

"I did a background check on you after you rabbited from the restaurant.

I know about those assholes back in Concord. " He explained.

"I'm pleased to meet you, too, Cole." He really meant it. Cole reminded him of his dad, just a big, warm, friendly guy. Daniel, on the other hand, looked suspicious and guarded, but gave Benjy the same pleasantry and shook his hand with a half smile.

Cole was slapping Victor’s back and congratulating him on finding his mate, which afforded a moment when Daniel believed he could speak his mind without repercussion, or so he thought.

He leaned down close to Benjy’s ear and spoke.

“You are nowhere near good enough for him.” He gave Benjy’s a hard look and then stepped back.

Unfortunately, he didn’t take into consideration the powerful hearing of an Alpha wolf who happened to be acutely tuned into his fearful mate.