Golden Valley (Pack 3)

“My brother doesn’t want a mate and I can’t imagine the fates would bless him with one,” he said.

Based on the whispers Morgan had heard from the dozens of shifters his brother bedded, he pleased them sexually, but that was where his interest ended. Most people knew that before they got naked with Jerold, and if they were confused, he firmly set them straight. That had satisfied everyone except one pack member who had recently moved to their pack and immediately latched onto Jerold.

Timothy Tillers was a male Omega, a combination so uncommon that Morgan had never met another one. Some people said Timothy’s nature had predisposed him to seek out an Alpha at all costs and that was why he had become fixated on Jerold. And when their father, in a rare display of temper, had yelled at Jerold for bedding the Omega even after he knew the man’s feelings ran deep, Jerold had justified his behavior by saying Alphas were naturally drawn to Omegas and the draw was stronger with the male variety so he couldn’t be blamed for following his instincts when the male Omega had constantly sought him out with the intent to seduce him.

From Morgan’s perspective, whether his brother was right about the draw to male Omegas didn’t matter. An Alpha needed to be strong enough to protect other wolves, even if that protection was from themselves. The male Omega was undoubtedly odd, and he may have chased after Jerold, but as an Alpha, Jerold should have had the strength to turn him away instead of allowing his lust to take over. Instead, he had slept with the Omega and then decided to stop sleeping with him, which sent him into such a frazzled state that their father had been forced to relocate him to the Green Field pack.

“Your brother probably isn’t a great example of a pack Alpha who’s likely to have a mate,” Lillian agreed. “But that doesn’t mean Alphas who want mates can’t have them. And besides, even if only the strongest pack Alphas are blessed with mates, you’ll be fine. You’re crazy powerful, Morgan. You’re only sixteen so you’re still growing, but your wolf is already huge and I bet by the time you’re as old as Jerold, you’ll be the more powerful Alpha. Plus, you have the golden star, same as your dad and your grandad.”

His brother was ten years older than him, not much taller, more muscular, or stronger in his human form and noticeably smaller as a wolf. Lillian was right, Morgan would probably be more powerful than his brother eventually, but that didn’t matter. Jerold loved talking in front of people and reveled in having all eyes on him. He had been born to lead the pack, raised for it. His brother wanted to be Golden Valley’s Alpha whereas Morgan had never been interested in following that aspect of his father’s life. Not at the risk of giving up the rest of it.

“A birthmark doesn’t have anything to do with leading a pack. I don’t want to be pack Alpha, Lil. I want a family.” A home full of happy kids and a mate to dote on were all he had ever wanted. Being Alpha meant dealing with pack politics and drama, which would inevitably take his attention and time away from what mattered. No amount of power was worth that sacrifice.

“You’re the only teenage boy I know with a ticking biological clock.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s weird.”

“Valuing family above everything else isn’t weird, it’s natural. Besides, even if I did want to be pack Alpha, I couldn’t do it here because that’ll be Jerold’s role.” He tilted his head to the side and grinned. “You know, for someone who claims she wants me around, you sure seem to be doing your best to talk me out of coming back to Golden Valley after I’m done with the pack tours.”

“No, I’m not!” she said, eyes wide. “I guess I was, wasn’t I?” She folded in on herself. “Ignore me. I’m being a jerk because you’re like my best friend and I’ll miss you.” She reached her hand out and braided her fingers with Morgan’s. “I’m sorry.”

“Maybe when I’m gone, you’ll meet your mate. Then he’ll be your best friend.” As it was supposed to be. “Just don’t forget about me completely, okay?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She smiled up at him. “What do you think he’ll be like?”

“Your mate?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well.” Morgan thought it over. “If the fates decide he’s worthy of being your mate, I’d say he’ll be pretty great.” Morgan grinned. “Not as great as me, of course, so you probably shouldn’t tell him about my skills in bed. I wouldn’t want to make him jealous.”

Lillian snorted.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” He puffed up his chest. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy yourself tonight.”