He put his hand on the gamma’s arm and squeezed it with a gesture of appreciation. “The alpha can’t risk that. Servients, including pups, get killed in those fights. I don’t believe either Tripp or Blake would want us to endanger anyone for their sake.”
“Not that it matters,” Elijah interjected. “This is my decision, but I did speak of it with Blake when they first arrived. He understands he will be sacrificed if necessary. I’ll try to bargain us out of it, although with only gammas, it’s less likely to be effective.” The alpha focused his gaze on Graham. “I’m sorry. This will be hard on your mate and therefore, on you.”
“I understand, Alpha. I’ve been preparing for this.” Except he wasn’t prepared. Not really. Not since he’d started to have real feelings for the omega.Damn, I’m falling in love with him.This wasn’t about being fated mates. This emotion was a conscious one, not uncontrollable biology.
Elijah nodded on a grimace. “I’ll speak with Blake. It’s only fair that he be given a heads up. I won’t try to stop him, either, if he takes off again.”
Graham felt a glimmer of hope. The sigma could run back to the human world. He knew how to survive there and it would make it harder for his old pack to track him down. It would be a lonely existence, however, and one that might never change. No matter how much time elapsed, a return to the pack would be risky. He wondered if living outside of a pack would be what he would choose in the sigma’s situation.
“I’d like to be the one to tell him, sir. He’s part of my family now, so my responsibility.”
“Very well.”
The alpha stood, as did the others, and they all filed out of the room. As he went to do the same, Graham noticed that Draco had stayed behind.
The gamma sidled up to him. “You know, we could talk to a couple of the other gammas. I know two on patrol right now who are always up for a fight. We could leave and ambush those fuckers before they get too close. I mean, how would their pack ever know what happened to them?” The guy gave Graham a sly look.
Gods, it was tempting. To free both Tripp and Blake would make his family a better, happier one. Except this was not his decision.
“The alpha has already spoken on the matter. Do you think Elijah hasn’t thought of this himself? He’s not willing to risk the pack, and that’s the end of it. You need to remember your place, Gamma.”As do I.
Draco shrugged. “Just an idea. If you change your mind…”
“I won’t.”
Draco sighed. “You’re always such a stickler.” He didn’t argue anymore, though. He left the room with his usual swagger.
Chapter Seven
Graham found Blake finishing up his work of the day in the woodworking shed. He caught the sigma’s attention and gestured with his chin for the guy to come out. Then he turned and led the way to a more secluded spot. This conversation needed to be had in private.
The sigma spoke before Graham had a chance to say one word. “They’ve found us.”
It wasn’t a question. His brother-by-mating was a clever man. The fact that he’d cared for Tripp all those months and while living among humans was testament to that. He was brave as well. Blake stood with his gaze fixed on the ground but there was no fear in his expression. Only resignation.
“They’re not here yet. A pack we have a trade treaty with called to let us know that your alpha’s gammas had stopped there looking for you and Tripp. No information was given by the alpha about us because he didn’t like the look of the four gammas. He didn’t know about you and Tripp, anyway. We have to assume, though, that they’ll find us in the next few days. We’re not exactly hidden away.”
Blake nodded once. “I understand.” He lifted his gaze briefly. “I’ve always been prepared for this. As long as Tripp is safe, that’s all I care about.”
“I won’t let them anywhere near my mate. You can count on that.” He hesitated before adding, “No one will stop you if you choose to leave before they arrive.”
“No.” Blake shook his head with a grimace before saying it again. “No. I’m tired of running. I only did it to save Tripp. Being here these last few days have made me realize just how much I need to live in a pack. The human world is not for me.”
“What will your sire do to you?” He had to ask even though he figured he knew the answer already.
Blake surprised him somewhat by shrugging.
“I’m not sure. Killing me would be his right, but he likes to frighten his shifters and cause them pain. It’s a sport his dominants enjoy, too. He might mete out a prolonged punishment that just makes me wish I were dead.”
Graham swore and looked away. “You don’t deserve that kind of fate. Tripp will be beside himself over your being taken back. It won’t be good for him.”
Blake grabbed Graham’s arm in a surprising move for an obedient servient. “Don’t let him dwell on it.Please. He needs to focus on whelping and building a new life with you and the pup. This has always been about him, not me.”
Graham put his arm around the sigma’s shoulder and pressed his thumb and forefinger along the back of his neck. “I will take care of Tripp and the pup, but you know your being taken away will upset him horribly. There’s nothing I can do to stop that. I can only do my best to soothe away the hurt.”
“That’s all I’m asking.” Blake relaxed under the gentle pressure of Grahams hold. “Well, there’s actually one more thing. If I may?”
“Of course. I’ll do whatever I can for you.”
