Bitten By the Alpha Read online

Cam’s low growl filled the room, but it lacked menace. “Don’t push it.” He took a couple of steps back so he faced the entire room, tugging Gareth with him. “As you’ve no doubt realised, Gareth and I have bonded.”

  Glancing quickly around the room, Gareth tried to gauge everyone’s reactions, but it was hard. No one looked surprised, but then they’d have already seen the mating marks and smelt Gareth all over Cam’s flat, so that was understandable.

  Cam carried on. “I’m sure there are rumours flying around the pack, and I wanted you to have all the details from me first.” Still, no one said anything, and Gareth began to doubt that this would go down well. Cam squeezed his fingers in reassurance. “We bonded last night out in the park, under the full moon. No doubt some members of the pack may have an idea that something happened out there, but I want to wait until after my visit to the prison before I hold a pack meeting. I’d rather announce everything in one go than have several meetings in the space of a few days.”

  Bollocks.

  Gareth had forgotten all about Cam’s upcoming prison visit. His wolf stirred under his skin, not happy in the slightest.

  “I know some of you will have concerns and questions, and as long as things remain respectful I am happy to discuss them with you— whatever they might be, whether now in front of everyone or in private.” He paused, giving them the opportunity to speak, and Gareth found himself holding his breath.

  Up until yesterday, the five shifters in the room with them had been his peers, but what was he now? Did being the alpha’s mate set him apart from them? Would they treat him differently now? Should he act differently?

  Gareth frowned, berating himself for not giving this aspect more forethought.

  But I never thought this would happen.

  Surprisingly, it was Daryl who spoke first. Gareth would have put all his money on it being Alec.

  “Firstly,” he smiled. “I’m happy for the both of you.” A murmur of agreement echoed around the room.

  “Thank you.” Cam returned his smile, then gestured for him to continue.

  “But what does that mean for the pack?” He glanced at Gareth. “Can you still be a beta? Is that allowed? And if so, how will that work? I’m not saying you shouldn’t be one,” he added quickly, and Gareth realised with a start the low grumble in the room was coming from him.

  He stopped abruptly. “Sorry.”

  “All valid questions,” Cam replied. “But I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m afraid. As far as I’m aware, while it’s not actively encouraged, I don’t think there are any laws against being both pack beta and alpha’s mate. It’s not a conflict of interest as such.”

  “You know I was rooting for this to happen, and I’m just playing devil’s advocate.” Alec sighed, as though he didn’t want to say what he was about to. “But isn’t it a conflict of interest?”

  Gareth tensed, a growl seconds from escaping, but Cam merely raised an eyebrow.

  “Everyone here acts for the good of the pack, don’t they?”

  “Of course.”

  “But?” Cam gestured for Alec to explain himself.

  Another sigh. “Sometimes, as both pack history and recent events have shown us, the alpha doesn’t always act in the best interests of the pack.” Alec winced at his own words, giving Cam an apologetic shrug. Ordinarily Gareth would have felt some sympathy for him, he obviously wasn’t enjoying this, but outrage on Cam’s behalf stopped him feeling anything but irritated.

  He knew deep down the bond made him feel this way. So early on in their relationship, the instinct to protect overrode rational thinking, blinding him from seeing anything but a threat to Cam.

  But how dare Alec suggest Cam was anything like their old alpha, or Newell. The growl slipped out anyway.

  Cam’s hand found the back of Gareth’s neck, and he gave him a firm but gentle squeeze, calming him enough that his mind cleared. Maybe Cam was getting a handle on things quicker than Gareth. He still appeared calm in the face of Alec’s comments.

  Nodding in Alec’s direction, Cam said, “You make an excellent point.”

  Alec huffed out a harsh breath. “Still felt like shit saying it, though.”

  Cam grinned at him. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He rubbed his thumb once over where Gareth’s mark lay under the skin then let go. “Unfortunately our pack has first-hand knowledge of how an alpha can lose their way. When their actions cease to be for the good of the pack and are in fact detrimental to the welfare of its members, then yes, the responsibility lies with the betas to step in and put a stop to it—either by informing the council or taking matters into their own hands, depending on the circumstances.”

  Gareth looked around the room, at people he considered as close as family. “And you think I wouldn’t be able to do that?”

  Alec’s sharp gaze landed on him, pinning him to the spot. “Gareth, Cam is your bonded mate. I would expect you to die trying to protect him, and I would never want to put you in a position where you had to choose between Cam or your pack.”

  Gareth swallowed thickly, a whole range of emotions swirling through him at Alec’s words.

  Cam put his hand back on his neck, the comfort immediate. “That’s the worst-case scenario. I hope to always act for the good of my pack.” A chorus of agreement met his words. “But, in the event that should ever change….” He gestured around the room. “Even if Gareth struggles with where his allegiance should lie, there are five of you. I would hope that would be enough to prevent anything catastrophic from happening. I plan to discuss this with Alpha Wallace as soon as I get a chance. I’d appreciate her views on it.”

  The tension in the room dissipated. Even though at least three of Cam’s betas had remained mostly silent, everyone seemed to accept Cam’s explanation.

  Except Gareth. The lump remained wedged securely in his throat, and he couldn’t get past the idea of maybe one day having to either side against his mate or his pack.

  Not that that will ever happen.

  Cam is nothing like the others.

  The rest of the meeting seemed to carry on around him as Gareth tried to push those thoughts from his head. Cam shot him concerned looks now and again—fuck knew what he was getting through their bond—but it wasn’t until Gareth heard the word prison, that his mind snapped back to attention. He straightened from his slouch against the wall.

  Cam was talking. “I’ve arranged to meet with Governor Fleck first at ten o’clock.” He nodded to Alec. “You and your team can accompany me there, but no further.”

  Alec scowled but only nodded in return.

  “After that, I’ve requested to see Wes first, and then Newell. I want to hear what Wes has to say before I talk to Newell.”

  Jason cleared his throat, and everyone glanced his way. It was the first time either he or Paul had spoken up all meeting. “What do you reckon he wants to talk about? Newell? And do you trust him to tell the truth about anything?”

  Gareth would answer a big fat no to the last part of that question.

  Cam shrugged. “I have no idea, but I suspect I won’t want to stick around long after talking to Newell, so it seemed prudent to see Wes first.”

  Why do you have to go at all?

  The question sat on the tip of Gareth’s tongue, but he wouldn’t ask it. Not in front of everyone at least. Cam had made his decision and Gareth wouldn’t second-guess him like that. The thought of Cam even being in the same room as either one of those wankers set Gareth’s teeth on edge, and he curled his hands into a fist, claws purposefully breaking the skin to keep him from blurting out something he’d regret. It didn’t go unnoticed.

  Cam’s back straightened, concern flooding their bond. “Alec, I want to leave at eight thirty tomorrow morning. Can you be ready?”

  Alec nodded. “Of course. I’ll inform Zack and Callum after this meeting. We’ll meet you downstairs tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.” He turned his attention to Paul and Jason. “I’d like to speak
to Jenn tomorrow after I get back. Then we’ll perform the ceremony as planned. The sooner we have a beta in place for Davies and the rest of them, the better.”

  “I’ll speak to her this morning,” Jason replied. “What time tomorrow?”

  Cam hummed. “Let’s say five p.m. for now. If that changes, I’ll let you know.”

  Gareth sensed the meeting was drawing to a close, sparking a ripple of anticipation at being alone with Cam again. Warmth flared low in his belly, and he didn’t miss Cam’s smirk.

  Neither did Alec. He glanced from Cam to Gareth, a knowing look on his face, but thankfully kept his comments to himself.

  Gareth rolled his eyes and ignored him, his focus pulled back to Cam as he wrapped things up.

  “Unless there’s anything else, I think we’re done.” He glanced at Gareth before looking at the rest of his betas. Waiting. When no one spoke up, Cam added. “Okay then, I’ll speak with you all tomorrow at some point.”

  Gareth watched from his spot by the wall as everyone stood and made their way towards the front door. A few curious and some knowing glances were cast his way, but Gareth didn’t give a shit, he just wanted them gone. It was no secret how much sex newly bonded couples had, and the way his heart began to race as the front door clicked shut, he and Cam were going to be no exception to that rule.

  Cam appeared at the door to the living room, dark gaze fixed on Gareth, and the air between them crackled.

  All his worries and fears seemed to fade away in that instant. Being the sole focus of Cam’s attention wiped his mind of everything but the need to be closer. Their bond hummed with want and excitement, only a tinge of worry underlying it all. That had to be from Cam, because all Gareth could think about was getting naked.

  “We should talk.” Cam started towards him with slow, measured steps, as though stalking prey.

  A shiver ran down Gareth’s spine. “Later.” Talking could wait.

  “You know I don’t like to put things off.” Another step. Gareth swallowed, his heart pounding. “You have concerns, I felt them all through the meeting.” He stepped into Gareth’s space and inhaled—the tips of his fangs appearing. Gareth almost forgot how to breathe. “What sort of Alpha would I be if I choose sex instead of addressing them?”

  “The very best kind.” Gareth grinned, unable to resist reaching down to palm his cock through the denim of his jeans.

  Cam’s nostrils flared, and he placed his hand over Gareth’s, pressing firmly. “Do you have any idea what it was like smelling Alec’s scent all over you?”

  Gareth faltered, not following. “What?” Then it clicked. “Oh. The T-shirt.”

  Cam closed his eyes and shuffled closer until he could rest his forehead against the side of Gareth’s neck. He inhaled again and sighed. “Can’t believe I was so fucking stupid. Alec warned me but I—” He let out a low growl, hands coming up to grip Gareth’s shoulders. “I wanted to tear that thing off you and fuck you right there in the living room so they could all see you were mine.”

  Oh.

  Ordinarily Gareth wasn’t a big fan of exhibitionism, but the picture Cam painted had him whining with need.

  Cam chuckled, warm breath ghosting over his bare skin. “You like the sound of that?”

  Yes.

  Mouth dry, Gareth struggled to force words out. “It has a certain appeal.”

  Cam barked out a laugh, their bond practically glowing. “I can’t afford to lose control like that in front of my betas.” He trailed a claw-tipped finger down Gareth’s chest, making his breath hitch. “But they aren’t here now.”

  Gareth almost pointed out that one of them was, but then Cam teased his nipple and the words vanished, replaced by a moan.

  “You still smell like Alec.” Cam pressed against him, and while Gareth felt the warmth of his body through his T-shirt, he wanted skin on skin.

  “Fix it,” he whispered and tugged on Cam’s clothes. Alec’s scent must be faint by now, but he wasn’t about to argue. “Make me smell like you again. Like us.”

  With another low, rumbling growl, Cam grabbed his hand and tugged him down the hall into his bedroom. Once inside, Cam kicked the door shut and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Gareth copied him.

  The room still smelt like sex and them.

  Nothing else.

  It both soothed and excited him at the same time.

  Cam sighed, as though feeling exactly the same, then opened his eyes, his gaze raking over Gareth in a lazy once-over. Pulling off his T-shirt, he gestured to Gareth’s jeans. “Get them off and get on the bed.” The words were laced with a touch of alpha power, and Gareth felt it down to his bones.

  Cam startled. “Shit… I didn’t mean to—”

  “I liked it.” Gareth made a show of slowly undoing his jeans and easing them down, trying to erase the concern on Cam’s face.

  “I don’t want to force you to—”

  “Stop.” He waited for Cam to meet his eyes, then said, “I know you’d never force me to do anything. I trust you.” He pushed his jeans slowly down over his thighs, his lack of underwear allowing his cock to spring free.” Cam’s gaze immediately dropped to his groin. “And I love that I make you lose control. Even if it’s just a little.”

  Finally Cam smiled. “Okay.” When he glanced up at Gareth again, his eyes were dark once more, the desire in them the only thing Gareth could see.

  When they were both naked, Cam moved closer and wrapped his hand around Gareth’s cock, making him gasp. “I want to fuck you and come inside you, but I want to come all over you too—rub it into your skin.”

  Gareth half-moaned, half-laughed. “We’ve got all night.”

  Cam’s answering grin was feral. “Yes, we do.” With a gentle push to Gareth’s shoulder, he steered him backwards to the bed.

  After climbing on, Gareth shuffled back until his head rested on the pillows. He gave his cock a couple of strokes, loving the way Cam watched his every move. “What are you waiting for?” He raised his eyebrows in challenge, and Cam darted forward.

  In the blink of an eye, he went from watching at the foot of the bed, to lying stretched out over Gareth, warm skin on skin from chest to toes.

  “First things first….” Cam licked over Gareth’s bite mark, then sucked lightly before making his way further south.

  Gareth whimpered at every little nip of teeth and swipe of Cam’s tongue, burning a trail down his body. “What’re you going to do?” He didn’t care what they did as long as Cam continued to touch him and he got to come.

  Cam paused when he reached Gareth’s happy trail, glancing up as he traced it with a fingertip. “I’m going to suck you until you’re almost there, then pull off so you can finish on me.” He gestured to his neck and chest. “Here.”

  “Yes.” Gareth was up for marking Cam in any way he could. “Then what?”

  “Then I’m going to return the favour.” His gaze flicked up to Gareth’s throat, eyes darkening that little bit more. “Okay?”

  So much more than okay. His whole body tensed, just waiting for Cam’s touch. Not trusting his voice, Gareth nodded.

  Taking it for the green light it was, Cam ducked his head and licked a stripe up the side of Gareth’s cock. That one touch felt incredible. He was never going to last. When Cam opened his mouth, Gareth snapped his eyes closed and let his head fall back against the pillow. If he watched Cam do that, it’d be game over.

  As it was, he had to concentrate hard on not coming. Fisting the covers, Gareth cried out as Cam’s hot mouth enveloped him—wet warmth surrounded his length, making him arch up into it, chasing more. His thighs parted of their own accord, letting Cam settle easier between them, and Gareth hung on, not wanting it to be over so soon.

  The room swam with the heady scent of sex and them combined, each breath in reminding Gareth that Cam was his.

  Forever.

  Pleasure built steady and sure, and Gareth couldn’t fight it any longer, didn’t want to. “Fuck… gonna…” Not w
anting to miss this bit, Gareth opened his eyes and lifted his head.

  He’d barely got the words out as Cam pulled off and tilted his head back, exposing his neck. That was all it took to send Gareth tumbling over the edge. He came with a choked off cry, striping Cam’s throat and collarbone as his orgasm rushed through him.

  Pushing himself up, Cam sat back on his knees. He watched Gareth with hooded eyes, trailing his fingers back and forth through the mess on his skin. If Gareth could have managed to get hard again, he would have. The thought of Cam smelling like him for days made him want to howl in satisfaction.

  With his fingers coated with come, Cam wrapped a hand around his cock, smearing it over his length. “Your turn.”

  “Yeah.” Gareth shoved another pillow under his head, propping himself up more and giving Cam a better target. “Mark me.”

  Cam bit his lip, fangs piercing the skin, and he began to stroke himself faster. Gareth stared, mesmerised, unable to look away even if he wanted to. Head tipped back, eyes closed, Cam made for a glorious sight, and Gareth drank it all in.

  When his body tensed, Gareth braced himself and pushed up on his elbows.

  Snapping his eyes open, Cam knelt up, and with a low guttural moan, he coated Gareth’s skin with each pulse of his orgasm.

  It felt like fire landing on him, marking him as Cam’s, and Gareth welcomed every drop.

  “There.” Cam’s voice was soft, awestruck. He leaned forward, bracing himself on one arm, while he rubbed his fingers over the base of Gareth’s throat. “Now everyone will know.”

  Yes, they would.

  Everyone.

  Cam dipped his head, capturing Gareth’s mouth in a soft but insistent kiss. When he then dropped onto his back beside him, Gareth turned to face him.

  “I know the pack meeting isn’t until Tuesday, but I’m going to need to tell my unit. I always check in with them at the start of the week, and there’ll be no hiding this.” He gestured to his come-covered throat and chest. “And I don’t want to.”

  Letting out a long sigh, Cam’s gaze dropped to Gareth’s throat again. “I may have got a little carried away.”

  Gareth laughed.