Chapter Four
Graham joined his mate under the covers once he’d cleaned them both up and gently rolled Tripp onto his back. The mounting had been intense and Graham’s legs were still a little wobbly. He’d lost count of how many times he’d come, but he felt a little guilty that Tripp had passed out—as was often the case after being bitten—and likely unaware the mounting had continued. Except Graham had managed to wring another orgasm out of the omega as the boy had stirred into semi-consciousness. The obvious pleasure he’d brought to his mate caused his wolf to yip with pride. Sadly, there had been no response from Tripp’s, a disappointment because it was one of the aspects of mating that Graham had been looking forward to. The omega’s wolf was hiding too deeply to reach despite repeated efforts. The effect of the prior trauma to the omega was clear and it made Graham furious all over again about how the boy was treated. Things were different now because Graham was nothing like that fucker of a mate.
I was the first.
There was no doubt that Tripp’s other mate had made no effort to keep from hurting the omega, let alone trying to satisfy him during mounting. Graham had approached the mating knowing that he had to go slowly and make it good for the boy. It had been hard, though. The mere sight of Tripp’s naked body had made him crazy with need. He’d been prepared to take as long as necessary to make the omega ready for him. It was a surprise when Tripp had soaked up even the smallest caress and clearly reveled in it. There was no need to spend as much time as he’d assumed. It was a sign that Tripp wasn’t as damaged as he’d feared and that was a welcome relief.
Tripp stiffened for a moment as Graham snuggled against him and wrapped an arm around his belly. The response didn’t last long—another good sign. With a fluttering of his eyes, Tripp signaled that he was awake. He opened them and stared at the point where he was being held. It was obvious that he didn’t dare look at Graham and wasn’t going to say anything unprompted.
That was okay. It was Graham’s duty to ease the awkwardness between them. “How are you feeling?”
Tripp took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Um, good?”
Graham couldn’t help smiling. “Are you asking me or telling me. Be honest, now.”
Tripp nodded. “Good. It was…nice. The mounting. It didn’t hurt, so thank you.”
“Oh, baby, you don’t have to thank me for that. It’s my responsibility to bring you enjoyment, and there’s not supposed to be any pain. Your body is designed to welcome mine. It simply needs the right stimulation.”
Tripp gnawed at his lower lip. “Other than when I was in heat, I guess, I’ve never… I mean that was the first time…”
Graham pressed a kiss to his mate’s temple. Gods, it was weird to think of himself as having a mate. “From now on, it will happen every time.”
Tripp glanced at him with a dubious look but didn’t question him. Of course not. This omega had been well-trained to keep his mouth shut. Graham needed to be patient in teaching him different lessons.
The pup moved, a ripple beneath Graham’s palm. He barked out a laugh. “Wow, that was something. I don’t think I’ve ever felt a pup move like that. Does it hurt?”
Tripp shook his head. “Sometimes, like when it kicks my bladder. Usually not, although it took some getting used to the idea that another shifter lives inside me. Now, I can’t imagine the pup not being there.”
“It will be out soon. I can’t wait, actually.”
Tripp glanced at him again, this time with wide eyes. “Are you going to let me keep it?”
The question was so unexpected, it took Graham a second to understand what his mate was asking. “Of course you can keep the pup. Why would you think otherwise?”
Tripp clutched at the edge of the comforter covering them. “Because you’re not the sire. If you give it to someone else, my milk with dry up and I’ll go into heat again. Then you can fill me with your seed.”
“Oh, baby.” Graham gathered the boy up in his arms as much as the bulk of the pup would allow. “This is going to be our pup. I will love it as my own. If you believe nothing else I’ve said, please believe that.”
Tripp nodded. Tears leaked out of the corner of his eyes. Graham hugged him even tighter and made soothing noises. His wolf yipped to console the boy, as well.
There was still no answer.
****
Tripp wiggled his hips to find a more comfortable position. It was nearly impossible given how advanced his pregnancy was. He had an advantage now, though, that he hadn’t had before. The Green Mountain Pack made human furniture which included the chair he currently sat in. The back of it tilted when he pushed a lever and a footrest popped up under his legs. The angle, along with the thick cushions gave him a lovely resting place. And it was located in the craft shed, so he was surrounded by sigmas weaving, sewing, quilting and knitting. Carol had led him in there after breakfast, giving him yarn in a beautiful pale green color and a crocheting needle. It was his best skill and he’d missed not being able to do it during the long months on the run with Blake. With money tight, he hadn’t wanted to ask his brother to spend any of it on something unnecessary. Now that he was in a pack again, he could focus on the tasks he’d been taught as a pup.
Not that he was being allowed to do much. Graham had told his mother that Tripp wasn’t permitted to do anything strenuous and he was to rest whenever he felt the need. Sitting in this marvelous chair and making a blanket for the coming pup fit those requirements, plus he really enjoyed doing it. Once he whelped, he could show his new mate and pack how beneficial he could be. Popping out pups was not enough of a job as far as he was concerned. It didn’t even seem like work now that he knew mounting could be pleasurable. His cheeks warmed at the memories of what his mate had done to him. He couldn’t help wondering if it would happen again that night. He didn’t dare ask Graham. The beta had been kind and gentle with him, but Tripp didn’t want to press the man on anything until he understood his limits better.
Carol came over. “Wow, that’s some progress.”
“Thank you. I’m fast.” Tripp held up the half-completed pup blanket and peered at it. There were no mistakes. He couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you again for allowing me to do this.”
Carol waved her hand. “No thanks are necessary, Tripp. We’re all here to support you and it’s great to see how much skill you have. And you say you can work a loom?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Tripp patted his belly. “I think I can manage it even with this sticking out.”
“Sorry, but Graham wouldn’t like that. It’s too strenuous. There will be time enough for you to take on one of the looms once the pup has whelped.” She squeezed his shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” He didn’t bother arguing about his ability to work the loom now. It wasn’t his decision and he had no intention of antagonizing his new mate. He went back to the chain row he’d started, then stopped again as Blake stepped into the shed.
His brother grinned and went over to Carol, probably to ask permission to come inside. At her nod, he continued over to Tripp and stood much as Carol had, scrutinizing the blanket. “Is that for the pup?”
Tripp nodded. “Although I don’t have much time, I’m hoping to make a few things for it. Carol showed me all the pack’s communal clothing and bedding, but I’d like to make some especially for my pup. Graham’s pup,” he amended because pups belonged to their sires most of all. At least they did by the rules of his old pack. “He says I can raise it.”
Blake frowned and crouched by the side of the chair. “Of course, you can. I broached the issue with the alpha and he reassured me on that point. I knew you wouldn’t want to give it up.” He dipped his head. “Are you all right?” His voice was low now, reaching only Tripp’s ears.
He understood exactly what his brother was asking. “I’m fine. Graham was very kind to me.” He licked his lips, not sure if it was okay to speak with Blake about what happened with his mate. Certainly, he’d tried hard to hide what it had been like before, up until it was impossible to continue to do so. “He made me feel…good. Is that supposed to happen?”
Blakes eyes went wide and his cheeks flushed pink before he banked his expression. “Yes. I think. That’s how it is among sigmas when they mount between themselves, anyway. I know dominants don’t usually care how we servients feel. Some of the sigmas find pleasure in being mounted by them anyway. I just wanted him to not hurt you, but I’m glad it’s better than that.”
Tripp nodded. “It is. My wolf is still hiding, though. Graham’s wolf hasn’t been pressuring him much. I’m afraid that he’ll get angry if it goes on much longer.”
“You need to assure your wolf that this time is different.”
Tripp lowered his gaze. “I’m trying.”
Blake was quiet for a moment. “You know, maybe you should ask your mate for help. He’s responsible for you now and your wolf’s hiding isn’t good for any of you.”
Tripp had tried to speak to his wolf, to get a feel for how he was doing. There was the barest of responses, as if his wolf were somewhere deep inside that they couldn’t communicate much even between themselves. “Maybe I should.”
“Should what?”
Tripp and Blake both jumped at Graham’s sudden appearance. They had been so focused on their conversation and keeping it private, they’d blocked out everything else. They’d gotten so used to being closed off from others, first in their old pack, then while among the humans, being furtive had become second nature.
Blake shot to his feet. “Um...” He clearly didn’t know what was okay to tell the beta.
Because it was Tripp’s problem, he jumped in to save his brother from the awkwardness. “I can’t get my wolf to stop hiding from you. He doesn’t mean any disrespect,” he added.
Graham put his hand on one of Tripp’s raised feet. The simple touch was light, yet warm and comforting. “He’s had a rough time of it. We’ll go visit the healer after lunch and see what she recommends.”
Tripp gnawed at his lower lip. “Or your wolf could just force him, I guess.”
Graham squeezed his foot. “He could, but that wouldn’t be a nice way to handle it. We want him to understand that his life is different now.”
Relief washed over him. Blake had been right; this was a problem best handled by his mate. “Yes, Graham.”
“Great.” He pushed the lever to sit Tripp upright, then held out his hand. “Time to go eat.” He glanced at Blake. “You’re joining us?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Call me Graham.” He hefted Tripp out of his chair as if he weighed nothing and liberated the crocheting materials from his grip. “Oh, nice. A blanket for the pup?” Tripp nodded. “My mom must love you. She’s always looking for new crafting skills.” He placed everything carefully on the chair.
Tripp leaned into his mate as the man pulled him in close for their walk to the longhouse. “She’s been very kind. I could also do some weaving now,” he dared to venture.
“Nope,” Graham said, cheerfully knocking down the suggestion. “You’ve been traveling a lot and need as much rest as you can get before whelping.”
The answer was disappointing but at least it didn’t come in the form of a slap. He’d been testing his new mate, he realized. A dangerous thing to do, yet it helped ease his mind. Not knowing if Graham was going to prove to be like Victor after all loomed over him. As much as he didn’t want punishment, being in a constant state of nervousness, waiting for something bad to happen, wasn’t helping his wolf or himself.
They sat at one of the long communal tables, a different one than the night before. Apparently, pack members could choose freely where to eat, and with whom. Graham signaled Blake to sit on the other side of Tripp, which soothed his nerves. Having his brother within touching distance while being among so many strange shifters made the transition into this new pack easier. His mate was obviously aware of that. It was a good sign that Graham was thinking of him and wanted to make his life as comfortable as possible even outside their mating bed.
When his mate put skimpy portions of food on his plate from the dishes lined up on the table, Tripp knew a moment of disappointment, however. Despite having done nothing strenuous during the morning, he was ravenous. He knew better than to complain. His mate got to say what he ate, how much and how often. Perhaps he’d find a moment and the courage to ask him if he could have more. In the meantime, he quickly ate what he had. Blake gave him a nudge with his leg, then passed a piece of buttered bread from his own plate. It never made it to Tripp.
Reaching over, Graham grabbed Blake by the wrist. “Don’t do that.” Releasing his grip, Graham focused on Tripp. “No one in this pack goes hungry. If you want more, ask me. I gave you a small amount of food because I didn’t want you to think you had to clean your plate if you weren’t hungry.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure how much omegas this close to whelping feel like eating. Do you want more?”
Tripp nodded. “Please.”
Graham proceeded to butter another piece of bread and put it on Tripp’s plate, as well as another slice of meat and some vegetables.
The beta picked up his own fork. “Same goes for you, too, Blake. Eat your fill. And,” he added with a pointed look over Tripp’s head, “it’s not your job to take care of your brother. Not anymore. It’s mine. Trust me to do so.” Although his words were firm, his tone was not unkind.
The rest of the meal went smoothly, Graham topping up Tripp’s plate whenever he asked. There was a lot of conversation around the table, everyone seeming to be enjoying the company. No fights broke out and that alone was different from his old pack, where sometimes a couple of dominants would get up to trade blows, forcing the servients to flee to safety. And all the while, the alpha would laugh and egg the combatants on. What did he care? There were always feral dominants, like Victor, eager to join the pack and curry favor with the alpha. Deaths were brushed aside as if nothing, their families handed over to the winner as a prize. And cleaning up the resulting damage was the sigmas’ problem, beneath the notice of the dominants.
Everyone in the Green Mountain Pack appeared happy and relaxed. It was almost too good to be true. Flashing a glance at Blake, he could tell his brother was thinking along the same lines. He grinned back at Tripp and squeezed his knee once in the way he’d always done to show that he was watching and aware of Tripp’s feelings.
At the end of lunch, however, Tripp made a fatal mistake. He yawned. He tried to hide it, telling himself it didn’t signify anything. Being a bit tired had become the norm with his pregnancy advancing. It didn’t mean he couldn’t go back to his crocheting. Not to his mind, anyway. Too bad his judgment didn’t count. Only Graham’s did.
“You need a nap.” So saying, the beta scooped Tripp out of his chair and carried him out of the room.
Tripp didn’t even have time to say goodbye to Blake. Not that it mattered. He’d see him later at dinner. It was the lack of control over himself that caused his burgeoning happiness to deflate somewhat. The care his mate was showing in coddling him was appreciated. No one other than Blake had done so in the past. But it was also a different form of oppression. Like all dominants, Graham didn’t ask. He just did whatever he wanted. Right at that moment, he’d decided to bring Tripp to their makeshift den and lay him on top of the bed.
Graham leaned down to brush some loose strands of hair off Tripp ’ s face. “Get some sleep.” He straightened. “Last night was a…big one. You used up a lot of energy whether you realized it or not. That, plus the pregnancy is taxing your strength.”
All of what the beta said made sense, and yes, another yawn escaped him. Still… “What should I do when I wake up?” He dared to ask because this was all new to him and he had no idea what his mate’s expectations were.
Graham frowned, hands on his hips, clearly without a ready answer. Finally, “Stay here until I come fetch you for dinner. I’m new to this mating thing and especially new to the becoming-a-sire-really-soon situation. So, I’m going to err on the side of caution and have you rest the whole afternoon.”
Tripp considered his next words carefully. “You wanted us to see the healer after lunch.”
Graham snapped his fingers. “That’s true, but we’ll do it right before dinner. I’ll be back for you.” Leaning down once more, he kissed him lightly on the lips. “If you need something… Damn, I was going to say have your wolf call to mine. That’s the very problem we have to speak to Cora about.”
Tripp shrunk into the bedding as much as he could. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize, sweetheart. You’ve done nothing wrong. Neither has your wolf. This is a problem, that’s all. I’m a beta, so fixing problems is what I do. Don’t worry about it. Get some rest and I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes, Graham.” Tripp had a passing thought that taking a nap would be more fun if his mate joined him. That was enough to cause a flash of heat throughout his body and the slick he’d experienced the night before slid past his hole.
Graham stopped halfway back to the doorway and exhaled sharply—half gasp, half laugh. “Oh, don’t even dare to tempt me.” He grinned over his shoulder. “I have work to do, sweetheart.”
Tripp looked at him wide-eyed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“I know. That’s what excites me the most. Later. Waiting makes it better. Sounds crazy, but you’ll have to trust me on that.”
“I trust you on everything, Graham.” He said the words without thought because they were expected. Yet, they were also surprisingly true.
“Good. You’re so sweet, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Get some rest,” he repeated and left.
Tripp got as comfortable as his large belly would allow, convinced it was going to be a long, boring afternoon. His eyes disagreed with him, becoming too heavy to stay open. He dropped into sleep almost before he realized it.