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20 Nisan 2023, 07:48
Nervously, Caleb fumbled with the straps to the baby carrier. He ran a hand through his long hair, exhaled a breath and tried his best to calm himself. "Just get it together." He told himself, "This is a good thing...I think."
He looked down at the pup in the carrier. Rylan was oblivious to what had just transpired. He was happily chewing on his foot as he looked up at Caleb, a wide smile on his face as a bit of slobber rolled down his chin. He giggled then extended his foot as if to say, "Hey! Look what I just found!"
Caleb smiled back at him. "Silly pup." He whispered, rubbing a finger gently over the soft tuft of hair on the top of his child's head. "The only thing you have to worry about is when you get your next feeding or diaper change. If only my life were that simple."
Caleb sighed, then succeeded on strapping the pup in securely to the back seat of Quinton's jeep. When he was sure that the pup was safely tucked away with his favorite toy, a stuffed wolf, and his Binky, Caleb climbed into the back driver's side seat of the jeep and waited for Quinton...his mate.
Caleb could barely believe what he'd agreed to. Everything seemed to have happened so fast and there hadn't really been time to think. His options were only to go back to Silver Moon or agree to mate Quinton and stay in Black River. He'd agreed to the mating without hesitation.
Of course he knew the mating was on paper only. He didn't really think he'd be expected to fulfill his omega duties. At least, not as far as the bedroom was concerned. Certainly Quinton wouldn't think that Caleb ready for that. He barely knew the man, let alone the fact that he was still mourning. The entire thing was absurd but Caleb knew he'd be willing to do just about anything to stay in Black River.
He could be a good mate to Quinton he supposed. With the exception of the actual mating. He could cook and clean. Skills that every omega were taught from a very young age. It was regularly beat into them that their purpose was to serve their alpha. Make the alpha happy, no matter the cost.
Caleb knew that Black River didn't hold their omega's to such standards. They viewed them as people rather than property but the council evidently didn't have the same views. Anyway, it hardly mattered. Caleb was safe. For now. He just hoped that on their three month review he could prove to the council that he was a safe and happily mated omega. That's the only way they would allow him to stay. Though he had to wonder if Kavanagh had ulterior motives. From the look Quinton had given the man, Caleb wondered if he didn't think the same thing.
Caleb turned and glanced behind him to see Quinton and Zev standing a few feet from the jeep, talking. After the short and notably official ceremony, councilman Kavanagh had requested Zev stay behind to talk.
It didn't escape Caleb that the two men shared the same last name or that the younger of the two bore a striking resemblance to the elder. He suspected they were father and son, despite the dynamic between them being somewhat uneasy. Caleb couldn't deny the tension he felt between them. The way Zev had straightened himself up, clenching his jaw as the older Kavanagh approached him, told Caleb that there was some hostility in their relationship.
He couldn't guess as to what had happened between them but he suspected it had something to do with Zev disappointing the man in someway, judging from the look on the elders face as his eyes scanned his son. Caleb knew that look all to well. The look that said 'You are a disgrace and I'm ashamed to be your father.' It was a look that Caleb had gotten from his own father on a near daily basis.
Whatever the conversation that Quinton and Zev were engaged in seemed to be done because both men were now walking back towards the jeep. Caleb turned around quickly as Zev came up along the drivers side and Quinton took the passenger seat. Caleb cast his eyes to the floor and pretended to be focused on something other than the two alphas. He knew it was silly. He'd have to face Quin sooner rather than later but at the moment he didn't know how to act or what to say.
Everything about his future was now so uncertain. Really, he had no idea what was going to happen once they reached Black River, or how he was supposed to act around his new Alpha who, as of now, was also his new mate. What was really expected of him? Would things change now that they were mated, or would it be business as usual? They really should have taken more time to discuss things before agreeing to a mating but time was not on their side.
One thing that Caleb was fairly certain of was that, no matter what he and Quinton eventually agreed upon, the council expected the arrangement to be a traditional mating that would, in time, yield pups for Quinton. Caleb winced at the thought. It wasn't that Quinton was unattractive. Quite the opposite actually. He and Rhys shared the same rugged handsomeness and brooding dark otele gelen escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/otele-gelen-escort/) eyes. Body wise they were similar as well, though Quinton was slightly larger than his younger brother had been, he was still lean and muscular with broad shoulders and a solid build.
In all honesty, Quinton was perfect mate material. Not only was he handsome and strong, but he was also kind. Caleb knew that Quinton would make some omega very happy one day. Caleb just couldn't be that omega. His heart still belonged to Rhys. That wouldn't change anytime soon. His focus now had to be on protecting and caring for his son. He didn't have the time or the desire to entertain thoughts of love and he certainly wasn't ready to open his heart to another. He didn't know if he'd ever be ready for that. Caleb only hoped that Quinton understood that and would respect his feelings.
Once the men were seated and buckled in, Zev started the jeep and pulled out onto the main road. Rhylan gurgled and cooed and lost his Binky more than once, but he didn't fuss for which Caleb was grateful. About ten minutes later, the jostling of the jeep had rocked the pup to sleep and Caleb could finally lean back against his seat and relax some. It had been a tiring day, to say the least.*
***
Caleb closed his eyes and sighed a breath of relief. Quinton turned around to glance at him. He seemed so young, so innocent, but at the same time there was an aged look about him that seemed so out of place in someone so young. He'd been through so much in his short life. Much more than anyone his age should have had to go through. It made Quinton's heart ache to think of all the pain and suffering that Caleb had had to endure at the hands of his former pack. Then to lose Rhys the way he had. It was a testament to the young man's strength that he hadn't broken down by now.
Quinton knew he'd made the right decision in agreeing to the mating. Even if it wasn't the right time, it was for the right reasons. Maybe not the same reasons that Kavanagh had for forcing them into it. That was another matter that Quinton would have to address sooner rather than later. With Hollister up their asses so to speak, they'd have to play along until Caleb was officially a Black River member. As far as Quinton was concerned he was, but if Hollister's reports failed to tell Kavanagh what he wanted to hear, Caleb could be taken away and forced to honor the contract his father had made with Seth Bowden.
Quinton wasn't about to let that happen. No matter what, they had to appear to be a happily mated couple. Caleb, as well as Rylan's, futures depended on that. They depended on Quinton, and he wasn't going to let them down. First things first though. He had to find a way to make the transition for Caleb as easy as possible. He couldn't begin to imagine what was going through the boys mind at the moment. He seemed okay but Quinton knew enough about him by now to know that Caleb tended to internalize things. He would never openly complain. He'd been taught to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself and always do what was expected of him.
Well, that was something Quinton hoped would change with time. In Black River, Caleb wasn't expected to cater to the needs of others while neglecting his own needs. There many things that Caleb would have to get used to now that he was going to be living permanently in Black River. Also, as Quinton's mate. There were things that Quinton would have to get used to as well. He hadn't had a room mate since Rhys was a pup. Rhys stayed at the pack house when he was home but that had been so seldom lately that Quinton practically lived alone. Now he was going to be host not only to Caleb, but to his pup as well.
Quinton wasn't sure how he was going to handle that. He'd never been very good around children, though he had to admit, Rhylan was adorable, and he reminded Quinton so much of Rhys. He chuckled to himself as he recalled Rhys as a pup. If Rhylan was anything like his father, Caleb had his work cut out for him.
"Zev called ahead and talked to Rusty." Quinton said suddenly, pulling Caleb out of his thoughts. "He and the other omega's are moving your things to the pack house. You and the pup will be staying in the guest room. I hope that's okay."
"It's fine, Thank you." Caleb said softly. His tone was so passive that Quinton couldn't really gauge the boys feelings on the matter. As always, Caleb seemed to just accept his situation without complaint. He gave Quinton a half smile then turned his head and silently stared out the window.*
"If there's anything you need to make you more comfortable..." Quinton offered. "Don't hesitate to ask."
"I'll be fine." Caleb said in the same soft spoken tone, his eyes transfixed on the passing landscape.
Quinton turned back around and focused on the road ahead of them. He suspected that Caleb was still processing all that had happened. He needed time balgat escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/balgat-escort/) and maybe a little space. Well, Quinton could give him that. Wolf God knows the kid could use the break.
***
The omegas didn't just move Caleb's things into the guest room, they had everything unpacked and put away before Caleb and Quinton had even made it back to pack lands.
When Caleb entered the room, he was surprised to see a brand new crib set up next to the bed with a matching changing table, fully stocked, and a new rocking chair, wooden, with a light blue pad. There were also more toys and baby clothes then what he actually owned. He looked up to Quinton, questioningly, as he came into the room behind him.
Quinton smiled. "Something the omega's put together for you. I didn't say anything because they wanted it to be a surprise."
"It's too much." Caleb protested, looking around the room. "Who paid for all this?"
"Does it matter?" Quinton asked. "It's a gift. Just appreciate the effort they put into doing this for you."
"I do appreciate it." Caleb fought back the tears that had suddenly filled his eyes. "I appreciate all of it, it's just..."
Quinton reached a hand out, wanting to touch Caleb, to comfort his new mate but he withdrew the hand quickly, unsure of Caleb's reaction. "You deserve it, Caleb. You deserve to have some kindness in your life. I know it's hard for you to believe that but it's true. Things are different here. It will take time, but soon you'll come to understand what a pack, a real pack, is. We're a family, and family take care of each other. No one is expecting anything from you. There is no ulterior motive here. It's just a gift. Accept it and allow yourself to be happy for once."
Caleb nodded. "Rhys said something similar to me once. He said I deserved happiness."
Quinton smiled. "He was right."
"Was he?" Caleb looked down sadly. "My happiness comes with a steep price. Why should I get something that so many others have to sacrifice for? It's not fair."
Quinton sighed. "The way you were treated is not fair. The pain and heartache you've suffered is not fair. Being forced to mate a man you don't love isn't fair. But, believe me Caleb, any sacrifices we may have made on your behalf has been well worth it. I know this isn't an ideal situation for you, but I'm honored to do it. Rhys loved you and you love him. I see that now. Any help I can give you now is the best way I know to honor my brothers memory. Your happiness honors him as well. Remember that. He wanted this life for you, and for your pup, otherwise he wouldn't have brought you here."
"He did want this life for us." Caleb Agreed. "He wanted us to be safe. Even at the risk of his own life. He brought us here so we could live." Caleb laid the baby in the crib and covered him with a small receiving blanket that had been draped over the railing. He was happy, somewhat. He'd never expected this level of kindness from anyone other than Rhys. It really opened his eyes to the good that still existed in the world.
He couldn't control the tears now and he really didn't even want to. It seemed so strange to him, to cry out of happiness, an emotion that seemed almost alien to him, but cry he did and he let himself. His emotions were a muddled mess of things he couldn't even put a name to. He knew that Rhys had wanted him to be happy but part of him didn't feel he had the right to. Not when Rhys was dead. He supposed he could be happy for Rhylan. He, at least, was safe now. Rhylan now officially belonged to Black River and no matter what happened to Caleb, he knew that his pup would be loved and well cared for.
Caleb gripped the rail of the crib, head bowed, silently sobbing. Quinton walked slowly to him and gently placed a hand on Caleb's shoulder. To his surprise, Caleb didn't flinch or pull away.
"It's going to be alright." Quinton tried to assure him. "You're safe now. Rhylan is safe. I won't let anything happen to either of you. I promise."
Caleb turned suddenly and for a brief moment Quinton thought he might have overstepped but then Caleb reached out and wrapped his arms tightly around Quinton's waist. He pressed his face into the soft fabric of Quinton's dress shirt and cried against him.
"Thank you." Caleb sobbed. "For everything you've done for us. For not turning us away. I'll be a good mate. I'll be a good omega. I'll do whatever you want. Whatever it takes just as long as we get to stay."
Quinton gave him a gentle pat on the back, unsure what else he could do to ease his mind. "I don't expect anything from you, Caleb. I'm just trying to give you the chance to live your best life. Rhys would have wanted that. We just have to play along with the council for a little while. Pretend that we're actually mated. You know, keep up appearances. But, behind closed doors, you're free to do whatever you want. Consider this like having a roommate. elvankent escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/elvankent-escort/) It won't be that bad, I promise."
Caleb looked up and nodded. He wiped at his tears, his face turning red with shame. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump all my problems on you. Just so much has happened and I..."
Quinton placed a finger under Caleb's chin and lifted his head so that they were looking at each other, eye to eye. Caleb had such beautiful amber eyes. Quinton realized, maybe for the first time, how much he actually liked looking into those eyes. Through all his anger and accusations he was unable to see the younger man for the beauty that he actually was, but now...well it was all too obvious to him why Rhys had fallen in love with Caleb. There was a softness to the man and his eyes held so much kindness and wonder. But if you looked beyond the obvious there was a strength there as well.
Quinton had never thought of an omega as being strong. They were, by nature, gentle and meek, in need of protection and care. But now, Quinton was beginning to realize that all his life he'd been so wrong. There was more to an omega than what was on the surface. Sure they were great caregivers. Naturally kind and selfless, even somewhat subservient, but that wasn't all they were. Though most were passive, preferring to solve problems without violence, they could still fight. And, there was nothing more fierce than an omega protecting the ones they loved.
Caleb was no exception. Even the years of being beaten down and made to feel inferior hadn't destroyed his desire to protect his pup. His willingness to mate someone he barely knew was proof enough of that. Caleb spoke about the sacrifices that others had made for him but what he failed to see were all the sacrifices he made for everyone else, even to the point of losing his true identity just to please others. Quinton knew that a lot of Caleb's compliance was an act of self preservation but there was a part of him that just simply wanted to make others happy.
That was what it meant to be an omega. They were the ones that offset the aggressively protective nature of an alpha. An omega provided reason and understanding. They were nurturing, calm, and compassionate. The more time Quinton spent with Caleb the more he came to understand the reason why so many alpha's were drawn to their omega counterparts.
Just being in the young man's presence, holding him, looking into his radiant eyes, feeling his tenderness reach out and surround him, Quinton felt the calming quell of the chaos that had for so long built inside of him. Being in Caleb's presence felt like...peace.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Quinton told him, brandishing a reassuring smile that he hoped would ease the omega's mind. "I know none of this has been easy for you."
Caleb nodded softly. "Not at all." He agreed. "This certainly wasn't how I expected my life to turn out. I barely had the time to really get to know Rhys before he was taken from me. I thought we'd have all the time in the world. I was so naive. I suppose I was just never meant to have my happily ever after. It's time I stopped believing in fairy tales."
Quinton felt a pang in his chest hearing Caleb's words. There was so much sadness and regret behind them. He silently cursed Silver Moon for their role in destroying the young omega's dreams. It truly was beyond his understanding how someone could be so cruel.
"Don't do that." Quinton told him. "Don't lose hope. Sometimes, bad things happen and even I don't always understand why, but I like to think there's a reason for it all. Wolf God knows what we need and he will guide us in the right direction. He brought you here for a reason. That reason may not be clear to you yet but I think, in time, he will show you your path."
"I wish I still had that kind of faith." Caleb walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I stopped praying when I realized that my prayers were never going to be answered. I figured he'd abandoned me, like everyone else had."
"Don't be so sure about that." Quinton grinned. "You're here now, aren't you?"
Caleb smiled softly. "Yeah. Yeah, I am."
"See, one small step in the right direction. I have a good feeling that things will start to look up from here, and you have an entire pack ready to support you in any way you need."
"I've never had that before." Caleb admitted. "It's nice to know I'm not alone."
"Well, you never have to feel alone again." Quinton rested his hand against the door frame as he took one last look around the room. It actually felt kind of nice to have someone else in the old house again. After so many years, maybe Quinton was tiered of being alone too. "Listen, get settled in and then I'll give you a tour of the house. I'll also call down to Annie's and see if she can send over something for dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"You don't need to do that." Caleb was on his feet in an instant. "I'm sure I can put something together, if you have food in the house."
Quinton shook his head. "Just rest up today. Tomorrow we can hash out all the details about who does what. I have to warn you though. I've gotten used to the bachelor life style. I'm selfish, a slob, and a horrible cook. Just so you know." He flashed Caleb a playful wink.
He looked down at the pup in the carrier. Rylan was oblivious to what had just transpired. He was happily chewing on his foot as he looked up at Caleb, a wide smile on his face as a bit of slobber rolled down his chin. He giggled then extended his foot as if to say, "Hey! Look what I just found!"
Caleb smiled back at him. "Silly pup." He whispered, rubbing a finger gently over the soft tuft of hair on the top of his child's head. "The only thing you have to worry about is when you get your next feeding or diaper change. If only my life were that simple."
Caleb sighed, then succeeded on strapping the pup in securely to the back seat of Quinton's jeep. When he was sure that the pup was safely tucked away with his favorite toy, a stuffed wolf, and his Binky, Caleb climbed into the back driver's side seat of the jeep and waited for Quinton...his mate.
Caleb could barely believe what he'd agreed to. Everything seemed to have happened so fast and there hadn't really been time to think. His options were only to go back to Silver Moon or agree to mate Quinton and stay in Black River. He'd agreed to the mating without hesitation.
Of course he knew the mating was on paper only. He didn't really think he'd be expected to fulfill his omega duties. At least, not as far as the bedroom was concerned. Certainly Quinton wouldn't think that Caleb ready for that. He barely knew the man, let alone the fact that he was still mourning. The entire thing was absurd but Caleb knew he'd be willing to do just about anything to stay in Black River.
He could be a good mate to Quinton he supposed. With the exception of the actual mating. He could cook and clean. Skills that every omega were taught from a very young age. It was regularly beat into them that their purpose was to serve their alpha. Make the alpha happy, no matter the cost.
Caleb knew that Black River didn't hold their omega's to such standards. They viewed them as people rather than property but the council evidently didn't have the same views. Anyway, it hardly mattered. Caleb was safe. For now. He just hoped that on their three month review he could prove to the council that he was a safe and happily mated omega. That's the only way they would allow him to stay. Though he had to wonder if Kavanagh had ulterior motives. From the look Quinton had given the man, Caleb wondered if he didn't think the same thing.
Caleb turned and glanced behind him to see Quinton and Zev standing a few feet from the jeep, talking. After the short and notably official ceremony, councilman Kavanagh had requested Zev stay behind to talk.
It didn't escape Caleb that the two men shared the same last name or that the younger of the two bore a striking resemblance to the elder. He suspected they were father and son, despite the dynamic between them being somewhat uneasy. Caleb couldn't deny the tension he felt between them. The way Zev had straightened himself up, clenching his jaw as the older Kavanagh approached him, told Caleb that there was some hostility in their relationship.
He couldn't guess as to what had happened between them but he suspected it had something to do with Zev disappointing the man in someway, judging from the look on the elders face as his eyes scanned his son. Caleb knew that look all to well. The look that said 'You are a disgrace and I'm ashamed to be your father.' It was a look that Caleb had gotten from his own father on a near daily basis.
Whatever the conversation that Quinton and Zev were engaged in seemed to be done because both men were now walking back towards the jeep. Caleb turned around quickly as Zev came up along the drivers side and Quinton took the passenger seat. Caleb cast his eyes to the floor and pretended to be focused on something other than the two alphas. He knew it was silly. He'd have to face Quin sooner rather than later but at the moment he didn't know how to act or what to say.
Everything about his future was now so uncertain. Really, he had no idea what was going to happen once they reached Black River, or how he was supposed to act around his new Alpha who, as of now, was also his new mate. What was really expected of him? Would things change now that they were mated, or would it be business as usual? They really should have taken more time to discuss things before agreeing to a mating but time was not on their side.
One thing that Caleb was fairly certain of was that, no matter what he and Quinton eventually agreed upon, the council expected the arrangement to be a traditional mating that would, in time, yield pups for Quinton. Caleb winced at the thought. It wasn't that Quinton was unattractive. Quite the opposite actually. He and Rhys shared the same rugged handsomeness and brooding dark otele gelen escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/otele-gelen-escort/) eyes. Body wise they were similar as well, though Quinton was slightly larger than his younger brother had been, he was still lean and muscular with broad shoulders and a solid build.
In all honesty, Quinton was perfect mate material. Not only was he handsome and strong, but he was also kind. Caleb knew that Quinton would make some omega very happy one day. Caleb just couldn't be that omega. His heart still belonged to Rhys. That wouldn't change anytime soon. His focus now had to be on protecting and caring for his son. He didn't have the time or the desire to entertain thoughts of love and he certainly wasn't ready to open his heart to another. He didn't know if he'd ever be ready for that. Caleb only hoped that Quinton understood that and would respect his feelings.
Once the men were seated and buckled in, Zev started the jeep and pulled out onto the main road. Rhylan gurgled and cooed and lost his Binky more than once, but he didn't fuss for which Caleb was grateful. About ten minutes later, the jostling of the jeep had rocked the pup to sleep and Caleb could finally lean back against his seat and relax some. It had been a tiring day, to say the least.*
***
Caleb closed his eyes and sighed a breath of relief. Quinton turned around to glance at him. He seemed so young, so innocent, but at the same time there was an aged look about him that seemed so out of place in someone so young. He'd been through so much in his short life. Much more than anyone his age should have had to go through. It made Quinton's heart ache to think of all the pain and suffering that Caleb had had to endure at the hands of his former pack. Then to lose Rhys the way he had. It was a testament to the young man's strength that he hadn't broken down by now.
Quinton knew he'd made the right decision in agreeing to the mating. Even if it wasn't the right time, it was for the right reasons. Maybe not the same reasons that Kavanagh had for forcing them into it. That was another matter that Quinton would have to address sooner rather than later. With Hollister up their asses so to speak, they'd have to play along until Caleb was officially a Black River member. As far as Quinton was concerned he was, but if Hollister's reports failed to tell Kavanagh what he wanted to hear, Caleb could be taken away and forced to honor the contract his father had made with Seth Bowden.
Quinton wasn't about to let that happen. No matter what, they had to appear to be a happily mated couple. Caleb, as well as Rylan's, futures depended on that. They depended on Quinton, and he wasn't going to let them down. First things first though. He had to find a way to make the transition for Caleb as easy as possible. He couldn't begin to imagine what was going through the boys mind at the moment. He seemed okay but Quinton knew enough about him by now to know that Caleb tended to internalize things. He would never openly complain. He'd been taught to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself and always do what was expected of him.
Well, that was something Quinton hoped would change with time. In Black River, Caleb wasn't expected to cater to the needs of others while neglecting his own needs. There many things that Caleb would have to get used to now that he was going to be living permanently in Black River. Also, as Quinton's mate. There were things that Quinton would have to get used to as well. He hadn't had a room mate since Rhys was a pup. Rhys stayed at the pack house when he was home but that had been so seldom lately that Quinton practically lived alone. Now he was going to be host not only to Caleb, but to his pup as well.
Quinton wasn't sure how he was going to handle that. He'd never been very good around children, though he had to admit, Rhylan was adorable, and he reminded Quinton so much of Rhys. He chuckled to himself as he recalled Rhys as a pup. If Rhylan was anything like his father, Caleb had his work cut out for him.
"Zev called ahead and talked to Rusty." Quinton said suddenly, pulling Caleb out of his thoughts. "He and the other omega's are moving your things to the pack house. You and the pup will be staying in the guest room. I hope that's okay."
"It's fine, Thank you." Caleb said softly. His tone was so passive that Quinton couldn't really gauge the boys feelings on the matter. As always, Caleb seemed to just accept his situation without complaint. He gave Quinton a half smile then turned his head and silently stared out the window.*
"If there's anything you need to make you more comfortable..." Quinton offered. "Don't hesitate to ask."
"I'll be fine." Caleb said in the same soft spoken tone, his eyes transfixed on the passing landscape.
Quinton turned back around and focused on the road ahead of them. He suspected that Caleb was still processing all that had happened. He needed time balgat escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/balgat-escort/) and maybe a little space. Well, Quinton could give him that. Wolf God knows the kid could use the break.
***
The omegas didn't just move Caleb's things into the guest room, they had everything unpacked and put away before Caleb and Quinton had even made it back to pack lands.
When Caleb entered the room, he was surprised to see a brand new crib set up next to the bed with a matching changing table, fully stocked, and a new rocking chair, wooden, with a light blue pad. There were also more toys and baby clothes then what he actually owned. He looked up to Quinton, questioningly, as he came into the room behind him.
Quinton smiled. "Something the omega's put together for you. I didn't say anything because they wanted it to be a surprise."
"It's too much." Caleb protested, looking around the room. "Who paid for all this?"
"Does it matter?" Quinton asked. "It's a gift. Just appreciate the effort they put into doing this for you."
"I do appreciate it." Caleb fought back the tears that had suddenly filled his eyes. "I appreciate all of it, it's just..."
Quinton reached a hand out, wanting to touch Caleb, to comfort his new mate but he withdrew the hand quickly, unsure of Caleb's reaction. "You deserve it, Caleb. You deserve to have some kindness in your life. I know it's hard for you to believe that but it's true. Things are different here. It will take time, but soon you'll come to understand what a pack, a real pack, is. We're a family, and family take care of each other. No one is expecting anything from you. There is no ulterior motive here. It's just a gift. Accept it and allow yourself to be happy for once."
Caleb nodded. "Rhys said something similar to me once. He said I deserved happiness."
Quinton smiled. "He was right."
"Was he?" Caleb looked down sadly. "My happiness comes with a steep price. Why should I get something that so many others have to sacrifice for? It's not fair."
Quinton sighed. "The way you were treated is not fair. The pain and heartache you've suffered is not fair. Being forced to mate a man you don't love isn't fair. But, believe me Caleb, any sacrifices we may have made on your behalf has been well worth it. I know this isn't an ideal situation for you, but I'm honored to do it. Rhys loved you and you love him. I see that now. Any help I can give you now is the best way I know to honor my brothers memory. Your happiness honors him as well. Remember that. He wanted this life for you, and for your pup, otherwise he wouldn't have brought you here."
"He did want this life for us." Caleb Agreed. "He wanted us to be safe. Even at the risk of his own life. He brought us here so we could live." Caleb laid the baby in the crib and covered him with a small receiving blanket that had been draped over the railing. He was happy, somewhat. He'd never expected this level of kindness from anyone other than Rhys. It really opened his eyes to the good that still existed in the world.
He couldn't control the tears now and he really didn't even want to. It seemed so strange to him, to cry out of happiness, an emotion that seemed almost alien to him, but cry he did and he let himself. His emotions were a muddled mess of things he couldn't even put a name to. He knew that Rhys had wanted him to be happy but part of him didn't feel he had the right to. Not when Rhys was dead. He supposed he could be happy for Rhylan. He, at least, was safe now. Rhylan now officially belonged to Black River and no matter what happened to Caleb, he knew that his pup would be loved and well cared for.
Caleb gripped the rail of the crib, head bowed, silently sobbing. Quinton walked slowly to him and gently placed a hand on Caleb's shoulder. To his surprise, Caleb didn't flinch or pull away.
"It's going to be alright." Quinton tried to assure him. "You're safe now. Rhylan is safe. I won't let anything happen to either of you. I promise."
Caleb turned suddenly and for a brief moment Quinton thought he might have overstepped but then Caleb reached out and wrapped his arms tightly around Quinton's waist. He pressed his face into the soft fabric of Quinton's dress shirt and cried against him.
"Thank you." Caleb sobbed. "For everything you've done for us. For not turning us away. I'll be a good mate. I'll be a good omega. I'll do whatever you want. Whatever it takes just as long as we get to stay."
Quinton gave him a gentle pat on the back, unsure what else he could do to ease his mind. "I don't expect anything from you, Caleb. I'm just trying to give you the chance to live your best life. Rhys would have wanted that. We just have to play along with the council for a little while. Pretend that we're actually mated. You know, keep up appearances. But, behind closed doors, you're free to do whatever you want. Consider this like having a roommate. elvankent escort (http://eryamansu.com/ad-category/elvankent-escort/) It won't be that bad, I promise."
Caleb looked up and nodded. He wiped at his tears, his face turning red with shame. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump all my problems on you. Just so much has happened and I..."
Quinton placed a finger under Caleb's chin and lifted his head so that they were looking at each other, eye to eye. Caleb had such beautiful amber eyes. Quinton realized, maybe for the first time, how much he actually liked looking into those eyes. Through all his anger and accusations he was unable to see the younger man for the beauty that he actually was, but now...well it was all too obvious to him why Rhys had fallen in love with Caleb. There was a softness to the man and his eyes held so much kindness and wonder. But if you looked beyond the obvious there was a strength there as well.
Quinton had never thought of an omega as being strong. They were, by nature, gentle and meek, in need of protection and care. But now, Quinton was beginning to realize that all his life he'd been so wrong. There was more to an omega than what was on the surface. Sure they were great caregivers. Naturally kind and selfless, even somewhat subservient, but that wasn't all they were. Though most were passive, preferring to solve problems without violence, they could still fight. And, there was nothing more fierce than an omega protecting the ones they loved.
Caleb was no exception. Even the years of being beaten down and made to feel inferior hadn't destroyed his desire to protect his pup. His willingness to mate someone he barely knew was proof enough of that. Caleb spoke about the sacrifices that others had made for him but what he failed to see were all the sacrifices he made for everyone else, even to the point of losing his true identity just to please others. Quinton knew that a lot of Caleb's compliance was an act of self preservation but there was a part of him that just simply wanted to make others happy.
That was what it meant to be an omega. They were the ones that offset the aggressively protective nature of an alpha. An omega provided reason and understanding. They were nurturing, calm, and compassionate. The more time Quinton spent with Caleb the more he came to understand the reason why so many alpha's were drawn to their omega counterparts.
Just being in the young man's presence, holding him, looking into his radiant eyes, feeling his tenderness reach out and surround him, Quinton felt the calming quell of the chaos that had for so long built inside of him. Being in Caleb's presence felt like...peace.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Quinton told him, brandishing a reassuring smile that he hoped would ease the omega's mind. "I know none of this has been easy for you."
Caleb nodded softly. "Not at all." He agreed. "This certainly wasn't how I expected my life to turn out. I barely had the time to really get to know Rhys before he was taken from me. I thought we'd have all the time in the world. I was so naive. I suppose I was just never meant to have my happily ever after. It's time I stopped believing in fairy tales."
Quinton felt a pang in his chest hearing Caleb's words. There was so much sadness and regret behind them. He silently cursed Silver Moon for their role in destroying the young omega's dreams. It truly was beyond his understanding how someone could be so cruel.
"Don't do that." Quinton told him. "Don't lose hope. Sometimes, bad things happen and even I don't always understand why, but I like to think there's a reason for it all. Wolf God knows what we need and he will guide us in the right direction. He brought you here for a reason. That reason may not be clear to you yet but I think, in time, he will show you your path."
"I wish I still had that kind of faith." Caleb walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I stopped praying when I realized that my prayers were never going to be answered. I figured he'd abandoned me, like everyone else had."
"Don't be so sure about that." Quinton grinned. "You're here now, aren't you?"
Caleb smiled softly. "Yeah. Yeah, I am."
"See, one small step in the right direction. I have a good feeling that things will start to look up from here, and you have an entire pack ready to support you in any way you need."
"I've never had that before." Caleb admitted. "It's nice to know I'm not alone."
"Well, you never have to feel alone again." Quinton rested his hand against the door frame as he took one last look around the room. It actually felt kind of nice to have someone else in the old house again. After so many years, maybe Quinton was tiered of being alone too. "Listen, get settled in and then I'll give you a tour of the house. I'll also call down to Annie's and see if she can send over something for dinner. I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"You don't need to do that." Caleb was on his feet in an instant. "I'm sure I can put something together, if you have food in the house."
Quinton shook his head. "Just rest up today. Tomorrow we can hash out all the details about who does what. I have to warn you though. I've gotten used to the bachelor life style. I'm selfish, a slob, and a horrible cook. Just so you know." He flashed Caleb a playful wink.