Brian's Freedom Read online

  “Did you see what this fucker did?” A.J. demanded. He nodded to the Omega, still standing where A.J. told him to. “That Omega said ‘no.’ He’s one of the survivors of that attack weeks ago.”

  Jared frowned, nodding. “I get it. Give him a bruising, but don’t kill him, or I won’t know what to say to Sergio.”

  At the mention of the Alpha’s name, A.J. made do. He released Hansen, who attempted a weak punch at him. Mutely, A.J. caught the werebear’s arm and twisted it behind his back.

  “Do you have something to say to my friend over there?” A.J. hissed in his ear.

  “Friend?” Hansen managed to rasp, his throat apparently still sore from A.J.’s choke hold.

  “That’s right, fucker. He’s under my protection. Apologize or I return to choking the life out of you.”

  “Your Alpha won’t like that.”

  “Do you think I care?” A.J. met Hansen’s gaze and Hansen dropped his eyes first.

  “I’m sorry.”

  A.J. gave him a swift punch and kick before releasing him. Hansen immediately ran out of the bar. The music and conversations resumed.

  “You’ve got this under control?” Jared asked.

  “As long as we keep this a secret.”

  Jared nodded and clapped his back. There was a mischievous look in the other man’s eye. A.J. liked Jared. Although young, Jared was one of the pack enforcers and easy to talk to. Despite Jared’s cheerful disposition, A.J. knew Jared had gone through hell and back again to reunite with his mate. “Go to your Omega, A.J., before someone else hits on him.”

  Your Omega. A.J. liked the sound of that immensely.

  A.J. made his way over to the Omega, who was talking to a guy he seemed to know.

  “Jon, I’m fine, really,” the Omega was saying.

  “Brian, you’re not okay at all,” Jon insisted. “Do you want to head back to the inn and lay down?”

  “Or let me buy you a drink,” A.J. interrupted.

  Brian’s head snapped in his direction. A.J. decided he sure as hell liked the way the Omega gazed at him, full of undisguised want and longing, despite all he’d been through. Hell, if A.J. was in Brian’s position, he’d have trouble trusting people again. A.J. didn’t know the first thing about Brian, but he found himself wanting to understand the Omega. It was a strange feeling, thinking about another guy besides Kyle.

  Jon came between them, hands on his hips and eyes narrowed. A.J. saw the mate marks on Jon. He breathed a sigh of relief. Jon was Brian’s friend or brother, then, but not his lover, which meant A.J. had a chance—but a chance at what? A.J. didn’t know the answer to that question yet, but he needed to find out.

  “You, what do you want with Brian?” Jon demanded, although A.J. could see it took most of Jon’s courage to face a huge guy like him. Like Brian, Jon was in his mid-twenties and had a slender build.

  “Jon,” Brian began, touching Jon’s arm. “It’s fine. This guy, I recognize him. He’s one of the Darkfall Mountain pack wolves.”

  Jon relaxed at that. “Oh, that’s good, then.”

  A.J. only had eyes for Brian. “You recognize me?”

  “Yeah.” Brian’s cheeks turned an endearing shade of pink. “I hugged you and you said your boyfriend might mind.”

  “Boyfriend?” A.J. snorted. “He ran the moment he found out I became half a man.”

  Brian did an unexpected thing. Kyle had always flinched and avoided looking at his stump unless absolutely necessary, but Brian reached out, fingers pushing past his sleeve to touch the healed flesh.

  “I don’t mind.”

  A.J. snorted. “You’re saying that out of pity.”

  “Pity? No. You lost your arm saving others. Why would you be ashamed of that? Without your bravery, the others and I would still be stuck in some cage and treated like animals.” Brian shivered, and all A.J. wanted to do was reach out and give him a hug.

  What the fuck? Why did A.J. want to touch Brian, especially when he was close by? His wolf couldn’t sit still either, telling A.J. volumes. Even with Kyle, his beast never reacted like this.

  “Let me buy you a drink,” A.J. repeated.

  Christ, he sounded like a broken record. He’d been out of the dating game for so long, he was no longer certain if he was doing the right thing. Flirting with Brian…this wasn’t a rebound, was it? A.J. certainly didn’t want to sleep with Brian and want nothing to do with the Omega the next day.

  No, what A.J. wanted was more lethal. When he saw Brian, he saw a possible future with the Omega. It was insane of A.J. to think that way, because they were practically strangers, but no. That wasn’t accurate, either. They’d met in a strange place and time, and Brian had made the first move without realizing it, clinging to A.J. in need, like A.J. was capable of anchoring him down.

  Besides, what would a handsome Omega like Brian want with a deficient wolf? A.J. mentally steeled himself for Brian’s rejection, but it never came.

  “I’d like that.” Brian gave him a shy smile. “But, can we get out of here? I can’t stand crowds.”

  “Brian, are you sure?” Jon asked, concerned.

  “Don’t worry, he’s safe with me,” A.J. said. Pretty confident of him to say those words, but he wanted more time with Brian, away from the crowd.

  “I’ll hold you to that,” Jon said, and then gave an exasperated sigh. “Call me if anything happens, Brian.”

  Jon left them. For the next couple of seconds, uncomfortable silence stretched between them. A.J. went for simple and offered Brian his hand. With a sigh of relief, Brian closed his slender fingers over his big ones. A.J. tugged.

  “Come on. Let’s head back to my place. We’ll drink, talk, and watch a movie, and nothing else. No evil intentions, I promise.”

  Christ, but the smile Brian gave him felt like a bright ray of sunshine in a world of darkness A.J. had been living in ever since his accident.

  “Sounds good.”

  Brian didn’t let go as A.J. led him to the doors of the club. On their way out, A.J. caught Jared’s gaze and nodded to him. Once outside, A.J. could breathe easier. He went out tonight hoping to forget Kyle, and he hadn’t thought once of his ex with Brian’s warm hand in his.

  “I haven’t seen you around here before, do you live nearby?” A.J. asked, opening the passenger door for Brian.

  “I live in Northfield.” Brian got in and A.J. took the driver’s seat.

  Every muscle in his body was tense. Any moment now and Brian could change his mind. Hell, the Omega showed plenty of trust by coming with him, a stranger. Did Brian trust him because A.J. had been part of the rescue mission weeks ago?

  A.J. was no one’s white knight, but by God, he didn’t want to disappoint Brian one bit.

  In the bar, Brian seemed terrified of being around people, but A.J. saw him loosen up around him. Brian didn’t seem to mind A.J. asking him questions. A.J. didn’t pry, but the truth came out nonetheless.

  “I might be free from that hell, but it feels like the world moved on without me, you know?”

  “I understand, I think. After I lost my arm, I felt like an outsider to my pack. I fucking hate being unable to join my pack brothers and sisters when they go for a run. This new world, it takes adjusting to.”

  “I’m glad I found you, A.J.”

  A.J. gave him a contemplative look. “Why’s that?”

  Brian cracked a smile, which somehow managed to light up his whole face. “I don’t feel alone anymore.”

  A.J. didn’t know how to answer him. The more time he spent with Brian, the more he came to the conclusion a sweet and sexy Omega like Brian deserved better.

  Could A.J. be someone who could give Brian what he needed, and protect him if necessary?

  Chapter Four

  They arrived at A.J.’s place sooner than Brian anticipated. A.J. parked the car in the multistory lot connected to the apartment complex. Killing the engine, A.J. looked at him with what seemed like apprehension. Something had changed during the d
rive, but Brian couldn’t pinpoint exactly what yet.

  “Sorry, I’m not sure if this is a good idea,” A.J. muttered, not meeting his gaze.

  “What the hell? You invited me here, and now you’re changing your mind?”

  A snarl slipped past A.J.’s lips, but Brian wasn’t daunted or afraid. Part of him knew A.J. would never hurt him. The dominant shifter didn’t save him once, but twice. It took him a second to realize he wasn’t the only nervous one. Brian didn’t like knowing he possessed the power to hurt A.J. with a gesture or word, but he did.

  What should Brian do? Tell A.J. he changed his mind, too? That would be lying, though. Before A.J., Brian didn’t think he could meet and be with another man he felt so comfortable with. His time in a cage ruined his ability to trust, but he had a feeling A.J. could help him restore that trust.

  In the end, were they both broken souls, too frightened to take the first step forward?

  “I need to know one thing first,” A.J. stated.

  “What’s that?”

  A.J. answered him with a kiss. Leaning over, A.J. grasped his chin, tilted his head upward, and Brian was all but helpless to prevent the press of his demanding lips. Tongues and teeth tangled. Brian opened his mouth wider, allowing A.J. to slip his tongue down his throat.

  Heat leapt from A.J.’s mouth to his. A.J. clutched him close, and Brian pressed one hand against his broad chest, eager to rip apart A.J.’s shirt so he could hear A.J.’s heart thumping against his chest. One kiss had been enough to wake Brian’s cock, and he was glad of the darkness of the car interior so A.J. wouldn’t be able to see the bulge he sported in his jeans.

  A.J. pulled his mouth back, lips tugging at Brian’s left earlobe. “I can smell your arousal, little Omega.”

  Brian swallowed, his gaze slipping down to see the ridge of A.J.’s erection. Following his gaze, A.J. grinned. “Like what you see?”

  “You know I do.”

  God. Was Brian actually flirting?

  Brian let out a hysterical laugh. A.J. frowned. Before A.J. could misinterpret, Brian explained. “I never thought I could do this again.”

  “Do what?”

  “Flirt with a gorgeous guy like you like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Something vital in me died during my brief time inside a cage—part of my soul, maybe. But I’m getting it back.”

  “That’s good.”

  Brian smiled. “It is.”

  A.J. got out of the car and Brian followed. Surprised, A.J. held out a hand to him. Brian curled his fingers over A.J.’s and followed him to the elevator. Even the simple gesture of holding hands felt absurdly right somehow.

  It was strange, because they’d only met today, yet Brian’s wolf begged to differ. It felt like he’d known A.J. all his life. Brian started to believe he came to Darkfall Mountain not by chance, but for the simple reason of reuniting with A.J.

  “Thinking deep thoughts?” A.J. asked.

  “Kiss me again,” Brian answered, feeling reckless and needing to be sure.

  “Easy enough.” A.J. tugged him close for another toe-curling kiss that made his insides melt.

  When he withdrew his mouth, Brian whimpered, wanting to go further. How was it possible A.J. could ignite fire and passion in his body with one kiss?

  Brian had never reacted like this with anyone else. It didn’t hurt that Brian knew the attraction wasn’t one-sided, either. Lust burned in A.J.’s eyes, but what Brian wanted wasn’t a simple hook-up. Telling A.J. the truth might scare off the big wolf though, so he stilled his tongue.

  “We’re here,” A.J. said, voice husky.

  He led Brian to the unit at the end of the corridor. Brian’s heart started to race when A.J. closed the door behind him. The studio apartment was unexpectedly neat and organized. There was a small dining table to seat two, a living room, a door leading to the bathroom, but it was the bed Brian’s gaze lingered on. It sat near the window, the centerpiece of the place.

  His mind went into overdrive. It wasn’t hard to imagine A.J. shoving him against those soft, black sheets, and A.J. undressing him with his long fingers, Brian helping him along. Cheeks flushing red, Brian reminded himself to get his mind out of the gutter. To his shame, his stomach grumbled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten dinner.

  A.J. chuckled, probably hearing the sound. “Let’s get dinner. I’m starving, too. How’s pizza?”

  “That sounds good.”

  “Do you have any preference?” A.J. asked, picking up the cordless phone by the couch.

  “Anything with meat is fine.”

  “You’re my kind of guy.”

  While A.J. phoned the pizza company, Brian took his time, exploring the apartment. He brushed his hand over the surfaces, the minimalist décor, trying to get a feel for the man who lived in these walls. One prominent photo hung on the wall in the living room, beside the couch. Taken in black-and-white, it was a casual shot of a group of people, numbering more than fifty, having a barbeque. They looked like they were having the time of their lives.

  “My pack,” A.J. stated, coming up behind him.

  Brian shivered, not resisting when A.J. banded his one arm around his waist to pull him close. He felt so warm. Brian leaned against his shoulder. Why did their bodies fit so well together? Surely, this wasn’t the way two people reacted on a first date. What was it about A.J. that gave Brian so much certainty?

  Jon might call him crazy for putting his fate in a stranger’s hands, but Brian knew something his friend didn’t. If this went any further, Brian knew they wouldn’t stop. He wanted it all, the amazing sex with A.J., and how could it not be mind-blowing? And, also, what happened after. Brian wanted more conversations like the one they had in A.J.’s car, and he needed to know what made A.J. tick.

  Falling for someone hard and fast, could Brian possibly call this love?

  Brian blinked. He was getting too far ahead. Jesus. If A.J. knew what he was thinking, A.J. would be running for the hills. Brian needed to focus on the conversation, not fantasize about the uncertain future.

  “You guys look…” Brian fumbled for a word.

  He studied the picture again. For a bunch of the most feared werewolves in the region, every member of the Darkfall Mountain pack looked relaxed and at ease. The cameraman had caught them off-guard, laughing, talking, as if not a single worry plagued their minds. Brian envied him, and realized a second later, so did A.J. Brian couldn’t quite forget the jealousy in A.J.’s voice when he spoke of no longer being able to run with his pack.

  Brian might belong to his parent’s pack, but he’d never formed close ties with any of the wolves there before, or after, his captivity. Establishing any sort of relationship with any shifter there was useless when Brian knew they merely saw him as a means to an end. To them, he was a breeding partner. At least fewer wolves hit on him, now that he was damaged.

  A.J., though, didn’t just make him feel like a person, but made Brian feel like himself.

  “Have a seat, relax,” A.J. said, nodding to the couch.

  With nothing else to do but wait, Brian sat. A.J. turned the TV on and joined him. With A.J. so close, Brian had trouble focusing on the news and was barely aware of time flying by.

  Brian shivered when A.J. nuzzled his neck. “Pizza’s here.”

  Brian reluctantly parted from A.J., watching the other man answer the door.

  “Let’s eat on the couch. See if there are some decent shows on,” A.J. said, pizza boxes in hand as he nodded to the TV.

  That sounded simple enough. Brian had always been shy and awkward. He’d dated sparingly, but all the men he’d gone out with eventually lost interest, even Brad, his ex-boyfriend before the kidnapping. Brian couldn’t blame them. There was nothing remotely interesting about him, and it seemed he always said the wrong things. A.J. didn’t look like he was about to run, though.

  Brian settled on the couch. The moment A.J. flipped open the box, Brian reached for one slice at the same time A.J. did. A.J. grinned, letting
him have it.

  “A well-fed pup is a happy pup,” A.J. commented.

  “A satisfied pup has enough energy for what happens after,” Brian quipped.

  “And what’s that?”

  Brian’s cheeks burned. Did he actually say those words? Why did he react so differently around A.J.? It wasn’t different bad, but it felt like Brian was seeing a side of himself he never knew existed. This new him, a bold go-getter…he was starting to like. Never in a million years would he have flirted back in his old life. Wasn’t this what Jon had wanted him to do—to go get some and start living again?

  “Are you really going to make me say it?” Brian asked, after they ate in thoughtful silence for a while. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he saw they had decimated most of the food.

  “Of course.” A.J. grinned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at Brian and making him laugh.

  “You know, sex.”

  “Sex is on the menu, then?” A.J. chuckled when Brian glared at him. “God, pup. Don’t pout, or you’ll drive me mad.”

  “What?”

  “I’m this close to losing control.”

  Brian breathed, forgetting the discarded pizza boxes and empty bottles of Pepsi on the coffee table in front of them. He was suddenly aware only mere inches separated A.J. and him. Normally, when it came to matters of intimacy, Brian would demand his date to slow down. Pacing was good, but not in this case. If there was one thing his captivity taught him, it was that life was too short and Brian needed to grab it by the balls.

  “Why don’t you?”

  A.J. growled. “Even defiance tastes fucking sweet on you, pup.”

  Defiance? Brian always played by the book, all his life. His parents and pack brainwashed him into thinking his value as a male Omega lay in his ability to give another man pups. He went to the school they wanted, took the jobs they recommended, and dated whomever they set him up with—even if it killed him.

  Brian strived and struggled to be a good son, a loyal member to his pack. He trusted they would protect him, but they did jack shit when he was kidnapped. It was A.J.’s pack who took action and freed him and the other prisoners from a life behind bars.