Page 3

He grabbed a pillow, yanked off the pillowcase, and headed over to the cabinet in the corner, where he’d hidden his secret stash of supplies. Sinking to his knees, he started stuffing everything into the pillowcase. And when it was full, he got another one and then another until everything that was left had been packed.

He sat on the floor, waiting for Bray, and stilled when he heard the telltale long beep of Dane’s heart monitor, swallowing thickly. At least Dane hadn’t been alone in those last moments. Mostyn found comfort in that.

Minutes later, Bray walked toward him, carrying Dane’s body, wrapped in white sheets. The alpha’s eyes were red-rimmed, and sadness and grief radiated off him in waves. “Let’s go.”

Without a word, Mostyn followed him.

He was asleep before they had left the hospital parking lot.

2

Was it creepy to stare at a sleeping man?

Probably, but Isam couldn’t help himself. From the moment he’d laid eyes on Mostyn, he’d known.

It had nothing to do with the fact that the beta was cute as hell—though he was, even if he was pale as a sheet, had dark bags under his eyes, and looked like he was at least fifteen pounds underweight—or with what Bray had told him about how Mostyn had stayed with Dane, even after everyone else had left. Honorable and admirable as that was, it still wasn’t why.

Isam wasn’t sure if it was his heart or his wolf or some deep instinct inside him, but he’d known without a shadow of a doubt that Mostyn was his mate.

He. Just. Knew.

As much as it had annoyed him when others in the pack had used that expression, he now understood. One look at Mostyn, and it had been like coming home, like being reunited with a part of him he hadn’t even known had been missing.

So here he was, watching the beta sleep. Everyone else was attending Dane’s funeral. As much as Isam wanted to be there to support his boss, Bray, there was no way he would’ve left Mostyn alone. Not when the beta had fallen asleep as soon as he’d settled into the car, even before introducing himself to Isam. He’d sat down, put his seatbelt on, and fallen asleep.

Bray had told Isam that he didn’t even get a chance to tell Mostyn where they were going, only that he’d offered him a safe place to stay. He hadn’t stirred since. If he woke now, he’d be horribly confused and maybe even panicked about where he was, and Isam wasn’t risking that. So he stayed when everyone else left.

He’d left the car door open for fresh air and had simply sat down on the grass where Bray had parked, staring at Mostyn. Maybe he should’ve grabbed a book or something to make it a little less creepy, but he couldn’t take his eyes off him.

Mostyn was so damn gorgeous, so perfect. He had wavy blond hair that was in need of a cut and an angular face, all sharp lines and shadows, that was softened by countless freckles. His eyes were a gorgeous moss green, but Isam had only caught a glimpse before the beta had all but collapsed in the back of the car. He was pale as a sheet and way too skinny, but he was still the most beautiful man Isam had ever seen.

His mate.

He’d found his other half—though if he were to follow the pack’s traditions, they’d need a third to be complete, most likely an omega. Of course he’d speculated who that could be, but the options were limited. There was Sando, Professor Melloni’s son, but he was too young, too innocent. Isam had met him several times, but there had never been so much as a spark.

Which left Servas. Isam pictured him, the strong, capable omega with the dark hair, warm hazelnut-brown eyes, and sun-kissed skin from often working outside. He was cute, and Isam respected the hell out of him for doing a job most people would consider alpha territory, but he’d never felt more than that. Their paths had crossed several times, but they’d never exchanged more than a few words.

Which he now regretted, of course. Why had he never taken the time to at least get to know Servas? Maybe if he had, they would’ve discovered they were meant to be together.

Alas, he couldn’t turn back time, so now he had to trust Fate that things would work out. He had one mate, and if Fate so desired, the other would show up when the time was right. All Isam had to do was wait and be patient, allow Mostyn to get settled, and then introduce himself. He’d take his time, ask him on a few dates. No need to spring the whole fated-mates thing on him right away. Mostyn would be in enough of a shock already, adjusting to his new situation and to being part of a pack.

When everyone returned, he rose. Staring at Mostyn was one thing, but he didn’t need everyone else to know about this yet. Secrets were impossible to keep in this pack, and if Mostyn found out before Isam had a chance to get to know him without that pressure, everything could become a thousand times more complicated.

Though he would have to tell Adar as soon as possible, so his best friend could find another solution for his needs. Isam and Adar had met in high school, and they’d been best friends since. When Isam had discovered Adar needed regular sessions to manage his stress levels, he’d stepped in. After all, what were friends for if not to fulfill each other’s needs? Adar got the pain he needed, and Isam got a workout and a good, hard fuck out of it, so everyone was happy. He didn’t need it himself, didn’t consider himself a Dom of some kind. No, he did it for Adar.

Adar had had his back throughout high school, when Isam had been late to grow and others had started bullying him for being, in their words, a runt. Adar, who had been six feet tall by the time he was fifteen, had shut that shit down hard. He’d been Isam’s protector, so of course, Isam had stepped up when Adar needed him.

But that arrangement couldn’t continue now that Isam had found his mate. Even if Mostyn wasn’t aware yet, Isam was…and he wouldn’t cheat on him. It sucked for Adar, but it couldn’t be helped. He’d tell him as soon as possible so Adar would have time to figure out a solution.

Lidon and Palani came back first, and Palani frowned when he spotted the sleeping beta. “That’s the guy you guys brought back from the hospital, right?”

Isam nodded. “His name is Mostyn. He fell asleep before we even drove off the hospital parking lot. Bray said the guy had been up for three days straight.”

“Lucan’s house has a room free. Can you carry him inside there?” Palani asked, quick to solve any problem, as always.

Isam nodded, fighting to keep his expression blank as Palani seemed to study him. Palani was way too perceptive, and the last thing Isam wanted was for the second-in-command of the pack to pick up on something. “Sure thing.”

He carefully unbuckled Mostyn, then lifted him in his arms. He was way too light, probably the result of the food shortages in the city, but that would easily be fixed now that he was here. Mostyn’s head rolled against Isam’s shoulder, and he smiled at the gesture of trust, even if Mostyn wasn’t aware of it.