With Caution

the slightest sound of distress from behind him. When he got to the trees, he turned so he could keep Remi in sight.
    “First off. You”—John pointed a finger at Chay then Keaton—“and you, stay out of this. You’re part of my pack and as your alpha I’m telling you that you cannot help in this challenge.”
    Chay started to protest, but Keaton caught Chay’s arm and pulled him back.
    Jake bristled, stepping next to Chay. Chay and Keaton were defending Remi. Jake had no clue what the fuck John’s problem was, but Jake had no problem deciding whose side he was on. And what challenge? “Somebody better start talking. What the hell is going on?”
    John pinched the bridge of his nose, looking down for a moment, then gave Jake his undivided attention. “Let’s take a walk, Jake.”
    Jake shook his head, trying to find Remi in the crowd. So far everyone was behaving and no one had come near the circle, but—
    “Go. We’re watching him,” Chay said.
    Jake followed John. It was a tough thing to do, but he trusted his friends to protect Remi.
    Once they were out of sight of the others, John spoke. “Remi is an omega.”
    “Excuse me?” Jake frowned.
    “He’s a true omega wolf. They are very rare and precious. You probably haven’t noticed because he’s also your mate.”
    Jake felt like someone had slapped him. He had been a werewolf all his life and he’d never known an omega. But he had heard of them. Omegas were submissive by nature.
    102
    www.samhainpublishing.com

    With Caution
    Was that why Remi seemed to bring out all of Jake’s dominate tendencies? “Are you sure?” Omegas were the backbone of the pack, they enhanced an alpha’s power and had powers themselves.
    John Carter nodded.
    “What in the hell does Remi being one have to do with everyone losing their fucking minds and resorting to violence? How the hell does everyone else know when I didn’t?”
    “They don’t know. It’s Remi’s scent. He didn’t smell this way before. He had to grow into it. It takes a couple shifts for turned wolves to mature into their powers.
    They’re just reacting to his scent.”
    “Which is why I didn’t notice it, because of our mate bond?” Maybe Jake should have seen it. He had thought it odd that Remi acted so differently than other wolves.
    “Yes.” John sighed. “Yet you haven’t claimed him, and this is why things are fucked up right now.”
    But he had claimed Remi. He’d fucked Remi within an inch of both their lives.
    “Listen, Jake, part of an omega’s power is his ability to calm his pack. Each individual omega has a different gift. Some can make things grow, some can put the pack in a trance, some can speak telepathically to their alpha. It’s very individual to the omega.
    In addition, you will develop new strengths due to his presence. It’s why they are very valuable and kept secret. But before they are claimed, their presence is easily detected and can start riots. All the alphas go on instinct, trying to make them submit and make them theirs. Even though they don’t realize why.” He hesitated and studied Jake for a moment. “Daniel is my omega. Only my betas know that.”
    Daniel Eagle? Jake thought about it for a second. Daniel was the pack peacemaker and the coordinator, he was as recognizable as any of the betas. He and John were best friends, as were their mates. Jake could remember as a pup it was nearly impossible to get into a fight with the other pups without Daniel breaking them apart.
    “He is not, however, my mate like Remi is yours. Lucky you, you don’t have to explain to your jealous mate about claiming your omega.” John patted his shoulder.

    www.samhainpublishing.com 103
    J.L. Langley
    They walked further, Jake still concerned about letting Remi out of his sight.
    “What’s all this mean, John? Just give it to me straight.”
    “It is time for you to form your own pack. When you claim your mate, you will be a pack alpha, Jake.”
    “My own pack?”
    “Think about it. You’ve always been a strong leader. Many of those men in that circle have been following you since you were kids. Your mate being an omega is no accident.”
    “You’re asking me to leave the pack?”
    “Essentially, yes. This isn’t punishment, Jake, it’s an honor. You shouldn’t think of it as exile, it’s not.”
    Fuck, fuck, fuck. He could not leave the pack. If he left the pack, he’d have to leave the territory. Remi and Jake couldn’t leave Sterling. More