Mated in Mist (Talon Pack #3)(31)

As the Pack had made it a command that members come home and stay within the wards to be safe unless needed elsewhere, it was getting a bit crowded. If what his brother Kameron, the Enforcer, said was true, it might get even more crowded soon. It seemed Washington had a bill on the table that would force those of non-human nature to remain behind the wards for the long term.

Caged.

Forgotten.

Ryder didn’t doubt that Kameron was right about those details, as it was his job as Enforcer to know about outside forces threatening the Pack. But that didn’t mean Ryder wanted to deal with the outcome. He would, though. As always.

He took a deep breath and froze.

Two spirits slid toward him, their eyes blank, but every once in a while they would blink and he would see the agony that lay beneath.

He’d seen these spirits before—had seen them when they were alive, as well. And, of course, he’d seen them when they died.

They were two of his uncles—the former Enforcer and Healer. Their Pack hadn’t had an Omega when his father was Alpha, and that was something unheard of for most Packs. Wolves could usually remain a healthy Pack without a Healer or Enforcer, but the Omegas were critical. The spirits of Uncle Reggie, the Healer, and Uncle Abraham, the Enforcer, stared at him, their mouths open, but no sound escaping.

They looked as if they were yelling, but he couldn’t hear a damn thing.

He never could with them.

They misted toward him, not walking, but not really gliding either. He couldn’t explain it, but it creeped him the hell out every time he saw it. At least, when Uncle Timothy appeared, he’d yell at Ryder, call him names, and actually announce his presence. Though, in reality, Ryder couldn’t see Timothy as he could the others.

Or maybe it was that his abusive uncle didn’t want Ryder to see him—just another form of torture and abuse.

It killed him each time he heard his uncle’s voice in his head. It wasn’t as if he could block it out or fully ignore it. His uncle would just get louder and scream until he finally acknowledged the bastard.

What made it all worse, was that the former Beta, Timothy, had treated all of Ryder’s siblings and cousins with respect. He’d acted as if he loved them and tried to care for the wounds inflicted by the other uncles.

Yet as soon as the curtains were drawn, he’d torture and beat Ryder until Ryder passed out from the pain. The other uncles had known what was going on. Through the bonds, they couldn’t hide it for long, even with how broken that hierarchy had been.

When they’d died, and Ryder and his siblings were burdened with the mantle instead, he hadn’t had the heart to tell the others that the one uncle who had shown them compassion was actually just as bad as the rest. If not worse.

So he’d hid his past from them, from everyone.

He hid his abilities, his scars, and now, he would hide what he felt for Leah. It was the only way to keep the others’ memories safe. He’d do anything for them.

Ryder’s pulse pounded in his temples and he closed his eyes. He tried to take a deep breath, only to come up short as his skin went icy cold. He shivered as the two spirits slid through him, moving past him on their way to wherever the hell they stayed when they weren’t bothering him.

It felt as if someone had walked over his grave before trying to drown him in icy water.

His arms shook and his legs threatened to give out from under him, but the spirits’ presence and touch only strengthened his resolve to stay away from Leah. She didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve a broken mate, and she sure as hell didn’t deserve any special powers he might possess that could be passed on to her. It might not be a sure thing that she’d end up with them, but since it was an option at all, he wouldn’t—couldn’t—allow it.

“I wish you would tell me what’s wrong,” Brandon said as he came close.

Ryder hadn’t scented his brother, hadn’t felt him near. His damn wolf had been useless, but then again, his brother had come from downwind and had probably purposely done his best to hide his scent.

Damn freaking Omega.

“I’m fine,” Ryder bit out through clenched teeth.

“You’re lying.”

Ryder opened his eyes and growled. He let his wolf come to the surface and knew his eyes were glowing gold. “Fuck off.”

Brandon studied his face and frowned. “There’s something off with you, something I’ve always sensed even before I was the Omega, but I can’t figure it out. You’re in pain, Ryder. Let me help.”

Let the little weakling help. Show him how useless you are.

His uncle whispered in his ear and Ryder growled, his hands fisting at his sides.

“Ryder. What’s wrong?”

“It’s none of your damn business,” Ryder snapped.

“You’re my brother, and I’m the Omega,” Brandon said softly, patiently. Bastard. “It’s my job to care for the Pack.”

His uncle kept whispering in one ear and the two spirits from before came back, sliding over Ryder’s skin like ice water. His wolf raged, and Ryder needed to lash out.

Only there wasn’t anyone alive in front of him who deserved it. Only Brandon.

“Get off your f*cking high horse and go away. I don’t need your f*cking emo powers.”

“Ryder.”

He growled again then struck. His fist connected with Brandon’s jaw before he’d thought better of it. Brandon might be soft-spoken and kind, but he was still a wolf, and a challenge like this couldn’t be ignored. His brother hit back, slamming into Ryder’s side. Ryder lowered his head and let a low rumble come from his chest.