His Dominant Omega by Jarrett, J. (best books for 20 year olds .TXT) 📗

“What the fuck happened?” he demanded.

The men stopped talking and looked at him. Behind Phillip was a man who had his head dropped down to his chest.

“It was an accident, Josef,” Devon answered. “Aiden was worried for our safety and called his dad to come help. He made him promise to not bring council backup, and he didn’t. He just brought Brandon and a new recruit, Caleb.” Devon shook his head. “He didn’t mean to, Josef, he didn’t mean to.”

Josef walked forward and didn’t stop until he was toe to toe with the other man. Devon and Phillip moved to stand between them, but Josef glared down at the man over their combined shoulders.

“Man, I’m sorry. It was an accident.” The newcomer, Caleb, pleaded. “I swear I was aiming for the alpha.”

“You’re sorry?” Josef narrowed his eyes at the man. “It was an accident? That doesn’t cut it.” He spat the words out. “You took an innocent man’s life tonight. But I guess it doesn’t matter to you hunters. One dead wolf is as good as the next.”

“Hey!” Phillip shouted then pushed at Josef’s shoulder. “You know I no longer see it that way, and you know for damn sure neither does Brandon. Do you really think I’d bring just anybody in on this? My son is the most important person in my life. I would never allow a hunter in our inner circle if I couldn’t trust him.”

Josef’s anger started to subside, and he felt like a shit for saying what he did. Phillip had done nothing but help them, and he had to agree that Phillip wouldn’t just let anyone in on their arrangement. But it didn’t take away the fact that this man just killed his mate’s father.

“I know that, Phillip.” Josef ran a hand through his hair. “But what do I tell my mate and his brothers?” He really wanted Phillip to answer him. Aiden’s father was the only man he could look up to like a father figure, and he needed some advice.

“You tell them their father died a hero.” Phillip rested a hand on his shoulder. “Caleb was aiming for Drake, but Cole got in the way. His father took the bullet that was whirling toward your mate. He sacrificed his life to save his son. It’s something any father would have done.”

“Nothing I can say will change what happened, but I’m so sorry,” Caleb said. “I would never hurt a wolf.”

Josef nodded his head. His throat had gone raw with emotion, and he couldn’t form any words to speak. It was an accident, and Josef could see that, but would it be enough for Cole and his brothers?

An hour later they were driving back toward Nehalem. His body ached from the earlier fight and from the sadness he could sense coming off of his mate.

Aiden’s dad and his men helped dispose of the dead wolves. There were only eleven in total who were on Drake’s property, and the ones that didn’t run away in fear when the fight broke out died in the battle including Drake.

Devon made arrangements to have Cole’s father’s body driven back to their house. They didn’t have the heart to ask the brothers what they wanted to do with his remains. It was still too soon.

When they got back to the house Josef carried a sleeping Cole up to their room. He tucked his mate in and headed back down stairs.

“Where’s Jensen?” he asked when he walked back into the living room.

“He left,” Aiden answered. “When he woke up he seemed calmer and I explained everything to him. He took it all really well. The only odd thing was that he said he needed to leave before Josh came back.”

“That’s weird.” Josef plopped down on the couch letting his head rest on the back cushion.

“Josef.” Aiden sat next to him. “Devon told me what happened.” The younger man nibbled on his lower lip. “I had no idea that would happen, but I was so worried about you guys. And Devon is my mate. I’d do anything to keep him safe.”

Josef could relate to what Aiden had done. He was just trying to help his mate and keep him from getting killed. And there was no way Aiden could have known Cole’s father would be killed. It was an accident.

“It’s okay, Aiden.” Josef patted Aiden on the knee. “I’m just glad Cole and his brothers got the chance to say good-bye. That makes a big difference.”

“I’m sure it does, but it will never take away their pain.” Aiden hung his head down. “I hope Cole can forgive me.”

“He will. If not right now, he will in time. You didn’t pull the trigger, Aiden. And Cole’s father died protecting his son. It was a noble sacrifice.”

The sound of the front door opening and closing had Josef looking up. Devon, looking worn and ragged, came walking into the room. His handsome features looked pinched, and he looked ten years older than his thirty years.

“Everything okay?” Josef asked.

Devon looked up as if he just noticed him and Aiden in the room. “Yeah. Mr. Weathers’s body just arrived. I had them store him in the barn for now.” Devon sat down on the couch next to his mate. “We’ll need to know soon what the brothers want to do with their father’s body. It’s summer, and the body will decompose fast.”

“I know.” Josef swiped his hand over his mouth. He felt so helpless, and yet he couldn’t make these decisions for his mate and his brothers.

“I don’t want to pressure them, but we need to know soon.” Devon cursed under