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 fucking high horse and go away. I don’t need your fucking 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.
“No fangs. No claws.”
Brandon nodded then sprang. Ryder ducked out of the way, rolling to the ground before coming back to his bare feet. He kicked out, knocking into Brandon’s knee. His brother faltered for a minute before taking out Ryder’s legs instead. The two wrestled on the ground, throwing punches that connected more often than not. His wolf reveled in it, loving the feel of another wolf to play with, as well as a way to let out his aggression.
“What are you doing?” Leah’s voice came to him as he straddled Brandon, his fist ready to punch again. Only he’d frozen as soon as he heard her and hadn’t been able to protect his face.
Brandon’s fist landed on his nose, the resounding crunch an echo between his ears. Blood spurted, and he cursed, covering his face before stumbling to his feet.
Brandon let out another curse and gingerly stood up. “Fuck. I didn’t mean to break it.”
Ryder winced, the pain not too bad; he’d had far worse. But he hadn’t been prepared for it, so it hurt like a bitch.
“Oh, goddess, you’re bleeding. Well, both of you are, but Ryder, your nose.” Leah came up to him, stripping off her cardigan as she did. She held it out, and he took it without thinking. “Put it against your nose to sop up the blood.” He did as he was told because she’d asked it of him. As soon as he did, he wanted to growl. Now he had her scent pressed up against his face and he had to deal with a hard-on as well as whatever the hell was going on with him.
“I’m fine,” he said, a bit muffled.
“No, you aren’t.” Leah sighed. “Neither one of you are. What is wrong with you? Why were you fighting?”
Ryder shrugged. “Just blowing off steam.”
Brandon mumbled an assent. “We’re fine, Leah. He’s had his nose broken by at least one of us before. We’re wolves.”
Leah mumbled something about barbaric men and stupid practices but kept her hand on his arm. He hadn’t realized she’d touched him, but he should have. He was hard and confused as hell. Damn it. He’d run to get her out of his system, and now he had her scent on his face and her hand on his body.
The exact opposite of what he needed.
“We have a meeting with the Coven in an hour. Are you going to be okay to go?”