“Does…does that happen a lot? People getting rejected by?”
Davis now laughs. “No. If Jax allows them to start the process, people who leave are nearly always a case of self-rejecting. Guys hear the rules and either get hard or ask for help going away. Like I told you, we never force anyone. That’s forbidden. Consenting adults—that’s the default.”
“Why is the sleeping around part optional if I have a mate bond?” I ask.
“Well,” Jax says, “you’re an omega, correct?”
I nod.
“I’ve never heard of an omega being the dominant partner,” he says. “It’s rare for omegas to have mate bonds with each other. Meaning your mate will tell you if they’ll let you do it or not. Most of the guys do. A majority of available shifters in the pack usually take part in the final ceremony. Alphas are the strongest scents in the pack, so that’s why we require that as part of the process. Again, I make exceptions if an Alpha has a reason for not participating in a particular initiation.”
“And Alphas who join the pack, they agree to this, too?”
“Yep,” Jax says. “It’s that or dare to challenge me for the position of pack Alpha, and no one’s ever wanted to challenge me.”
Unable to help myself, I reach down and squeeze my cock through my shorts because I’m so horny I can’t stand it. “Can I just beg for it now?”
All three men laugh. “Appreciate your honesty and eagerness, pup,” Jax says, “but no. We take a few weeks to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Then we know the applicant means it and isn’t just looking for a quick fuck.”
I nod. “Okay. How do I get started?”
Jax holds up a finger. “You have to take a knee to me right now, pledge loyalty, and ask to join.” Another finger. “Because of your situation, you cannot have any contact with anyone from your old pack. Not even friends. Not without talking to me first and having me okay it. I’m strict about that because it’s a security issue.” Another finger. “Total honesty, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. With everyone.” Another finger. “Do an honest day’s labor. If this job isn’t right for you, speak up, and we’ll find you another. I talked to Todd, the man Davis said you crossed scent paths with earlier. He has a position available and a room you can use. Nothing fancy, but it’s dry and clean, and you don’t have to share it. Room and board are included with the job.”
I eagerly nod. “I just want to work.”
“Good.” Jax stares at me. “Now what’s the thing that’s got you shitting bricks terrified right now? I can smell that on you, too.”
They want honesty?
I fill in the blanks about who my dad is.
Jax and Shawn exchange a concerned glance before Jax focuses on me again. “Randolph Sterling, huh? He’s a fucking asshole.”
“Try being his gay omega son,” I snark.
His gaze softens. “If anyone objects on that basis, I promise we’ll help find you a pack like ours elsewhere that will accept you, make the introductions, and transport you.”
I nearly cry with relief. “You will?”
“Yes.” The smirk returns. “But many of them have a similar initiation process as we do. Most of those packs started as offshoots of this one, and we work together.”
I nod. “I’ll do anything. And you want honesty? Well, getting gangbanged is among the fantasies I’ve had. Never thought it was something that would ever happen. So yeah, I’m eager to do this.”
“Good,” Shawn says. “If your initiation goes through, then we’ll help you find a permanent place to live, depending on your situation. On the compound, if you want.”
“The situation after?”
He has a sexy smirk. “If you’re not mated. Which happens. Some of the omegas and gammas and betas who aren’t mated room together in group houses. Or, if you prefer to live alone, we can help you. If you go through initiation, once you’re on the other side of it, you are pack. And we will kill and die for you, just like we expect you to kill or die for any of us.”
“I know that sounds melodramatic,” Jax adds. “Luckily, there’s been no violence for decades. But he’s absolutely right that once you’re in, you’re in.”
I drop to my knees and tip my head back, exposing my throat. “What do I need to say?”
“That you swear loyalty to me and the Ocala Pack,” Jax says. “And to any future leaders and members. That the pack is your life, and your life is the pack.”
“I swear loyalty to you, and to the Ocala Pack,” I say. “To current and future members and leaders. I swear that the pack will be my life, and my life will be the pack.”
He steps forward and offers me his hand. I think he just wants to shake with me, then I realize he’s helping me up. “Welcome to the pack, pup. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”
