Omega's Protector: Poppy Field Mpreg Series, #6

By Beau Brown

When alpha Sam Stone's lover cheats on him, and runs off to marry a new alpha, he feels like maybe he'll never find happiness. He's of an age where he's finally ready to settle down and have a family, but he's picky, and can't seem to find that perfect omega.

When he steps in to defend pregnant omega, Caden Bartholomew, from his abusive alpha, he's immediately drawn to Caden. But Caden is wary of anyone so willing to jump in and help a complete stranger. He accepts Sam's offer of a place to stay, mostly because he's about ready to give birth, and really has no other option. But he certainly doesn't trust the alpha. In his opinion, nobody is that nice without some sort of hidden agenda.

As the two get to know each other, Caden begins to slowly feel that maybe, just maybe, Sam's kindness is genuine. Even Sam's entire family is warm and willing to help. The more time Caden spends with Sam, the more he realizes he's actually falling for the alpha.

Just as these two decide to explore their feelings, the past swoops in and tries to tear them apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beau Brown
• Release date: Jul 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201448554

Book preview

OMEGA’S

PROTECTOR

By Beau Brown

Chapter One

Sam

You’ll find someone. Peter nudged my arm with his elbow. I just know it.

I guess. I sighed, glancing around at the other patrons of the Poppy Field Bar and Grill. There were a bunch of couples, and several smiling families with babies in high chairs. But it would be nice if I met my omega before I’m too old to have kids. I appreciated that my pal Peter had called me to get together for a drink because he knew I was depressed. My ex had gotten married, and I was still single with no real prospects on the horizon. I loved living in Poppy Field, but now that I was single, it was hard to meet omegas because the town was on the smaller size.

I have other friends I can set you up with. His tone was reassuring.

Groaning, I said, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.

He frowned. Why not? You really liked Chip and I set you up with him.

I laughed gruffly. Yeah, I did really like Chip. I thought there was real potential there too, but when he got back with Garrett, that all went up in smoke. I grimaced. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them. But it’s kind of hard to see him living the dream with his new baby and husband sometimes. It just reminds me of what I could have had with him.

Oh.

I sipped my beer, and then said, If you set me up with your pals, and it doesn’t work out, then it’s awkward if I run into them again.

He twisted his lips. I guess I see what you mean.

I just have to put myself out there more I guess. I poked at the condensation on my glass. But I really hate the bar scene. It’s almost worse than being alone.

I feel you. He nodded. I remember those days well.

And the idea of signing up for one of those alpha dating sites just makes me feel desperate. I want to meet someone the good old fashioned way. I laughed sheepishly. Eyes meet from across the room and BAM, you fall in love.

Peter snorted. I don’t think that happens in real life.

I smiled. Probably not. But I’d love to meet someone where I instantly connect, you know? The closest I came to that was with Chip and my ex. I scowled. Of course, my ex turned out to be a disappointment, but it was fun while it lasted.

I can’t believe Steve cheated on you.

You and me both. I knew he didn’t like being with a cop. The long hours bugged him. But I didn’t think he was the kind of guy who would do something like that.

Me neither. Were things rocky?

I shrugged. Not in the beginning. Lately we fought a lot. He didn’t get along with my family. He seemed to find it weird we’re so close.

Huh.

If I look at my relationship with him objectively, he was a huge source of stress. I sighed. But we were together four years, so I hung in there.

Peter looked empathetic. I know. And you’re a loyal bastard. You’d have stuck with him forever, perfect or not. He squeezed my shoulder. You’re a good alpha, Sam.

I winced. Sometimes I feel like that works against me.

Why?

Omegas seem to love the bad boys. I laughed gruffly.

You’re a catch. It’s just there aren’t a ton of available omegas in town.

Yeah. Maybe I need to move to a bigger city. I hated the idea of that. My parents and younger brother lived here, and I loved Poppy Field.

God, no. You don’t want to have to start over again. You’ll meet the right person. Just have faith. He sounded cheerful, but there was concern in his eyes.

I wasted so much time with Steve.

That’s because, like I said, you’re loyal. You thought you two were on the same page.

Yeah. I grimaced, remembering the day I’d found out Steve was cheating on me. I still can’t believe the asshole brought a guy back to our bed. I shuddered, wishing the memory of the two of them fucking would fade. I’d been tempted to move after we split because there were so many memories in that house. But I loved my home, and I’d put a ton of money into making it just what I’d wanted.

Better you found out before you got married and had kids.

Oh, yeah. I know I had a lucky escape, but it still hurts. I trusted him.

Peter put his arm around my shoulders. I know, man. I know.

I drained my beer and set the glass down with a bump. I should probably go. I’m beat. It’s been a long week.

Yeah, I should get home too. Rafe will be about at his limit for babysitting. He grinned. Two hours max and then he starts panicking with Luke.

I chuckled. It’s so funny to me he’s a doctor, but he seems afraid to be alone with his own baby.

He’ll be the first one to tell you he is more interested in the science side of his job, rather than the people interaction part. Peter smiled. But he loves Luke more than air.

I know. I can see it. I slid out of the booth, stretching my arms. This was fun. I’m glad you called.

His gaze softened. I knew today would be a struggle for you.

We headed toward the exit since we’d already paid our bill. Once outside we hugged and Peter headed off toward his car.

Call me if you need to talk, he called over his shoulder.

I will. Thanks again, Peter. I waved.

I’d parked farther down the street, and I shoved my hands in my pockets and started off down the sidewalk. It was a cold night and I regretted not wearing a jacket. As I neared my truck, I heard raised voices across the street. I peered across the road and noticed two people that seemed to be wrestling.

My cop instincts kicked in, and I trotted across the street toward them. As I got closer I could see a larger, older looking alpha dragging a younger omega toward his car. The younger guy was wiggling and kicking at the other man, but the bigger guy had about fifty pounds on him.

Hey! I called out, bunching my shoulders and trying to look intimidating.

The alpha paused, and gave me an angry glare over his back. Mind your own business, he growled, still trying to shove the other guy into the open passenger door.

I met the frightened gaze of the omega. When our eyes locked something seemed to spark between us. It rattled me for a second. I was only trying to figure out what was happening, I wasn’t looking for a date. But something about his light, pleading gaze buzzed through me like electricity. I shook off the weird feelings and grabbed the older alpha’s arm.

Let him go. My voice was forceful, and I tensed my muscles, in case the guy took a swing at me. He had no idea I was a cop, so anything was possible.

Fuck off, the alpha grumbled.

The omega wriggled harder and managed to slip out of the alpha’s grasp. He didn’t run like a lot of people would. Instead he stood his ground, breathing hard and glaring at the alpha. I told you, we’re done. His voice wobbled, but he continued to glare at the older guy.

As my eyes began to adjust to the dim lighting, I realized the omega was pregnant. That stoked my protective instincts even higher. I bristled and stepped between the alpha and the omega. Turn around and put your hands on the roof of the car. As I spoke, I pulled my cell from my pocket, and dialed 911. I didn’t have any cuffs or my weapon, but sometimes if you spoke with enough authority, people just did what you told them to.

Unfortunately, this alpha wasn’t that easily cowed.

Screw you. Who the hell do you think you are butting into my business? He scowled. This here is my omega. He gestured to the younger man.

The omega shook his head sharply. No. I’m not yours. He rested his hands on his bulging stomach. No way I’m raising a kid with you, you mean old son of a bitch.

I had no idea what they were to each other, but it was pretty obvious the omega had no interest in going anywhere with the alpha. You can’t just drag him into your car. That’s kidnapping, I snapped.

Bullshit. You can’t kidnap someone when they belong to you.

You’re crazy. I don’t belong to anybody. The omega took a step back, his feet crunching on fallen leaves. I don’t want to be with you anymore. You need to accept that.

You’re carrying my offspring. Ain’t no way I’m letting you go free. That there is my rightful heir.

I frowned. If he wants to leave you, you can’t keep him under force. If I was you, I’d go now. Before I arrest you.

Sneering, the alpha said, What the fuck right do you have to arrest me?

I’m a cop. I straightened my spine. This guy wasn’t going to make it easy on me, that was for sure. I really didn’t want to get involved in a physical brawl, but he was so angry he didn’t seem like I could reason with him. I clenched my fists. You have two choices; leave or spend the night in jail for assault and attempted kidnapping.

Narrowing his eyes, the alpha took a step toward me.

I bunched my muscles and braced myself, but when he heard the sound of sirens in the distance, he cussed and jumped toward his car. He slammed the passenger door closed and raced around the car to the driver’s side. He pointed a finger toward the omega. "Don’t think this is over, Caden. I will bring you home where you belong." He slid in the car, and peeled off with a screech of tires.

Once he was gone, Caden slumped and stumbled to lean against the chain link fence behind him. His face was white as milk in the flickering street lamps. I moved toward him, only stopping when he held out his hand to ward me off. Don’t come any closer, he said sharply, his eyes hard.

I hesitated, and then I pulled out my wallet. My department required we carry wallet badges when off duty, and I flashed it to him. I told you, I’m a cop.

Some tension seemed to leave his body when he saw my ID. I thought you just said that to scare him off. He sounded breathless.

No. I’m actually a cop. He was worrying me because he was so pale. I was afraid he was going to pass out.

Two patrol cars pulled up with their lights flashing, and the sirens still blaring. One of the cops got out of his car, his hand resting on his weapon. As he neared I recognized him. It’s me, Sam. I held my hands up until he seemed to know who I was.

Officer Pope’s face relaxed slightly. Oh, hey, Sam. He looked unsure. Did you call in an assault?

Yeah. I gestured toward the young omega. Some alpha was trying to push this omega into his vehicle.

Good thing you were here. Officer Pope crossed his arms and stopped near me.

Yeah. Unfortunately, the guy took off. We both turned to look at Caden, who still leaned on the fence watching us warily.

Did you get the license plate? Officer Pope asked.

I winced. No. It was too dark, and mostly I just wanted the guy to leave without anybody getting hurt.

Right. I get it. Officer Pope leaned toward Caden, gesturing to a scrape on the side of his face. Did your friend do that to you?

Caden nodded slowly, touching his face. He was pissed at me.

Yeah. You can say that again. I laughed humorlessly.

Glancing around nervously, Caden said, I’m just glad he’s gone. He shivered, and I again wished I had a jacket so I could have loaned it to the kid.

Who was that guy to you? I asked. Is he your alpha?

God no.

Then who is he? I frowned.

I met him online about nine months ago. Caden swallowed hard.

My gaze dropped to his pregnant belly. But he’s not your alpha?

Caden looked embarrassed. No.

Why was he trying to drag you back to his place? I studied his rigid features.

We were kind of together for a while.

But not anymore?

He shook his head. We met online, and he offered me a place to stay. I figured, why not?

I scowled. Why not? How about because you have no idea who anybody is on the internet?

His jaw tensed. I needed to get out of the town I was in.

Is that right? I studied him. Why?

His expression became even harder to read. I had my reasons.

Officer Pope shifted uneasily. Is the baby his?

Chewing the inside of his cheek, Caden hesitated, and then he nodded. Yes.

So then it was more than a roommate situation?

Running a shaky hand through his blond hair, Caden said, I felt grateful to him for giving me a place to stay. He dropped his gaze to the cement. I messed up and got pregnant.

Hmmm. Officer Pope met my gaze, and then he addressed Caden. Well, where are you staying? We can give you a ride.

Caden pressed his lips tight and shook his head. No thanks.

I narrowed my eyes. Do you have anywhere to go?

I have… options.

I gestured to his rounded belly. I hope one of those options is somewhere warm?

Warm enough. He continued to avoid my gaze.

Is he homeless?

That thought sent a jolt of concern through me. Poppy Field was a pretty nice town, but the streets weren’t a safe place for a pregnant omega at night. Every

Reviews for Omega's Protector

[L'eau · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Very sweet. It would help if the author paid more attention to the timelines between the books.