ALPHA’SSOLSTICE:ANM/PREG

PARANORMALROMANCE

NORTHERNPINESDEN:BOOKSIX

SUSIHAWKE

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CONTENTS

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ALSOBYSUSIHAWKE

NorthernLodgePackSeries

OmegaStolen:Book1

OmegaRemembered:Book2

NorthernPinesDenSeries

Alpha’sHeart:Book1

Alpha’sMates:Book2

Alpha’sStrength:Book3

Alpha’sWolf:Book4

Alpha’sRedemption:Book5

Non-ShifterContemporaryMpreg

PumpkinSpicedOmega:TheHollydaleOmegas-Book1

CinnamonSpicedOmega:TheHollydaleOmegas-Book2

PeppermintSpicedOmega:TheHollydaleOmegas-Book3

“H

PROLOGUE

THEPHONECALL

ello?”Kaiansweredthephoneashegrabbedtheleatherwhipoutofhispup’shand

andreplaceditwithamoreappropriaterubberball.Honestly.AuntCatreallyneededto
quitleavingherofficedooropen.Eitherthat,orputthingslikethatoutofthepups’reach.

“Hey,Kai.ThisisTaylor,isnowagoodtime?”Taylor’svoicewasawelcomesound.

Theytalkedwaytoolittlelately.Mostoftheirinteractionswereonsocialmedia.

“This is as good a time as any. I’m just chasing pups right now. My youngest had a

whipinhishand,courtesyofAuntCat’soffice,Iassume.Youknowhowtwoyearolds
are,anythingtheyshouldn’thaveisthefirstthingtheygrab.”

Taylor’s giggle came across the line. “By Fenris, I miss that lady! How is she? And

Doc?Aretheygood?”

“They’re just fine. We all are. How about you? Are things going okay over at the

den?”Kaiwatchedashissonbouncedtheballoffthenurserywall.

“Things are good. You should come over and visit one of these days. You’d be

surprisedathowrelaxedalotofthebearsarearoundherethesedays.Butletmegettothe
pointbeforeoneofthosepupsofyourspullsyouaway.”

Kai laughed. It was true. With eleven pups ranging in age from two to seventeen, it

wasinevitablethatoneofthemwouldbepullinghimawayanytimenow.“Goodpoint.
What can I do for you? You looking for pups to adopt? I can spare some teens. Please.
Takethem.Really,it’snotaproblem.”

“Umm,hellno?Ihavesixbratsofmyown!DarlaisjustafewmonthsoldandAlecis

turningtwelveinafewmonths.I’menjoyingthelittlebitoftimethatIhaveleftbeforeI
havetodealwiththatteenshit.Ihaveenoughtodealwithjusttryingtostaysaneasitis,
youknow?”Taylordrummedhisfingertipsonthetableinfrontofhimandgotbacktothe
reasonhe’dcalledhisoldpackleader’smate.

“So,Kai.I’llgettothepoint.It’sbeentenyearssincewealljoinedtogethertofight

therogues.Wewerealltooemotionallyfriedtodoanythingtocelebratebackthen,butI
wasthinkingthatnowisagoodtimetofinallydoit.Andisn’tWinterSolsticereallyjust
thebesttimeofyeartocelebratelove,peace,friendship,fertility,andallthatgoodshit?I
was thinking that we should join up and plan something special this year for Winter
Solstice.Somethingbigthatwouldinvolveallofourpeople.”

“Oh,wow.That’sactuallyareallygoodidea,Taylor.”Kaisatdownonthefloorand

rolled the ball to his son. The little guy was getting bored of playing by himself, so
hopefully this would buy Kai a few more minutes on the phone. “Do you already have
somethinginmind,ordoyouwanttogettogetherandstartplanning?”

“AllIhaveinmindrightnowisthatwedoathreedayfestival.Yourpackcouldhost

oursforabigpartyonyourpropertyonedayandcelebrateFenris,ourdenwouldhostyou
guysthefollowingdaytohonorArtio,andthenwespendthenightbeforeSolsticeoutin
thewoods.Doabigruninthemoonlightinouranimalskins,thenwecouldallwatchthe
Solsticesunrisetogether.”

Taylorbithislipanxiously.Hewasn’tsureifthiswasasgoodanideaashethoughtit

was,anditwaskindaofscarytoputhimselfouttherelikethis.Evenafterspendingovera
decade as Alpha Mate, Taylor still sometimes felt like the weird twink who didn’t fit in
anywhere.

“Taylor,areyoukiddingmewiththisstuff?Ithinkthat’sanawesomeidea!Whatday

does the Solstice fall on, though? My only concern is getting everyone free for three
days.” The excitement in Kai’s voice bounced right through the phone, making Taylor
breatheasighofrelief.

“Solstice is on a Monday this year, so everyone should have a three day weekend

anyway. I figured we have three months to plan it if we start now, so it should be easy
enough,right?”TaylorsmiledandwavedashiscousinWaltcameinandsatdownatthe
tablewithaweirdlookonhisface.“I’llgetacouplepeopletohelponmyend,youget
your besties to help you over there, and let’s meet next weekend to compare notes and
makeafirmplan.Whatdoyousay?”

“Isayitsoundsperfect,”Kaibreathedintothephoneasthesuddensharpwailingof

hispupfilledtheroom.Hepulledhiscrankypupontohislapandrubbedsmallcircleson
his back while he talked. “Crap. Jett is ready for his nap. Text me some times that you
havefreetomeet,andI’llpickone.Doyouwanttocomehere?OrshallIgothere?I’m
goodeitherway.”

“Why don’t we meet in Mills Creek? We can get soup at the cafe and have a break

fromallofourbrats.”Speakingofwhich,Taylorheardhisownlittleonestirringinher
room over the baby monitor. Before he could move, Walt was already on his feet and
headinginthere.Taylorsmiledfondlyathiscousin’sretreatingback.

“That’sagreatidea.Iwouldn’tmindhavingsomeofwhateversoupColinisserving

anyway.Ihaven’tbeenthereinwaytoolong.”

“Yeah, that’s why I suggested it. I’m always looking for an excuse to get in there.

Colin knows that I’m addicted to his soups.” Taylor heard the pup crying now, so he
rushedoffthephonetoletKaihandlehislittleguy.“GotakecareofJett,I’lltextyou.I’m
soexcitedwe’redoingthis!Ican’twaittotellMikael.Okay.Talktoyousoon!”

Kaichuckled.“Okay,Tay.Talktoyousoon.”Heclickedoffhisphoneandshoveditin

hispocket.Thiswasgoingtobegreat.Butfirst,Kaihadapuptosoothe.

Taylorwasequallyhappyonhisend,andhadjustsethisphonedownasWaltcamein

carryinghissleepyeyedcub.Reachingforhislittleprincess,Taylortookherandcuddled
herclosewhilehelookedatWalt’sbemusedface.

“Talk to me, Walt. Why do you look like you just discovered that the Easter Bunny

andSantaClausreallyexist?”

Waltturnedtohiscousinwithshinyeyesandshookhishead.“Maybetheyarereal!

You aren’t going to believe this, Taylor. Especially after twelve years. I mean, that’s
nothingforabetaandomegapairing,butstill.Ineverthoughtinamillionyearsthatthis
wouldhappentome.”

“What would happen to you? Are you okay? Are those boys of yours giving you a

hardtime?Imean,teenagers,amIright?”

WaltshookhisheadandlookedatTaylor.Hisvoicebarelyregisteredaboveawhisper

ashespokealmostreverently.“Taylor.Believeitornot,IjustfoundoutthatI’mfinally
pregnant.Afteralltheseyears,PeteandIarehavingababy.”

CHAPTER1

“C

JAKE

omeon,baby.Youneedabreak,it’sbeenalongweek.Iknowthere’salotlefttodo

with everyone coming in a few days. You need to come to bed and rest so you’ll have
energytohandleeverythingonthatlistofyours.”

Kailookedatmewithasmirk.“Seriously?Rest?You’rejusttryingtogetmeinbed.

Admitit,Jake.You’renottryingtogetmetocomeovertheretosleep.”

Ipattedthemattressbesidemeinvitingly.“Ineversaidthatyouneededtosleep.Ijust

suggestedyoucometobed.Whatyoudowiththatisuptoyou,babe.”

Kaisighedandheldupafinger.“Holdon,letmegocheckonthepups.OnceIknow

they’reallasleep,I’mallyours.”

Our youngest three were the only ones still in the nursery. The rest of our kids had

theirownroomshereonthesecondfloorofthelodge.Well,theyweredoubledoreven
tripledinacouplecases,buttheywereoutofthenursery.Thankstoourlargefamily,this
sideofthefloorwasprettymuchjustmyfamily’snow.Andofcourse,AuntCatandDoc
Olliehadtheirsuiteupheretoo.

IwatchedasKai’sslimformslippedintothenextroom.Yearsofexperiencehadhim

movingquietlyinthestillnursery.IgrinnedwhenIheardasmallsqueakfromsometoy
beingsteppedon,followedbyamuffledcurse.

He came back in with a monitor in hand, quietly easing the door closed behind him

andlockingit.Yeah,thatwasalessonyoulearnedquicklyafterhavingapupwalkinon
youwhileknottedandunabletodomorethanscreamatthemtogetout.Atleastwe’dhad
ablanketoverus,butstill.

Kaisetthemonitordownonhisnightstandandquicklystripped.Heclimbedintobed

and crawled over to snuggle against my side. My arms went around him, pulling Kai
closer.

“The lodge looks beautiful, baby. You’ve all worked so hard to make it look festive

and welcoming for our guests.” I rubbed my mate’s back as I spoke, my thumb digging
intoatightmuscleatthebaseofhisneck.

“Did you see the trees in the clearing? The pups helped us hang all the metallic

ornamentstheretoday.It’ssoprettywhenthesunlighthitsallthoselittlegoldensunsand
silverystars.”Kaiyawnedashespoke,hisfingersidlyplayingwiththehaironmychest.

“Seethem?Theyalmostfuckingblindedme,nooffense.Icamethroughtherewiththe

guysafterourrun.Ilookeduprightasthethesunflashedoffoneandholyshit!Butonce
my eyes adjusted, I have to admit that it’s a really cool looking display. The foyer
downstairssmellsgoodtoo.Allthosebayberryandcinnamoncandlesworkwelltogether
too.Ididn’tknowyoucouldfindcandlesthatlookedlikehammeredgold.”

“Right?Ilovedthose!Thegoldonesarethebayberryones,theshorterwhiteonesare

thecinnamon.Theymeshwellwithallthepineboughsandgarlands.”

“You’vedefinitelybeenbusy.Youaren’tplanningtodoalotofthecooking,areyou?”

“Hell,no.Wearedoingitpotluckstyle.Eachofourfamiliesisprovidingtwodishes

andonedessert.Theyaretoplanforthreedozenpeople.Ifigureifeveryonemakesthat
muchfood,itwillbemorethanenoughforallofusandourguests.Thesingleswholike
to cook and bake have been making use of the kitchen since Monday. I have a sign-up
sheetforkitchentime.Sofarit’sworkingwell.Ihaveseveralofyouralphaslinedupto
grillmeatforusoutonthebiggrill.Ariesisoverseeingthat.”

Isnorted.“Ariesisoverseeingbecausehewantstomakesurethemeatisseasonedand

cookedproperly,orbecausehewantstobossaroundthealphas?”

Kai giggled. “Well, it is Aries, so probably both? Micah signed up to help man the

grill.Ithinkhewantstomakesurenoneoftheyoungeralphasarescopingouthisman.”

“Probably,knowingMicah.Whattimearetheyallarriving?I’msureDanielhasitall

notedanddetailedonmydesk.Ijusthaven’tlookedatanythingtoday.”

“Liar. You just want to get the details from me so you don’t have to read over

everything. Well, I’m not playing that game. Read your captain’s reports.” His hand
moveduptotangleinmyhair,pullingmyfacetowardshisforakiss.“Let’squitthinking
aboutallthat,andtakeadvantageoftherarequiet.I’vemissedouralonetimelately.”

Yeah,ourtwoyoungesthadbeenterrorsthepastfewmonths.Oursexlifehadtakena

nosedive thanks to the pups and Kai’s busy planning for the big Solstice gathering. It
wouldbegoodtoseeallofouroldfriendsagain.Evenourownpackmatesdidn’talways
spendasmuchtimetogetherlately.

We’dexpandedsomuchwithnewmemberscomingandgoingaspackmembersmet

theirmatesovertheyears.Andthenallthepupsandcubs!Wenowhadafullcommunity
complete with a two regular schools. One for elementary school, and one for the upper
grades.Itwasamazingwhatwe’dbuiltinseventeenyears.

It’sagoodthingwehadalotofpropertyhere,givenalltheextrabuildings,houses,

andevenanapartmentcomplexthatwe’dhadbuilt.Themostrecentadditionwasasmall
store that Maxx and Oskar had opened. It was an old fashioned general store that had a
littlebitofeverythinginstock.Evensomeofmyaunt’sfavoriteitemswereavailableina
specialadultsectionthatOskarkeptropedoffbehindclosedcurtains.

Sharing my thoughts with my mate, I spoke. “Would you ever have imagined that

we’dbuildallofthistogetherwhenwefirstarrivedhereallthoseyearsago?”

“Ofcourse.We’reprettyawesome,Jake.Wemakeagoodteam.AndwithDanielto

helpplaneverythingandmakeithappen,whywouldn’twehavebuiltthis?”Thepridein

hisvoicemademesmile.

“Goodpoint,babe.Seriouslythough,wearrivedherewithatinypackofeleven.My

aunt made us an even dozen. Now we’re over a hundred strong. I can’t wrap my brain
aroundit.EventhoughIwashereforthewholeride,it’sjustmindblowingwhenIthink
backtothatgroupoffreshfacedkidsthatarrivedhere.Andmysister.IwishJennycould
beheretoseewhatwe’vedonehere.”

“Ibelievethatsheknows.AndquittryingtoremindmehowoldIamifyouwantme

to relax. I mean, Erin and the twins are older than Luke and Ryan were when we came
here.Wrapyourbrainaroundthat.Shoot.Erin’sgoingtobeeighteenthisnextyear,and
I’llbeforty!ThesearenotthingsthatIwanttothinkabout.Also,I’mprettysureIsawa
gray hair this morning. It could have been a trick of the light though. That’s what I’m
goingwithanyway.”

Igrinnedandtouchedmylipstohis.Kaihadseveralgrayhairsthreadedthroughthe

backandtopofhishead,butIwasn’tgoingtobetheonetobreakittohim.I’dletSyor
Arieshavethathonorwhentheyfinallynoticeditatsomepoint.Kaitiltedhisheadinto
thekiss,openinghismouthtogivemeaccess.

Rollingoverontopofmyman,Ibracedmyselfonmyforearmsandrubbedmyhard

cock against his. I broke the kiss and trailed kisses over Kai’s jaw and neck while his
hands roamed my back, pulling me closer so he could reach my alpha-gland to kiss. I
hissedashisteethscrapedoverthatsensitivespot,feelingthefamiliarsparkofourbond
pullingustogetherlikeaninvisibletetheringofsouls.

Kai moaned softly when I began to jerk my hips, rubbing our cocks together in a

steady,teasingrhythm.Thenearlycloyingscentofomegaslickwaftedupfrombetween
hispartedthighs.Withouthesitation,ItookhismouthagainwhileIgrippedhisthighsand
lifted.

Without breaking our kiss, I pushed Kai’s legs up and unerringly slid my cock right

intohisslickhole.Afteryearsoftogether,itwasasfamiliarasmypalm.Kai’slegswent
aroundmywaistasherockedbackagainstmewithmynextthrust,hishandsgrippingmy
shouldersasIpumpedintohim.

Kai broke our kiss and tilted his head, offering me his neck in that age old show of

submission between an omega and his alpha. My knot was already swelling, filling his
stilltightchannel.HiswallshuggedmesnuglyinsideastheyclenchedrightasKaibegan
tospurthisnectarovermyabsandchest.

Balls tightening, fire raced along my spine as my own orgasm hit hard and fast. My

innerwolfhowledandIbitlightlyintohisomega-glandwhileIfilledhimwithmyseed.
MyhipswerestilljerkingasIemptiedintohischannel.

I took a moment to lick the droplet of blood from his neck where I’d bitten a little

harderthanintended.Rollingusover,IturnedonmybackandgrittedmyteethwhileKai
gotcomfortable on myknot. It didn’thurt me, although Icould feel ahint of pain from
himthroughourbondwhenmyknotpulledagainsthisrim.

No,IjusthatedtheideaofhurtingmyKai.Oncehewasfinallysettledatopmybody

andcomfortable,Kainestledhischeekagainstmysweatychest.Kaichuckledandnuzzled

intohisfavoritepatchofhairinthecenterofmypecs.

“Talkaboutaquickie.Hasitbeensolongthatwe’rejustdesperateforrelease,orwere

youtryingtopreservemoresleeptimeforme?”

Ismiledasheyawnedattheendofhisquestion,whichprettymuchanswereditallon

its own. “Probably both. I’ll find us another stolen moment where we can be slow and
enjoyanicelongfuck,howdoesthatsound?Ijustfeelbadthatourpupsandplanningthis
holidayeventhastakensomuchoutofyoulately.Ihateseeingyousotiredandrundown,
baby.”

“Jake? I have another reason for being exhausted and it has nothing to do with the

pups,orthepartyplanning.It’smoretodowithmyagethistimearound.”Tiltinghishead
up so he could see my face, Kai gave a bemused smile. “I guess Fenris decided eleven
wasn’tenoughandweneededanevennumber.I’mpregnantagain.”

MyjawwentslackasIlookeddownatmybelovedmate.Strokinghisback,mymind

racedatthethoughtofatwelfthpup.“IthoughtDocsaidthatJettwouldprobablybeour
lastsinceyourheatshavebeendwindling?”

Kaishrugged.“EitherDocwaswrong,orFenrisabovedecidedweneededonemore

pup to love. It doesn’t matter why, all that matters is that I’m three weeks along, so
sometimeinlateFebruarywe’llbewelcomingournewsonordaughtertotheworld.Iwas
just relieved that it’s only one in there. I couldn’t handle another set of twins when I’m
stillchasingJettaroundhalfthetime.”

Ithreadedmyfingersthroughhishair,holdinghimclosetomyheartastearsfilledmy

eyes.“AlthoughIfinditcrazythatwe’rehavingyetanotherpup,I’mnotgonnalie,baby.
I’mexcitedtohaveonelastchancetowatchyourbodygrowalife.Huh.Iguesswehave
anotherthingtobethankfulforaswecelebratetheSolstice.”

Kaiyawnedandnoddedagainstmychest.“Don’tstartgettingbossyaboutmebeing

busythisweekeither.Ialmostwaitedtotellyouforexactlythatreason,sodon’tmakeme
regret it, alpha. Let’s just get through the holiday, and then you can get all macho
protective,okay?”

“I’lldomybest,baby.Butdon’tblamemeifIhoveralittlemorethanusualnow.And

Kai?Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo,Jake.AndIwon’tblameyou,aslongasyoupromisetotryandkeepit

toaminimumforme.”

“I’lldomybest.Iamgoingtogetsomeoneupheretohelpyouwiththeyoungerones

though. That’s one area that I can help you, so I will. I can’t do anything about the
holidays,butIcanfindyouananny.”

Kai sighed. “As much as I would love to argue with you, that actually sounds

heavenly. You win, babe. Now let me sleep, I have a lot to do tomorrow. Good night,
Jake.”

“Goodnight,Kai.Sleepwell.”Istrokedmymate’sheadandlistenedashisevenedout

whenhedriftedoff.Mymindwasspinningwiththeideaofushavinganotherpup.Wasn’t
thisthetimeoflifewhenweshouldbealmostdonewiththewholebabything?Itdidn’t

matter.Iwashappytowelcomeanothermemberofourfamily.

I smiled, my mind filling with images of Kai’s sexy body over the years when he’d

beenswollenwithourpups.Yeah,therewasnothingsexiertomethanwatchingmymate
carry our young. Not to mention the fact that he got extremely horny with every
pregnancy.Lookedlikeourdryspellwouldbeending.Thatalonewasenoughtomakeme
happyaboutthenewpregnancy.NotthatI’deveradmitthattoKai.Ivaluedmyballstoo
muchtoletastupidcommentlikethatcomeoutofmymouth.

AsIdriftedofftosleep,ImadeanidlewishtoFenrisforanothergirl.Wehadenough

boys.Ineededanotherlittlegirltospoil.

CHAPTER2

“S

ARIES

ara,I’msohappytoseeyou,baby!”Ifoughtthestupidtearsthatwereswellingupas

my daughter came rushing in where I was busy baking icicle cookies with the group of
pups,myownalongwiththoseofKaiandSy.Oncetheyweredecorated,aribbonwould
bethreadedthroughtheholeI’dpunchedinthetipofeachoneandtheywouldbehung
fromthehugeyuletreeinthefoyer.

Sarawasherewithhermate,Toby.Hewasasweetbearomegathatshe’dmetwhen

visiting there a few months ago with her best friend, Trixie. She and Toby had been
backpackingacrossCanadaasanextendedhoneymoontrip.

My girl had graduated from culinary school last spring, and was planning to open a

smallbakeryinthenearbytownofMillsCreek.Atleast,thosehadbeenherplanswhen
they’dleft.Whoknowswhatshewasuptonow.WithSara,itwashardtotell.

“WhereisToby?Ineedtogivehimahug,”IsaidasIlookedaroundher.Saragrinned

andsaid,“Holdon,he’llbealongsoon.Hehadtogotothebathroom.He’sdoingthata
lotthesedays.”

BeforeIcouldaskmore,Micahcameintheroom.“There’smygirl!Dylancameand

toldmetogetinherewhenhesawyouandTobypullup.”

Saraturnedwithabigsmileandlaunchedherselfatmymate.“NutterDaddy!You’re

just in time for my big news!” She hugged Micah, and turned to look at me over her
shoulder.“IwasabouttotellDaddyGuy,sopointstoyouforperfecttiming.”

ShepulledawayasTobycameintotheroom,rushingaroundMicahtogotohermate.

Her quite pregnant mate, from the looks of things. I went over and wrapped my arm
aroundMicah’swaistwhileSaragaveherannouncement.Sheputaprotectivehandover
Toby’sbellymoundandsaidoutloudthenewsthatIalreadyknewwascoming.

“Congratulations,you’regoingtobegrandpas!TobyisdueinearlyFebruary.Ididn’t

wanttotellyouoverthephone,sowewaitedtosurpriseyou.”

Ididn’thearanotherwordshesaidaftergrandpa.Grandpa?

Micah was over there like a shot, folding Toby into a hug while Sara stood there

watching proudly. My youngest, Marnie, came rushing over from her baking to hug her
bigsister.“I’mgoingtobeanaunt?Really?”

Oh,fuck.IlookedhelplesslyatmyoldfriendSyasheglidedovertostandbesideme.

Hemutteredintomyear.“Freakoutlater,weirdo.Rightnow,putonasmilingfaceand
getyourassoverthere.Youneedtocongratulateyourdaughterandhermate.”

Ismiledatmybuddygratefullyandfoundmycenteragain.Rushingover,Iwrapped

TobyintoahugnowthatMicahwasbusyhuggingSara.

MysonsDylanandDanecamewanderinginwhileIhuggedToby.Ipulledawayand

askedforpermissiontotouchhisbelly.

Toby proudly guided my hand to where the babe was kicking. “It’s a boy, and from

whatJulestoldme,it’sabearcublikeme.”

Saranoddedproudly.“Youknowhowthejaguarnosesare,soIbelievehim.Notthat

wecareeitherway.”

Micahasked.“Jules?Whendidyouseehim?”

“Oh. Well, we kinda got to town yesterday, but I needed to see the guys at the cafe

first.Thebuildingtheyownnexttothecafeisopen,andIwantedtoseeaboutmakinga
deal to lease it for my bakery.” She had the courtesy to blush, as she admitted being in
townforafulldaybeforecomingtoseeherfamily.

MicahandIsharedalook,bothofourgriefflowingthroughthebond.Ourlittlealpha

girl was grown up and taking care of her own family now. Best and worst part of being
parents.Youwantyourkidstogrowupandbeselfsufficient,butyoudon’treallywant
themtoleavethenestandleadseparatelives.

Toby picked up on my mood, and reached out for my hand. “I hope you’ll help us

decorate our new home though? Sara isn’t an omega, she’s not much help in that
department.I’malsoreallynervousaboutthewholebirthingthing.Sopleasedon’tmind
ifItextandcallyou,likealot!”

Sypushedmeasidetohugmysoninlaw.“Don’tworry,Toby.Youwon’tbeableto

keepusmeddlingoldomegasaway.”Sypulledbackwithasoftsmile.“Nowwhydon’t
wegetyouoffyourfeet?Youmustbeexhausted.Ihaveapotofmintteagoingthatallof
usswearbywhenwe’repregnant.”

Andjustlikethat,Sytookoveranddidhisthing.HehadTobysettledatthetablewith

a cup of tea and a plate of cookies before anyone had a chance to respond. Sara smiled
happily as she went over to sit with her mate. I felt Micah’s arm around my shoulder
beforeIrealizedhe’dapproached.

“Dylan,youandDanehelptheotherpupswiththecookiesforabit.I’mtakingDaddy

Guyawayforaprivateconversation.”

Dylansnorted.“Shouldn’twebecallinghimGrandpaGuynow?”

Ireachedoverandsmackedmypupinthebackoftheheadwithagrin.“Shutup,pup,

anddoasNutterDaddysays.Ineedabreak,weoldgeezerscan’tkeepupwiththisshit.
Don’tburnmycookies!Ifyouneedhelp,askSy.”

My omega son looked at me and rolled his eyes. “Dad? I’ve been baking with you

everyyearsinceIcanremember.I’mprettysurethatIcanhandlemakingcookiesforthe
yuletree.AslongasLinusdoesn’tcomewanderingintoeatthemallbeforewecanget

themonthetree.”

MicahchuckledandstartedtodragmeoutoftherebeforeIcouldsayanythingmore.

“Comeon,DaddyGuy.Leavethekidstoit.”

“Don’t worry, Aries. I’m here, I’ll keep an eye on things,” Sy called out with a

knowingchuckle.HeknewexactlywhatMicahlikelyhadinmind.

Afewminuteslaterwewereupstairsandinourroom.Micahbarelygotthedoorshut

before he was lifting me up and pushing my back against it. His lips caught mine, our
handspullingandpushingateachother’sclothes.MyshoeswentflyingandIendedup
withmypantshangingfromonelegwhileIwrappedmyanklesaroundhiships.

Micah used one hand to pull my cheeks apart while guiding his cock to my slick

soaked hole with the other. With one smooth move, I was impaled on his girthy length.
Hislargehandsgrippedmyhips,pinningmeagainstthedoorwhileheruttedfastandhard
intomyass.

In this position, all I could do was hang on tight and enjoy the fucking ride. Shiver

aftershiverchasedupmyspineeachtimehisfatmushroomheadgrazedthatspecialspot
insideme.

My head went to the side as I panted for air, sweat trickling down my neck. Micah

nipped at my earlobe, his hot breath blowing into my ear with each exhaled gasp of air
whilehishipskeptasteadyrhythm.Icouldfeeltheswellofhisknotashepushedthrough
my entrance. Each thrust, it grew fatter and fatter until it finally slipped inside with an
audiblesquishanddidn’tcomeoutagainashepumpedagainstme.

“Nngh. Micah, I’m cu—” before I could finish my thought, my ass clamped down

aroundhisswollenknotandIsprayedhotropesofpearlygooacrossourchests.

Micahnosedhiswayovertomymouth,nudgingmetoturnmyheadsowecouldkiss.

Assoonashistongueenteredmymouth,Ifeltthathotseedspurtingupandfillingme.
Hishipsspasmedafewtimesasherodeouthisrelease.

Breakingourkiss,Micahdroppedhisforeheadtomyshoulderwithasoftchuckle.“I

swearIdidn’tintendtofuckyouthroughadoorwhenIfirstpulledyouuphere.”

Isnickered.“Youmeanyoutotallyintendedtoatleastletusgettothebed?”

Micahlookedupatmewithagrin.“See?It’slikeyouknowme,sweetcheeks.”He

slowly turned and carried me over to the bed. Sitting down on the side of the bed, my
body still wrapped around him, my shook his head ruefully. “Is this a bad time to talk
aboutbeinggrandparents?”

With a loud snort, I said, “I don’t think there’s ever going to be a good time to hear

that word. Although, I do feel much less like an old fogey hearing it while your knot is
wedgedinmyass.So,thanksforthat.”

“Anytime, sweet cheeks. My knot is available whenever you need to feel young

again.”Micahgrinnedandgavemeachastekissonthecheek.Inamoreserioustone,he
said,“Iloveyou,Aries.SeeingourSarastandingtheresoproudlywithhermate,itjust
tookmerightbacktowhenIfirstfoundherandDylaninthatseedylittlecabin.”

“Iloveyoutoo,Micah.I’msofortunatetohaveyou,andourfamily.AndasmuchasI

hate to acknowledge her sire who-shall-not-be-named, it’s good that all of his offspring
were able to have a claim on his estate. I’m grateful that Daniel set that up for them.
Thankstohershareofthatmoney,theywillbeabletohavealittleplaceinMillsCreek
andopenthatbakery.”

Micah reached around and released my man bun, letting my hair flow over my

shoulderswherehecouldplaywithit.Focusingonstrokingmyhair,hespokesoftly.“I
hatewhatthatmandidtoallofyouomegas,butespeciallyyou.IwishI’dbeenherewhen
Jaketookhislife,sothatIcouldhavespatonhiswarmcorpse.That’showmuchIhate
that fucker. But you’re right, Daniel going to the council of packs and getting them to
settletheestateonhisheirswasagoodthing.Atleastsomethingcameoutofit.Well,that
andthepupsthatwealllove.YouknowthatDylanandSaraaremypupsineveryway
thatmatters.I’mgoingtolovetheshitoutofbeingNutterPapa.”

Isnortedoutalaugh.“Stilltryingforthepapathing?IfSaradidn’tletitflyallthose

years ago, do you really think she’s going to accept it now? That girl named you and
claimedyouattheageoffour.Faceit,babe.You’restuckwithNutterDaddy.Knowing
Sara,youcanhopeforNutterGrandDaddyatbest.”

Micahlookedupatmewithasmilethatglowedfromwithin.“I’lltakewhatevername

ourpupsandgrandpupswanttocallme.I’mjustgratefultobepartofourfamily.”

Inodded,andstrokedahandoverhischeek.“Iknow,it’slikeourlivesareseparated

into two parts. The before we mated part and the post claim part. Spoiler? I prefer the
secondpartmuchbetter.”

“Ilikeallofthepartthathasyouandourpupsinit,”Micahagreed.Hetouchedhis

foreheadtomineasweheldeachother,justsoakinginthemomentofquiettogetherness.
Thiswasalwaysmyfavoritepartofbeingknottedtomymate.Theintimatetimewhenwe
wereliterallyboundtogetherafterthefunstuffended.

CHAPTER3

“S

eth,I’mgoingtocutyourballsoffwithadullknifeandfeedthemtoyou.”Iglared

atmymateasIstalkedintohisofficeandflungmyselfontohislap.

Sethpulledoffhisglassesandsmiledatmewithamusement.“DoIgettoknowwhy

mymanhoodisatrisk,orhaveIalreadybeentriedandconvictedinthecourtofSy?”

Irolledmyeyessohardithurtandlaidmyheadonmymate’sshoulder.“I’msorry.I

was just congratulating Aries’ son in law on his pregnancy, and he innocently asked me
when I’m due. Fucking bears and their noses. So, yeah. My best friend is about to be a
grandfather,andweareapparentlyabouttohaveanotherpup.”

“Am I allowed to be excited about this, or should I wait until you’ve finished

brooding? I’m good either way.” Seth’s reasonable tone of voice and the tender hand
strokingmybackcombinedtosootheme.

“I’msorry,babe.”Isniffed.“I’msureI’llbehappyaboutitonceI’veadjustedtothe

idea,it’sjustthatIthoughtthatLeowasourlast.He’llbestartingschoolnextyear,and
we’regoingtobechangingdiapersagain.Forfuck’ssake,I’mforty-threeyearsold.My
best friend is having his first grandchild, and I’m pretty sure I saw another gray hair on
Kai last night at dinner. I feel like I’m too old for this shit, but at the same time, I’m
excitedtohaveonemorechanceatparenthood.”

“WoulditmakeyoufeelbetterifIletyoubendmeoverthisdeskandfuckmesohard

thatI’llfeellikeI’mabouttohaveyourbabies?”

Isnickered.“AsmuchasIlikepoundingintothatsweetalphaassofyours,I’mpretty

sure that you don’t have the right equipment for me to knock you up. Fenris knows we
triedenough,right?”

Seth kissed my temple. “You can pound my sweet alpha ass anytime, baby. Wanna

lockthedoorandyoucandemonstraterightnow?”

“Sadly, that’s going to have to wait. I have an appointment in fifteen minutes with

Doc.IcalledhisofficeassoonasIleftToby,andhe’ssqueezingmein.That’swhyI’m
here,Iknewyou’dwanttobethere.”

“Damnstraight,Ido!”Heswattedmyassandnuzzledmyomega-gland.“Thankyou

forcomingtogetme,honey.Andfornotcuttingmyballsoffwithadullknife,we’dboth
missmyballs.”

I huffed. “Well, the jury is still out on your balls, but I really don’t want to hurt

somethingthatImightwanttouseagainlater.”Isatupandlookedathimthen.

“Soyou’reokaywiththis?Beingdadsagaininourforties?”Ibitmylipandlookedup

athimfromundermytooblondelashes.

“Honey,areyoufuckingshittingmerightnow?Gettinganotherchancetowatchyour

bodygrowripewithmyseedwhileyougivemeanotherpuptospoil?I’mbeyondgood
withit.I’mfuckingecstatic.Nowcomeon,wedon’twanttokeepDocwaiting.”

Ileanedinandgavemyalphaasoftkiss,framinghisfacewithmyhands.“Iloveyou,

Seth.Thanksforalwaysbeingpatientwithme.”

Seth stood, holding me like a child as he carried me across the room. I smacked his

chestwithagiggle.“Stopit!I’mknockedup,notcrippled.”

With a cocky assed grin, Seth said, “I never said you were. But knowing that my

swimmersarestillswimmingjustgavemywolfabigegoboost.I’mgonnacarryyouall
thewaytoDoc’sjusttoshowtheyoungstersaroundherethattheoldmanstillhasit.”

A few minutes later we were walking into Doc’s office right as Kai and Jake were

leaving. Kai was waving a sonogram picture, smiling like a loon. I dropped my cheek
againstSeth’sshoulderandgroaned.

“What? Did I miss something? And why is Seth carrying you? Are you hurt?” Kai

stoppedhisstreamofchatterandsniffedatme.“Idon’tsmellaninjury.”

IcouldheartheproudsmileinhisvoiceasSethansweredforme.“Apparentlywe’re

hereforthesamereasonasyouguys.Syispregnantagaintoo.”

Kaisquealed,bouncingupanddownontheballsofhisfeet.“That’samazing,Sy!It’s

beenforeversincewewerepregnanttogether.”

Jake silently picked up his mate and spun him around in a circle. “Come on, baby.

Let’sgiveourfriendssomeprivacytoseeDocwhilewegotelleveryoneourgoodnews.
Sylooksalittlemurderyrightnow.”

Igrinned,becausetheAlphawasn’twrong.“Yeah,I’mkindabitchyrightnow,Kai.I

thoughtthatwewerepastthisstageinlife.Imean,Ariesisabouttobeagrandpaandyou
havegrayhairs.Thisissupposedtobeour—”Ididn’tgettofinishmythoughtbeforeKai
interrupted.Loudly.

“Ariesisgoingtobeagrandfather!PraisebetoFenris!Sara’smate,right?OMF,Ibet

he is freaking the fuck out right now!” Kai stopped talking suddenly, and glared at me
fromthesafetyofJake’sarms.“Wait.Whatdoyoumeangrayhairs?Andplural?You’rea
fuckingliar,Sy!Youtakethatshitback!JakewouldhavetoldmeifIwasgrowinggray!
You’re just jealous because you’ve got all those snowy white strands threaded through
yourblondehair.Takeitback,youlittlebastard!”

Isnickeredattheincongruouspicturewemadewithbothofusbeingheldlikepupsin

ourmate’sarms,andKaipracticallyscreamingatmeinoutrage.Igiggledsohardthatmy
crankymoodevaporatedalmostinstantly.PregnancyinmyfortiesIcouldhandle,losing
mybestfriend,though?Thatwasunthinkable.

“I’m sorry, Kai,” I said, still chuckling. “And let’s not bring my parentage into this,

hmm?”IpattedSeth’sarm.“Putmedown,baby.IneedtohugKai.”

Jake and Seth both set us down. Kai eyed me warily for all of five seconds before

flinginghimselfatmeinatacklehug.Westoodtherehuggingforafewmoments,whenI
heardAries’voicecomefrombehindus.“Whopissedwhooffthistime?AndcanIgeta
sympathyhug,please?IjustfoundoutthatI’mgoingtobeaGrandDaddyGuy.”

KaiandIbrokeapartenoughtowedgeAriesinforathree-wayhug.Wepulledapart

andstartedtalkingatthesametime.

“Kai,I’msor—”

“I’msor—”

“Canyoubeli—”

We all stopped with a giggle. In our usual way, we went by age. I spoke first. “I’m

sorry,Kai.Iwasanass.Butyes,youdohavegrayhairs,sweetie.Plural.Butitworkson
you!AnddoIreallyhavewhitehair?Ididn’tevennotice.”

Arieswentnext.“You’rebothfuckingcrazy.Whothehellcaresabouthairwhenour

facesarestilllookingsmooth?I’vebeendyeingmyhairforthepastfiveyears.Andfor
therecord?Yes,youhavewhitehairs,Sy.Kai,youhaveenoughgraytojustdyethatshit
ifitbugsyou.Andthere’stoomanytopluck,sodon’tevenaskeitherofustogothere.
Nowcanwejusttakeasecondtotalkaboutmybabieshavingbabies?”

Kai shook his head. “Whatever. We’ll figure the hair out later. Congrats on being a

grandpa,butgetthis.SyandIarebothpregnant.”

Ariesgasped,butbeforehecouldreply,Docopenedtheofficedoorandstoodinthe

doorwaywithabemusedsmile.

“IthoughtIshouldgiveyouboyssomeprivacy,yes?ButperhapsweshouldseeSy

now?” His eyes fixed on Aries as Micah came walking up. “I can fit you in after your
friendifyouandyourmatewouldcaretowait.”

ArieslookedatDoccuriously.“No,no.It’sokay.Iwasjusttalkingwiththepregnant

guys here. I’m about to be a grandfather apparently. I’m pretty sure I don’t need to be
examinedforthat,althoughI’llbehappytosuggestthatSaraandTobycomeby.”

Docknithiseyebrowsandshookhishead.“IdonotknowaboutyoungToby,Ihave

notseenhimrecently.Buttrustme,youaredefinitelyexpectingyourself,myfriend.”

Micah spoke in a panic. “But that’s impossible! We just got unknotted like fifteen

minutesago!Evenyoucouldn’tknowthatfast!”

Aries’faceturnedbrightredandallofusweresnortingbacklaughsasDocreplied.

“Ah.Andnaturallythiswastheonlytimethatyouhavehadpenetrativecoitusrecently?”

Arieslookedlikehewasabouttodie.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhimandbitthefuck

out of my cheek to keep from laughing. I dared not look at Kai, whose shoulders were
shakingwiththegiggleshewasholdingin.

Fucking Micah nodded with sudden understanding. “Oh! You mean that he was

alreadypregnant!”

JakerolledhiseyesandmutteredunderhisbreathwhileSethsnortedandsaid:“Ding!

Ding!Ding,dumbass!Howmanypupshaveyoutwohad?Surelyyou’renotthisstupid.”
Kailostitthenandstartedgigglinguncontrollably.Arieswasshakinginmyarms,andI
couldfeelhimlaughing.WebothlostitandjustlaughedourassesoffwhileMicahand
Doclookedatuslikewewereslightlyunhinged.

MicahshookhisheadandlookedatDoc.“Canwetakeyouuponthatoffer,Doc?I’d

liketogetanideaofmymate’sduedate.”

Ariespulledbackandgavemeakissonthecheek.“Goseeyourbaby,Sy.Thesooner

Docisdonewithyou,thesoonerhecangettome.”

Kai squealed again then. “I just realized something! We’re all going to be pregnant

togetheragain!Ifyourdatesareclosetomine,wecandoanotherpreggercontestlikewe
didbackintheolddays!”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever, Kai. Obviously I’ll win, but if you and Aries want to

makeacompetitionoutofit,I’min.”

Aries groaned. “Again. Here we go again. So much for middle age and half grown

pups,amIright?”

Kaisnorted.“Fuckyouandyourmiddleage.Gobeold,GrandDaddyGuy.I’mgoing

togodyemygraysandstayyoung.”

DocspokeupashesteppedasideandmotionedforSethandmetocomein.“Sorry,

Kai.Icannotallowyoutodyeyourhairwhilepregnant,son.Thisisnotagoodideafor
thepup,yes?”

Kai pouted while Aries gleefully snickered. I left them to it and pulled Seth by the

hand.Iwasreadytoseeourpupandhearitsheartbeat.

Laterthatnight,thethreeofusweresittingaroundthetableinthediningroomafterthe
pack were pretty much dispersed for the night. We were going over Kai and Daniel’s
checklistsfortheSolsticegathering,andgossipingoverapotoftea.

“Sy,didallthecookiesgetbaked?”Kailookedupatmeexpectantly,hispenpoised

abovethepaper.NomatterhowhardDanieltried,hecouldn’tgetourfriendtoembrace
technology.Kailikedtheoldfashioned,tangiblepenandpaperforhislists.

“I still need to do the Snickerdoodle Pinwheels, as well as the sun, star, and moon

shaped sugar cookies. I’m doing that tomorrow, the pups are going to help ice them all.
I’vegottheiciclecookiesbaked,though.Infact,thepupsdecoratedthetreeinthelobby
withthemafterdinnerthisevening.Youcancrossthatoffthelist.Maybeweshouldputa
babygatearoundthetreeuntilSolstice,nowthatIthinkaboutit.”

Ariessnorted.“I’dbemoreworriedaboutthealphasfuckingwiththemthanthepups.

The pups are too afraid they’ll lose their gifts and that the Holly King won’t fill their
boots.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Istilldon’tknowwhyweletAuntCattalkusintodoingthewhole

HollyKingschtick.ButIguessit’sbetterthanthehumans’SantaClaus.”

Aries shook his head and put a hand over my mouth. “Hush, Scrooge. Let the pups

have their fun. Besides, you have just as much fun filling all those little boots by the
fireplaceastherestofus.”

KairolledhiseyesandlookedatSyincommiseration.“Icangetbehindthetradition

offillingthepups’bootswithtreats,butdowereallyhavetokeepdoingitforouralphas
everyyeartoo?”

“Bite your tongue, pumpkin!” Aunt Cat came walking in, her gait still steady and

strong even in her mid eighties. “You know those big, studly alphas are worse than the
pups.Besides,Ihavesomespecialgiftsforthealphas’bootsthisyear.”

AriesandIleanedforwardexpectantly,waitingtohearwhatshehadcookedupthis

yearforourmates.Kailookedfrightened,butstoodandpulledoutachair.“Haveaseat,
AuntCat.I’llgetyouasnack.CanIgetyousomecookieswithyourtea?”

“Thankyou,sweetheart.Thatsoundslovely.”Shebeamedupathimasshepattedhis

hand.Kaiblushedandturnedtogethertreats.Turningbacktous,AuntCatasked,“What
areyouboysdoingdownheresolate?WorkingontheSolsticepartyplanning?”

Kai set a cup of tea in front of the old sweetie along with a small plate of cookies.

Oncehesatdown,Kaispokefinally.“Okay,Auntie.ThisisgoingtobugmeifIdon’task.
WhatthehellareyouplanningtogiveouralphasforSolsticegifts?”

AuntCatlaughedasshesethercupdownonthesaucerwithalightclatter.Shelooked

aroundtomakesurewewerestillalone,thenspokesoftlywithatwinkleinhereye.“One
ofthethingsIfoundforthemarethecutestlittlebuttplugswithhollyontheend!Youcan
decidewho gets towear it, ifyou guys take turnslike that.” Shelaughed a little harder,
wavingahandinfrontofherface.

“IjustgotsotickledwhenIsawthem!Ipicturedabigoldhairyalphabuttbentover

with a piece of plastic holly sticking out from between the cheeks! And then the red
berriesmademethinkofdingleberries,andIjust—”Welostwhateverelseshewasabout
tosaywhenshecouldn’tquitlaughing.

KaiandAriesweregigglingasthoughitwereacrazyidea,butIwasalreadymaking

plansforSeth.Hisbuttwouldlookadorablewiththathollyplugpokedinthere.Ilooked
uptoseeAuntCatlookingatmewithaknowinggleaminhereye.Shetookadaintysip
ofteaandaddedwithaslywink,“Ofcourse,I’llbeaddingavarietyofflavoredlubesas
well.Youboysmayhaveyourslick,butifyouplaywiththealphas,theyneedalittlehelp
inthatdepartment.”

Iwinkedbackandsaid,“Sure,unlessyougetcreativeandsharesomeofyourown.”

AuntCattitteredandasked,“Aren’tyougoingtoaskwhatelsethey’regetting?Itold

youthatwasoneofthethings.Ididn’tsaythatitwasall.”

“Oh,shit.”Kaishookhisheadandtookanibbleofcookie.“I’mafraidtoask,Auntie.”

“I’mnot,”Isaidandleanedbackinmychairwithagrin.“Whatotherlittletoysare

yougivingustotormentthemwith,Auntie?”

“Light up, vibrating anal beads! With a separate remote! Can you imagine?” She

stoppedtoshakeherheadwithabiggrinandpickeduptheteacupagain.Aftertakinga
demuresip,shelookedaroundusallagain.“So.Iheardarumorthatyouthreemusketeers
areallknockedupagain?”

Kai rolled his eyes. “Rumor indeed. More like pillow talk with Doc. I swear those

alphasareworsegossipsthanweare.”

AuntCatnoddedsagely.“Oh,yes.Theyreallyare,youknow.Youomegaboysknow

howtokeepasecretwhenyouneedto,thealphasseemtoneedmoralsupportfromtheir
buddies. Now tell me, are we doing another contest? I’ve already started thinking of
prizes!”

Ismiledasthethreeofthemstartedexcitedlychatteringaboutthecontestandgotup

toputonanotherpotoftea.WestillneededtofinishourplansfortheSolsticegathering,
andIhadafeelingwe’dbevisitingwithAuntieforawhilelonger.

Bythetimewehadeverythingtalkedoutandtidiedup,itwasalmostoneo’clockin

themorning.Islippedintoourroomandstrippeddownbeforeslidingintobedwithmy
mate.

Sethturnedandsleepilypulledmeupagainsthim,mybacktohischest.Hepresseda

sloppy kiss on my nape. “Did you guys have a good time down there? I know it didn’t
takethislongtoplanforSolstice.Daniel’sbeenbustingmyballsforweeksaboutourpart
inthefestivities,andevenhedoesn’ttakethislongwithourmeetings.”

“I’msorry,baby.Youweren’twaitingup,wereyou?Youshould’vecomeandgotten

me.Iwould’veleftforyou.AuntCatshowedupandwastellingusabouthergiftstoyou
alphasthisyear.”

“No,sweetheart.You’refine.Ifiguredyouwerehavingfun,andyoudon’tgettothat

nearly enough. Now tell me. Is this going to be one of those classic Aunt Cat gifts that
makesJakeandtheguyswanttocurlupanddiebutyouandIaresecretlymakingplans
forhowtoenjoythem?”

“Oh,yeah.YouandIwillgetalotofenjoymentoutofhergifts.”Iyawnedandsettled

back into the familiar comfort of his arms. “I still can’t believe that all three of us are
fuckingpregnantagain.”

“Areyoufeelingbetteraboutitnow?”Hisvoicesoundedcautiouslyhopeful.

“I’msorryImadeyoudoubtthat,hon.I’mhappyabouthavinganotherlifethatour

lovecreated.Iwasjuststressedandfreakingoutearlier.Buthearingthatlittleheartbeatin
Doc’sofficebroughtbackeverymemoryofourbabies.I’mlookingforwardtoit,Ithink.
Seth?Idon’tknowifItellyouthisenough,butIloveyou.Thankyouforalwaysbeing
patientwithme.”

“Sy,you’reworththewait.Youalwayshavebeen.Iloveyoutoo,baby.I’mnotgonna

liethough,thethoughtofyoubigandpregnanthashadmehalfwayturnedonallday.”

Ichuckled.“Perv.Nowgotosleep.Ifwewakeupearlyenough,maybewecangeta

littlenaughtytimeinbeforethekidswakeup.”

“Not necessary. I spoke to Dylan earlier, and told him that you needed to sleep in

tomorrow.He’sgoingtoseetotheyoungeronesandyouhavethemorningoffifyouwant
it.”

Iwiggledmybuttteasinglyagainsthisgroin.“Iwantverymuch,alpha.Nowletme

getsomesleepsoIcanhavetheenergytoplaywithyouinthemorning.”

His arm tightened around my waist as his lips touched my neck again. “Good night,

mylove.”

CHAPTER4

“D

ZANE

addy Zane, do you know when Papa Karl will be home?” Trixie came in and

ploppeddownnextmeonthecouchwhereIsatfeedingournewestcub.Hewasjustafew
weeksold,andstillhadthatlittleoldmanlookabouthim.

“Idon’tknow,Trixiebell.He’soutdoingsomethingwithIvanforSolstice.Something

about tables or something? I wasn’t paying attention.” I gazed down at little Tristan. He
wastoopreciousforwords.I’dforgottenhowgoodbabiessmelled.Mynextyoungestcub
was nearly four now, and our twins were eight. There was just something about a baby,
though.

“Daddy Zane! Focus! I swear, you get all zoned out with baby bliss when you hold

Tris.Honestly,Idon’trememberyoubeinglikethiswithanyoftherestus.EvenCarrots.”

She looked at me with an amused smile. Our oldest was beautiful with her striking

copperflecked,gray-greeneyesandthoselooseblondecurlsfallingaroundhershoulders.

“It’scalledhormones,prettygirl.It’sagiftfromFenristomakesurethatwedon’tkill

thepreciousdarlingswhostealallofoursleepforthefirstfewmonthsofexistence.”

“Ah.Thatexplainsit,andwhyyoukeepdoingitoverandoverwithmore.Imean,six

kids?That’salot,evenforawolf.”She’ddroppedherformalspeechthatshe’dhadwhen
shecametousallthoseyearsago,butourTrixiewasstillbluntlylogical.

“Hmm. Thanks for that, now what do you need with your Papa? Can Daddy Owen

helpyou?He’srightoutsideplayingwithMarty.”

“Where are the twins? It’s quiet around here.” Somehow, she didn’t seem at all

botheredbytherarepeaceinourhome.

“ThetwinsareupatthelodgewithCarrots.They’rehelpingtomakecookiesforthe

Solsticecelebration.Whichremindsme,youpromisedyourPapathatyou’dhelphimprep
foodtomorrowforourfamily’scontributiontothefeast.Don’tgetcaughtupinyourbook
againandforgethim,hmm?”

“I won’t.” She shook her head so hard that the curls bounced. “That’s why I need

Papa.I’mmakingtheyulelog,andIneedhimtodrillsomeholesforme.”

“DaddyOwenismorethancapablewithpowertools,Trix.Justgoaskhim.Heloves

itwhenyouaskhimtodothingswithyou.”

Trixie nodded. “That’s true. Plus, I’m already cooking with Papa Karl, so doing this

with Daddy Owen is fair. I just want it to be perfect, you know? This is my first
contributionasapackomega.”

I smiled at her earnest face. “Sweetie, perfectionist is your middle name. I’m pretty

sure that it will be the best yule log ever. Just remember not to get too attached to it. I
mean,theultimategoalistothrowitintothefire.”

Trixie’sfaceflushedasshenodded.“Iknow.ButI’mtakinglotsofpicturesofitfirst!

Iwanttocommemorateit.”Moreseriously,sheaskedsoftly,“DoyouthinkthatI’llmeet
mymatethisweekend?Therewillbealotofpeoplethere.”

I gulped down my terror at the idea of my baby girl finding a mate. “Is this what

you’re hoping will happen? You’re only eighteen, honey. You have lots of time to find
your mate. I didn’t find my mates until I was twenty-one, and Owen was my own pack
mate.Youjustneverknow.WhenFenrisorArtiodecidetoblessyouwithamate,itwill
happen. Trust them, sweetheart. Is this why you’ve been working on your cooking and
homeskillslately?”

Trixieblushedandlookeddownatherlap.“IknowI’myoung.It’sjustseeingSaraso

happy with Toby makes me want that kind of peace. Did you know that Toby is also
pregnant?Iguessthere’salotofpregnantomegasthataredueinFebruary.”

“Letmeguess,Dylanandyouweretextingagain?Who’spregnant?”

“FirstMateKai,Sy,andAries.Andthey’reallduearoundthesametime.Dylanfound

outlastnightfromhisNutterDaddy.”

Ichuckledatthatoldname.Istillcouldn’tbelieveithadstuck.AndSarabecominga

parentmademefeeluncomfortablyoldallofasudden.Ilaughedsuddenly.

“Wait,youmeanthatAriesisabouttobecomeadadagain,andagrandfather,inthe

samemonth?IbetMicahisbesidehimself.”

“Yeah,Dylansaidthathewasactingweird.Like,hewashummingandallhappy.So

weird.Aren’ttheytoooldforthat?”

“Trixie,”Igroaned.“Pleasedon’tsaythatkindofstuffwhenI’msittinghereholding

aninfant.”

“Please.You’rewayyoungerthanthoseolderomegas.”

“Isuredon’tfeellikeitmostofthetime.Andfortherecord?Thoseguysareonlya

fewyearsolderthanme,sotreadcarefully.Nowlistentome.Iknowit’shardtoseeSara
andTobysettlingdownwithoutfeelingleftout.YouandSarausedtobeclosefriends.But
yourtimewillcome,Trixiebell.Ipromise,itwillcome.”

“Whattimewillcome?”IlookeduptoseeOwenwatchingussuspiciously.Shaking

myheadathim,Idistractedhiminsteadofgoingintoit.

“Thereyouare!Trixiewasjustlookingforsomeonetohelpherwiththebigyulelog

project.Itoldherthatyoucandrillholesinthewoodforher,right?”Ibitmylipathow
manyjokeswerejustsittingtherebeggingtobetoldfromthatsentence.Isawtheflashof
amusementinOwen’seyesbeforeheturnedhisattentiononTrixie.

“Let’sdoit,prettygirl.Ashwood,right?Butwhydoweneedholesdrilled?”Owen

wasalwaysreadytogetrightintowhateverprojectTrixiehadinmind.

Trixieshookherhead.“No,ashrepresentshealthandprosperity,whicharegood,butI

wentwithpinethisyearformylog.Pinerepresentsprosperityandgrowth.Ithoughtthat
was fitting to show how our pack and the den have all grown. And the holes are for
candles.”

Owen and I both looked at her in confusion. “But Trixie,” I asked. “Aren’t we

supposedtoburnthelogitselfforSolstice?”

Trixie nodded shyly. “My log will be used as the centerpiece for the big feast on

Saturday night. I spoke with First Mate Kai, and he liked the idea of me honoring the
goddessforallofusbears.Wewillburnthreecandlesinitthroughouttheevening.”

She looked at us before continuing. “The three candles represent the three phases of

the goddess’ life: maiden, mother, and crone. So we will have a white, red, and black
candle to symbolize each phase. Papa Karl will understand, that’s why I was going to
involvehiminthisalso.”

“That’s really neat, Trixiebell. How come neither you or your Papa ever mentioned

thisbefore?Wewouldhavebeendoingthisforyears!”Ifeltbadly,thinkingI’dignored
animportanttraditionforthebearsinmyfamily,evenifIhadn’tknowaboutit.

“It’sokay,DaddyZane.Wealsodotheburningoftheyulelogthatyouguysdotoo.

I’msureifitwasimportant,Papawouldhavetoldyou.Orevenoneoftheotherbearsin
ourpack.Thecandlesareanoldertraditionthatmymother’sdenfollowed.Someofthe
more traditional bears in the den follow it too. I learned about it from hanging out with
Toby,tobehonest.Hisfamilyismoretraditional.I’dhonestlyforgottenallaboutituntilI
sawapictureinToby’sphoneofhislogfromlastWinterSolstice.”

Iputthebabyonmyshouldertoburphim,andsmiledsadlyatmyoldest.Itwaseasy

toforgetthatshehaddifferentbirthparents,andawholeotherculturalbackgroundfrom
before,whenKarl’stwinandhismatehaddiedwhenshewasyoung.Afterbeingherdad
foroverfifteenyears,Iforgotmostofthetimethatshewasn’tmyownchild,butrather
mymate’sbiologicalniece.

“Well,Ithinkit’sawesomethatyouwanttohonoryourmom’sculturaltraditions,and

I’msurethebearswillloveit.Showmewhatweneedtodo.Doesthismeanyoudon’t
needribbons,holly,andallthatotherstuff?”Owenrubbedhishandstogether,readytoget
towork.

“Oh, no! We’re still decorating it with all the other yule trimmings! I have the holly

leaves, mistletoe, and ribbons to make it pretty. The wine won’t be poured over it until
Solsticenightbeforeweburnit.”

Owennoddedproudlyatourdaughter.“Alrightthen.Showmethislogandlet’sgetto

work.”Heturnedtomethen.“CarrotscamedownandgotMarty.Shesaidthattheyare
lettingtheyoungeronesdecoratethesunandmooncookiesanddidn’twanthimtomiss
outonthefun.”

Ismiledsoftly.“Good,thenI’mgoingtogoandsneakanapinwhileyouguyswork.”

Trixie hopped up and reached for Tristan. “Here, I’ll go change him and put him

down.YoutakefivewithDaddyOwen.”

“Well,I’mnotarguingwiththat.”Igrinnedandpassedherthebaby.Trixiestoppedto

letOwenkisshercheekbeforedisappearingwithouryoungestwhilehecameoverandsat
downbesideme.

Owenpulledmeoverontohislap.Inestledagainsthischest,lettingmyheadsettlein

thecrookofhisneck.“DidyouhearthatKai,Sy,andAriesareallpregnantagain?”

Isnortedoutalaugh.“Yeah,Trixjusttoldme.DidyouhearthatAriesandMicahare

goingtobegrandfathers?”

Owenthrewhisheadbackandlaughed.“Okay.Thatone,Ihadn’theard.That’sgoing

tobeawesome.IbetAriesisfreakingthefuckout.”

“Noshit!Canyouimagine?”Iturnedtostraddlehislapandwrappedmyarmsaround

mymate’sneck.“Hey,baby.”

“Hey,Gingersnap.Howareyoufeelingtoday?Itriedtokeepthemonstersawaythis

morning as much as I could. It’s easier when Karl’s here. That dude is like the brat
whisperer,youknow?”

“That’sbecausetheyknowtheycan’twalkalloverPapaKarl.DaddyOwen?Hecan

behadwithawellchosendareandbigsadeyes.”

“Hey,it’snotmyfaultthetwinsdaredmethatIcouldn’teatanicecreamconefaster

thanthem.HowwasIsupposedtoknowyou’dtoldthemnosweets?”

Irolledmyeyes.“Thatargumenthasbeenhadandlost,babe.Giveup,yougotplayed.

By pups. But anyway, thank you for keeping them all busy. It’s hard with them out of
schoolrightnowandTristanneedingme.Idon’trememberitbeingsohardinthepast.Do
youthinkwe’regettingold?”

Owen smirked and grabbed my ass with both palms, pulling me forward so that we

wererubbingeachotherthroughourpants.“Gingersnap,aslongaswecanstillgetitup,
we’renottooold.”

“Italwayscomesbacktothatwithyou.”

“And you love it,” Owen said as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine.

Tiltinghishead,hedeepenedourkiss.Iwaslostinthesensationofourtonguescolliding
andourteethclackingtogetherwhenIheardathroatclearing.

Breakingthekiss,IlookeduptoseeTrixiestandingtherewithherarmscrossedover

herchestandanamusedsmileonherface.“Honestly.Ican’tleaveanyofyoualonefor
morethanfivesecondswithoutcomingintoseeyouroundingsecondbase.”

BeforeIcouldrespond,Owensquintedhiseyesatouroldest.“Whatexactlydoyou

knowaboutsecondbase,younglady?”

Trixie rolled her eyes and headed to the door. “Daddy Owen, I’ll be in the garage.

Please don’t make me come back and look for you. I don’t think you can afford the
therapybill.”

As soon as the door shut, I started laughing while Owen glowered. “I don’t like her

makingcommentslikethat.She’sapup.”

“Owen? She’s eighteen. And she’s already asking me about finding a mate, so you

mightwanttoprepareyourself.Ourlittlegirlisgrownup,wejustneedtoadmitit.”

“Mate? What the hell? Does Karl know about this?” His voice was rising with each

word,hisanxietyclear.

“DoesKarlknowaboutwhat,mylove?”IlookeduptoseeKarlcominginthedoor.I

smiledashepulledoffhisbrightredseasonalscarfthatCarrotshadmadehim.Karlcame
over and sat down beside us. He leaned in and gave us each a kiss, then sat back
expectantly.

“OwenisfreakingoutbecauseTrixietalkedtomeaboutfindinghermate.”Ismiledat

Karl’sblankexpression.“Iknowshe’sourbaby,butweneedtoprepareourselves.Itmay
not happen soon, but it will happen eventually. She’s eighteen, and we need to realize
that.”

“Wemayhavetorealizeit,butwedon’thavetolikeit,”Owengrittedoutbetweenhis

clenchedteeth.

Istrokedafingerlightlyoverhisalpha-gland,andsaidsoftly,“Iunderstandhowyou

bothfeel.Idon’tlikeiteither.Butwecannotembarrassher,ormakeheruneasytotalkto
us.Sheneedstofeellikeshecanbeopenwithus.Wecanfreakoutprivately,butyouboth
needtokeepyourcoolaroundourdaughter.”

“Youareright,sweetness.Iforgethowoldshehasbecome.Thisisfine,OwenandI

willkeepacloseeyeonourgirlthisweekend.Thealphasbetterwatchoutiftheycome
sniffingaroundourprincess.”

Irolledmyeyesandputahandoneachoftheircheeks.“Youtwohadbetterlistento

me, unless you want to lose your daughter. Do not embarrass her! You can be the scary
alphafathers,that’sfine.Butdon’tyoudarekeepherfromtalkingtoanyoneshewantsto
speakwith,okay?Trustme,thatwon’tendwell.”

Karl and Owen exchanged a glance. I just sighed and climbed off Owen’s lap. “You

twodowhateveryouwant,I’mnotgoingtobeapartytoit.AriesandMicahareaboutto
be grandfathers. At some point, that will be us too. Whether you like it or not, it will
happen. She’s going to need our love and support, not you two acting like fucking
cavemen.”Ithrewmyhandsupandturnedtoleavetheroom.Iturnedbacktogivethem
anexasperatedglare.Theywerejustlookingatmewithtwinexpressionsofconfusion.

“Fucking alphas,” I muttered as I stalked out of the family room and headed for the

stairs.AfterpeekinginonTristanandgrabbingthebabymonitorfromitsbase,Iwentto
the master bedroom. With one last frustrated glance toward the stairs, I shook my head
andfirmlyclosedourbedroomdoorsoIcouldtakeafuckingnap.

OWEN

Iwalkedintothedarkhouse,quietlyclosingthedoorbehindme.Ithadbeenalongnight
patrollingthewoodsasmyjobasapackguardrequired.Ididmyusualwalkthroughthe
downstairsofournewertwostoryhome,thenwentupstairsandquietlycheckedinonall
the pups and cubs to make sure that everyone was where they were supposed to be and
didn’tneedanything.

WhenIopenedthedoortoourroom,Iwenthalfhardatthesightinfrontofme.The

lights were off, but the open curtains allowed moonlight to brighten up the dim room.
Zanewasonallfours,withKarlbracedoverhiminthesameposition.

Ouromegawassotiny,andmyalphamatesolarge,thatKarlwaseasilyabletofuck

him in this way without Zane being crushed by the large alpha. It was actually one of
Zane’sfavoritepositionswithKarl;hesaiditmadehimfeelprotectedandravagedatthe
sametime.

IstoodthereforseveralminutesafterI’dshedmyclothesanddroppedtheminapile

by the dresser. Zane’s head was bent to the side while Karl sucked a trail of love bites
along his neck. I took a step to the side, and was given the perfect view of Karl’s huge
cock sliding in and out of Zane’s ass, Karl’s muscular buttocks and thighs tensing and
relaxingwitheachpumpofhiships.

After a while, I realized that I was standing there watching and stroking myself off

whenIcouldbejoiningtheparty.Igotupontheendofthebedandstoodonmyknees
behindKarl.Silently,IreachedbetweenhislegstoZane’sthigh.Iletmyhandgetsoaked
bytheslickjuicesdrippingfromhisholeeverytimeKarlpulledout.

Icoatedmycockwiththeslick,thenheldmyfingertoKarl’sduskypucker.Thenext

timeherockedbackward,heimpaledhimselfonmyfinger.

“Hello,mylove,”hesaidandkeptrockingbackandforthwithoutsomuchasahiss.I

was soon able to add a second finger, and a third, loosening him with each pump of his
hips.

OnhisnextthrustintoZane,IpulledmyfingersoutandmovedincloserasIlinedmy

cockup.Igrabbedhishipandguidedhisbodyontomycockonhisnextrockback.Karl
didhissthattime.Aloudhiss,followedbylowgrowl,buthekeptrockingbackandforth
betweenfuckingZane’sholeandtakingmycock.

IheldmyselfstillforaslongasIcould,justlettinghimrockbackandforthontomy

cock.WhenIcouldn’ttakeitanymore,Igrabbedhishipsandbegantodrillintohimwith
myownfast,rockingthrusts.

Zane was moaning in ecstasy, while Karl was groaning and pounding faster himself.

ThefasterandharderhepumpedintoZane,thefasterandharderhewasfuckedinturnby
me.MyknotwasswellingtothepointthatsoonIwouldn’tbeabletopullout.

Karlwouldbefeelingittomorrow,sincehisasswasn’tbuilttoaccommodateaknot

likeZane’s.Iknewfromexperiencethathewasmorethanfinewithit,though.Therare
occasionswhenwedoubleknottedlikethiswereoneofthetopfavoritesinourrepertoire.

I was grateful for the soundproof walls we’d installed when we’d built this place a few
yearsbackwhenKarlletoutaloudroarandcamehard.

His walls clamped tight around my swollen knot, making me see stars. Grunting, I

grabbed his hips tighter and rutted into him until the fireball zinging down my spine hit
myballs.Pressingmyselfhardagainsthim,IbellowedoutmyreleaseasIfilledhisass
withmyseed.

IleanedoverandkissedKarl’ssweatcoveredback,myhandreachingaroundhimto

strokeZane’ship.Zanemadeamewlingnoiseandgasped,“Canweallflopontheside
andspoonorsomething?Ireallywanttoliedown.Thatwasridiculous,evenforus.”

KarlandIbothchuckledandIguidedKarl,whileheguidedZane,untilwewereall

lyingcomfortablywithnobody’srimsorknotsbeingpinchedintheprocess.Thatwasan
actoffinessethathadtakenusyearstoachieve,butwemovedinsyncatthispoint.We
laid there spooned up together, with my arm around both of my mates and Karl’s over
mine.

“So,”Isaidafterwe’dallcaughtourbreath.“Doyouthinkthatwasenoughtogetus

anotherpup,Gingersnap?Imean,Tristan’salmostamontholdnow.He’slosingthatnew
baby smell. All the other omegas are getting knocked up around here like there’s
somethinginthewater.Wewouldn’twantyoutobeleftout.”

ZanemutteredastreamofcurseswhileKarlchuckled.“Itakeitthat’sanothen?”I

askeddryly.

“Youthinkyou’refunny,Owen.ButwhenIgetunstuckfromKarl’sbearsizedknot,

I’mgoingtoknockyouout.Losingthenewbabysmell,indeed.Fuckingdildoforabrain,
alpha.”

Isnortedoutalaugh.TeasingGingersnapnevergotold.“Seriously,though?Thatwas

fuckinghottowalkinon.Didyouguystimethatonpurpose?”

“Yes, Owen. Because everything is about you,” Zane said in a sassy tone. Karl

chuckledandkissedZane’sshoulder.

“Benicetohim,mysweetness.He’sonlyplaying.”Turningtolookoverhisshoulder,

Karl said, “Of course we timed that, my love. We were waiting for you. Do you really
thinkwe’dhaveZane’sfirsttimebackafterthebabywithoutyou?Docclearedhimtoday
andwedecidedtosurpriseyou.”

“Gingersnap,Itrulyapologizeforfuckingwithyou.Thatwasanawesomesurprise.”

“Apologyaccepted,babe.NowcanwerevisitthewholelettingTrixieflirtwithalphas

conversation?Itmeansalottoher,andweneedtobackoffalittle.”Zane’stoneshowed
thatthismeantalottohim.

Karlsighedandsaid,“Ofcoursewewon’tkeepherfrommeetingpeople.Butifthey

aren’tfated,theycanjustpissoffandleaveourgirlalone.”

“There you go,” I agreed. “We’ll leave it in the hands of the gods. Besides, we all

know that girl has a better head on her shoulders than any of us did at thirty, let alone
eighteen.SheandIhadagoodtimedecoratingtheyulelogtoday.Icanseewhatyouwere

sayingthough,aboutherbeingoldernow.”

Karlsniffedsoftlyandsaid,“Ilovethatsheisincorporatingthewaysofbothofour

people in the yule log. You two made a beautiful thing. She showed it to me while you
wereoutonpatrol.Iwasverytouched.”

Zane let out a big yawn. “I like that it’s representative of both our people too. Your

ways,ourways,we’renotsodifferent.ThisisgoingtobeawonderfulSolstice.Andno,
Owen. I do not need a baby in my belly for a gift. Six is just fine for me, unless Fenris
saysdifferentlyatsomepointandblessesuswithanotherone.”

Welaidtherechattingforawhilelonger,untilwealldriftedofftosleeponebyone.

Zanewasthefirsttogo,sincehegotsolittlesleeplately.KarlandItalkedalittlemore
about Trixie, until my eyelids grew heavy. Snuggling in closer to my alpha mate, I let
myselfdriftoffintopeacefulslumber.

CHAPTER5

“H

DANIEL

oney?Doyouhavetimeforabreak?Dinnerisready.”Ismiledsoftlyatmymateas

helookedupatmewithablankface.

“Dinner? Didn’t we just eat lunch? I swear, time just flies when I get in the zone.”

Lukesighedandsethistoolaside.Hestoodandstretchedhisneckfromonesidetothe
otherashelookeddownatthepileofleathergoodsonhisworkbench.

Iwalkedoverandputmyhandsonhispetiteshoulders.Iusedmythumbstomassage

the knots that he always got right between his shoulders at the base of his neck. Luke’s
headrolledforwardwithahappysighasheyieldedtomyhands.

“Howmuchmoredoyouhavetodo,honey?Thiswasanincredibleprojectthatyou

took on here. I can’t believe that you made handcrafted leather Solstice gifts for every
singlepersoninbothofourcommunities.”

It really was amazing what he’d accomplished here. Luke had spent the past two

months meticulously making leather cuffs, braided cord necklaces with star shaped
medallions,andbraidedbraceletswithsun,moon,andstarshapedbeadswoventhrough
them.

“It’sabigdeal.Thiscelebratesthetenyearanniversaryofwhenourtwocommunities

joinedtogethertobattletherogues.Noneofourpeopledied,thanksbetoFenris.Ithink
thatit’spasttimetoacknowledgethat,don’tyou?Andwithsomanyofourpeoplemated
toeachothernow,wemightaswellbelinkedasonebigcommunity.Ithoughtthatthese
speciallymade‘Romeo’accessorieswouldbeaperfectgifttocommemoratethisspecial
occasion.”

“Romeo.Istillcan’tbelieveyounamedyourcompanyafterRyan’soldnicknamefor

me.”

Lukesteppedbackintomeandtiltedhisheadbackontomyshoulder.Hiseyeswentto

theframethathungoverhisworkbench.Itcontainedsixdriedrosesthathe’dpressedand
savedfromourcourtshipallthoseyearsago.

“Ikeeptellingyou,babe.Ididitbecauseyou’remyRomeo,andyourencouragement

istheonlyreasonthatItookmyhobbytothenextlevelandfinallymadeabusinessoutof
it.”

“Maybe. But the talent is all you, honey. Now let’s give your hands a break and get

youtwofed.”Runningmyhandoverhisbulgingbabybump,Ipressedakisstohisneck

beforeturningtoguidehimoutoftheworkshop.

“So I hear that there’s a baby boom going on, huh?” Luke grinned up at me as we

walkedarminarmtothehouse.“Iseveryonehavingbabiesagain?I’mprettysurethere’s
somethinginthewateratthispoint.Eitherthatoryoualphasarealltakingsomesortof
magicspunkpill.”

“My favorite part is hearing that Micah and Aries are going to be grandfathers. A

bunchofusguysarealreadyplanningtoshowerthemwitholdmanSolsticegifts.”

Lukesnorted.“Inotherwords,you’veputtogetheraplantotormentourfriendsand

ropedyourlittlealphabuddiesintohelpyoupullitoff.”

Ileanedoverandkissedthetopofmymate’shead.“It’slikeyouknowme,honey.”

Heshotmetheside-eyeandsteppedaheadtoopenthedoortothehouse.Astheglass

door slid open, the sound of a loud argument spilled out. A shoe came flying out of
nowhereandbeamedLukeinthetemple.

Icaughthimeasilyasheswayedonhisfeet.Theroomwentsilentasthreehorrified

faceswentpale.Ignoringthem,IfocusedonLuke.Heshookhisheadandpushedmeback
asIstartedtotouchwheretheshoehadhithimtocheckforinjury.

“I’m fine, babe.” He snarled and jerked free of my touch. Luke stalked toward our

trips, who were standing around the room, exchanging guilty glances. “I want to know
whatthehellisgoingoninhere,andwhyyouhavedecidedtoactlikesavages.”

“It’sallthei—”

“Dai—”

“They’rebo—”

“Enough!”Lukestoodthere,handsonhiships.Hewasthesameheightasourthirteen

yearolds,butthatandthetwomonthbabybumpweredoingnothingtodetractfromhis
sternauthority.“Ican’tunderstandyouwhenyouallspeakatonce.Zander,yougofirst.”

Oursonlookedguiltilyatmeandbithislip.Thelittleomegadidn’tlookpleasedwith

himselfasheglancedbackatmymatewithflushedcheeks.

“I’m sorry, Dad. Zeke and I really didn’t take Daisy’s shoe, but she thinks we did. I

toldhertoaskoneoftheyoungerones,butshejustwon’tlisten.”

Daisyrolledhereyesbutwincedwhenshelookedoverathershoethatlayonthefloor

behindLuke.LukeheldahanduptoZanderandturnedtoourdaughter.

“Daisy,whyareyoublamingtheZs?Isthereareasonforyoursuspicions,orareyou

justlashingoutatthem?”

Her cheeks flushed as Daisy looked at Luke with defiant eyes. The girl was all but

shrieking as she complained. “You always take their side! It’s not fair! And it’s totally
their fault, because they were telling me last night that they look like hooker shoes and
howyouandPapawouldn’tletmewearthemtoSolstice.ThenIwenttogetthemtoshow
Annaandoneofthemwasmissing.”

Zeke piped up then. “You’re so stupid, Daisy! Dad and Papa always take your side

first!Justbecausewesaidthehookershoeswereuglydidn’tmeanwemessedwiththem.”

“Okay,let’skeepitcivil.Youknowtherules,nonamecalling.Andfortherecord,we

onlytakethesidethatwethinkisintheright.There’snoplayingfavoriteshere.Wedon’t
take anyone’s side unless you’re the one in the right.” I interrupted and walked over to
pick up the offending shoe. I held up the ridiculously high heeled, strappy, silver sandal
andsilentlypassedittoLuke.

Luketookitandranhishandsoverit,examiningitcarefully.HelookedupatDaisy

andshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhereyouboughtthis,butifyoufindtheothershoe
it’sbeingreturned.”

TheboyssnickeredandDaisyopenedhermouthtocomplain,butLukemerelyheldup

ahandtosilencethem.“I’mnotpolicingwhatyouwear.Ifyouwanttowearashoethat
you can’t walk in and then hobble around on bruised feet for days after, that’s your
business.Ihavemoreimportantthingstoworryabout.”

Hepassedhertheshoe.“Lookatit,sweetie.Theworkmanshipiscrap.Thosestraps

aregoingtobreakthefirsttimeyouloseyourbalance,whichtrustme,youwill.”

Beforeanyoneelsecouldsayanything,ourfiveyearoldtwinscamerunningin.Polly

wavedthemissingshoeoverherhead.“Wefoundit,Daisy!Itwasunderyourbed!”

Daisy’sfacewentbeetredasshesnatchedtheshoefromherlittlesisterandstartedto

stompoutoftheroom.

“Wait,” I said firmly. “I believe that you owe your sisters a thank you, and your

brothersandDadanapology,younglady.”

Shestoppedandlookedatthefloorandspokeinarush.“Thanksforfindingmyshoe,

girls. I’m sorry, Dad. Sorry not sorry, Zs. You may not have been have guilty but you
didn’thavetobecompleteassholesaboutiteither.”

Lukesighedandpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.Inapainedvoicehesaid,“Language,

Daisy.That’snotanapprovedwordinthishousehold.Gotoyourroomandmakemealist
oftenappropriateandsociallyacceptablesynonymsthatyoucouldhavechoseninstead.
Usetheonlinethesaurusifnecessary,youobviouslyneedthevocabularyenrichment.Go.
Now.Iwantthelistinmyhandintwentyminutes.”

“Butdinnerisready!”

Luke’sheadwhippedtofaceher.“ThenIwouldsuggestthatifyouwishtoeatdinner

while it’s still hot, perhaps you should go get that list done instead of standing here
arguingaboutit.”

DaisystompedoffinahuffwhileLuketurnedhisattentiontothetwins.“Thankyou

forsolvingthemysteryofthemissingshoe,girls.Youtwogowashupandgetreadyfor
dinner.”

Holly ran forward to give Daddy a hug, before dashing off with Polly to do as they

weretold.Luketurnedhisattentionbackonourtwooldest.

“Zeke,youneedtospendmoretimewithPapaandlearnhowtobeakinderalphato

youromegasiblings.You’llnevergrowuptobeagoodmateifyoucan’tbegentletothe

omegasinyourownfamily.AndZander,Iexpectyoutobemorepatient.You’reusually
thelogicalone.Nexttimehelpyoursisterlook,orcomegetmeorPapainvolvedbeforeit
escalates.I’mdisappointedinbothofyou.Nowgowashupfordinner,andmakesureall
ofyoursiblingsdothesame.Thankyou,nowgetgoing.”

Theboystrudgedoffwiththeirheadshangingdown.Luketurnedandheldhishands

out.“Holdme,babe.I’maboutthreesecondsfromgoingferalfromthislotofpupsthat
youkeepinsistingwehave.”

Ichuckledandpulledhimupagainstmychest.“Honey,I’mprettysurethatyouwere

onboardwitheverylastoneofthoselittlefuckersbeingborn.”

Luke giggled into my chest. “Language, Papa. Don’t make me force you to expand

yourvocabularytoo.”

Withagrin,Iscoopedhimupandwalkedovertothecouch.Isatdownandcuddled

himonmylap.“Areyoureadyforanotherbratjustlikethemnextmonth?”

Mymateshookhishead.“Nope.BecauseIwillhaveabrandnewbabythatisperfect,

precious,andsmellslikeeverythingwonderful.”Heloweredhisvoiceandmuttered,“The
shittyyearscomelater.”

“Truth. Okay, do you need anything from me to get the pups and food ready for the

Solstice?Iwillbeprettytieduptomorrowwitheveryonearrivingthenextday,butIcan
shiftsomethingsanddelegateifyouneedme,honey.”

“No, Ryan is coming over with all of his pups. We’re going to have the little ones

doing crafts while the older ones help us do the food for our family’s contributions. He
andIaredoingourstogether,sinceIvanisbusyhelpingyouguyssetupforthenextday.”

“Okay, as usual the omegas have it covered. Got it.” I grinned and cupped his soft

cheek. “I love you, honey. Promise you’ll shoot me a text if you need me for even the
mostminorthing.Youcomefirstbeforeanythingelse.”

“Iloveyoutoo,babe.ThisisgoingtobesuchawonderfulSolsticeevent.Iknowthat

everythingwillbebeautiful,evenifthingsaren’tperfect.”

“Yousoundawfullysureofyouralpha,honey.”

“BecauseIam.Please.Everyoneknowsthatyourplanshavebackupplansandthose

planshavecontingencyplans.”Hishandcametostrokemycheek,loveshininginthose
bigchocolatebrowneyes.

“True,youknowmewell.Wanttoknowaboutmyplansfortonight?”Ileanedin,our

lipsjustahairbreadthapart.

“Ifthey’reanythinglikewhatIhaveplanned,thenwe’llbothsleepwelltonight.”

“Mhmm.Iloveitwhenplanscometogether.”

Luke giggled. “Coming together is exactly what I’m hoping for, babe.” I rolled my

eyesathispunandclosedthedistancebetweenourlips.Brattykids,packissues,andthe
stressofpullingoffthebigSolsticeeventallmeltedawayatthetouchofhislips.

CHAPTER6

“H

OSKAR

onestly,Maxx.Itwasthecutestthing.HopeandArielsittingtherewiththeirfaces

madeuplikeclownswhileBriannepracticedputtingthehumanmakeuponthem.”

Istoodtoclearourdishesbutmymatewavedatmetositdown.“I’vegotthis,you

cookedsoI’llclean.”

“AsmuchasIdolikehavingourownhomenow,Imissthepartoflivinginthelodge

where we didn’t have to do all of our cooking and cleaning. It was nice to have other
peoplearoundtopitchin.”

Maxx stopped and leaned over to give me a sweet kiss. “I keep telling you that if

you’d let me cook more I will get better. You don’t have to do all the cooking,
sweetheart.”

“Iknow,wolf.Ialsohappentoenjoytakingcareofourfamily.”Ilookedaroundatour

pleasantlittlehomethatwelivedinnow.Itwasjustrightforourfamilyoffive.

Weweren’thomemuchanyway,thankstothegeneralstorethatMaxxandIowned.It

took a lot of our time, but we ran it together. Our kids were all in school, even our
youngest had started this year. I was enjoying this holiday break, and having more time
together.I’dbeslowingdownagainsoon,butwecouldhiremorehelpforthestore.

I sat and relaxed while Maxx did the dishes and wiped down all the surfaces with

cleaning spray and a clean towel. Even after over almost thirteen years together, I still
enjoyed watching his deceptively strong, lean body as he bent and flexed. Even while
doingsomethingasmundaneascleaningthekitchen.

“So you never said,” Maxx looked over at me with a grin, “what did you say to the

girlswhenyoufoundthemlikethat?”

“Areyoukidding?Iofferedtoletthemdomenext.Briannelookedhorrifiedandsaid

thatwouldlookweirdwithmybeard.HopegiggledandsaidthatIcouldtotallypulloff
pinkeyeshadowthough.ItoldherI’dthinkaboutit.”

Maxx shook his head. “I see. And is this something you to try? Wearing human

makeup?”

Isnorted.“Fuckno.IjustwantedtoseethelooksontheirfaceswhenIsuggestedit.I

didn’t want to make a big deal out of it and embarrass them. They’re just trying new
thingsandexperimenting,nothingwrongwiththat.”

Maxxputthelastofhiscleaningsuppliesawayandshutoffthekitchenlight.Hecame

overandpulledmeup,wrappinghisarmsaroundmywaistashelookedupintomyeyes.
“Andwhatwouldyouhavedoneifthey’dtakenyouuponit?”

“I’dhaveletthemdoit.WhatdoIcare?Itwashesoff.Besides,itmighthavelooked

good,whoknows?YouknowthatI’mnotadick,wolf.”Ismirkeddownatmymateand
wrappedmyarmslooselyaroundhim.

“No,butyouhaveone.”Hewaggledhiseyebrowsandthrusthishipsintominewitha

suggestivesmirk.

Before I could answer, the front door slammed. “Daddy! Papa! Where are you? I’m

home, I don’t wanna spend the night at Uncle Seth’s! Where are you guys? I don’t see
you.”

Maxxclosedhiseyesanddroppedtomychest,hisshouldersshakingwithsuppressed

laughteratthesoundofouryoungestchild’svoice.Pups.Theultimatecockblockers.

“We’reinhere,baby!Cometellmewhyyou’rehomeandhowyougothere.”Ikissed

thetopofmyalpha’sheadandpushedawaytogofindourson.

IheardMaxx’scellphoneringingasIwalkedoutofthediningroomandwentaround

thecornertothefrontroom.ThelittlescampwascrouchedinfrontoftheTVintheliving
room,starknakedandturningontheXbox.

“Excuseme,youngsir.Whataretherulesforbeingnakedinthehouse?”IaskedasI

bitmycheektokeepfromlaughing.

Toby put the controller down and looked up at me with a contrite pout. “To not be

naked unless I’m getting dressed or taking a bath? I’m sorry, Daddy. I forgot after I
becameaboyagain.”

“Howdidyougethome?Idon’tseeeitherofyouruncles,oranyofyourcousinsor

your sisters. Did you come home by yourself?” Before he could answer, Maxx came
walkingin,talkingonthephone.

“Yeah,he’srighthere.I’msorry,Sy.You’reright,theHollyKingprobablydoesn’tfill

thebootsofthenaughtycubsandpups.Well,youcantellhimyourselfwhenIbringhim
bytogiveyouanapologyinthemorning.Uh-huh.Okay.Thanks,Sy.I’msorryhescared
youlikethat.No,it’sfine.OskarandIwon’tblameyouatall,weallknowwhatanescape
artistthelittleturdcanbe.Yeah,okay.Seeyouthen.”

Maxxshovedhisphoneinhispocket.“TurnofftheTV,andgostartyourbath.Daddy

orIwillbeinthereinaminutetocheckthewaterlevelbeforeyougetin.”

Tobydidashewastold,hislittlefiveyearoldshoulderssaggingwithguilt.Heturned

tolookathisPapabeforehelefttogorunthetub.“AmIintrouble,Papa?”

Maxxkneltdowntoeyelevel.“Yes,Ithinkso.DaddyandIhavetodiscusshowwe

will handle this one.” He reached out and put a calming alpha hold on the back of the
pup’sneck.“Son,weloveyouandthatwillneverchangenomatterhownaughtyyouact
sometimes.Butwecan’tletyoudodangerousthings.AndyousneakingoutofUncleSy’s
cookiepartywithoutaskinganadulttocallusortobringyouhomewasaverybadidea.

Youaren’toldenoughtoberunningaroundinthedarkbyyourself,orthedaylighteither,
forthatmatter.Eveninyourwolfform,youneedagrownup.Youknowtherules.”

Tobynodded.“ButPapa!I’manalpha.RhysandDanesaidthatalphasarestrongand

decidewhattheywanttodo.I’mstrong,see?IdecidedthatIwasboredsoIcamehometo
playXbox.”Heheldupapunyarmtoshowhismuscle.IhadtowalkawayandletMaxx
handlethisone.Iwastornbetweengigglingandcuddlingthepreciouslittlebrat.

“Son, Rhys and Dane are three times your age. They are old enough to make some

decisionsforthemselves,withintherulesoftheirfamilies.Youarealittlealpha.Youhave
alotofgrowinguptodobeforeyoucandobigalphathings.AmIclear?”

Myheartclenchedatthetremblingvoicethatreplied.“Yes,Papa.I’msorry.Ididn’t

meantobebad.It’sjustthatallthosegirlswouldn’tsharewithme.”

Maxx sighed. “Okay. Tell me the truth. Were you really bored, or did you feel left

out?”

“Nobodywantedtoplaywithme!AndtheneverybodykeptsayingthatI’mgoingto

haveababybecausemynameisTobylikeSara’smate.Butalphasdon’thavebabies!I
toldthemthat,andtheylaughedatme!I’msorry,Papa.”

IturnedaroundtoseeMaxxhadwrappedhisarmsaroundourboy.“I’msorry,buddy.

I’lltalktoyourunclesandseewhatwecandoaboutthatinthefuture.Justpromisethat
next time you’ll go talk to Uncle Seth or Uncle Sy, okay? You scared everyone, baby.
You’renotintrouble,aslongasyoupromisenottoeverdothisagain.Andyouhaveto
apologizetoUncleSyinthemorning.He’sgoingtohaveababy,hedoesn’tneedtobe
upset.”

“Oh,no!DidIupsetDaddy?Idon’twanttoupsetthebabyinhisbelly!”

Maxxlookedupatmefromoverourson’sshoulder.Ishruggedguiltily.

“ThatwasthesurpriseIwasgoingtotellyouaboutlater.”Maxgrinnedandreturned

hisattentiontoToby.

“HowdoyouknowaboutDaddy’snewbaby?”

“IheardHopetalkingaboutittoAriel.Shesaidshesmelledittoday.WhycanHope

smellDaddy’sbabyandnotme?”

Maxxchuckledandstood,swingingourboyuponhiship.“Somanyquestions,squirt.

Comeon, let’s goget that bathstarted together. We cantalk in thereor you’ll never get
thatbathtaken.”

I listened with half an ear to Maxx explain the difference between his bear sister’s

noseandToby’sownwolfnose.Iturnedeverythingoffinthelivingroomandwenttopull
backToby’scoversandlayouthispajamas.AfterIhadhisroomready,Istoppedinthe
bathroom.Maxxwaskneelingbesidethetub,scrubbingsudsintothegigglingpup’sscalp
andsingingasillysong.

“EverythingisreadyinToby’sroom,wolf.I’lltakeoverafterbathtime.”Iwatchedas

hedumpedalargecupfullofcleanwateroverthepup,torinsetheshampooaway.Not
thewayIbathedthepup,butIwasn’ttheonedoingitsoIkeptmymouthshut.Ileaned

againstthecounterandwatchedmymateinteractwithourlittlealpha.

Once Toby was clean, Maxx pulled the stopper and let the water start to drain. I

steppedinwithafluffytowelandtookthewetpupwhileMaxxcleanedupthebathroom.
Bythe time Ihad Toby inhis jammies, he wasalready yawning andrubbing his eyes. I
tuckedhiminandturnedonhisnightlightbeforeturningoffthelightinhisroom.

Isatbesidehisbedandrubbedhisbackwhilehedriftedoff.AfterI’dtoldhimhow

much we loved him, I told him the legend of the Holly King and the Oak King. By the
timeIwasdone,hewassoundasleep.Ikissedhislittleroundcheekandsmoothedback
hispaleblondhairthatwassolikehisPapa’s.

WhenIlefttheroom,Ifoundthatallthelightsinourhousewerenowoff.Flickering

candlelightbeckonedfromwhereMaxxwaswaitinginourroomacrossthehall.Witha
soft smile, I closed and locked our bedroom door. Although Toby never woke up for at
leasttenhoursafterhewenttobedforthenight,Iwasn’ttakinganychances.

Maxx had a candle lit on his nightstand, and was laying on our bed fully naked. He

wasstrokinghiserectcockandsmilingupatme.“So,youhadsomenewstotellme?”

Igrinnedandquicklystrippedoutofmyclothes.Igotonthebedandpushedhishand

outofthewaysoIcouldstraddlehiships.Leaningoverhim,Igavehimaquickkissthen
explained.

“IsmelleditthismorningwhenIwokeup,butweneverhadamoment’sprivacyfor

metellyouuntilthekidsleft.AndthenIwasjustenjoyingourraremomentofalonetime,
thatIforgotallaboutit.Irememberedwhenyouwerewashingdishes,butIfiguredI’d
tellyouinbed.ThenTobyhappened.”

Maxx chuckled, his hands groping my ass and pulling my cheeks apart. “I guess the

guys are right. There really is something in the water around here. Everyone is either
pregnant or just had a baby.” His finger slid through my already slick hole while we
talked,asifheweren’tbusystretchingmeopenwhilewecasuallychatted.

“Iknow.It’sapack-widebabyboom.Areyouhappy,wolf?”Ialreadysawtheanswer

shininginhiseyes,butIwantedtohearthewords.Mywolfwasthrustingthreefingers
intomeknow,easilystretchingmeinthisposition.

“Oskar,I’mbeyondhappy.Iamthrilled.IfI’mbeinghonest,Iwasalittlejealousthat

Sethwasgoingtogetanothershotatfatherhood,andweweren’t.Iloveourkids.Andyou
knowhowmuchIlovewatchingyouswellwithlife.”Hemovedhisfingersoutandlined
hiscockuptomyrim.

“Bullshit.YoulovethatI’msuperhornywhenI’mpregnant.”Withthat,Irockedback

ontohiscock.

Maxgrinnedandthrusthishipsupintome.“Thattoo.Ilovesuperhorny,Oskar.ButI

alsolovethebabybump.Youknowthat.”

Igrabbedhisforearms,whileheheldmine.Wethrusttogetherwithslow,hardthrusts

that went deep with every pump of his hips. I bit my lip, closing my eyes as I rocked
againsthislazythrusts.

“Openyoureyes,sweetheart.Seeme.”Iinstantlyobeyed,openingmyeyestoshare

this moment with my mate. His hands shot up to grab my neck, pulling me down for a
forcefulkisswhilehespedup.Ifelthislegsmoveashebenthiskneestoplanthisfeeton
thebed.Withthat,hehadbetterleveragetodrillmeharder.

Heheldmetohim,histongueclashingwithmineashefuckedmesohardthatIwas

literally bouncing up and down on top of him. I could barely breathe between the
passionatekissandthefireracingthroughmyveinseachtimehepeggedthathappyspot
inmyass.Itriedtopullaway,butheheldmefast.Therarelyshowndisplayofhisalpha
strengthpushedmeovertheedge.

Iscreamedintohismouth,thesoundthankfullymuffled,asIshotmyloadalloverour

stomachs and chests. His fully engorged knot was stuck fast inside me. I could feel his
pleasurethroughourbondasmyclenchingwallssqueezedaroundit.Withjustafewmore
hardjerksofhiships,Maxxfilledmewithhisseed.Ifelttheheatofitasitshotupinside,
coatingmywallsandhiscockwithcumashescreamedintomymouthasI’ddonetohim.

Maxx finally broke our kiss, turning his head to gasp for breath while I dropped my

forehead against his shoulder and did the same. I stayed crouched over him for a few
minutes,pantingforairafterthatexplosiveencounter.

IlookedupwhenIfeltMaxxmoving,andsawhimstretchinghisarmoutwithawick

snuffertoputthecandleout.Mylittlewolf,alwayssafetyconscious.Oncetheflamewas
extinguished, he dropped the snuffer on the nightstand with a dull clatter and rolled us
over.

WerolledallthewayoveruntilIwasonmybackwithmylittlewolfalphaspreadout

ontopofme.Iwrappedmymusculararmsaroundhim,justthewayhelovedtobeheld
aftersex.

“We have a lot of work to do tomorrow, wolf. There is much to be done for our

family’sfoodofferingforthefeast.Butfirst,weneedtotakethepuptothelodgetosee
hisuncles.AndIneedtospeaktoSyprivately.KaiandAriestoo.”

Maxxyawnedagainstmychest,theexhaledairticklingmynipple.“Whyprivately?”

“IwanttogettothebottomofTobybeingexcludedwithouthimknowingaboutit.We

needtohelphiminteractbetter,Idon’twantoursontobealonewolf.Ifthey’reawareof
it,theycanhelpmediatewhenithappenswithoutthepupsandcubsevenknowingwhatis
happening.Also,Iwantinontheirpregnancycontest.Minewilllastlonger,butwecan
figureoutthelogistics.Withsomanypregnantomegasinourpack,Ithinktheyneedto
openitup.”

Maxx chuckled. “You just heard that Aunt Cat mediates it and you want in. Tell the

truth.Youwanttowinthosedutchchocolatesshe’srumoredtohaveboughtasaprizethe
lasttimetheydidthis.”

Isnorted.“Screwthat.Iwanttowinthemassageifshegivesthatawayagain.Those

prizes were legendary last time. I wasn’t here for the original contest, but I’ve been
hearingtheotheromegasgossipaboutitforyears.”

Mywolfyawnedagain.“Orwecouldjustgetsomenicemassageoilandyourmate

couldgiveyouthefulltreatment.Spoileralert?Minecomewithhappyendings.”

Iclosedmyeyes,readytoletsleeptakeme.“Theyalwaysdo,wolf.Theyalwaysdo.”

CHAPTER7

“I

IVAN

neverheardyousaypeacocktonight,medvezhonok.”Irubbedhisstillheatedcheeks

fromourspankingsessionduringforeplay.

“And you never will, big boy. I’ve never needed a safe word with you, and I never

will.Now,hush.Ineedtogetsomesleep,whichwasthewholepointofagoodworkout
followedbyyourfatknot.Yoursonwillbewakingmeupearly.Sixmonthsoldandhe’s
stillwakingmeupwiththebirds.”

Ichuckled,runningmyhandupmygrumblingmate’ssweatyspine.“Soyou’resaying

thatmyknotisyoursleepingaid?”

“Hasn’titalwayslulledmerighttosleep?”Ryanyawned,rubbinghischeekintomy

chestashesettledinontopofmeforthenight.Oruntilmyknotwentdownandherolled
overinhissleep.

“Yousleepintomorrow,myboy.I’llgetupwiththebabythistime.Sinceyou’renot

breastfeeding him, there’s no reason you can’t get rest. After I feed them breakfast, I’ll
havethetwinswatchtheyoungeronesuntilyouwakeup.AnnaisgoodwithbabySean.I
would myself, but I have to go help set up for the party. Some people are coming in
tomorrownight.”

“Really? You’ll get up with the baby, and get all five of our kids their breakfast?”

RyansoundedsorelievedbythenotionthatIfeltlikeanassholefornotofferingitsooner.
“I’msorryI’vebeensobusywiththeSolsticeplanning.IpromiseI’llmakemoreofan
effort,Ryan.”

“You’refine,baby.I’mjustwornoutfromhelpingwithallthebakingupatthelodge

this week. Tomorrow I’m taking all the kids to my brother’s house. We’re cooking our
foodtogetherforourfamilies’contributions.”Heyawnedagain,hisvoicegrowingweaker
witheachword.

“Justrest,myboy.Youneedit.Iloveyou,Ryan.”

“M’kay…loveyou….too…”Hedriftedoffthen,hisbreathsslowanddeep.Ismiled

andfoldedmyarmsaroundmytinymatebeforefollowinghimoffintodreamland.

“Okay,youguysknowthedrill.AnnaandOttoareincharge.AnnaislookingafterSean,
andhe’ssleepingnowsodon’twakehimup.Ihavetogetovertothelodge,butIhavemy

cellifyouneedme.Ifthere’sanemergency,wakeyourDad.Ifnot,lethimrestuntilSean
wakesuporit’stimetogotoUncleLuke’s.Gotme?”

Allfourofthemnoddedseriously.Olive,myeightyearold,camerunningovertome

forahuggoodbye.She’dbeenourbabyforyearsuntilSeanhadcomealongandsurprised
us.We’dbeenoverjoyedwithournewarrival,butwe’dbothforgottenhowstrenuousit
couldbetohaveaninfantinthehouse.

“Papa?ArewestillspendingthenightwithDadaandNanaCat?”tenyearoldJonny

askedbeforeIcouldgetoutthedoor.

Istopped,andlookedathiminconfusion.“Wasthatplanned?DidIknowaboutit?”

“No, you didn’t. Because it was meant to be a SURPRISE,” Ryan said from the

hallwaywithalookofamusedexasperationatourson.Hecameoverandstoodontiptoe
towraphisarmsaroundmyneck.

“Why are you awake, medvezhonok? I told you to sleep in.” I looked at him with

concern,butheseemedrestedforachange.

“Are you kidding? I got an extra three hours sleep this morning. This is sleeping in,

bigboy.Nowrunalonganddoyouralphathing,butgethomebysix.YouandIhaveahot
dateandanemptyhousebecauseallfivekidsaregoingtoDada’shouseforayuleparty
withhimandNanaKat.”

IsmiledintohiseyesandIleanedovertokisshim.“That’sagreatplan,myboy.And

I will definitely be here on time for it.” With one last wave to the kids, I turned and
slippedoutthedoor.

It was nice to have grandparents to send the kids to for an evening. My dad would

haveagoodtimespoilingtheshitoutofthem,whileRyanandIhadalongneedednight
ofalonetime.Todaywaslookingbetterandbetter.

Igottothelodgejustintimetoseethelargetruckfromthepartyrentalplacepulling

upinfront.DanielwaswalkingouttomeettheguyanddirecthimwheretoparkwhenI
strolledup.Karlwalkedoverandpassedmeato-gocupofcoffee.

“Here,myfriend.Ifiguredwithacubinthehousethatyouprobablywouldneedthis,

yes?”Hesmiledwearily.“Come,whilewewaittostartIwilltellyouofmylatesthorror
thatisinthenottoodistantfutureforyouaswell.”

I grinned at my old friend and took a sip of coffee. “What horror is looming in my

future,Karl?Thingsarelookingprettygoodformerightnow,tobehonest.”

Karl scowled. “Alphas sniffing around your omega children. And your mate telling

youthatyoumustacceptit.”

Iraisedmybrowsandfoughtbackagrin.“ItakeitthatmateisZane,becauseIcan’t

seeOwenallowinganyalphastosniffaroundTrixie.”

“Exactly right.” Owen joined us with a scowl matching Karl’s. “Zane says that we

can’tstopherfromflirting,becauseshe’seighteenandweneedtobeapproachable.Icall
bullshitonthat,buthemadeuspromisenottointerfereifweseehertalkingtoanyofthe
littleshitsatSolstice.”

“Yeah,Icanseewhereyou’dhaveaproblemwiththat.Yeah,she’seighteen.Butshe’s

alsoyourlittlegirl.”

“Soyouseeourpoint?You’reonourside?”Owenwasalmostfunnywithhowfierce

hewasaboutthesubject.

Isighedandrolledmyneck.“Yesandno.Asafather?Fuckyeah,I’monyourside.I

don’t even want to think of alphas sniffing around my babies someday. But as Trixie’s
former teacher? And an unbiased observer? Your girl has a good head on her shoulders.
She’salogical,pragmaticlittlebear.Ithinkshe’llbejustasabrasivetoanyrandomalphas
sniffingaroundasyou’dwanthertobe.Butifherfatedmateshowsup?There’snothing
youcandobutwelcomethemwithopenarms.”

Karlnarrowedhiseyes.“IsthisbecauseRyanwassoyoungwhenyoumated?”

Iraisedabrow.“Seriously?Comeon,man.No.It’sbecausethegodsoffatedon’tgift

us our mates unless both mates are ready for it. You don’t have to worry about this,
becauseit’soutofyourhandsanyway.Leaveittofate,enjoytheparty,andquitfreaking
out,that’smyadvice.”

Owen reached over and stole a drink of Karl’s coffee. He turned to me and nodded

then. “That’s pretty much what Zane said. Along with a bunch of shit about losing our
daughterifwe’reassholes.”

Karlshrugged.“Zaneisnotwrong,Isuppose.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Youtwoaredamnedluckythatnoomegaswerearoundtohearthis

littlechat.BecauseifyouarewillingtoacceptZane’sthoughtsnowthatanalphaechoed
them?Holyshit,you’dbothbeinthedoghousewiththatlittlegingermateofyours.That
onehasatemper.”

KarlchuckledwhileOwengrinnedproudly.“Yeah,hereallydoes.”

We got pulled away after that and put to work. The front parking lot here would be

filled up by the end of the day with all the tables, chairs, and patio furnaces that we’d
rented for the occasion. Tomorrow, the omegas of both communities would decorate the
tablesandbringitalltogether.Wewerejustthesetupandteardowncrew.

Ourentirebackparkingareaandthefieldthatranalongsideofitwouldbefilledwith

the RVs, campers, and tents of our guests starting tonight. They would all be staying
overnightonSaturday.

On Sunday, we’d all go to the big campground near their den where all of us would

campouttogetherSundaynightbeforewatchingthesunriseonMondayaswewelcomed
theSolsticetogether.Itwasdefinitelygoingtobealong,funweekend.

CHAPTER8

MIKAEL

lookedatmysonandfutureAlphaHeirashestoodnexttoTaylor.Hewasn’teven
twelveyetbutalreadyhadafewinchesonmylittleelfinmate.Alecwastheoldest
ofoursixcubs,andafinemixofbothofus.

“Okay, Mikael. We’re all ready to go, the RV has been loaded up for hours. Is there

anyreasonthatwe’restillstandingherelookingprettyinsteadofdrivingtothelodge?”

“Somelittlebratisinahurrytoseehisbestfriend,Ithink.”Ismileddownatthecub

inTaylor’sarms,mylittleDarla.Ordarling,asIsecretlycalledher.

“YouknowIam!Ourbabiesarethesameage!Wecan’twaittotakeapictureofSean

andDarlatogether.”

Ishookmyhead.“Ismellmatchmaking.Youtwoneedtoputapininthatforacouple

decadesorso.Weirdos.”

Taylorgrinnedandnoddedhappily.HeturnedtoAlec.“Hey,sweetie.Ialmostforgot!

Grab the big box on the foot of my bed, please. It’s light, just bulky. It’s got all of the
SolsticefavorsforSundaynightinit.”

Alec ran off to do as he was asked while Taylor looked around to see if he was

forgettinganythingelse.

“Youdoknowthatwecancomebackforanythingthatwe’vemissed,right?We’lljust

beafewmilesawayatthecampgroundonSunday.”

“Iknow,Ijustwanttoavoiddoingthatifpossible.Iwanttobeinthemomentaswe

allcelebratetogether.”

IsmiledandtookDarlafromhim.“Comeonthen,solnyshko.Tellthecubstogettheir

buttsintheRV,wehaveapartytoattend.”

Taylor gave me a quick hug and dashed off to start corralling our brood. I’d never

expectedtohavesuchalargefamily.Itreallywasunheardofinourculture.Butmylittle
wolfhadgivenmefivecubsandonepup.Oraswejustcalledthemall,cubs.Fourboys
andtwogirlswerealotformetotakepridein.Ijustlovedthemall,andthemanwho’d
giventhemtome.Taylorwouldalwaysbetheheartofourbigfamily.

“Whatdoyouthink,princess?AreyougoingtobePapa’slastbabytospoil?Hmm?”

Darlajustshovedherfistintohermouthandcooedatme.Preciousasshewas,mygirl

wasn’tmuchofaconversationalistyet.

Oncewewereallloadedupandheadedtowardthelodge,Taylorbegantorelax.His

monthsofplanninghadwounddownanditappearedthathewasreadytoenjoyhimself.
A fight broke out between our six and eight year old sons, and Taylor just reached over
andclosedthecurtainthatseparatedusfromtherestoftheRV.

IglancedoverathimwithasmirkasIturnedontothehighway.“Outofsight,outof

mind?Isthattheidea?BecauseIcanstillhearthem.I’llshutitdownifyouwantmeto
getinvolved,sweetheart.”

“No. They need to learn to deal with their own shit. Darla is safely strapped in and

Alec promised to keep an eye on her. As far as I’m concerned, the rest of them can do
whatever.AslongasIsaacisn’thurteither.He’sonlythree,soIsupposeIshouldworry
abouthim,right?”Hegrinnedoveratme,bothofusknowingfullwellthathewastalking
outofhisass.

With a big sigh, he admitted the truth. “I’m trying to teach those boys to settle their

ownproblems.Ifitgetsbloodyorcruel,Istepin.It’sanewthingI’mtryingwhenyou’re
notaroundtodealwiththem.”

“It’s a good plan. They do need to learn to compromise, and work things out. Us

getting involved doesn’t teach them that skill. And if things get bloody?” I shrugged.
“They’reboys,andthey’rebears.They’llhealquick.”

“I can’t believe that out of six babies, I only got one wolf. Seriously. All these

stubbornlittlebears.It’snowondertheysquabble.”

Webothsmiledaswethoughtofourtenyearolddaughter,Sadie.Shewasmyother

princess.Althoughawolf,shewasalreadyshowingsignsofbeingtall.Shewasourquiet
one. Always with her nose in a book, she was happiest when she hung out with Uncle
Walt and Uncle Pete. Sadie was an omega, but her personality was more beta. It was
interesting,givenherparentage.

Thingsquieteddownbehindusasthesoundofacartoonmoviefilledthespace.My

matelookedoveratmeseriouslythen.

“Now that we have a moment where we can talk. How are you? Does it bother you

thatI’musingtheSolsticetocommemoratetheendofthattragicmomentinourhistory?”
Heglanceddownathislapbeforelookingbackoveratme.“Imean,shewasyoursister,
Mik.Youneverspeakofher,andIwonderhowyoufeel.”

Isighed.“It’snotthatIdon’twanttotalktoyouaboutit,solnyshko.It’sthatIdon’t

wanttotalkabouther.Shewasshunnedbeforeshewentontheattack.Accordingtoour
customs,Ishouldn’tevenspeakhername.Buthonestly?EventhoughIfoundoutthatshe
wasn’tmybiologicalsister,Irememberwhenshewasasweetcub.IregretthatIwasthe
instrumentofherdeath.Butatthesametime,shekilledourpeople!Shetriedtokillme
morethanonce,andshewouldhavehappilykilledyouorAlec.”

IshookmyheadandtookadrinkofwaterfromthebottlethatTaylorhadthoughtfully

putinthecupholderforme.“IcannotregretthechoicethatIhadtomakeasAlpha.Ido
mournthelittlecubofmymemories,butnotthesadisticadult.Ifthatmakessense?”

“Itdoes,baby.Itreallydoes.SothisSolsticeeventdoesn’tbotheryou?Becauseyou

neversaidifitdid,andIfiguredyouwouldifitwasaproblem.”

Itookonehandfromthewheellongenoughtoreachoverandsqueezehishand.“No,

solnyshko. It doesn’t bother me. It is good to remember the time that our communities
cametogetherandemergedvictoriousoverthethreatthathungoverourheads.I’mproud
ofhowyouandKaibroughtallofthistogether.”

Taylorsmiledproudlyandnodded.“Thankyou,babe.Nowjustgetustherealready!

I’mreadytopartywiththewolfpack!”Ichuckledandkeptdriving.

CHAPTER9

“H

JULES

ello, Tio Raul. Welcome to our temporary home.” I smiled graciously as my tio

stepped up into our RV. Diego and Stefan were right behind him. My mates sat on the
couch,ourbrandnewsetofnewborntwinsontheirlaps.Icouldhearthetripletsrunning
outside,playingballwithotherchildren.

Mytio’sfacelitupatthesightofourtwojaguarsons.Theywerebothalphas,which

wasgoodasourpeopleweresmallinnumber.Mymateswerejusthappytohaveanother
chanceatparenthood.Colinhadsufferedamiscarriageneartheendoftheroguewar,and
wehadn’tconceivedagaininalltheseyearsuntilwebeenblessedwithourlittlemiracles
there.

Diegocarriedhisownnewborninhisarms.Hewalkedoverandsettledinbesidemy

mates,eagertogetourbabiestogether.Mytiofollowedhimover.

“Helloagain,gentlemen,”mytioallbutpurredashetookaseatinthesmallrecliner

totheleftofthecouch.Ithadshockedmewhenwe’dvisitedmyhomevillageadecade
agoandmytiohadembracedbothofmymateswithopenarms.We’dstayedintouchever
since,andevengonebackforafewvisitsovertheyears.

He’d been so happy to see me again, it was as if I’d never run off and left him to

answer for an unfulfilled mating contract when he’d tried to force me into an arranged
mating.Hehadaparticularfondnessformyalphamate,Sean.Ithinkitwasbecausethey
werebothbusinessmenatheart,butwhoknows.

“MayIholdoneofmygreatnephews?IwishIcouldhavebeenhereintimefortheir

births.Itried,butmyson’smatehadhiscubandIcouldn’tmissthat.”

Sean stood and transferred Pedro into my tio’s arms. “This is Pedro, Tio Raul. The

othercubonColin’slapisTomas.”

While my tio all but purred over Pedro, I went over to see Miss Esmeralda. “Okay,

squirt.Letmeseethelittlemissy.Sheneedstocatchherprimo’sscent.”

Diego’sfacelitupandhelookedatStefanindignantly.“See?Iamnotweird.Thisisa

catthing,Julesknows.Ouryoungneedtocatchthescentsoftheirfamily.”

“Thanksalot,buddy.”Stefangrowledbehindmeplayfully.Iturnedandflashedhima

grin.Intruth,Essiewasmuchtooyoungtoworryaboutscentingusyet,butitmatteredto
DiegosoImadeabigdealoutitforhim.Besides,thiswashisfirstlittlegirlandhewas
thrilledaboutit.

I didn’t bother to ask permission, instead I just plucked the little missy right off

Diego’slapandsnuggledtheprettyangeltomychest,makingsurethatIrubbedmywrist
underhernosetomakeDiegohappy.ThefactitpissedoffStefanwasjustabonus.Ihad
fun teasing the bear. I settled down in the other recliner across from Diego, and looked
overatStefanwhileColinandDiegofussedoverTomas.

“DoweknowwhenHectorandDrewareduetoarrive?Theydidsaythattheywere

coming,right?”

Stefan nodded. “They are, in fact they should be here in a couple hours. They’re

bringingthewholefamily.”

I whistled through my teeth. “All six of their children are coming? That’s a lot of

headstocountonatrip.”

Tio looked over and commented. “Can you imagine? They travel all over the world

withthatlittletribeofboys.Drewkeepshopingforagirl,buttheykeepgettingboys.I
keep telling him to look at Hector’s family. All boys in that line. Every once in awhile
you’llseeagirl,butnotoften.Andnevermorethanonceinageneration.”

Diegopreened.“Notallofcanbeblessedwithpreciouslittleprincessjaguarslikemy

Esmeralda.”

Colin rolled his eyes. “Come on, Diego. You had to try four times to get your little

girl.AndconsideringthatDrewhadthreesetsoftwins,he’sjustapregnancybehindyou.
Maybehe’llgetpregnantwhilehe’shereandgetyourluck,huh?FromwhatIhear,these
wolveshaveababyboomgoingonanyway.Couldbesomethinginthewateristhejoke
everyone’stelling.Whoknow?”

Diegoheldhischinup.“Thisispossible.Still,shewouldnotbemyEsmeralda.There

isonlyoneofherperfection.”

Wealllaughedatmysnottylittleprimo,exceptformytio.Hewasobviouslyonthe

samepageashissonwhenitcametohisgranddaughter.

“Alright, Kitten. Give it a rest, they all get it. Our daughter is the most perfect little

jaguarcubintheworld.”Stefanwalkedoverandsatonthearmofthecouch,drapinghis
armoverDiego’sshoulder.

Diegorolledhiseyes.“Sheisbutamonthold.Givehertimetobeperfect.Rightnow

sheismerelyangelic,mioso.”

Igavethetinyangelakissontheforeheadandputheruponmyshoulderwhereshe

couldseearoundher.

Stefanspokeupthen.“Hey,wouldyouguysmindwatchingthecubsforuswhileyou

visitwithyourtio?IwouldliketotakeDiegoforawalkandshowhimaround.”

Asifanyoneintheroommissedthelookthetwopassedbetweenthem.Iwasaboutto

fuckwiththemandtellthemtoughtitty,butColinspokeupbeforeIcould.

“Goahead!I’msureyourarelygetanyalonetimewithallthoseboysofyours.We’ll

berightherewhenyougetback.”

DiegoandStefanbothhoppedupwithoutanotherwordandallbutranforthedoor.I

lookedoverandcaughtStefan’seye.“Tryknottotaketoolongshowingmyprimoaround
onyourprivatetour.”Iwaggledmyeyebrowsonthewordknottoletthefuckerknowthat
Iknewwhattheyhadinmind.

DiegodashedovertokisshisprincessonthecheekwhileStefandiscreetlyflippedme

off.IheardSeansnort,soIknewhe’dseenit.Ijustgrinnedandletthemleave.Fuckit.It
wastheSolstice.Someoneshouldhaveachancetogetlaidthisweekend.Andwewere
stayinginanRVwithtwoinfantsandthreeelevenyearsolds.Yeah,itsureasfuckwasn’t
gonnabeus.

CHAPTER10

STEFAN

egotoutoftheRVandItossedasquealingDiegouponmyshoulder.Isaw
TonyplayingwithJules’triplets,andstoppedlongenoughtotellhimtostay
putandcheckinwithhiscousin’sdadsifhewantedtodoanythingwhilewe

were…umm…goingforawalk.IslippedthroughtheparkingareatowheremyownRV
wasparked.

IsawMikaellookoveratmefromwherehewashelpinghisfamilyoutoftheirRV.

He flashed me a knowing grin and a head shake. Fucker. Let him go a month without
getting laid only to have his father in law show up the day his mate is released for sex
again.Yeah.Notcool.

We made it into the RV and barely got the door closed before Diego was wiggling

downoffmyshoulder.Ileanedoverandsethimdown,andimmediatelybeganstripping.I
grinnedwhenIlookedoverandsawhimdoingthesame.

I barely got my underwear off when a Diego sized blur came flying at me. He did

some sort of running jump thing where all I had to do was catch him while he was
wrapping his legs and arms around me like a baby panda. His lips attacked mine with a
ferocioushunger.

Iturnedandbracedmybacktothewallwhilewekissed.Mykittenwaslightenough

toholdlikethisalldaylongifIwanted.

His dick was already hard, pushing into my abs like a steel bar. The scent of needy

arousalcomingoffhimwasheadyandhadmyinnerbearwantingtocomeroaringtothe
surface.Itriedtocalmdown,butDiegowasn’thavingit.

Those little hands were petting, rubbing, and sliding over my body while he tongue-

fucked my mouth and thrust his hips against me. I slid a hand between his cheeks,
unsurprisedtofindhimleakingslickfromhishole.Assoonasmyfingergrazedhisrim,
hestartedtopurranditwason.

Ibrokethekissandpanted,“Leanback,kitten.I’vegotyou.”

Withouthesitation,mylittlecatleanedstraightbackward.Heheldontomyarmsashe

leanedovertheopenairinfrontofme.Itookhishipsinhandandguidedhimontomy
cock.

Grabbingmymatebythearmpits,Islidhimupanddownonmycock.Diego’spurr

gotlouderandstrongeruntilhisentirebodywasvibrating.

IthrustharderandfasterwhileDiegoheldontightandmoanedlikealittlepornstar.

My knot was swelling fast. The thicker it swelled, the more I felt Diego’s vibrating

walls. I pulled him up and spun around so that his back was against the wall while I
rammedupintohimwithshortstrokes.Withmyknotfullyengorged,thatwasmyonly
option.

Diego’s purr went full blast, making his entire body vibrate: inside and out. I could

feelhischestrumblingwherewewerepressedtogether.Buthisass?Oh,fuck.Thecloser
hegottoreleasethemorehisinnerwallsvibratedaroundmyknot.

I leaned forward and nipped him on the omega-gland, right over my claim-bite scar.

Thatwasenoughtopushhimover.Asheshothisnectarovermychest,hisassclamped
down around my knot. My knot and cock were literally being hugged by those hot,
vibratingwalls.

It only took a few of those vibrations and my eyes were rolling back as I pressed

againsthimandshotmyloadallupinsidehim.MyheadfellforwardtorestonDiego’s
shoulder,whilehekeptpurringandvibratingaroundme.

AfterIfoundenoughbreathtospeak,Igaspedout,“Vibrobuttforthewin!”

Diego started giggling. Vibrobutt was my super secret pet name for him in bed,

becauseofthatfanfuckingtasticlittlevibrationtrickhedid.Apparentlyitwasjustforcat
omegas.AllIknewwasthatIwasafan.

Somehoworother,DiegoandIendeduponthefloor.Iwokeuptofindushuddledthere
inanaked,stickymassoflimbswithdimdaylightcomingin,signalingthelatenessofthe
hour.Fuck!Hadwepassedoutagainstthewall?Andhowlonghadwebeenout?

Diegodidn’twanttowakeup;hewasfeelingcrankywhenIwokehim.Ifinallyjust

got up and scooped him up with me. I took us back to the surprisingly not too tiny
bathroomandgotusbothunderthewater.

Thewaterwokehimup,andalthoughhewasbitchy,heallowedmetocleanusboth

upwhenIremindedhimthatEssiewouldbeneedingherDaddybynow.Oncewewere
cleananddriedoff,wewenttofindtheclothesthatwe’dcarelesslytossedaroundearlier.I
had just gotten my second shoe on when I heard a scream coming from right outside of
ourRV.

I flung open the door and looked out to see Pete’s mate, Walt, bent over. Diego

squeezedaroundmeandrushedovertohim.Hetookonelookandasked,“Whereisyour
mate,wolf?”

Walt groaned, “I went back to our camper to get a teabag. He’s in the lodge with

Taylor.He’sprobablyworriedsick!”

“Let’sgetyouinside,mymatewillfindhim.”

At Diego’s look in my direction, I sprung to life and went over and lifted the small

omegaman.“WhereshallIputhim?”Diegohadalreadygoneaheadofme.Irealizedas
soonasIaskedthathewantedhimonthecouchwherehe’dalreadybegunspreadingouta

cleanblanket.

I laid Walt down and Diego nodded. “Okay, I will get started here. You step outside

and call Pete. Tell him to bring a doctor. And then call Jules, let him know what is
detainingussothattheycantendourcubs.”

Whilehespatinstructions,thelittlewildcatwasalreadyinaction.Hewaspullingoff

Walt’s sweatpants and shoes. By the time he lifted the oversized shirt, I stepped outside
andwasmakingmyassignedcalls.

DocOllie,aformermemberofourden,camerushingupwithPeteandTaylorrightas

IhungupwithJules.DocnoddedandrushedpastmewithTaylorwhilePetestoppedand
staredatmeindismay.

“It’sokay,Pete.Iknowthatthisisn’thowyou’dplannedit.Butyourmateisjustfine,

andyourcubwillbetoo.”

Petegaveahesitantsmileandnodded.“Thankyou,Stefan.Andthankyouforhelping

mymate.”

HewincedasweheardWaltscreamingfrominside.Seancameuprightthen,hisface

amixofexcitementandconcern.I’dforgottenforasecondthatWaltwashiscousintoo,
sincehewasTaylor’sbrother.

Ourbears’liveshadbeensocleanandorderlywithwelldelineatedfamilytreesbefore

thewolvesjoinedourden.Ofcourse,they’dalsobroughtcolortoourlives.Ilovedevery
partofthebeautifulchaosthey’dbroughtourway.

Walt’sscreamsdieddown,andafewminuteslaterweheardacryingbaby.Seanand

PetehuggeditoutwhileIleanedagainsttheRVandsmiledatthem.Taylorcameflying
outafewminuteslater.

He came running up to Sean, tucking himself under his big brother’s arm as he

beamed at Pete. “Congratulations, Papa. Your son is here, if you want to go inside and
meethim.PetetookofffasterthanI’deverseenhimgo.Hewasupthestepsandinthe
RVbeforethescreendoorevenclosedbehindhim.

Taylorgrinnedatme.“So,Iheardyougottobeahero?Youcarriedmycousininside

whileDiegosingle-handedlysawtohimuntilDocandIarrived?”

Inodded.“Prettymuch,yeah.”

Taylor nodded. “Well, thank you. And if I forget, tell Diego thank you also. Little

Louisinthereisbeautiful,andthankfullyyouguyshappenedtobearoundinPete’stime
ofneed.”

SeanandIexchangedagrin.Yeah,ourRVwasapparentlythehappeningspottoday.

CHAPTER11

LIAM

listened as the group of wolf pups told my sons about how the Holly King would
visitthemonSolsticeNight.

Clark chewed his beef slowly while he listening. After he swallowed, Clark asked

politely,“AndhowdoyougetyourgiftsfromtheHollyKing?”

Hope,myfriendOskar’sdaughter,explained.“Thelodgecelebratesthistradition,not

all packs do. What we do is put a boot in front of the fireplace. The morning after, we
wakeupandfinditfullofgiftsandtreats.It’salotoffun.”

She spoke kindly, but with a flash of warning in her eyes that Clark not ruin the

fantasy for the younger pups and cubs that were scattered around us. Frankie and I had
chosentositatthepupsandcubstablesothatwecouldspendtimewithourfriends’little
onesthatwerarelygottosee.

ParkergrinnedatHope.“Ithinkit’scoolthatyouguyswelcometheHollyKinghere.

Heshouldknowhe’swelcomeonSolsticeNight.”

Thetwosharedaconspiratorialgrinandwentbacktoeating.Frankiejustcaughtmy

eye with a shrug. We understood that the wolf pack here enjoyed the fun part of their
tradition,itjustwasn’tonethatwehadeverchosentodowithourchildren.Itwasfartoo
muchlikethehumans’SantaClausmythformymate’sliking.AndIjustwentalongwith
whateverhethoughtwasbest,becausethat’swhatmatesdo.

I smiled as Trixie, my friend Karl’s oldest, walked to our seating area and motioned

forthepupsandcubsoftheirpacktogowithher.Theywentinalinetothefrontofthe
diningareawherewewereallenjoyingourcommunitypotluckfeast.KaiandTaylormet
themthere.Kaipickedupamicrophoneandgreetedeveryone.

Everyone got quiet and gave the two Alphas’ mates their attention. Kai smiled and

begantospeak.

“Hi, everyone! Taylor and I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for

comingtoourSolsticeFestival.Theideathatwecanjointogetherdespiteourdifferences
isatestamenttothefactthatwearestrongertogetherthanweareasindividuals.Ihope
youallenjoyedyourdayhereonourlands,andthatyouareenjoyingyourmeal.Tayloris
goingtosayafewwords,andthenourchildrenaregoingtoleadinatraditionthatwillbe
newtothewolvesandjaguarmembersofourgroup,butshouldbefamiliartothebears.”

KaipassedthemicrophonetoTaylor.FrankieandIexchangedagrinathishollyberry

reddyedhair,andhisgreenoutfit.Taylorwasalwaystoocuteforwords,asmymateliked
tosay.

“IjustwanttothanktheLodgePackforhavingusasyourguests,andtellyouthatwe

are looking forward to hosting you on our territory tomorrow. Before you leave tonight,
please come up here to the table and take a gift that was hand-made for you by Romeo
Custom Leatherworks. These are memorial pieces of jewelry made to honor our joint
sacrifices ten years ago when we fought to protect both of our communities from those
that would have hurt us. My community suffered horrible losses during that time, and it
wasonlythroughourjointunificationthatwewereabletovanquishandtriumphoverthe
rogues.”

Taylorleanedoverandchoseanecklacefromthetableinfrontofhimandsliditover

hisheadbeforecontinuing.

“Now,adecadelater,wecometogetherinmemoryofthosewelostandingratitudeto

ourgodsandgoddesseswhoprotectedusandhavegivenussomanyblessingseversince.
Bothofourcommunitieshavehadababyboomgoingon.Whichremindsme,don’tdrink
thewaterhereifyou’reamatedomega.Alltheseguysarepregnantupinhere!”

Taylorpausedwhileeveryonelaughedbeforecontinuing.

“Seriouslythough,aswejointogetherthisweekendtocelebratethelongestnightof

the year and the rebirth of the sun, let us give thanks for the blessings in our lives, the
prosperityinourcommunities,andthefertilityofourpeople.Blessingstoyouall.”

TaylorhandedthemicrophonebacktoKai,whosetituponastandandsaid,“Many

ofyoumayknowKarlfromtheden,he’sbeenamemberofourpackformanyyearsnow
withhistwofatedmates.Theiroldestdaughter,Trixie,isgoingtolightthethreeyulelog
candlesnowwhileourpackchildrenrecitetheirpoem.Forthoseofuswhodon’tknow
this tradition, each candle represents the bears’ goddess at a different phase in her life:
maiden,mother,andcrone.Thewhite,red,andblackcandlesaretoillustratethosephases.
Thewaxwillbescoopedoutlater,andTrixiewillwrapitinaclothuntilnextyeartobless
herfamily’shomewithprotection,fertility,strength,andhealth.Butdon’tworry,forthose
of us who burn the yule log itself, we will be doing that tomorrow night at our bonfire
overonthebears’territory.Wehaveabasketupherewithpiecesofpaperandpens.You
maycomebyanytimebeforeweleavetomorrow,andwriteyourwishforthecomingyear,
orthebadhabityou’dliketochange,andtuckitanywhereonthelogundertheribbonsso
thatitcanbeburnedwiththelogtosendyourmessagetothegodsandgoddesses.Thank
you.”

KailookedrelievedashesteppedasideandTrixiecameforwardandgracefullybegan

to light the candles, while the children spoke together in their clear, high voices and
recited:

“Maythelogburn,

Maythewheelturn,

Mayevilspurn,

MaytheSunreturn.”

I looked around at the adults crowded around the tables, and saw just as many tear-

filledeyesasmyown.Itwastouchingtoseetheyoungofthiswolfpackstandthereand
reciteoneofourtraditionalpoems.

Frankieleanedoverandrestedhisheadonmyshoulder.“See?Wewolvesarepretty

cool people. It’s our higher EQs, you know? We have that high emotional intelligence,
becausewe’resocialpeopleinsteadofhermits.”

Isnortedandturnedtokissmymate’scheek.“Webearsaren’tantisocial.We’rejust

pickieraboutwhowehangoutwith,babe.”

Frankiegrinned.“I’mgladImanagedtomakethecutthen.”

Ijustsmiledandreachedunderthetabletoholdmymate’shandwhileweenjoyedthe

restofoureveningwithourwolfpackhosts.

CHAPTER12

DREW

lookedoveratmymate’salmostarrogantlookingjaguarashestoodbesideme.All
around us were wolves, bears, and other jaguars. They were strolling, playing,
running,orlyingbeneaththebeautifultreesunderthestarstuddedsky.

Hector leaned over and bumped me with the top of his head, then rubbed along the

lengthofmybody.Uponesideanddowntheother,mymatemarkedmeashisown.This
washisfavoritethingtodowheninhisjaguarform.Rubuponmelikeapervykitty.

Ihadn’tbeensurehowmyoldbeardencouldpossiblytopwhatthewolveshaddone

atthatlodgeyesterday,butthenI’dbeenblownawaybytheactualcasualnessoftoday.I
wasprettysurethatwasTaylor’sdoing,becausewebearswerejustnotthishippy-dippy,
asmygranddadwouldhavecalledit.

All day, we played in the woods with the cubs in shifter form. The theme of today

seemedtohavebeenembracingourinnerbeasts.Therewereplentifulpicnicfoodssetup
andconstantlyrefreshedbyateamofvolunteers.Whenwegothungry,allwehadtodo
wasshiftandgoeatbeforeshiftingbackandenjoyingourfurformsomemore.

Hector,Jules,Diego’spadre,andevenDiego,alongwithhissonTony,hadracedeach

otherearlier.We’dallenjoyedwatchingourfelineshifterfriendsspeedalong.I’mpretty
surethatnobodywassurprisedwhenDiegowon.

My favorite jaguar moment was when Diego and Jules had tag teamed and used the

treestojumpdownandscarethecrapoutofDiego’smate.Stefanhadjustroaredatthem
andtriedtolookscary,butalittleswipeofhismate’spawhadhimbackingrightdown.

IlookedupasAlphaMikaelpassedby;itwasimpossibletomisshim.Itwasn’tjust

becausehewasthelargestbearthatI’deverseen,orbecauseofthepowerfulAlphaaura
that surrounded him. No, Mikael stood out because of the tiny white wolf that proudly
prancedalongsidehimwiththebig,bonefilledholesinthetipsofitsears.

IfI’dbeeninmyhumanform,I’dbelaughingrightnow.TrustTaylortohavefigured

out a way for his gauged ears with the bone jewelry to shift along with him. I made a
mentalnotetoaskhimaboutitlater.Inthemeantime,Ienjoyedwatchinghowhisunique
stylecarriedoverinwolfform.

Afewofthepeoplewhowerewatchingthefoodandthechildrenwerealsoincharge

ofthebonfire.Asthebonfirewaslit,Mikaelstoppedandwaitedforapowerful,almost
majesticwolftojoinhim.ItcouldonlybeAlphaJake.

The large Alpha wolf’s fur was not one single color, but rather a blend of varying

shadesofbrown,withawhitemuzzleanddark,nearlyblacktipstohisearsandtailwith
littlebitsofgraythatshimmeredinthelightofthebonfire.

Mikael’sbearwasbrownwithlittlegoldenandsilverhairsthreadedthroughhispelt.

His Alpha Mate sat respectfully beside him, down on his haunches with his neck
submissivelytiltedtotheside.

BesideAlphaJake’swolfsatanothersmallwolf.Thisonewasabrownwolfwithlittle

threadsofsilverhereandthere,alongwithhintsofauburnandmahoganywoventhrough
his pelt. First Mate Kai sat back with his neck tilted in the same submissive manner as
Taylordid.

Followingtheirexample,everyshifterpresent,eventhemightyjaguars,satdownon

theirbackhaunchesandbaredtheirneckstothetwoalphas.Asifoncue,thetwoAlphas
stood as Ivan and Karl approached the bonfire with the yule log. Young Trixie stepped
forwardwearingasimplewhitegown,andpouredaflagonofwineoverthelengthofthe
log.

As soon as she stepped out of the way, the two alphas threw the log on top of the

bonfire.Whentheflamebursthigh,thetwoAlphasroaredandhowled.Afteramoment,
wealljoinedin.Itwaseerilybeautifulandreverenttowitness,evenasaparticipant.We
howledandroaredtogetheruntiltheflamesdieddowntotheirnormallevel.

Fortherestofthenight,weshiftedbacktohumanformandputonenoughclothingas

notshockthepupsthatwerestillawake.Wedancedaroundthebonfire,sangsongs,and
toldstoriesofourdifferentheritages.

IlookedovermorethanoncetoseeHectorsmilingandlaughingalongwiththepeople

ofmyden.EventhoughI’dspentmylifewantingtoescapethistinycorneroftheworld,
itwasnicetocomebackforavisit,andtobringmyboyshere.

Thinking of my boys, I looked around for them. For some reason, I was not at all

surprised to see Clark, Kent, Peter, and Parker sitting together in alpha omega pairs.
Althoughtheywereonlytenyearsold,InoticedthatKentandPeterbothseemedalittle
tooprotectiveofFrankie’sboys,ClarkandParker.

“It’s enough to make you wonder, isn’t it?” I looked up to see Frankie taking a seat

besideme.Hejerkedhischintowardourboys.“I’vealwayswonderediftheyarefatedto
bematesoneday.”Helookedatmethen,andblushedalittle.

“I’m sorry, that’s probably a really creepy comment to make about our children,

right?”Frankiesoundedembarrassedathavingspokenhisinnersuspicionsaloud.

Ishrugged.“Weallhavetoadmitthattherewassomethinggoingonforbothofusto

haveapairofmaletwins.Andthewaythateachofourfirstbornsonswouldhavediedat
birthhadyourgiftnotsavedthem?It’salittletooTwilightZone-ish,youknow?”

WithasoftsmiletoFrankie,Iadded,“No,Iwon’tbesurprisedtofindthatourboys

end up together someday. If nothing else, they’ll all be good friends if they work at it.
They have the unique situation of being original descendant twins. That’s special, even
withoutthewholesavingthelifeofthefirstborntwinofeachsetangle.”

“Exactly,” Frankie said thoughtfully. “So, shall we try not to wait another decade to

seeeachotheragain?”

I smiled thoughtfully. “Somehow, I think that fate will decide when and where our

familiesmeetagain.”

Frankienoddedandslunganarmovermyshoulder,omegatoomega.“Wellthenlet’s

enjoy the night our families and friends have together right now and watch the Solstice
sunrisetogether.”

With a laugh, I added, “But first let’s go find our mates.” I glanced back across the

clearingandhappenedtocatchitwhenthelightofthebonfirereflectedthefaintglowof
powerintheeyesofClarkandKent.Ashiverrandownmyspine,andIwonderedwhat
exactlythefateshadinstoreforthoseyoungboys.

I brushed my thoughts aside and stood to look for my mate. Funny enough, he was

sittingacrossfromuschattingwithLiam.FrankieandIwentoveranddraggedouralphas
uptodancebythebonfire.Iwantedtoforgetforabitaboutmyconcernsforthefuture.
Instead,Iwantedtoliveandloveinthemomentandcelebrateanotheryearofprosperity,
health,andstrength.

After our long night of celebrating, we all stood in our animal skins along with our

pups that were old enough to shift and waited for the sunrise. Walt, the beta captain’s
mate, was a wolf halfling without the ability to shift. Due to that and the fact that he’d
givenbirththisweekend,Waltwatchedovertherowoftravelcribsandplaypenswithall
thebabieswhiletheparentsshiftedforthesunrise.

Asthefirstraysofdawnbrokethroughthedarkness,ourAlphasonceagainledusall

in a celebratory howl and roar as we celebrated the rebirth of the sun after the longest
nightoftheyear.Ilookedaroundatallofouranimalformsinthenewlightofthesun,
and I felt like this was the most magical Solstice I’d ever been able to celebrate. Old
friends and new friends… wolf, bear, or jaguar, together we were one united group
buildingnewmemoriestogether.

fin