by L. C. Davis
"You don't sound happy about it," said Toval.
"He's going to let them put one on him instead. I don't like the idea of him suffering because of me."
"Get used to it. Dealing with shit so his mate doesn't have to is an alpha's greatest joy in life," Mel said, rolling his eyes. "It's only ten times worse when you're pregnant."
"Seems to be," Connor said, propping his cheek on his hand as he watched the beta and omega prepare for dinner. They worked in tandem, Mel offering Toval whatever he needed, whether it was a plate or a clean spatula, without him even having to ask. "It's interesting."
"What is?" Mel asked absently, setting the table.
"The differences between the three. Alphas, betas, omegas," he replied. "When you're not resisting it, it's fascinating. I've never met a pup from a beta and an omega, though. I wonder how different it'll be."
Both Toval and Mel froze in place, and a glass slipped from the omega's hand, shattering to the floor. "What?"
A sly grin spread across Connor's face. "There's no way to test for that sort of thing without putting the baby at risk, but you're far enough long now for me to tell. I thought you'd want to know..."
Toval and Mel looked at each other, stiff as statues for a moment. When the shock finally wore off, they both smiled. "Seriously?" Toval asked, looking over at Connor like he wasn't quite sure if it was a joke or not.
"I'm quite sure, yes. Your energy is unique," Connor said, taking another sip of his tea. "If you'd like a second opinion..."
"No," Toval said quickly, reaching to lift Mel over the glass and into his arms, hugging him close. "No, it doesn't matter. I mean, it does... I mean...I don't know what I mean, God, I'm just so happy," he said with a laugh.
Mel's gaze softened as he leaned in to kiss his mate. "So am I," he murmured. "I know they're all ours. I know you love Jaspar and Lucy the same as you love this baby, but ever since we met, I've wondered what it would be like to create a life with you, Toval."
"Me, too," he said with a husky laugh, slipping his hand into his omega's hair. His eyes were full of wonder as he looked Mel over, a smile permanently fixed on his lips. "Everything was already perfect, but this just..."
"It's even more perfect," Mel offered, nuzzling him.
Connor held his tongue, somehow able to resist the urge to tease them for producing enough sap to fill a jar of syrup. He really was changing. The door opened, saving him from the limits of his self-control, and the room filled with children's laughter. Jaspar and Winnie were on about some talent show they were planning at school and they ran off to play without a word. They had grown used to having Duke and Connor around, and while the former still retained the novelty of company, the latter was just another fixture in their home by that point. Connor smiled, wondering if his pup would follow after them the same way he had insisted on tagging along on whatever adventures Mel was having when they were young.
"Something smells great," Hassan said, leaving his jacket by the door as he wandered into the kitchen to greet Connor and his mates. "I see you're feeling better," he said with a smile, resting a hand affectionately on top of Connor's head before he turned to Mel and Toval who were still lost in disbelief. "What's wrong with you two? You look...stoned."
"I think I am," Toval said with a sleepy grin. Concern soon ebbed in as he glanced between Hassan and Mel. "There's uh, something we need to tell you."
Mel took Toval's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, leaning up to kiss Hassan. "Connor just gave us the news." He looked down, putting his hand over his rounded belly before looking back up at the alpha. "He sensed Toval's energy."
Hassan's eyes widened as he took in the news. Connor held his breath, wondering how the alpha would react. The smile that spread across Hassan's face as his eyes lit up left no room for doubt that his response was anything other than joy. He kissed Mel before wrapping Toval in an embrace so tight the beta gasped as the air was crushed from his lungs.
At first, Toval seemed as shocked by the reaction as Connor was, but there wasn't a trace of surprise on Mel's face as he watched his mates embrace, only a look of pure serenity.
"I'm so happy for you," Hassan whispered in the beta's ear, his hand cradling the back of Toval's head as he held him close. He pulled away only to kiss the other man's lips, and Toval relaxed immediately as all his previous concern seemed to vanish. "I love you," Hassan murmured, his voice full of adoration as he ran his thumb across the stubble on Toval's jaw, then looked over at Mel, pulling an arm around his waist. "Both of you."
"We love you," Toval murmured, nuzzling the alpha's neck in a rare show of submission. Connor had wondered how the two warriors managed to get along, but as he caught a rare glimpse into the side they usually only showed behind closed doors, he could see that they fit together as well as they did with the omega they shared.
"What is this, a sitcom?" Duke asked, letting the door fall shut behind him as the entire house seemed to fill with his energy. Connor wondered if it had always been that strong and he was only sensing it now because the mark had begun, or if it was part of the strange yet wonderful change that had come over both of them.
"You're ruining a moment," Connor teased as his alpha leaned down to kiss him.
"I'm told I'm good at that. What's up?"
"Our family is going to include another beta now," Hassan said proudly, hesitating. "I think."
Mel laughed. "Dinner's ready. Someone call the kids."
"I'll clean this up," Hassan said, grabbing a dust pan and broom to take care of the shattered glass on the floor as Toval rounded up the kids. Before long, they were all gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories from their days. Connor didn't have much of an appetite. Some days the anti-nausea pills worked better than others, but his mate's touch was always enough to soothe him. He held Duke's hand and leaned in as he allowed himself to bask in the love that surrounded him. Opening himself to feeling again had come with its share of pain, sometimes worse than he thought himself capable of surviving, but the joy made it all worth the while. Being part of a unit that loved him as fiercely as he had come to love them all.
Duke's hand settled on his stomach as it did so often and he looked up to find the alpha smiling down at him in pure adoration. "You ready to go soon?" he asked gently.
"Mh, in just a little while," Connor said, leaning in as he breathed in Duke's scent. "We have some unfinished business to attend to."
Chapter Twenty-Seven
DUKE
Mountain Ridge was a strange amalgamation of old tradition and modern practicality, so there was no one way of doing things when it came to marking. The ruling alphas of each pack had traditions they could follow if they wished, but Mitchell and Angel had shunned them in favor of a more private affair and Duke had only officially accepted the position of Southeast Unit Alpha that morning in Mitchell's office, so he felt justified in doing things the way he and his mate were comfortable with.
Outside, under the light of the moon with the forests unfolding in all directions around them, he could see why the wolves who called Mountain Ridge their home were so faithful. The lands were beautiful, but it was the people within the territory that made it a pack he was proud to be part of. A pack he would be proud to lead.
For the moment, his thoughts were on one wolf, one omega in particular. Connor had already shifted into the form of a pale white wolf, but it took Duke a long moment to process the vision in front of him. Connor's wolf form was almost spectral, an apparition too beautiful to be real, just like his human form. His pale fur glowed in the moonlight and his eyes were the same shade of stormy blue they were when he was a man. The omega stepped forward, impatient for his mate to shift.
Duke chuckled. It was so easy to read Connor those days, even though the omega rarely felt the need to hide what he was feeling anymore. Duke was somewhat reluctant to shift since he still wasn't sure what had triggered the form Hassan had taken to calling his native tongue's version of "hellhound." He ce
rtainly didn't want to shift into that form tonight and risk hurting Connor any more than the bite necessitated. It was necessary to claim his mate's blood both in their human and wolf forms to complete the mark, but he could already feel that the link between them had doubled in strength and reach since the night before. Even when he was across the pack, he could feel Connor's location and whatever he happened to be sensing at the moment.
Finally, Duke stopped procrastinating and allowed his wolf to break free as it had longed to for years. He already knew it bore no aggression towards Connor, but he wasn't expecting the overwhelming joy that flooded the beast as it loped towards Connor. The smaller wolf froze, as if he wasn't quite expecting what he was seeing, and Duke managed to stop short.
Connor's wolf sniffed the air, taking a hesitant step forward. Duke...
Duke froze, his hackles raised at the disembodied whisper that filled his mind but not his ears. Surely this was a mistake. He had never been able to communicate telepathically with another wolf, with anyone, yet he would know his mate's smooth, sultry voice anywhere.
Connor took another step forward, a bit surer of himself. Duke was surprised to see his ears and his tail lowered in a decidedly submissive posture. He had never expected Connor to submit to him, or anyone. The sight filled him with pride, but also an even graver sense of responsibility. Connor and his wolf were his to protect, and his alone. Knowing that someone who was as powerful in his own right as Connor was trusted Duke enough to submit to him was a great show of faith and an even greater honor.
Duke leaned in once he could sense that his mate's initial fear had ebbed away, nuzzling Connor and licking his cheek to show that he was still fully within control. He wasn't sure what he looked like, but it had to be a sight if it was enough to give Hassan and Connor pause. Did you speak to me?
I believe so. Is that so unusual?
It is for me. Even my pack can't usually communicate telepathically with me unless I let them. Is there an end to the surprises with you?
Connor's laughter filled his head and the white wolf chuffed. It's not me. Not just me, anyway. I'm not psychic.
Duke tilted his head. As curious as he was about the unexplained phenomenon, he wanted to complete the mark more than he wanted answers. For the moment. Connor seemed to sense as much and trotted further into the forest. Duke ran to catch up and found it easier since the size difference between their wolves was even larger than he thought.
What do I look like? he asked curiously, following Connor over to the edge of the river.
See for yourself. Connor nodded to the river. Duke hesitated a moment, unsure of whether he really wanted to know when his mate gave him a playful nudge forward. Don't be self-conscious. You're beautiful, in a way.
Duke had his doubts, and he sure as hell didn't like the idea of being 'beautiful' in any form, but when he caught sight of his reflection rippling in the water, he realized Connor didn't mean it in the pretty sense. The creature staring back at him was a monster, pure and simple, but it wasn't the grisly sight he had imagined. It was twice the size of a normal wolf with protruding fangs and eyes that seemed to glow gold. It wasn't far off from the werewolves he'd seen in comic books and old movies. He could understand now why Hassan thought he was a hellhound.
When he turned to Connor to gauge the omega's reaction, those blue eyes were dancing with amusement. Looks like I'm not the only one who's full of surprises.
Okay, since you're the genius, you tell me. What the hell am I?
That's simple, Connor said, his tail swishing playfully as he took off at a quick pace into the woods. You're a mystery.
Duke grunted. For the night, that answer was enough to satisfy him, as long as he wasn't a danger to his mate or anyone else he loved. He had no sooner caught up with Connor than the smaller wolf picked up speed and evaded him.
So that's how it was. A deep purr built in the alpha's chest as the urge to rush forward and capture his mate overtook him, but he held back, intent on allowing Connor enough distance to make the chase thrilling for them both. He had once had his doubts that Connor would be comfortable with running at all, but he could smell the adrenaline in the air and the knowledge that Connor was enjoying it as much as he was proved all the incentive he needed.
Duke had been chasing Connor for years, but tonight, he was finally going to catch him, but his wolf had waited long enough. They could both wait just a little longer to make this the hunt of their lives. After all, it was the last.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
CONNOR
"Are you sure we have to do this? Can't we just say I died?"
Duke cocked an eyebrow and looked down at his mate, clearly amused. "Don't you think it would be a little hard to keep that pretense up for the rest of our lives? What about the kid's christening? Holidays? High school graduation?"
"Christening?" Connor grimaced. "I'm agnostic, but that's not even your pack's religion."
"I'm just saying, I think faking your death is a little extreme. Besides, they're gonna love you."
Connor very much doubted that. Perhaps they would tolerate him, which was more than he could ask, but he kept his mouth shut and forced a smile as the door opened to reveal a couple that looked like they belonged on the cover of a magazine for people who went to wine tastings and went to town hall meetings. Duke's mother was a beautiful and petite omega, just like he'd imagined, and while her smile was warm and welcoming, Connor knew firsthand how good omegas could be at hiding what they were really feeling. Surely she couldn't be that happy to see her son with a former criminal. Hal was more buttoned up, but he had his son's warm smile and self-assured posture.
"There you are," Hal said, pulling Duke into a bear hug. "We were worried."
"Sorry we're a bit late, Connor got sick on the way," Duke said, leaning to kiss his mother's cheek.
"You poor thing," she said, her brows knitting in what seemed to be genuine sympathy.
"I'm fine now, really," Connor said, his smile still firmly fixed in place if only to hide his terror.
"It's good to finally meet you, Connor," Hal said, offering a hand to the omega. Connor shook it, relieved they weren't as huggy as Benjamin and the other Blue River wolves he had met last week had been. It was sweet but a bit overwhelming. Lainey shook his hand and ushered them inside.
"I've made plenty of food, but I don't want you to feel like you have to eat anything to be polite," she said, glancing back at Connor as she led him down the hall. "I remember how awful morning sickness is."
"Thanks," Connor said, forgetting how to breath when they stopped in the doorway of a living room that was full of people. There were three alphas, all of them nearly as big as Duke himself. The family resemblance was undeniable, and Connor realized he was literally the odd man out when he saw the three petite female omegas sitting at their sides. So not only was he almost certainly the only omega in the family on the Federation's most wanted list--at least, until his name had been officially cleared a few days earlier--but he and Duke were the only gay couple in the family. Fantastic.
Even though they had discovered that their telepathic link only existed in their wolf forms, Duke seemed to sense his nervousness and draped an arm around his shoulders in a show of support. "Connor, I'd like you to meet my brother Jeff and his mate Marda, Mikey and his mate Lisa, and Cole and his mate Keri."
"Hi," Connor said with what had to be the most awkward I-just-got-out-of-prison-and-don't-remember-how-to-interact-with-people wave ever.
The smiling faces that greeted him were either masks worthy of his admiration or genuine. The one he recognized as Mikey from the pictures Duke had showed him on his phone was the first to approach, giving his brother a hug. He seemed about to do the same to Connor when he stopped himself short. "Sorry," he said with a sheepish grin. "Duke said you don't like to be touched, but it's a hard habit to break."
Connor shot Duke a halfhearted glare. He knew his mate was just trying to make him comfortable, but he didn't wan
t to give this family any more reason to think he was different from them than they already had. "It's fine."
"Congratulations, bro," Mikey said, grinning as his mate came to join him. "He's cute."
"He sure is," Lisa agreed too quickly.
Connor couldn't help but laugh, relaxing a little. At least there was someone else present as awkward as he was, and he wasn't used to other omegas viewing him through any lens other than fear. "Nice to meet you both. Lisa, you're the actuary, right?"
"Yes," she said, seeming surprised that he knew. "Most people think I'm an accountant."
"Oh, I've worked with enough of both over the years to tell the difference."
"Were you ever in finance?" she asked innocently.
Connor gave a nervous chuckle. "Er, in a sense."
Mikey laughed and so did the others. Connor's face grew warm, but at least the ice had been broken. Tiptoeing around his past was always the hardest part of managing the present, but as the night wore on, it soon became clear that the Millers weren't a family of secrets. What you saw was what you got. How Duke had managed to keep such a major secret from them for so long was beyond Connor's ability to understand, but he found himself relieved for his mate as he watched them all interacting with nothing standing between them anymore.
At first, he had been sure that there was pretense in the warm smiles and effusive greetings, but the Millers were the most open and genuine people he had ever met. Hal relaxed more gradually than mate did, but the love between them and the love they had for their children was obvious. At first, even knowing them through pictures, it had been difficult to tell the Miller brothers apart, but their unique characteristics soon emerged. Mikey was the clown, always eager to make his family laugh, but especially Lisa. She teased him in return, and he proved capable of giving as good as he got.
Then there was the far more serious Cole, a prosecutor of all things. Connor had been the most nervous about meeting him, but when Connor had confessed that Duke had shown him pictures to help him tell them apart, Cole had made a joke about seeing his picture on a wanted poster. Duke had looked like he wanted to kill his brother, but Connor had liked Cole ever since. Cole's mate, Keri, was as sweet as they came and offered Connor a few tips on managing his morning sickness since she was seven months pregnant herself. Jeff and Marda were the more reserved of the four couples, and Marda seemed vaguely wary of him until they had all split up in groups. A few glasses of wine and she was laughing just as loudly at the others at Mikey's most recent attempt to put together a crib.
