by L. C. Davis
“Me, too,” Kent admitted, running his hands down Nathan’s chest. With the sight of his omega half-dressed in the moonlight, it was easy to forget why they were out there in the first place. “God, you’re perfect.”
Nathan leaned in to brush his lips against Kent’s. “So are you, big guy. Now show me your wolf before we get distracted.”
Kent chuckled at the commanding tone in his omega’s voice. He finished stripping down and Nathan did the same. “You’ve seen my wolf.”
“Not in this context.”
It was a fair point. Kent shifted first, shaking out his dark brown fur as he took a step toward Nathan. The omega’s eyes widened, and for a moment, Kent worried he was afraid. “Holy shit,” Nathan breathed. “You’re big.”
The wolf chuffed and gently nudged his mate.
Nathan’s cheeks colored and he looked away, suddenly bashful. “Okay, um, my wolf’s not nearly that impressive. It’s kind of fluffy and pathetic, actually…”
Kent pressed his nose into Nathan’s hand to encourage him. The omega finally stepped back and Kent blinked to find himself staring at a fluffy white beast that resembled a dog more than a wolf. He couldn’t help the laughing bark that tore from his chest, and the fact that Nathan yapped as he snapped at Kent in protest wasn’t helping.
Kent stepped forward to nudge the smaller wolf in consolation. Nathan’s ire seemed to fade as he leaned into his mate with a contented purr. Kent took a moment to take in the sight and scent of his mate before softly snuffling the fur at Nathan’s neck. He couldn’t come close to seeing his mark through all that plush fur, but he could sense its presence and it was a reminder that it needed to be completed.
The smaller wolf seemed to be thinking the same thing. He slipped past Kent, playfully swishing his fluffy tail across the Alpha’s face, before trotting off into the woods. Kent took off after him, instinct taking over as Nathan picked up speed. At first, he was only chasing his mate halfheartedly, but while he took care not to lead Nathan into any areas where there might be brambles or other hazards, he soon found himself in hot pursuit of the omega. Kent knew those forests intimately, so it was easy to pen him in near the base of the mountains, disappearing only to reappear directly in front of Nathan when the omega thought he’d slipped away.
Surprise lit up Nathan’s eyes as he skidded to a stop, but it soon turned to satisfaction as he went to greet his mate, rubbing his cheek against Kent’s as if to congratulate him. Kent had hunted far more elusive prey, but he’d never felt quite as accomplished in his hunt as he did when the omega presented his neck. Kent nuzzled him affectionately before placing the final bite that would seal their bond as mates. He was as gentle as he could be, and while Nathan whimpered softly, the shudder that went through his frame made it clear that the bite was as enjoyable as it had been in his human form.
Kent licked the wound, curling up around his mate as the bond weaved ever tighter between them. The Alpha rested his head on top of his omega’s as Nathan slept in order to let the energy finish its work. As he listened to the rhythm of Nathan’s heart and the fainter, faster pulse that beat alongside it, Kent’s heart swelled with pride at the realization that protecting and caring for them both was now his undeniable right before every pack in the Council.
Chapter Twenty-Five
NATHAN
In the weeks that followed the completion of the mark, Nathan found that settling into life in Silver Lake was far easier than he ever would have imagined. Duke and Connor were due over that afternoon to bring the rest of his things from Mountain Ridge, and while Nathan missed them both, the space had been good in its own way. So much remained unsaid after Vance’s death, and Nathan still had a hard time getting the memory of that night out of his head. He would wake up in the middle of the night when reliving it in his dreams became too much to bear, but Kent was there every time to hold him and gently coax him back to reality.
Being Kent’s mate wasn’t something Nathan had ever even thought to dream of, but the bond between them seemed to grow stronger each day. At first, when Kent had told him about the sacrifice he’d made stepping down from his full-time military post to take on an administrative role in the pack so he could be around more often for Nathan and the baby, Nathan had tried to stop him. The idea that someone would make a sacrifice like that for him was at once heartwarming and terrifying.
As Nathan finished putting away the dishes Adrian and Adam had given the new couple as a mating gift, he saw his parents’ car pulling up through the window. Taking a deep breath, he dried his hands and went to the door to greet them. It was the first time he’d seen either of them in weeks, but Connor’s crushing hug reassured him that there was no bad blood on his end. Duke stood off to the side of the porch while the omegas greeted each other, taking an interest in the siding.
“Hi, dad,” Nathan said awkwardly.
The Alpha cracked a smile, but it didn’t touch the guilt in his eyes. “Hey, kiddo.”
Nathan hesitated, wishing he could run to hug his father like he wanted to. After everything that had transpired in that doctor’s office, he just wasn’t sure where things stood between them anymore. Duke had given up trying to take him back to Mountain Ridge, but was it only because he knew Kent’s claim was inalienable?
“Well, come on in,” he said, stepping back to let them into the foyer.
“It’s a nice place,” said Duke, looking around.
“Thanks. Kent built it.”
The older Alpha seemed to approve of that revelation. “He did?”
“Yeah. He does a lot of construction stuff around here now that he’s with the pack full-time.”
“Construction stuff?” Duke echoed, cracking a genuine smile for the first time since their fight.
Nathan snorted. “Whatever, dad. You guys want something to drink?”
“Water would be great,” said Connor.
“I’m fine,” said Duke.
Nathan showed them both to the living room before returning with Connor’s water. He sat down across from his parents and felt like he was a visitor in his own home. For a while, no one said a word.
“So, how are --?” Nathan began, cutting off when Duke spoke up at the same time.
“How’s mated life treating you?”
Nathan laughed. “It’s good. Really good, actually. Kent is amazing.”
“That’s good,” Connor said softly. “You deserve amazing.”
Nathan smiled. “So, how was the trip?”
“Fine,” said Duke.
Connor looked between them with an exasperated sigh. “This has to stop. We’re a family, and I won’t have us acting like strangers, especially not now that we’re living apart. We have to talk about this.”
“I don’t know what there is to talk about,” Nathan said softly. “I love you both, and I don’t want things to be like this between us, but I have my own family now. I’m not willing to give that up, not even for you.”
“We would never want that, sweetheart,” Connor said earnestly. “We love you so much, and we want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” he admitted, voicing the words he hadn’t yet had the courage to say. Not to his parents. “Everything that’s happened since I came to Silver Lake has taken me further and further away from ‘the plan,’ but it’s so much better than anything I could have imagined. All I ever wanted was the space to figure out who I really am and what I want, and now I know. I’m Kent’s mate, and this baby’s father, and whatever else I’ve been or become in the future, I’m never going to be prouder than I am of being those things. I found where I belong, and I’m so grateful to you both for the life you gave me, but I’m the one who has to live it. I want you both to be a part of it, like you always have been, and it would break my heart if you didn’t want to be part of this baby’s life, too,” he said, his voice cracking.
Of course, he couldn’t stay strong when he most needed to. When he needed them to understand the words it was so hard to say. Nathan
lifted his glasses to wipe the tears from his eyes and forced himself to carry on. “But this is my life now, and if you want to be part of it, you’re going to have to accept that. All of it, not just the parts that match your expectations.”
For a few moments, neither Duke nor Connor said a word. Nathan was sure he’d hurt them and he expected Duke to respond in kind, even though he knew Connor felt differently from his mate. What he wasn’t expecting was the slow smile that spread across the Alpha’s face, or the pride beaming in his eyes. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from my son.”
Nathan blinked. “You’re not upset?”
“Upset?” Moisture shone in Duke’s eyes for the first time since Nathan could remember. “Nate, I can’t recall a time I’ve ever been prouder of you, and that’s saying something.”
Tears slipped down Nathan’s cheeks and he let out a disbelieving laugh. “What?”
“I was wrong, Nathan,” Duke said quietly. “I was wrong to think you couldn’t handle this, but most of all, I was afraid. For the first time since I held you in my arms the night you were born, there was something I couldn’t protect you from. I failed you, and instead of owning up, I tried to compensate by protecting you from everything else. But you’re not a child anymore,” he said, clearing his throat. “You’re a grown man, and you’ve got a child of your own. If I succeeded in anything, it’s knowing that you’re going to be a better father to her than I was.”
“Daddy,” Nathan breathed. “You’re an incredible father. And you didn’t fail me. You guys are the only reason I know I’m strong enough to do this. All the love you’ve given me, that’s what I want to give to Kaitlyn. And I know Kent is going to be able to give her the same thing, because in all the best ways, he’s a lot like you. He’s fiercely protective ad loyal and gentle with the people he loves,” Nathan said with a small smile. “And I know he’s going to be there for her like you were always there for me.”
Duke stood and stalked across the room to pull his son into a tight hug. “I love you, Nate,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay, dad,” Nathan said, his tears soaking into Duke’s shirt. “You’re here now, that’s what matters.”
“You’re going to get sick of us pretty soon,” Connor said, coming to stand beside them. “Your old man’s already worked things out with his betas for maximum visiting time.”
Nathan laughed as Connor joined the group hug. “That’s fine by me.”
The front door opened and Kent set his toolbox by the front door, pausing when he saw the emotional display going on in his living room. “Uh, sorry to interrupt. I can go work on the nursery if you guys need more time to talk.”
“Get in here,” Connor said, grabbing the Alpha’s sleeve to pull him into the pile. “You’re going to have to get used to Miller family hugs now that you’re part of the crazy train.”
Kent snorted, draping an arm around Nathan’s waist. “I’m glad you’re both here. I know Nathan misses you more than he lets on.”
“We’ll be around more often,” Duke said, wrapping an arm around Connor’s shoulders. “I hope that’s alright.”
“Fine by me,” said Kent. “You’re both welcome in my home and my pack anytime. Unless you make Nathan cry again,” he said pointedly, holding Duke’s gaze. “Then we’re gonna have an issue.”
Duke returned the other Alpha’s stare before finally snorting out a laugh. “Nathan and I have made our peace, but I owe you an apology, too. And my thanks. You stepped in and took care of him the way an Alpha should care for his mate, and for that, you have my respect.”
“I appreciate that,” Kent said with a nod. “Feel like helping me out on the grill?”
“Is that what you call that contraption out back?” Duke scoffed, following Kent toward the sliding glass doors. “We’d have better luck lighting a few twigs.”
“Hey, that thing is a classic. You don’t need bells and whistles to grill a perfect steak,” Kent shot back. Nathan rolled his eyes at the sounds of muffled bickering as the Alphas went to prepare dinner.
“Alphas,” Nathan muttered.
Connor snickered, linking his arm with Nathan’s as he led the younger omega out onto the newly finished porch. “You can say that again.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
KENT
“How do you have time for all these projects?” Adam asked, watching as Kent finished applying the last of the sealant to Kaitlyn’s crib. The nursery was finally finished, and not a day too soon, since Nathan had already passed his due date.
“Running this pack isn’t nearly as hard as you let on,” Kent snorted. “Besides, Nathan has been nesting like crazy, so I need something to occupy myself with to keep out of his hair.”
“I hear that,” Adam laughed. “Adrian wouldn’t let me touch them for a month after Dayton was born.”
“You know that’s actually doctor’s orders, right?” Kent rolled his eyes, but he knew he’d have just as much of a hard time waiting. There wasn’t a night that had passed since his mating with Nathan that either one of them had been able to keep their hands off the other. There had been a time when Kent had thought finding a mate who wanted him as much as the Alpha wanted his omega was a pipe dream, but the love he shared with Nathan seemed to grow inexplicably and exponentially. Just as Kent had convinced himself it wasn’t possible to love someone any more than he already loved Nathan, a look would come into the omega’s eyes or an intonation to his voice and Kent would fall even harder.
Thinking of Nathan was always enough to make Kent miss him, but that afternoon, the omega was spending time with his parents in town. They were getting a head start on spoiling the grandchild, and while having Nathan out shopping grated against Kent’s instinctive need to keep his very pregnant mate close to the den, he knew the shopping center was closer to Dr. Williams’ office and Duke and Connor were the only wolves he trusted to look after his mate as he would.
After all, they had loved him first.
“Hang on a sec,” Kent said, taking out his cell phone as it buzzed in his pocket. He had gone from mocking the other Alphas who acted like their phones were attached to their hands to being one of them, but it was a small tradeoff. “Everything alright?”
Connor laughed on the other end. “Everything is fine, but I hope you got that nursery finished, because you’re about to need it.”
Kent’s tools fell to the floor with a clatter. “He’s in labor?”
“The contractions just started, so I’m sure there’s a long way to go before the actual labor starts, but --”
“Where are you?” Kent demanded, flying past his brother and down the stairs.
“We’re on the way to the hospital,” said Connor. “Don’t you dare get behind the wheel of that car. I know how you Alphas are when it comes to these things, and you’re in no condition to drive.”
Kent stopped short with the keys to his SUV in his hand. Sometimes he was sure his father-in-law was psychic, which just wasn’t fair. The omega was more than intimidating enough on his own.
“You’re driving, Nathan’s having the baby,” Kent said, tossing his keys to Adam.
The Alpha climbed into the SUV without a word and for the moment, he was Kent’s second-in-command rather than the other way around.
Adam offered to park the car so Kent could go right into the hospital and Kent flew out of the car before it had even rolled to a stop at the curb. A nurse caught him on his way down the hall, redirecting him from the gift shop to the maternity ward. The moment Kent reached the door and saw Nathan smiling, surrounded by his parents in the comfortable private suite, the Alpha finally remembered how to breathe.
“Is everything alright?” Kent asked, going to Nathan’s side. “I came as soon as I could.”
“We know,” Connor said dryly, holding up his phone. “You forgot to hang up, so we all got to hear you hyperventilating on the ride over.”
Kent was too high on adrenaline and exc
itement to be embarrassed. He took Nathan’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “How far apart are the contractions?”
“Not far,” Nathan laughed. “Dr. Williams said we didn’t even need to come in yet, but you’re not the only paranoid Alpha in the room,” he said, giving Duke a pointed look.
The older Alpha shrugged unapologetically. “Better safe than sorry.”
In the months that had elapsed since Nathan and Kent’s mating, Duke had done a one-eighty in terms of his attitude toward the pregnancy. He had kept his promise to visit as often as possible, and while Kent was starting to feel like he should have added on a few hundred more square feet to the house, he was thrilled that his mate had restored his happy relations with his parents. They were as close as Kent was to Barnabas and Cameron, and Kent was actually starting to get used to going downstairs in the middle of the night to find Cutter sitting at his kitchen counter, sipping tea.
While the baby might have been the source of the family’s conflict in the beginning, she had become a source of joy and excitement that united them all. Kent could tell that Duke and Connor both needed the distraction from the trouble brewing in Europe once again, but he had never been more relieved to have his own energy focused closer to home. For the first time, the Alpha could honestly say that he’d had his fill of the battlefield. While the war had once been the thing that gave him purpose, he found other things far more fulfilling those days. From the massive joint family gatherings filled with laughter and gentle teasing to the quiet moments he spent snuggled up with Nathan at night while the omega read aloud to him. It was always some book on politics or science that went far over Kent’s head, but it didn’t matter what the subject was, he simply enjoyed hearing the words on Nathan’s tongue.
As the hours passed in that hospital room, Barnabas and Came to show their support and welcome their newest grandchild into the world. While it was relatively common for an Alpha to get kicked out of his own child’s delivery room, Kent was relieved when Nathan asked him to stay. Connor remained as well, if only because the nurses and doctors didn’t dare ask him to leave.
