“He’s not from the old pack. I don’t know how he got here. I’m going to have Fen see as soon as we’re back.”
“He needs food, Kee. Soon. So does his little package.”
Theo frowned, trying to figure out who was talking. Why they were talking about the baby.
Was he dreaming? Or had he actually opened the door to this absolutely wild underground house and seen the man he’d been dreaming about outside.
And where was Gael? The baby was so weak, and Theo needed to feed him. As soon as he could get up. Right now, his eyes wouldn’t even open.
Shh. You’re okay. You’re fine. We’re going to take you down and get you warm and fed. You’re all right. The baby is fine.
Promise?He reached out, trying to find anything solid, and he felt a hand grasp his. Warm. Firm. Soothing.
You’ll be okay.
He wasn’t sure that was true, but it didn’t matter. He’d been waiting for his mate for so long, and he’d been protecting this baby, and he could finally relax now that the alpha was actually here.
Theo sighed, relaxing. He could hear the tiny hum of the baby now across the bond they shared. The child wasn’t his by birth but was his now by chance. Or fate. Whatever.
Gael deserved all the love he could bear to give and more.
The baby began to cry, and he heard the words start again.
“If we go to my house, we can get him milk.”
“Loyal’s is closer.”
There was a low growl. “You are a pain in the ass, but you’re right. Come on.”
“You take the baby; I’ll take Theo.”
“How did you know his name?”
There was a long pause. “I don’t know.”
Theo tried to open his mouth, but the one who knew his name—mate, alpha—just patted his arm.
It’s okay. Just rest.
You can hear me.
Of course I can. You’re talking to me. I’m going to pick you up. Please don’t fight me.
No. No, that was the last thing he wanted to do. Theo just wanted to float, and when his mate—Liam—picked him up, he felt warm and safe and secure. It had been so long.
Poor love. We’ll get you fed and clean and warm. Trust in me. We can fix this.
He believed that. Liam’s heartbeat sounded in his ear, strong and sure. Theo snuggled in, hoping that the other one had the baby.
He does.What is his name? The baby.
Gael.
Is he yours?
Not from my body, but he’s never known another parent. His omega was killed.Gregor had been shot, had died before he hit the ground, and Theo had saved the infant.
I’m so sorry, Theo. That sounds awful.
