Liam nodded. It was true because Gael loved Bethany, Grisham, Nick, Lindy, and Charlotte, who were all much too old and super busy playing together. But those five little ones were going to be a pack of the very best friends. “I think you’re right. I think he’s going to be a great big brother.”
He couldn’t help but think of Gael’s omega—how scary that whole situation had been. He was so lucky that he was sittinghere crying like a fool, and he had a mate and a home and friends—everything he needed. “Do you think that we should tell him about what happened to his real parents one day?”
“We will, yes. You knew them enough to give him some details, yeah? He deserves to know they loved him. That he was given to your care because they wanted him safe.”
“They deserved better than what they got. I just did my best.” He had so much guilt about why it was him who had lived, but the simple fact was he was the one who survived, pure and simple.
“I’m glad you’re here, baby. I was always looking up the mountain for you.”
“I was so glad you heard me. That day that you came, I thought for sure that Gael was done, and I wasn’t going to be far behind. I was beginning to despair a little bit.” Theo stared into his mate’s eyes. “Thank you.”
“I love you. And I feel awful that I took so long.” Liam rubbed and pushed, not too hard and hurty. Just right.
“I guess we both have things that we feel bad about, and we both feel amazing that we’re together. Right?”
“Correct. Lean back, mate, and relax.”
He just closed his eyes and did as he was told, settling back, letting Liam see him and send him flying.
It was so weird because sometimes he felt as if he was helping to lead this pack and was strong and sure and sensible and respected. And then other days were like right now when he felt like a child who was wearing his father’s clothes, trying to pretend to be something amazing that he wasn’t.
It simply wasn’t fair.
Liam chuckled. There were hands sliding up his thighs. “Are you saying you have imposter syndrome, my love?” he asked. “Think about me. I thought for all my life that I was human, even though I knew wolves and dragons existed. I always thought Iwas just normal and not magical at all, and now I have a pack? They are letting me have a pack? Is that wise?”
“Not only that, but you’re having a daughter. A little cub of your own.” Now that she was moving, kicking and rolling constantly, she was more and more real to him.
Less of an idea and more of a promise.
“Yes. At least that I feel a tiny bit more comfortable with. My parents were good to us, raised us up well, and helped us be good men.”
“Good wolves,” he corrected.
“Right. Good wolves.” Liam chuckled softly. “Our own daughter. We’ll have one of each.”
“You think so?” He had to laugh at that. “After all of this swelling, hobbling, and being miserably uncomfortable, I may just tell you no.” Which was utter bullshit. Theo knew he was never going to tell Liam no. He loved his mate too much, and the idea of having Liam’s children made him so incredibly happy that he could hardly bear it.
Liam leaned in close, whispering, “I meant Gael. But we can have two more of each. Six is a fabulous number.”
“I think you could have four through six.” He winked, even though his cheeks were warm with blood. “And, oops. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I would never tell, not in a million years. I think it’s easier for me,” Liam admitted, “because I never met Gael’s omega or his birth family. They’re not real to me. The only thing that’s real is you and him.” Liam stroked Theo’s belly with a gentle hand. “And this little one, of course. This is what’s real to me.”
Like she could sense him, she kicked him right in the middle of his palm. Bang!
Liam’s eyebrows went up and he grinned, “And that was definite.”
“It was. She loves her papa very much. Just like I do.” Theo felt so much better now, and he was sure part of it had to do with getting his feet up in the air, but Liam made things so much better, always. And now, with them together and their little one showing off her kicking skills, he just wanted to relax and enjoy this time.
“Oh, I do love that smile.” Liam stole a soft kiss. “You need to relax more. We need to spend more time together, I think. Just being together, not being so busy.”
“That’s what winter is for, isn’t it? You, me, our babies, resting. Recharging for the spring that is coming up.” It was time for this. Time for all of them to learn to be a pack, a family and together.
“Yes.” Liam bent to kiss his belly. “We’ll play games and watch movies and have long meals with the pack.”
“And then we’ll have a baby.” He patted his belly again. “It’s going to be amazing.”
Liam nodded. “It is. It’s already that way.”
