Chapter 12
Looking through the nursery window, Alex stared in wonder at the three newest members of the Blackwood Pack. “They’re so tiny,” he whispered.
“Not for long,” Mac said, standing beside him. “Pups grow fast…soon Ian and Colton will have their hands full.”
Sawyer’s arms encircled Alex, tugging him back against his chest. “Soon, we’re gonna have a tiny one to take care of.”
Turning his head so he could see his mate, Alex asked, “Are you still panicking?”
“Hmm…no…yes…maybe.”
Shaking his finger at his twin, Mac said, “Nope…you aren’t! Trust me, you’re gonna do just fine.”
“See, wolf mate,” smiled Alex. “You do believe your twin, right?”
“Oh I see, all right…you two are teaming up against me,” Sawyer grinned, running his fingers down along Alex’s ticklish spot.
Laughing, Alex tried to wiggle out of his mate’s grasp, sputtering, “No…no…oh my gods, stop it, wolf mate!”
Grinning at his mate, Sawyer moved his hand down to Alex’s belly, gently rubbing his fingers over it. “This, sweetheart, is amazing…something I never thought about when I was growing up, but now, it’s all I can think about. Believe me when I tell you it scares the crap out of me but, at the same time, it doesn’t ‘cause I know my mates won’t let me screw up with our son.”
Alex’s eyes widened, listening to his mate. Then interlacing his fingers with Sawyer’s, he murmured, “You won’t need us because I know you’re gonna be a great father.”
“Hear, Hear!” Mac said. “Listen to Alex, brother.”
Rubbing his nose behind Alex’s ear, Sawyer whispered, “I always do. Love you, sweetheart.”
Lifting Sawyer’s hand to his lips, Alex kissed it. “Love you, too, wolf mate.”
Mac stepped back, away from his twin and Alex. The love surrounding them was intense, causing his heart to ache at the emptiness he felt. He just couldn’t avoid dwelling on it, no matter how hard he tried. It was impossible to miss the powerful connection between Sawyer, Glenn and Alex, and the bond that had developed between Hunter and Fionn. Ever since childhood, he dreamed of the day his Fated Mate would be found—the other part of his soul, someone to share life’s joys and disappointments with. Two of his brothers had found their fated mates and Mac could only hope he’d be next. He was truly happy for them, but it was hard for him to hold on to his hope since his profession kept him in remote places. Closing his eyes, Mac felt them tear up and decided to seek refuge in his office. On his way there, he heard his name being called.
“Mac!” Colton hailed, jogging toward him. “Wait up.”
Pausing, Mac glanced at his cousin. “Is Ian okay?”
“Yeah, he’s resting…well, at least he’s supposed to be resting,” Colton answered, rolling his eyes. “But knowing him, he’s reviewing your notes about the pups’ birth.”
“Ah…that sounds like somethingyouwould be doing,” Mac grinned.
Chuckling, Colton said, “I did already.”
“Why would I think otherwise?”
“Exactly,” Colton grinned.
“Right. If you’re asking about the pups…they’re doing great. No sign of any problems…even with Lilia.”
“That’s fantastic,” Colton murmured. Then, giving a quick glance over at the nursery, he blurted out, “Ian wants the pups in his room tonight. No problem, right?”
Mac’s eyebrows shot up at Ian’s request. Then shaking his head, he said, “No way…and both of you know better. First of all, being triplets, they’re smaller than usual…plus one had a traumatic birth. Yes, they’re all doing fine right now…but you know how quickly it can head south. I want you and Ian to get some uninterrupted rest tonight and if the pups are in the room, both of you will be listening instead of sleeping.” Seeing Colton open his mouth, Mac held up his hand. “Since I know how you both think, I will be staying with the pups during the night…and I promise to wake you if there are any issues. It’s the best I can do.”
Colton’s shoulders fell. “I figured as much.”
“Tell Ian to get some rest this morning and after lunch, I’ll bring the pups in for some cuddle and feeding time,” Mac said, giving Colton’s back a pat before continuing on to his office.
Turning around, Colton’s face lit up when he saw his cousin and Alex looking at the pups. “Hey guys, aren’t they the cutest pups ever?”
“They are,” Alex agreed. “Have you named them yet?”
