There was no way Pix had been an omega before coming into this room. That meant only one possibility.
I stared at Julian, who was giggling in Noro’s arms.
“Holy shit.” I ran a hand through my hair, not knowing how to tell the others what happened. “Uh, so. Pix, it turns out I don’t have to do anything, because Julian just turned you into an omega.”
“What?” he squeaked.
“WHAT?” the others roared.
Julian was giggling harder now. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought the little shit understood the mayhem he just caused.
“How do you know?” Peregrine demanded.
“I felt inside Pix’s body with my magic, the same way I did with Bastian when I changed him,” I explained. “But there was already a womb inside Pix. I can only assume that when Julian touched his forehead…”
Everyone in the room turned to stare at the tiny baby, born only a few days ago.
Was Julian a mage, too?
And is he more powerful than even me?
“Well, that sure speeds things up, doesn’t it?” Ramsay commented with a grin. “Maybe we can bring a bunch of people in at the same time to get a group discount.”
“I mean,” I said a bit breathlessly. “I guess it’s worth a try. Bring them in.”
* * *
After a long dayof turning betas and alphas into omegas, Julian and I were wiped out.
Well, I was wiped out. He seemed to be having the time of his life. But he definitely was ready for a nap.
“Kind of advanced for a newborn, isn’t he?” Noro remarked, gently tickling Julian’s tummy as Colton held him. The father and son were brushing noses together.
“Maybe it has something to do with all the magic,” Eric suggested. “I mean, hewasborn eight months early.”
Ramsay nuzzled the baby as well. “You’re so talented. Aren’t you? Yes, you are.”
I gave Peregrine credit for staying the entire time we’d worked our magic. She was definitely more of a hands-on ruler, and more interested in her peoples’ well being than Blaze had ever been.
“Incredible,” Peregrine murmured. “Matheson--and Julian--I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for what you’ve done. Not just for us, but for all the shifters.”
To my surprise, she curled her wing around my back in a brief hug.
“I’m just glad it all worked out,” I said with a laugh.
She nodded. “If that’s everyone then, I suppose you’re free to leave at any time.” She lowered her voice. “I’m sorry again for what happened to you with Blaze. Believe me, he won’t be welcome back here if he ever shows his face again. And neither will that wolf Neil.”
I’d completely forgotten about Neil. I wondered if my magic spell had worn off by now. I kind of hope it did, because I didn’t want to be responsible for an adult man-child anymore, especially now that I had a beautiful baby to pour all my love and attention into.
“That’s a relief,” Eric said with a sigh. “That’s the last of our problems, then, isn’t it? We wolves have no grief with the gryphons now that they’re under your rule, Peregrine, and that your gryphons have omegas of your own.”
“Yes.” Peregrine smiled politely. “If you wish, we’d be happy to give you all a lift back to your territory when you’re ready to leave.”
She left the room, and I sighed as I sat back in my chair, exhausted but satisfied. I was about to ask one of my mates to give me a back massage when another knock came at the door. It was Mom and Dad, slinking inside with scheming faces.
I rolled my eyes. “You know, if you guys want to see Julian you don’t have to walk around like villains. You can justask.”
Mom ignored me and scooped him up from Colton. She and Dad immediately cooed over him, and he soaked up all the attention like a sponge.
