“I wantyou to meet my family,” Remington said the next morning once we woke on the sandy shore. His yellow eyes were bright and clear, like he’d realized something after being deep in thought.
“The wolf pack back at the grove?” I asked.
“Yes.”
I only knew bits and pieces about them, and I’d only met a few of them personally, but they seemed like kind people. Though I had to admit, the living wild thing was still foreign to me, since I’d grown up entirely in human culture. Then again, I’d been living in a canyon for months in similar conditions, so I didn’t really have a leg to stand on. Who was I to judge how other people lived their lives?
“I’d like to meet them,” I told him with a smile. “They’re important to you, right?”
Remington nodded, his expression fierce.
“Then they’re important to me, too,” I said.
He looked relieved. “Thank you. I… I don’t have a living biological family anymore, but the pack is the closest thing I have. Since I met your father, I think you should meet the pack, too.”
“Of course,” I said, petting his head. “Plus, it’ll be nice to catch up with Xander and Sage again.”
While speaking to Remington, I noticed a different scent in the air. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
“Do you wanna head back right away?” I asked.
“I’m not in a hurry, since the baby’s not going to pop out anytime soon,” Remington replied. “But… I do want to give birth there when it’s finally time. All the omegas already have kids so they know exactly what to do. I don’t want to do it without their support.”
“I’d appreciate their help too, since I have no clue about having babies, shifter or not. We can definitely do that. Just name it, Remmy, and it’s yours.”
He smiled back at me and my heart melted. I loved when he flashed that genuine smile at me, the one that lit up his whole expression. He was no longer the moody, frowning wolf shifter I’d met months ago. He’d opened up, blossoming like a flower in the sun.
I approached the shore, where the waves gently lapped at my feet. “Guess we should say bye to Nautilus, huh? Hey, Dad!”
After our talk last night, he’d disappeared into the water again. Upon my summon, he ascended from the surface. It still astonished me to see him up close. His scales and skin didn’t look like they should go together, but they did. Part of me was glad I had two separate shifter forms, though. I don’t know if I’d love being half-and-half like him. I liked having legs. I knew he could float but I’d feel silly floating around on the grass all the time.
“Yes, my son?”
“Uh, we’re gonna go now,” I said. “It was good meeting you. Now that I know where you live, I’ll tell Mom and Nishiki to come visit you, too.”
Dad looked pleased. “Thank you.” He turned his piercing dragon eyes onto Remington. “And thank you, wolf, for making my son so happy. It is always a beautiful thing when two fated mates find each other.”
Remington blushed adorably. “You’re welcome, Nautilus, um, sir.”
After we said our goodbyes, Remington and I set off. There was a spring in my step; not just because my inner shark felt refreshed by the good, long swim in saltwater, but because of all the good things that happened yesterday, too. I’d mated with Remington (and it was mind-blowingly amazing); I’d finally met my long-lost Dad (who was also a water spirit);andwe found out we were going to have a baby together (holy shit). I couldn’t have been in a better mood.
“How does it feel knowing you’re pregnant?” I asked.
Remington smiled shyly and rubbed a hand over his belly. It looked the same as it did yesterday, obviously, but it must’ve felt different knowing for a fact that a baby was growing inside of him.
“It feels… good,” Remington murmured. “I’m just a bit nervous.”
I put my arm around him. “That’s natural. I mean, I’ve never had a baby before either, so I’m just guessing. But I’ll be with you the whole time, Remmy. You don’t have to go through this all by yourself, right?”
His mouth quirked. “Right. Thanks, Nero.”
“That said, you’re also the one doing all the baby-growing. So if you needanything, just tell me.” I puffed out my chest and purposely deepened my voice. “I’ll be a big, strong alpha and get it done for you.”
Remington snorted with laughter. “You look stupid as hell right now.”
I continued with my comically deep voice. “You don’t think I’m sexy, omega?”
“Hell no. My dick is shriveling as we speak.”
