“They’re lending it to us?”
“They have a few spares, yeah.” Crush glanced at Killian. “We can borrow more for your next ones.”
Killian blushed under his fur. He couldn’t feel how many babies he had in his belly—surely there wasn’t just one? Anticipation quivered through his bones. “That’s very generous of them.”
“Pups are always important to the pack. Everyone’s excited about them.” Crush grinned. “I can’t wait to see how many we have.”
Somehow, those words made Killian grow hot all over.
“W-we should sleep,” he mumbled, his entire body fluttering under Crush’s attention.
He shifted back into a human and scooped Naddie into his arms, making his way to the crib.
Halfway there, Crush began following him, large hands snagging on Killian’s hips.
“I know I’ve only offered to help with the expenses so far. I hadn’t asked my other question because I wanted to give you time,” Crush murmured into Killian’s hair.
“What question?”
“Would you let me raise the pups with you?”
20
DO THEY FINALLY KISS??
Killian’s heart fluttered.Right now was probably too soon for that question. So many things had happened today, and common sense said he should sleep on the question before answering it.
But.
He trusted Crush. Crush had protected Killian without being asked; he had taken on the burden of killing so Killian didn’t have to do it again. For all his savagery with Killian’s pursuers, Crush’s hands were exceedingly gentle on Killian himself, warm and comforting.
Crush didn’t evenmindwhat Killian had done in his past.
Killian swallowed, his heart thumping as he gently set Naddie in her new crib.
Instead of pressuring him for an answer, Crush pulled Killian backward so his back thumped against that broad, solid chest. Strong arms wrapped snugly around Killian and held him close.
“You don’t have to give me an answer right away,” Crush said.
Was it Killian, or did the alpha sound... nervous?
He leaned forward; Crush released him easily. So Killian turned and looked Crush in the eye. Crush’s shoulders were tense, his lips thin.
Hewasnervous.
All because of Killian.
No alpha had given Killian this much power over themselves.
“Why are you nervous?” Killian asked.
Crush wet his lips and sank to his knees, carefully catching Killian’s hips with both hands. “I’m worried you’d say no,” the alpha admitted. “Maybe it’s too soon for me to ask that question. I just... can’t stop thinking about it. I want to watch our pups grow up. I want to watchyouwith them; I want to see how you would raise them. I would be helping, of course,” Crush added hurriedly.
Killian’s breath caught. He cupped Crush’s face and looked him in the eye.
“Yes,” Killian said quietly. “Of course you’re allowed to raise them with me. I wouldn’t want to deprive them of their other dad. And I don’t want to depriveyouof your pups.”
Crush’s eyes lit up. It was amazing, knowing he could bring an alpha so much joy. Killian had never managed to do that for anyone; he’d never had his opinion matter this much before.
