Chapter Twenty-One
“Where is my favorite son?”
I set my toolbox on the kitchen counter and roll my eyes. My mother stands a few feet behind me, hands on her hips, and a glare aimed my way. She called me first thing this morning, asking me to fix the pipe that broke beneath her sink. It’s been giving her trouble for a few weeks now. I should’ve called a plumber, but I’ve been preoccupied with work and the pack. I don’t want a stranger coming into her house without me here to supervise. Not one that the DAU hasn’t vetted.
“He’s at home. In pre-heat.”
She lets out a sound of outrage. “Then what on earth are you doing here? Go home to your Omega!”
Swinging the cabinet doors open, I frown when I see the pipe hanging loosely from where it was connected to the sink. Towels line the bottom, soaking up the water that has leaked out. I think I have the parts to swap out the seals, but I’ll need to set aside time for a plumber to visit after Foster’s heat is over if Hannah doesn’t go into labor early.
“He’s fine, Mom. If he needs me, he will call.”
“If he goes into heat unexpectedly…”
“Then Hannah will call me. I promise I am not neglecting my mates.”
Only the clink of my tools fills the room as I work. At first, it seems like my mother has given up her scolding, but then her face fills the open cabinet. “Who’s Hannah?”
Shit. Right. I haven’t told her about Hannah yet.
Brooke Wilson is not known for her patience. A personality trait that served her well throughout her career as an EMT. That means that telling her about our mate and the kids before Hannah accepts her place in our pack is a no-go. Mom would roll up to the apartment, demanding to see all of them.
Sliding out from beneath the sink, I lean against the cabinets and wipe my hands on a rag. “Our last job, the one that took us to a safe house for a few weeks? The Beta woman we were guarding, her name is Hannah. And it turns out she is our Fate-matched mate.”
Mom claps her hands, a big smile on her face and tears filling her eyes. “Oh, Sheppie! That’s wonderful news! You’re finally expanding your pack! When can I meet her?”
Of course, she dives straight in. No details needed; she’s already claimed Hannah as family. This is the chaos I grew up with. A mother who was never afraid to help others, giving them a safe space to land when their home lives fell apart. As a teenager, I was grateful for her willingness to open her doors to others, but as an adult who has seen the worst this world offers, I worry that her kindness will backfire.
“I don’t know. She’s… pregnant.”
Mom’s squeal pierces the air, the sound stinging my ears with how high-pitched it is. “I’m going to be a grandmother?!” Her hand smacks into my arm, light enough not to hurt. “You should have told me sooner! When is she due? Do you need anything for the apartment? I think I still have several of your baby blankets in the attic.”
“Woman, will you chill!” She gives me a stern look, but I don’t budge. This overexuberance is exactly why I haven’t told her about Hannah and the kids yet. “Look, Hannah’s situation is… complicated. She grew up in that cult in New Hampshire. A few months ago, she ran away from her family and the man they forced her to marry. She has a four-year-old daughter, and she’s eight months pregnant. Peace and stability are what she needs.”
Mom frowns, still glaring at me. “Of course, she does. They all do! So let me help! Have you gotten what you need for the baby? I can prep easy-heat meals for after she gives birth, and I can babysit if you and Foster want to be there with her when she delivers.”
Nothing is ever easy with this woman. “I’ll mention it to Hannah. That’s the most I can promise.” Trying to end the conversation, I grab the pieces I need and slide back beneath the sink.
“So what’s my grandbaby’s name?”
“Kaitlin.”
I hear her feet pad away from me as I finish my temporary fix on her pipes. She’s up to something, but I’m not stopping what I’m doing to track her down and find out what. Running water into the sink, I grin when the pipe holds and no water leaks from the seal. “You’re all good, Mom!” I call out.
She reappears a few minutes later, after I’ve cleaned everything up. “Here, take this.” She shoves a small tote into my hands, the lid bulging at the top from the amount of stuff she’s forced inside. “No complaints, just take it!”
Tucking it under my arm, I pull her into a hug on my other side. “I love you, Mom. I’ll call you after Foster’s heat, and we can see about you coming over to meet the girls.”
“Call if you need anything!” she hollers as I drop everything into the trunk. I wave at her over my shoulder and climb behind the wheel. The arousal pulsing in my bond with Foster tells memy Omega is getting needy, so I’d better hurry home to take care of him.
Music fills the apartment when I get back. Both of my mates are in the kitchen cooking, and our princess is dancing behind them. The image of the three of them is too tempting to pass up, so I slip my phone from my pocket and snap a picture.
“Shepherd! Is you hungry? We’re making burbers!” Kaitlin shouts when she sees me, still twirling in circles.
“Burgers, Little Bug,” Hannah gently corrects. Her eyes find mine over her shoulder, and a blush spreads up her cheeks, so red that it has my brows shooting up. “Welcome home, Alpha.”
What on earth happened while I was gone? The tension in here is thicker than steel.
