Claiming my seat beside Shepherd and across from Foster, I bite back a laugh when he takes the baby from Omen, and she pouts. Yeah, these two are going to be baby hogs. Shep points to her plate with a raised brow and slides the baby into his swing. With his hands free, he piles fries onto my plate alongside his homemade chicken tenders. Nervousness makes it impossible for me to eat, so I watch as everyone else digs into their food.
“So…” I hedge, fingers drumming against my thighs beneath the table. With how hard my heart is pounding, there is a small chance I might pass out before I can tell them. Omen slides her hand onto my arm and squeezes, quietly reassuring me. I steal a bit of her strength and straighten my spine. “The baby’s name is Everett. Everett Alexander Wilson.”
I hear one of my sister’s mates hiss out a breath, but I can’t turn to find out who. My gaze is locked on Foster, who has a fry raised halfway to his mouth and stares at me with teary eyes.Is he mad? Fates, I hope he’s not.
“Good.” I nearly jolt out of my seat when Shepherd speaks. That one word shocks me.
“Y-you’re not upset?”
“No. In fact, we’ll get Kaitlin’s name changed, too.” He takes another bite, unhindered by my admission. He doesn’t care? Not in a bad way, but like… he accepted my choice that easily? No arguments or scolding for not letting him file the paperwork?
…have I been waiting for him to react the way Colin would?
“Foster?” I question, glancing back at my Omega, who still hasn’t moved.Did I break him?
His chair scrapes against the floor as he shoves to his feet and rounds the table. His lips slam onto mine, devouring me in a kiss that sets off fireworks in my mind and builds wetness between my thighs. He kisses me like he’s depending on me for his next breath. My jaw hangs open when he pulls away, long fingerstucking my hair behind my ear. “It’s perfect. I love it, and I love you.”
A response sits on my tongue, but it disappears when Kaitlin interrupts. “Kaity has kisses, too?” She pouts, presenting her cheek to him expectantly. He presses a sloppy kiss to her forehead and tickles her sides, making her squeal in delight. It breaks the tension hovering in the kitchen, restarting their conversations.
I stare down at my plate, smiling softly. This is…everything.Their reactions, the unconditional love they’ve gifted us, and this family we’ve built together. Our love has changed me, allowing me to rise from the ashes of my father’s cult and forced marriage. I’ve been reforged by Fate.
After lunch, Omen’s mates take their turns holding the baby. It’s clear they have more experience than my sister, and watching her pout when she sees them holding the baby is too cute. I steal her away to build blocks with Kait, giving us a chance to talk.
“How are you doing? Really?” I ask, passing Kaitlin another magnetic tile for her castle.
“I’m wonderful. Things may not be perfect, but they’re trying. That’s what matters.” The love in her eyes as she looks at her pack pinches my heart. If I hadn’t joined the DAU as an informant, we never would have had this future. This happiness.
The only regrets I have in this life are being unable to get her out of Whitlan sooner and staying after I found out I was pregnant with Kaitlin.
“We met someone. Another mate. He doesn’t share our Fated connection, but he’s still ours. Or we want him to be.” I stumble over my words, trying to find a way to explain what Manny means to us.
“That’s wonderful, Hannah! When can I meet him?”
Grinning, I admit she already has. “Manny, your mate’s producer at the label.”
Her jaw drops, joy lighting up her mossy green eyes. “No way! That’s even better! He’s a great guy! I can see how perfectly he would fit into your pack.” She bumps her shoulder against mine. “I’m happy you have them. After everything you did in Whitlan to stop our family… You deserve all the love this world has to offer.”
With my mates and our kids, I think I’m starting to believe her.
Chapter Thirty-One
Two daysafter learning that Colin’s parents are trying to fight me for custody of my children, Lilah calls. “I have good news! Their case has been dismissed. Which is what we were hoping would happen, but it’s official. The Boyds do not have the legal merit to proceed, especially with you and the children registered as members of Pack Wilson.”
“Can they ask a different judge?” I’m hesitant to celebrate when every time I think we’re free, they reappear and throw another landmine in our path.
“Technically, yes. However, I wouldn’t worry too much. Significant evidence of abuse is the only way they could convince a federal judge to hear their case. If they repeatedly try to file these claims, we will file a harassment suit against them.”
Hearing her speak confidently as she lays out our contingency plans for any future custody battles, my worry fades away. I trust Lilah to protect us using every legal option she can. “Thanks, Lilah. You’ve been a blessing through this process.” She waves off my praise, promising this is the type of fight she lives for.
I hang up with her and sink back against the couch, letting my eyes slip closed for a few moments. Strong arms wrap aroundme, one beneath my knees, the other across my back, and I’m lifted into the air. Blinking, I see Shepherd’s face a few inches above mine. My eyes slip closed, face resting in the crook of his neck as he carries me into the bedroom.
“Sleep, Wildfire,” he whispers, brushing his lips against my forehead. A heavy blanket, as soft as a cloud, wraps over my body, and I’m out before I can hear the door click shut.
Waking later, I wince when I see that it’s already mid-afternoon.How did I sleep for four hours without the baby waking me? Pushing the blanket away, I slip my feet onto the floor and hiss at the sudden cold. The early fall warmth has left, leaving us with an October chill. Sliding a pair of thick wool socks on, I search for my mates and our little ones.
“Mommy’s awake!” Kaitlin announces when I peek my head into the kids’ room. All four of them are in there, cleaning up baby wipes. The fresh outfit on the baby tells me he had another blowout, and guilt fills me knowing I’d slept through it.
Shepherd slips the baby into his seat before rising to his feet and meeting me at the door. He’s all confidence and flirty smiles as he reaches up and tugs a strand of my messy hair. “Good afternoon, Wildfire. Do you feel better after your nap?”
