“Improbable” says Hakeem, carefully running through the scenario in his mind to ensure this isn’t a fever dream, “but technically, not impossible. There may have been-I don’t know, maybe a couple in recorded history, but-but-but-”
“But nothing. You can feel it as much as we can. As unlikely as it is, the answer is clear to see.” Jackson stands and faces them both from the end of the bed, adoration pouring out of forest green eyes. “We are fated mates. After all we’ve been through, all the tears, bloodshed and aggravation. After Eddie’s first shift all the pieces fell into place. And I can honestly say, I fell in love with the both of you before the answer rang true in our minds. Eddie, Hakeem, I love you both. Thank you for not giving up on me, for staying by me long enough to get us to this point. I thank fate for enforcing that we belong together.”
Eddie and Hakeem interlock their fingers, smiling sweetly at each other. As improbable as it was, it made all the sense in the realms. “We love you too,” they say to Jackson before turning back to each other.
“I love you, Eddie.”
“I love you, Hakeem.”
They kiss tenderly as Jackson sets up their trays on the bed. “Now, let’s get some food in you both before the nausea comes back.”
“Too late,” groans Hakeem before collapsing back into the pillows.
“No more magic duels for a while then?” jokes Jackson.
Eddie burps into his hand, stifling a gag, “Oh gods. I taste sulfur.”
Jackson’s shadows lift the tray off the bed as Eddie rushes to the ensuite, powering through his screaming muscles. Jackson sighs as he looks after his boyfriends for the rest of the morning.
He wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
The rest of the day passes with family coming to the room to check in. The doctor returns to do a follow up (only losing fifteen minutes to Eddie’s siblings awful jokes that they truly find hilarious). Princess Bandit scurries in and out of the room throughout the day.
The little raccoon seems to be stashing something under the large bed. Jackson checks to find a collection of polished silverware and various knick knacks collected in a small hoard. “Young lady, you will be giving this back before we leave.” Princess hisses at the thought and seems to pout in Jackson’s lap as he brushes his finger through her fur. “Just because two of us don’t have the energy to scold you doesn’t mean you can be a kleptomaniac.” A thought crosses his mind. He holds the small creature in his arms, facing him. “Any chance you know where my sunglasses are? I seem to have misplaced an expensive pair back in the apartment.” Princess stares at him blankly, blinking slowly.
Jackson chuckles and swaddles her in his arms. “You know, sometimes I wish you could talk and understand us.” He scratches under her chin, earning satisfied purrs.
Hakeem grumbles from where he rests in Eddie’s arms, “Mmmm, as….you…” Jackson quirks an eyebrow and turns to his sleeping love, “wish.”
The air sparks with silver mana, static frizzing Princess fur. “Wait what?” Jackson asks as his head turns back to the small raccoon. “Princess?”
The raccoon smooth outs her frizzed fur before turning her gaze up to Jackson, “Yes, grumpy daddy?”
The raccoon speaks, actually speaks, with a sweet childlike voice. How had they never considered this bef- “Hold the hell on.” Jackson furrows his brows and holds Princess up to his face, “Why am I grumpy daddy?”
Princess points to Eddie, “Comfy daddy.”
“Fair,” admits Jackson.
She points to Hakeem, “Smart daddy.”
“You do always see him studying I suppose.”
She squishes Jackson’s cheeks between her little paws and pulls down to turn his face into a frown. “Grumpy daddy,” she says matter of factly.
Did she just imply Jackson has a resting bitch face?
Jackson sighs and gets up, the raccoon bundled in his arms. “I will process this weekend, this included, in therapy. I should pay that woman more. I don’t know how long this wish will last sooo…” he smirks mischievously. “ Let’s show you off to granny.”
He chuckles as he imagines his mother’s reaction. He would have to ask Janice what grandmother is in Korean. Would Bahera be Teta then? He was sure the entire manor would get a laugh from this scenario as he leaves Eddie’s room to let the two men sleep.
This weekend was filled with laughter, family, secret pasts and powerful awakenings. Hakeem’s aunt and uncle gave him an earful when he awoke, less hungover than the morning. They were glad he was safe, apparent by the lingering hug they wrapped him in when he assured them the soreness had mostly melted away. Eddie’s family stopped by later in the day, all relieved he had come back to his senses. Every apology he tried to offer was shut down. They were all amazed and proud of him. They knew he would amount to great things, wolf or no wolf. Christopher and Annabella apologized for being unable to stop him, forcing Hakeem and Jackson to intervene.
“Don’t let it go to your head. You’re still far too inexperienced to wield that power in life or death combat,” says Annabella defensively. “You won’t have the element of surprise revealing the overwhelming command of an Alpha next time.”
“Bella,” scolds Christopher, as he massages his temple in frustration. “Please do not suggest there will be a next time that you have to face off against my son.” Annabella simply huffs and tosses her hair back, arms crossed across her chest.
Eddie chuckles nervously with his mates by his side, “If it’s any consolation, your fire did pack a punch, my lady.”
