I looked over at my mate, smiling at the sight of him holding our little Clark while Parker was being cuddled by Drew. Raquel and Dylan had just left for a walk and some alone time while Drew stayed here to give them privacy.

As I'd suspected, Raquel was planning to claim Dylan tonight. They were leaving tomorrow for a week long trip to celebrate their mating. She'd wanted to iron out the details of her omega's claim to the B&B. Only Frankie's iron grip on my thigh had kept my mouth shut from letting her know how offensive I found it that she would question the way I'd fulfilled my uncle’s will.

But, I had to admit, I'd likely be the same way in her position. Well, if I had that kind of omega that needed looking after. My man didn't need to taken care of like that. He just needed a support system for this game called life.

After I'd answered the woman's questions, she'd offered to sell me his share in the family business. She felt that he didn't need the distraction it might bring when they would be starting a family soon. Thankfully, we had come to an agreement and I was free of ever having to deal with her again outside of the occasional familial obligation.

I wasn't thrilled about my cousin being treated like a silly omega, but I also wasn't going to question his choice. Especially if they'd scented each other. Every shifter knew that you didn't fuck with a fated-mate pairing. I knew they'd figure it out at some point. Or not. Either way, I felt that my cousin would be safe. Even if his mate was an alphaist shrew. It was out of my hands now, and since he seemed happy I would leave it alone.

It had been such a freaky afternoon. I would've canceled this dinner, but Frankie insisted on keeping his word to my cousin. Personally, I thought he was probably just too keyed up to rest yet. But he'd just shook his head when I'd asked and said that no, he just knew that this had to happen tonight.

Drew and Dylan had stayed when Dr. Dean left. Dylan had insisted that his alpha would drive them both back to the Alpha's manor later. Drew didn't look all that thrilled with his best friend and sister becoming mates. In his shoes, I couldn't say that I blamed him really.

“So, it's kinda cool that their names almost rhyme, but not quite. How did you come up with them?” Drew asked Frankie.

Frankie and I shared an amused glance before answered. “Although everyone knows that Marvel is better, we went with a nod to the DC Universe. Clark is my little superman, and Parker just better watch out for spiders.”

Drew giggled and I groaned as Frankie grinned at us both. Looking at Drew, my mate suddenly tilted his head and said: “Tell me what you need. I feel like you want to ask for something but are afraid.”

The boy got quiet really quick, staring at Frankie with wide eyes. I would have been a lot more freaked out by that slightly psychic sounding question if I hadn't already seen him wrench our son from the jaws of death today. After that? A little touch of psychic was nothing.

“Um, I was wondering if I could stay here now that Dylan's getting mated. I don't want to stay at the manor alone, and I don't want to be the third wheel with my best friend and my older sister.” He looked back and forth between us hopefully. “I could work for room and board? If you're hiring?”

Frankie looked over at me, and I gave a slight nod. Of course I'd offer the kid a hand. I'd known him his entire life. I'm pretty sure his sister had only moved back because of the sudden death of their parents after an attack on the den last year by the rogues that Yvonne had sent.

Frankie smiled at Drew and said: “Pass Liam the baby. No offense, but he's hours old and I'm not ready to let anyone but his parents walk around the halls carrying him.”

Drew looked confused but did as requested. Frankie stood then, and pointed toward the hall with his chin. “Head out there and take a right.” He looked at me as Drew walked past. “Well, are you coming?”

With a grin, I got up with Parker securely snuggled against my chest. I was interested to see what Frankie had in mind. He directed Drew toward the end of the hall, and the room on the other side of the nursery.

“There you go, open the door and flip on the light.” Frankie held back and watched as Drew and I went into the room first. The bedroom was made up into a lovely guest room. The entire room was done in beige and navy, and sported a fresh paint job and floor to ceiling curtains.

I looked over at Frankie. “When did this happen? How did this happen?”

He shrugged. “When I got done in the family room, I got bored. I felt like we'd need it. I just made the two rooms down here into guest rooms for now. We can always change them later.”

Drew looked at Frankie and spoke shyly. “I don't understand. Are you saying I can work here then?”

Frankie rolled his eyes. “Listen, kid. Liam doesn't need you downstairs as much as I'm going to need help upstairs. Stay with us until fate points you in another direction. I feel this is where you are meant to be right now. If you feel like you need to earn your keep, you can help with the twins. I'm just as happy having you as a guest, but I get the need to feel like you’re pulling your own weight. So, what do you think?”

Drew nodded happily as he looked around the room. Frankie grinned at him and said: “Good, then I'll have Liam grab your bag that you left down in the foyer so you can get settled in.”

I almost laughed at the freaked out look that Drew gave my mate as Frankie turned and walked out of the room with a wink in my direction. Drew looked wigged out, so I took pity and leaned closer to him with a whisper. “My mate makes good guesses. But yeah, I'll get your bag after I put Parker down for the night.”

Frankie's voice carried down the hall: “Hey, Drew! If you want something to do, I've got the new Call of Duty: WWII downloaded on my system in the family room.”

Drew's eyes lit up and he headed back that way. Frankie met me in the hall outside of the nursery. We took the boys in and got them ready for their first night in bed. I'd wanted to keep them in with us, but Frankie was firm about starting and sticking to a routine with them. And here I thought the alpha was supposed to be the strict one.

After we got the twins settled, we stood there face to face with our arms wrapped around each other. I kissed him softly, then murmured softly enough that even shifter ears couldn't hear me if they weren't right next to us. “Did you say something earlier about extended life spans?”

“I did. We will live what amounts to two lifetimes. And so will our boys, and their eventual mates. Why do you ask?”

With another quick kiss, I rested my forehead against his and looked into his eyes as I spoke. “Because I'm not sure if even that will be enough time for me to show you how much I love you. You're the best thing that ever happened me to me, or ever will, for that matter. You're my everything, babe. And I love you.”

* * *

I was working the desk while Frankie kept me company when the door opened and a strange man with a strong cat scent walked in. He walked proudly to the counter and set his bag on the floor at his feet. The stranger came across as being completely arrogant, yet seemed a little lost and vulnerable too.

“Hey, there. Welcome to the Mills Creek B&B. Can I help you?” I greeted him with a smile.

“Yes, thank you. I have traveled thousands of miles in search of a missing man from my village. Do you have a room available? I was told that you are the only shifter friendly lodging in the area.”

I nodded, and picked up a pen to fill in the guest card. “I can offer you a suite on the second floor. I believe it will be adequate for your needs, and acceptable to your tastes. Your name?”

The man smiled with a flash of white teeth and said simply: “My name is Hector.”