“We have to keep this whole thing out of the media for as long as possible,” Higgs said. “The last thing we need is to spook this ring out of their current hiding place.”

“Agreed.” Tarek Bloom sat across from his supervisor in Higgs’s office. They were trying to determine the next best course of action regarding Jax Orris and what they were calling the Fight Club Case. Jenks had called while they were on their way back to the office about Jax identifying Senior Iverson, and that news put additional heat on the case.

If word got back to Senior Iverson that Jax was alive and in custody, he could potentially try to have Jax killed. The same way he’d threatened Kell, Ronin, and Braun during Kell’s trial. And with Jax the only surviving witness to Fight Club so far, the constabulary had an obligation to keep him safe.

“We also can’t ignore our commitment to the two families Mr. Jax stole from,” Higgs continued. “Perhaps you can approach them both quietly, explain the situation, and offer financial recompense? Hopefully, that will be enough, and they won’t want to pursue charges.”

“I can do that easily.” Tarek disliked taking cases from other constables, but there was no choice this time. He remembered well how intoxicating it was to first discover his bondmate, how his thoughts had been consumed by Braun. Jenks was likely experiencing the same things, and he needed to spend time with Jax. Get the oversized—yet still emotionally fragile—omega to trust him.

“What about Jax right now, though?” Tarek asked. “He’s been cooped up here for hours, and he’d probably enjoy spending some time in a comfortable home until we know if he’ll be charged. He hasn’t been booked, so we have no reason to keep him in holding.”

“You’re right. I’d rather treat the boy like a victim than a suspect, and he needs protection. Jenks lives in an apartment building full of other people. Parading Jax in and out probably isn’t the best solution.”

Tarek chewed on his lower lip. His own home had only a single bedroom, which was fully occupied by himself and Braun. He’d easily offer his couch, but Jax deserved a proper bed, plus there was the baby to think about. “I have beta friends I can reach out to, sir. They have a guest room, and they’ve helped in a pinch before.”

“Do that. See if we can’t get Jax settled someplace more comfortable than Jenks’s desk, and then see about the break-in victims.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If forensics comes up with anything useful, I’ll let you know.”

“I appreciate it.”

Tarek let himself out of the office, then took the stairs down to the first-floor records room. His best friend, Dex Freel, sat behind the office’s main desk, typing away at his computer.

Dex glanced up to see who’d disturbed him, then startled. “Hey, you don’t usually come down unless you’ve got food to share. What’s up? Need to make a records request in person?”

“Not at the moment, no,” Tarek replied. “I need to ask you for a favor.”

“Dude, you’re really racking up the favors lately.”

“I know, but this is a sensitive situation.” He lowered his voice, despite being alone, and filled Dex in on what he could without violating the privacy of the case itself. Or Jax’s personal privacy, with only a brief outline of his history.

“Holy fuck, that’s twisted.” Dex glared but it wasn’t directed at Tarek. “Goddess. I need to take a shower just hearing about it.”

“I know Jenks is going to want Jax to go home with him, but a busy apartment complex is a bad idea.”

His beta friend’s eyebrow arched up. “You need the guest room again.”

“If it’s okay with both you and Serge. I know I keep getting you guys involved in my cases, and I don’t mean to.”

“Dude, it’s fine. We’re always happy to help, and you know Serge can’t resist an omega in need.”

Truth. Serge and Dex had been the ones to find Braun when he’d run away from the halfway house. Nearly in heat, he’d been attacked by two alphaholes in an alley, but Serge and Dex intervened. They’d taken Braun in with no hesitation, and that’s how Tarek had met his mate.

“Serge wasn’t able to switch his shift and is working tonight,” Dex continued. “So if you need to go over before I get off, just use the key I gave you. I’ll stop and get some more groceries on the way.”

“Thanks, man. I owe you so many favors.”

“You can work them off babysitting.”

Tarek tilted his head, confused—especially when Dex’s face went slack. “Babysitting who? Braun can’t get tested for another week.”

“Serge is going to kill me. We wanted to tell you guys together.”

“Tell us what?”

Dex’s face broke out in a blinding smile. “Two days ago, we were selected by a couple to adopt their next child.”

“You’re kidding? Congratulations.” Tarek went through the door to the records room so he could hug his best friend. “You guys are going to be fantastic parents.”

“Thank you.” Dex’s eyes glittered with tears. “We applied so long ago, we were starting to think it would never happen, but now with Serge getting his ICU certification, his salary is going to nearly double, so we’ll be completely set financially. The timing is perfect.”

“Have you met the couple you’re adopting from yet?”

“No, but we have a dinner meeting this weekend at their house. Apparently, they already have four kids, and a fifth is going to strain them financially, so they’re prepared to adopt out. And they picked us!” Dex fist-bumped into the air, his joy a living thing.

Tarek laughed. “Of course, they did. You’re as protective as any alpha I’ve ever known, and Serge is a natural caregiver. You’ll give this child a wonderful life.” Dex preened. “Are you going to contract ahead of time so they can’t back out if the child is alpha?”

“Yes, their firstborn is an alpha, so they have an heir. And it’s rare for an alpha to be born so late in the line.”

“But not unheard of.” Tarek had been a sixth-child alpha, surprising his late parents and his siblings. “No matter his gender, he’ll be loved. And he’ll have all kinds of uncles to spoil him rotten.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Uncle Tarek will be my first call for babysitting duty.”

As long as Tarek hadn’t impregnated Braun during his last heat, he was all over babysitting Dex’s future son. Tarek had grown up in a big family and he liked kids. He absolutely adored looking after Kell’s son Branson. He and Braun were already looking forward to three days of baby time during Kell’s next heat, when Kell and Ronin planned to officially mate.

“Uncle Tarek is ready and willing,” Tarek replied.

“Excellent. I’ll call Serge and give him a heads up about our houseguest.”

“I’ll warn you now, Constable Jenks will probably be underfoot, too, wanting to protect his omega.”

Dex rolled his eyes. “Lovely.”

“Believe it or not, he’s growing up as an alpha. Questioning traditional gender roles, instead of assuming them. Working on Kell’s case changed his perspective quite a bit.” Tarek hadn’t been able to stand Karter Jenks a few months ago; now he’d almost consider the young constable a friend.

“I’ll take your word for it,” Dex said.

“Promise me you’ll give the guy a break? He just found his omega, and said omega has been to hell and back. They’re both stressed and—”

“And a stressed, over-protective alpha is more likely to snap and snarl, yes, I know. I’ve known you for eight years, haven’t I?” Dex crossed his eyes, taking any sting out of his words.

“Beta brat.” Tarek took a half-hearted swipe, but Dex leaned out of reach. “I should get back to it, though. Congrats again on the adoption, I mean it.”

“Thanks, man. And good luck with your case.”

“Thank you.”

Tarek needed luck to solve this one. Until they had some physical evidence connecting Senior Iverson to this Fight Club and/or to Jax, all they really had was Jax’s word that Senior Iverson had abused him. A man like Senior Iverson could afford the very best defense attorney in the territory, and Jax’s word wasn’t enough to prosecute.

But today was the first day of their investigation, and Tarek had hope they’d find the evidence they needed to bring this nightmare of a Fight Club down for good.

* * *

Jax wasn’t excited by the plan for him and Son to live with two complete strangers, but he understood Tarek’s reasons, as well as Karter’s need for caution. Jax’s first priority was keeping Son safe, and if this is what had to happen, he’d live with strangers.

The Freel apartment was located on a quiet street in a nice neighborhood. It had a semi-private entrance next to a cigar store, and a shared foyer with a first-floor apartment. Tarek led the way up a narrow flight of stairs to a landing and a single apartment door, where he used his own key to open it. A homey scent of vanilla and coffee greeted him when Tarek opened the door. Jax took in the simple décor and open floor plan, and he liked the place immediately.

His omegin used to say you could judge a home the moment you walked into it, and Jax had always believed that to be true. A happy couple lived here, and he didn’t just know that by the framed photo of two embracing men on the wall near the television. He sensed it in the haphazardly tossed pillows on the couch and the small red stain on the carpet, probably spilled wine.

A short hallway had three doors. Tarek pointed to the one on the left. “That’s your room, and right across the hall is the bathroom. Dex said help yourself to any food or drink.”

Jax stepped into the room and then froze, his pulse racing, suddenly keenly aware of being alone near a bed with two alphas.

No, that was stupid, he trusted these alphas. Even so, he carefully kept his back to the wall and not to them as he took in the simple, comforting décor. But when Karter put the baby carrier from the car onto the neatly made bed, Jax’s heart sank.

He grabbed a pen and slip of scratch paper from his pocket.

“I don’t have anything for my son. Only what’s in the diaper bag.”

“I’ve got some friends taking care of that,” Tarek replied. “They’re also stopping by my place to pick up the pot roast that’s been in the slow cooker all day, so no one has to think about dinner.”

“You’re invading your friend’s apartment?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time. Trust me, Dex and Serge are two of the most down-to-earth and generous people you’ll ever meet. Serge is genetically inclined to help people.”

Son woke and squalled with his healthy set of lungs. Jax pulled him out of the sling to see a familiar, scrunched expression.

“Is he hungry?” Karter asked. “It’s been a few hours since his last bottle.

Jax looked up, surprised at the intuitive guess. Nod-blink.

Karter rifled through the diaper bag for a bottle and formula. “I’ll be right back.”

Tarek watched him go with undisguised surprise. Jax simply smiled and followed Karter into the kitchen. He created a bottle like he’d made a thousand in his lifetime, and then he handed if off to Jax.

Jax mouthed, “thank you,” and then took both bottle and baby to the couch. Feeding was easier while sitting. Karter earned even more “good mate” points by putting a throw pillow under Jax’s left elbow to help support his arm. Such a protective, alpha thing to do.

Son consumed the bottle with vigor. Tarek got a call and excused himself from the apartment.

“Are you thirsty?” Karter asked. “I can get you something.”

Jax shook his head no. He was a little thirsty, but his needs could wait until Son was finished with his bottle. Son seemed annoyed when the bottle was empty, but he didn’t cry. He simply stared up at Jax with a disgruntled expression.

A chilled bottle of water suddenly replaced the baby bottle in Jax’s hand, cap already off. He looked up at Karter and melted a tiny bit under the power of Karter’s tender smile. The man was handsome in a boyish way, with dark blond hair that curled around his ears and tender affection in his eyes. No one, not even Eroch, had ever looked at Jax like that. Like Jax was the only person on the planet who mattered.

Jax wished he had a voice to tell Karter his thoughts. And then it didn’t matter, because the apartment door opened in a flurry of activity. Tarek led the charge holding a slow cooker with oven mitted-hands. Behind him came a tall, broad alpha with bronze skin lugging a big box. After the alpha was an omega who could have been Braun’s double, but his hair was shorter, his skin paler. And he was carrying several shopping bags, as well as a baby in a harness on his back.

Jax gaped.

“These are the reinforcements,” Tarek said as he deposited the slow cooker on the kitchen counter. “And maybe your lawyer.”

Maybe my what?

The new alpha put his box down near the entrance to the hallway, then turned toward Jax with a broad smile. “Ronin Cross, very pleased to meet you,” he said. “Also attorney-at-law.”

“Jax Orris,” Karter said, putting a protective hand on Jax’s shoulder. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Cross, and under better circumstances.”

“You mean outside the law building or hospital?” Ronin nodded. “Agreed.”

“Hello,” the Braun double said. He dumped his bags near the sofa, then sat down next to Jax. “I’m Kell, Braun’s brother. Ronin’s my bondmate. Oh my goddess, your son is gorgeous.”

Jax preened a bit. He did have a gorgeous son, and Kell wasn’t looking at him so he couldn’t say thank you. Kell had twisted around to remove his own baby from the back carrier, and then a pretty little boy with a head of dark hair was blinking up at Jax from Kell’s lap.

“This is my son Branson,” Kell said. “He’s already pushing four months old. I can’t believe it.”

“Jax’s son is six weeks,” Karter said. Jax detected a bit of pride in Karter’s voice, which seemed odd, since Son wasn’t his. Not biologically. But they’d bonded, which meant if they mated, Son would be Karter’s. Karter’s son.

Jax liked the sound of that. So he said as much.

“His name is Karson.”

Karter’s eyes bugged out as he read the note. Then he was kneeling in front of Jax so quickly Jax barely saw him move. He put one hand on Karson’s head and his other on Jax’s shoulder, his eyes full of sincerity and warmth. “Are you absolutely sure?”

Nod-blink. Twice for good measure.

“But we haven’t talked about the future, or what we want to do about the mating bond.”

“I don’t want to think about the future right now. Only the present. For a little while, only the good things.”

Karter grinned, his eyes getting wet and shiny. “Thank you. It’s an honor to be his namesake. May I…may I kiss you?”

That he asked at all burned hotly in Jax’s chest. He nodded yes, his breath hitching in anticipation. The rest of the room melted away. Even Karson wasn’t there anymore. Karter leaned forward, his face hovering near Jax’s for a heartbeat. Warm breath fanned Jax’s lips an instant before heat pressed down on them.

The kiss was nothing Jax had ever experienced before. Karter’s fresh grass smell exploded all around him, invading his senses, waking up all nerve endings. Soft lips moved over his, questing, asking, without actually taking. An exploration and a question. The gentlest, most beautiful kiss of Jax’s life, and it ended far too soon.

Karter leaned back, his pale eyes glittering with want. He didn’t take, though. “Thank you.”

Jax wasn’t sure if he was thanking him for the kiss, or still for the namesake, so he simply nodded. Smiled.

And then the rest of the apartment came into sharp focus. The other two alphas were gone, as was the big box. A ruckus was happening in Jax’s room. Kell was grinning at them from his spot on the couch, his cheeks streaked with tears.

“I don’t mean to stare,” Kell said, “but that was so beautiful to witness. I grew up around so many angry, abusive alphas, and it’s lovely to see kind ones being gentle with their omegas.”

“I’d never do anything to hurt Jax or Karson,” Karter said fiercely. “You both have my word.”

Kell blinked away more tears. “You don’t owe me a promise, but it’s nice to hear it.”

Jax nodded his agreement as he tucked Karter’s words close to his heart for safekeeping.

Something banged in his bedroom, and Jax started to get up to see what was happening. Karter squeezed his shoulder. “Bloom and Cross are putting a crib together, and I don’t think it’s going well.”

Kell hooted laughter. “Sounds that way. Maybe I should go supervise.” He handed Branson off to Karter seemingly without a thought, and then went to investigate.

Karter stared at the baby now in his arms, then moved to sit next to Jax. “Hello there, little man,” he said to Branson. “What’s happening?”

Branson made baby noises, then spit up all over Karter’s shirt. At Karter’s squawk of surprise, Jax tried laughing and all that came out was a wheezing gasp. But he felt the mirth in his bones. Even Karson gurgled his amusement.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Karter said.

Jax beckoned for Branson. He could manage two infants while Karter cleaned himself up. He carefully balanced one baby in each arm, delighted by being surrounded with children. Growing up, Jax had always dreamed of a large family with a good, supportive alpha. But it had taken him and Eroch so long to get pregnant that he’d let his dream die.

Except…Eroch had refused to get tested, so they had no real way to judge if the fertility issue had been his or Jax’s. Twenty-five was a bit old for an omega, but maybe he could still have that large family with Karter.

He watched Karter clean his shirt at the kitchen sink and tried to imagine him as a lover and mate. He was young, but he had a good job, and he instinctively took care of Jax without being asked or prompted. He also seemed fairly in tune with Jax and his needs. But what would Karter be like during heat? Eroch had been somewhat aggressive, knotting more frequently than Jax would have sometimes preferred, obsessed with finally getting Jax pregnant. He’d fuck Jax into exhaustion.

Would Karter be the same? Desperate for an heir? Aggressive almost to the point of cruelty? Or would he be reasonable and listen to Jax’s needs?

They really needed to talk out this mating thing, but not with so many other people around.

Jax was alone on the couch with two infants in his arms when the apartment door opened again. This time a beta man walked in, relying heavily on a cane, and he stopped a few steps inside to smile at Jax.

“You must be the new houseguest,” he said. “Dex Freel. Welcome, Jax.”

Jax smiled—both at Dex’s kind greeting, and by the way Karter moved to stand behind the sofa, one hand resting on Jax’s shoulder.

“Jenks,” Dex said to Karter.

“Freel. I really appreciate you doing this. I owe you.”

“Actually, Tarek owes me, and I do plan to collect.” He scented the air. “Oh, that smells amazing.”

“Cross brought a pot roast.”

“He didn’t cook it, though,” Kell said as he entered the room. “Tarek did. We just collected it on our way over.” He went to Dex for a friendly hug, and Jax envied the two men that easy camaraderie.

Something thudded in the bedroom.

Dex’s eyebrows went up. “Do I want to ask what’s happening in there?”

“Tarek and Ronin are building a crib,” Kell replied with laughter in his voice.

“A crib already? The baby isn’t due for months.”

“What baby?”

Dex clapped a hand over his mouth. “Shit, I did it again.”

Jax stared at the pair, confused by what was happening. Then again, he didn’t know these men at all, or anything about their lives.

Kell frowned at Dex for an instant, before his entire face lit up. “Oh my goddess, you got approved! That’s so amazing.” He latched onto Dex for another big hug.

“You and your husband are adopting?” Karter asked.

Finally! Now I know what’s going on.

“We are,” Dex replied. “We’ve been on a wait list for years, and we were finally selected by a couple who can’t afford a fifth child. Serge and I wanted to wait and tell everyone together, but I let it slip to Tarek this afternoon, and now I did it again. Serge is going to kill me for spoiling his surprise.”

“Maybe we can keep it from Ronin and Braun?” Kell suggested. “Then Serge can tell someone.”

“Serge can tell someone what?” Ronin asked. He and Tarek emerged from the bedroom, both of them red-faced and scowling.

“It’s a surprise.” Kell kissed his alpha on the cheek.

“A surprise, huh?” Ronin slung his arm protectively over Kell’s shoulders. “Will I have to tickle it out of you?”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Seriously, don’t,” Dex said. “Serge is already going to be mad at me.”

“Fine.” Ronin smiled over at Jax. “Want to see your son’s new bed?”

Jax glanced up at Karter, who smiled down at him. Then he seemed to realize the problem, because Karter swooped around the couch to take Branson from him. Then Tarek reached out with greedy hands and took his nephew from Karter. Branson laughed and reached for Tarek’s face, obviously excited to see his uncle.

The crib was a simple wood one, set up in the corner of the room by the window. But more than just furniture, there was also pretty green bedding and several stuffed animals inside, plus a mobile hanging overhead. Jax’s eyes burned with grateful tears. These people didn’t know him at all, and yet they were buying things for him and his baby. He’d never had friends like this before. A community to rally around and support him without him even asking.

He turned, not caring that a single tear slipped free. The crowd of faces watching him were hopeful, warm, and kind, and Jax etched the image onto his heart. He wanted his voice so badly, but all he could offer was a silent, “Thank you.”

“You are very welcome,” Ronin replied.

Karter wiped that single tear away with his thumb. “You’re happy?”

Oh yes, he was happy. Jax nodded hard, then slung his free arm around Karter’s neck to hug him tight. Jax was happier than he’d been in a long, long time.

He only hoped fate allowed him to stay that way.