I kissed his warm, pink cheeks before jumping out of bed. Last night was incredible and unanticipated. As soon as he sat next to me, I felt drawn to him. All the anger and resentment that I was feeling seemed to drift away.

It was apparent now that he had nowhere else to go, and neither did I. We were two peas in a messy, chaotic pod. And now, I felt an obligation. I had to protect my omega, and see that the world changed for my cubs.

“You’re waking up so early?” he moaned, eyes closed.

I could hear the sounds of spoons tapping against bowls in the kitchen. The warm, rich smell of coffee was wafting throughout the house. “I’m starving. Aren’t you?” I asked.

“Yes!” he exclaimed. He jumped up from the mattress, hair disheveled. He had a cute, puppy dog look to him. It made me want to pin him back to the bed. I resisted my temptation.

I laughed and opened the door to the hallway. “You act as if you’ve never eaten a decent breakfast before,” I said.

Liam ran up to me and kissed my shirtless back. “Well, it’s been forever since I’ve had cereal. They don’t have any of that in the barracks. I know some people can get it imported, but it’s a risk down there.”

“Well,” I whispered. “Eat and drink as much cereal and coffee that you can get because I don’t know how long we’ll be staying here.”

The realization that we might have to leave here soon had already begun to set in. Though I wanted to relax with my new mate, I knew that there were posters up everywhere for us now. We were fugitives.

“What do you mean? We’re leaving already?” Liam asked.

I shrugged and smacked his butt. “If the Alliance were smart, they would run a tight ship. Cars are patrolling every stop of the highway, searching for deserters. It wouldn’t be smart for us to stay here,” I said.

“You’re damn right, it wouldn’t,” Charlie said, walking past the hallway with a plate of eggs.

“Shit!” I jumped back. “You scared me.”

Liam hesitated before moving past him. The kitchen was filled with the scent of bacon, eggs, and sugary doughnuts. I ran over to the coffee machine, eagerly pouring myself a bigger cup than I was used to drinking.

“Always be on your toes, son,” my father said at the table.

Liam flipped a pancake onto his plate and grabbed the dark, maple syrup. I watched as he poured a huge glob onto his plate. “Where are we going to next?” Liam asked.

The two long-haired omegas giggled. That was all they seemed to do. They laughed and pushed their hair back behind their ears. Charlie, however, was the alpha to the two. That was obvious. He groaned at Liam’s question and ultimately ignored it.

“You’re pregnant?” he asked Liam.

Liam spat out his coffee, surprised by the question at hand. Everyone stared at Liam, waiting for an answer. He merely shrugged, eyeing the floor.

“How about you keep your questions to yourself,” I said.

My alpha instincts kicked in. “Anyone who goes after my omega will have to go through me first,” I added. “Got it?”

Charlie smiled and rubbed his red beard. “You’re such an alpha wolf now. See, you’re already on your way to becoming a leader,” he said.

His comments pissed me off. What did he know about leading? The Alliance didn’t do any good in the last year. In fact, they allowed the government to step up their violent tactics by giving them a sound argument against them.

“So what if I’m pregnant?” Liam asked. “Does it make a difference?”

Daren eyed Charlie, who had just lit a cigarette. “So this is your new mate, son?” Daren asked me.

I nodded, sure of myself. “Yes, father,” I said.

“An unlikely match, but I’ll approve of the union. There aren’t many omegas left. The rest were sent to the prisons, or are forced to entertain the aristocrats in the club sector,” he said. “You’re at the right age to want to start a family. But it’s going to be a hard journey now. You’ll have to take care of two other people.”

I glanced at Liam, slightly worried. I knew the stakes were high, but it was sinking in incrementally. “I have faith in him,” Liam said, sipping his coffee. “And yes, I’m pregnant. It gives us something real to fight for.”

“Fucking soldier,” Charlie muttered angrily. The omegas giggled.

Charlie had gone far enough. I walked up to him and wound my arm back. I slapped him and didn’t bother to stand back. Charlie looked at me and then again at my father. “Isn’t someone going to say or do something?” he asked, gritting his teeth.

Daren laughed loudly and smacked his palm against the wooden kitchen table. “You’re a man, Charlie. You can fight your own battles.”

I looked Charlie square in the eyes and muttered, “Listen, old man. You had your chance to organize, and you failed. You sent in wolves with suicide bombs strapped to their chests. You gave our government a reason to hunt us down even harder than before,” I said.

“I never told any rebel to do such a thing. That was their own choice, not mine,” he growled, standing up.

I felt the sudden urge to shift, to become a wolf and tear him to pieces. “From now on, we do things my way. Do you want real change? We have to do two things,” I said.

Charlie looked away, pressing his tongue against his cheek. He was holding back from fighting too. Finally, he asked, “And what are the two things we need to do?”

I closed my eyes and felt a strange energy enter my body. Liam stepped forward. It was like our minds had fused together, temporarily. “First we take out the central power units. Without power, the barracks won’t be able to hold. The soldiers will demand food and heating. The prisoners will fight back in desperation. Then, we head for the packs up north. We’ll be safe in another country. We can take power by force after that,” Liam said.

Charlie sighed and placed his fingers against his temple. He was thinking about this idea. “There are too many guard placements near the power units. We’ll never get to the center,” he said.

Liam nodded, knowingly. He glanced at me before saying, “There aren’t any other options. My commanding officer, Walter Snook, put me on the mission to find Carter. He wanted him alive for a reason. He must know about the Alliance.”

“Then, we’re fucked,” Charlie said. “The plan is not workable. We need to take a few days to think of something more clear.”

I shook my head. “No. We don’t have much time. It’ll soon be the dead of winter, and by then, the snow will have fallen. The militia has warm equipment, and we don’t. We want to make a head start,” I said.

Liam grabbed my left shoulder and started massaging me. “He’s right. They won’t guess that we’re going after the central power units. They think the Alliance is done,” Liam said.

“Well, we are,” Daren remarked melancholically.

“Exactly.” Liam clapped his hands and smiled. “So why on earth would we go to such a heavily guarded area? I know the place well enough, and I have my uniform still. Plus, my old partner Hansel owes me a favor. If we run into him, he’ll be forced to help us. I witnessed him shifting into a grey wolf.”

“He shifted?” Charlie asked, laughing.

“I’m not lying. Saw it with my own eyes,” Liam said.

“You’ll be big and pregnant by then,” I said. “It’s not a good idea for you to go in and do this.”

Liam frowned but knew I was right. “Then, you can take my uniform. I’ll take the rear. Charlie, do you have a sniper rifle I can use? I was the best aim in the whole militia,” he said.

Charlie was sweating and full of worry. He ran his fingers down his red beard and looked up at the ceiling. “Lord, please help us.”

“Charlie, come on,” Daren said, poking him in the shoulder. “Answer the guy.”

Charlie eyed Liam carefully. He was beginning to understand that he had no other choice, but to accept the offer. Most of his men died in last year’s barracks attacks. They hadn’t recruited since then it seemed.

“I can get you the gun, but it might take a month. I’ll have to get it delivered to you,” he said.

“Good enough. And the C4? We’ll need something strong enough to detonate the whole area,” Liam said.

“I can get you all of it,” Charlie said. “In the meantime, you’re going to have to make do with what you have. Us old folks can tag along, but I can’t go to the power grids. I’m reaching fifty years old. There are a lot of traps up north. I can’t risk it.”

Daren ran his hands through his hair and laughed. “We’ve been riskin’ it nearly all our lives,” he said.

Charlie nodded. “Damn straight we have. Now, I get winded. I’m too old. Unfortunately, you’re right, Liam. I fucked up as a leader. I lost most of my young recruits. I let my chapter down last year. This is our last-ditch effort. We can’t afford to lose again.”

It was a heavy burden to take on. I felt anxious and a little bit dizzy, but I also felt proud. I grabbed onto the back of a wooden chair, balancing myself. “Are you all right, son?” my father asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, sorry. I’m just worried, but I’ll figure it out. We should leave by nightfall tonight.”

My dad placed his fork on his plate. He wiped his lips with a napkin and walked toward me. Hugging me, I collapsed into his arms. “You’ll be okay,” he said. “I’ll be okay. Everyone’s going to be okay.”

I shook my head, desperately seeking answers. I felt winded. “You don’t know that. It’s like we’re all living in a fantasy world. Horrible things could happen to any of us. We need to acknowledge that we could lose. One moment could change the fate of everything,” I said.

“You’re young, but you’ll learn soon enough,” Charlie said. “You can’t dwell on the possibility of the negative, no matter how true it is. You just have to hope and have faith.”

Liam came to my aid, rubbing my back with his soft hands. “Think of our future,” Liam said.

I fell back into his chest. I was going to be a father in two months time. It didn’t matter what might happen in the future. I had to fight for my omega and my children.

“You’re right. We should get ready. They’ll be on the roads looking for us,” I said.

Daren smiled and grabbed his pistol from the counter. He cocked it back and aimed toward the window. “We’ll take the back routes,” he said.

“We can’t use the bus. It’s too noticeable,” Liam said.

Charlie smiled and walked to the back door. He opened it, revealing a dark garage. Inside was a four-door vehicle. “I got us covered,” he said.

“Alright, then,” Liam smiled. “Let’s take some showers and get ready. Today is going to be big.”

My father grinned. “What’s so funny?” I asked him, knowing full well what he had to say.

“Don’t mind me. I’m not going to give you any grief. I remember what it was like to find a mate,” he said.

I blushed, a bit embarrassed. It made me sad to know my father didn’t have his omega with him anymore. He was content with me, but every year that passed, I got a little bit older. I was at the age where I’d instinctually want to expand the pack.

This world was different from what he grew up in. The world he knew was open and free. There were no laws about procreation and mating back then. Somehow, I had found a way to circumvent those laws. In a way, he was living vicariously through me. I didn’t want to let him down.

“I love you, pops,” I said, wistfully.

“Love you too, boy-o.” He winked and walked up to the window with his cup of coffee. He stared intently out of the dusty glass display.

With love in our hands, the world was beautiful.

“Come on, Carter. The water is hot!” Liam howled, already inside the shower.

“Coming!” I yelled out. The long-haired omegas laughed.

I ran to the bathroom and shut the door behind me when I was inside. Liam was soaking. Ripples of hot water rolled down his masculine body. Steam hovered around him. His manhood was something to be proud of, and I couldn’t get enough of looking at him naked.

I stepped inside the shower, using his hips to balance myself. He pulled my arms around his body, instigating me to hold him closer. I moaned with pleasure when the hot water hit me. Instinctually, I kissed his cheek, right where his scar lay.

“You don’t mind it?” he asked.

“The water? No, it feels nice. It’s been so damn cold out lately that I was beginning to think I’d never feel warm again,” I said, resting my head against his shoulder blade.

He laughed and kissed my arm. “No, I mean… my scar,” he said.

He sounded worried, but he didn’t need to be concerned. “Are you kidding? Scars are a big turn on,” I said.

He grabbed a bar of soap and lightly ran it over his chest and arms. “Stop lying. They are not,” he said.

“I’m serious! You look badass, like an action hero,” I said.

“Yeah, but am I handsome?” he asked, looking down at the tile. He swiveled the bar of soap between his legs. My excitement was starting to build again.

I walked forward and grabbed the bar of soap from him. My cock sprung into action, lifting against his taint. I brought his chin forward with my index finger, and we kissed passionately. My heart fluttered for him. I wish he knew.

When I released, I whispered, “You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever come to know.”

He reached forward and tugged on my firm shaft. Grinning, he said, “I’m sorry for saying all that crap to you in the camps.”

“What was the word you used again? Oh, yeah. Scum,” I said.

He frowned. “That’s a word they train us to use. After a month in the militia, you realize if you don’t say it, you’ll probably endure a beating or two,” he said. “In any case, I’m sorry. It wasn’t cool of me, and I didn’t mean it either. To be honest, I thought you were striking the first time I saw you. I was just scared.”

“The past is behind us now. All we can do is look forward,” I said.

He took back the bar of soap and soaked it in the water. Small, foamy suds formed in his hand. He licked his lips and bent down to the shower floor. Starting at my feet, he cleaned around every edge. Slowly moving upward, he stopped at my hard-on.

“Oh, yes,” I moaned, tilting my head back. “You treat me so well.”

“This is my apology to you,” he said. “Sit down on the shower bench. Close your eyes and relax.”

He guided me to the large, marble seat. The shower bench felt smooth and cold beneath my ass. I felt all sorts of excitement when I closed my eyes again.

Both of his hands worked me at all angles. One hand stroked my shaft, while the other cupped my tightening balls. Typically, I wasn’t a fan of handjobs, but his wrist knew how to pivot.

When the soap had done its trick, he stood up and leaned forward. “Let me wash you before I finish you off,” he said.

“This is the happy ending I’ve always dreamt of,” I joked.

He turned around and leaned forward, taking the shower head into his hands. His smooth ass was staring directly at me. I could see the faint outline of his slick between his cheeks. Instead of sitting still, I practically lunged at him, mouth first. I draped my tongue over his hole, tasting him.

“Mmm, fuck,” I groaned. “Now I want to fuck you again.”

He pushed his hole back into my face, but he released me after teasing me. “I want to service you, though,” he said, with doe eyes.

I couldn’t deny his one wish. Sitting back down on the marble bench, I closed my eyes and let my senses take over. He parted his lips, sliding his tongue all the way around my shaft. Gagging on my cock, he pushed his throat forward. I went in so deep that I had to open my eyes again to see how hot he looked with my dick in his mouth.

I felt my balls turn to stone, and the vibrant pleasure inside of my core thickened. I was so close to busting inside of his mouth. He released, choking loudly. I said, “Omega! Holy moly. I almost—”

But without any time to finish my sentence, he bobbed back down. I gave into every ounce of pleasure. I felt that sweet release click inside of me, starting at my perineum. My cock pumped erratically, and in a moment of ecstasy, I thrust forward.

“Oh, Liam,” I groaned while holding the back of his head in place. I tensed up against the bench, toes curling against the wet tiles. My legs shook as the warm water splashed. The steam fogged up the shower glass door. He swallowed every drop with a smile.

“So, do you accept my apology?” he asked.

I felt a warm chill run up my spine. Smiling, I kissed his pelvis and hugged around his bubble butt. “I accept it,” I said.

“Good because you’re stuck with me,” he said.

He kissed the top of my head and ruffled my hair, before stepping out of the shower. I had to take a few seconds to regain my composure. Liam just rocked my world two days in a row.

I admired him as he dried his toned body off. Every muscle in his body seemed to contour perfectly, like a statue. I had a strong distaste for most soldiers, but I couldn’t deny that they molded their bodies well.

He ran the towel across his abdomen. Then, he bent down to dry his legs. I turned the water off and took a deep breath. Liam tossed me a towel and said, “Stop gawking. We have to get out of here soon.”

I was ready for round two, but I knew we had to be careful with our time. I dried myself off and got my things ready. We accounted for every single item: Jackets, sleeping bags, an emergency kit, food, weapons, balaclavas for disguise, boots, and some of my favorite books… condoms.

Carter quickly grabbed those and hid them in his jacket. “Nice one,” I whispered, laughing.

Charlie stood near the front door. He cocked his pistol aimed it in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he holstered his weapon. “Are you guys ready?” he asked.

Daren nodded. “There’s not much of a choice, but at my age, I reckon that I’m ready,” he said.

Liam held my hand, fingers interlocking. As close as I felt to him, I also felt the great divide that all gray wolves must feel at a specific age. There was no certainty here. Even though we might have been the most recent of our kind to get pregnant, it didn’t mean we would necessarily get through this.

In all honesty, I was scared about the threats that surrounded our relationship. We had the threat of death. Of course, that was the worst-case scenario. I didn’t think they would be stupid enough to kill my pregnant omega. It would turn into a massive political scandal, and only hinder the governments’ objective.

However, they could easily find us, incarcerate us, and prohibit visitations entirely. In the end, they could take our child from us. We were in a desperate situation.

Perhaps we weren’t thinking clear enough when we mated. Maybe we should have waited it out before committing in the boldest way possible. No one knew what our situation felt like. Our people were being forced from their homes. Many were shot in the street or forced into prison cells for the remainder of their lives. We had to conceive this child. If we didn’t try, how could the future generations forgive us?

My confidence bubbled up. I felt a fire burning in my heart. “I’m ready,” I said.

Charlie smiled, but I could see the melancholy in his eyes. This fight had lasted for far too long. “Then, I think we’re ready,” he said. The longhaired omegas didn’t laugh. They wore their hair in tight ponytails. In this light, they looked like warriors.

“We’re staying here,” one of them said.

Charlie looked away in sadness. Without saying a word, he kissed each of their cheeks.

At the exact same time, they whispered, “I love you, Charlie.”

He closed his eyes and whispered, “I know that you do. I love you too. I always will.”

“You both are staying? But why?” Liam asked.

The twins hesitated with their words but remained proud. They raised their chins in the air and wore their rifles around their shoulders. “In the Alliance, everyone has their duty. We had children, but—”

Charlie interrupted before they could finish. “It didn’t work out, okay? That’s all you need to know.” His face looked grim and pale.

The twins continued. “So now we have to protect you. We’re staying here and guarding the fort,” they said.

Liam squeezed my hand harder. Knowing he was pregnant, the story rubbed him the wrong way. “Have you chosen not to listen to a word I’ve been saying?” he asked.

“Enough,” Charlie said, staring at Liam with daunting intensity.

Liam couldn’t stop himself, and I didn’t blame him. We were unaware that we’d be losing them so soon. “They’re coming here. Soon, this place will be surrounded by armed forces. You can’t stay here. It’s a death trap.” His voice was hurriedly shaken. He looked like he was on the verge of breaking down.

The twins closed their eyes and seemed to connect in front of us. “If we don’t stay, they’ll find you. We have to create a distraction,” they said.

“But we have some time left!” Liam cried out.

Charlie stepped forward, shaking his head. He took both our hands and gazed with tears in his eyes. “No, we don’t have time. They’re nearly here,” he said.

“You don’t know that,” I said. I connected with the emotion in Liam’s voice. Any confusion, doubt, or hurt that he felt, I also felt. Slowly, we were starting to become one.

Charlie let our hands drop. “We do know that. The twins have the power of vision. Sometimes it only comes in puzzling bits and pieces. I try to help them put it together,” he said.

“And they’re sure? They saw them coming here?” Liam asked.

Charlie nodded, confidently glancing back at the twins. They both gave a loving, yet despondent smile. “They’re sure. Two men are coming here. Walter Snook and Sandoval Lewis,” he said.

Liam’s balance wobbled. “Fuck,” he whispered. “I knew my commanding officer would be on the hunt, but I never thought Sandoval Lewis would get involved.”

“Sandoval Lewis?” I asked.

Charlie opened the garage door in a hurry. “We’ll talk in the car. We need to hurry,” he said.

The twins said their goodbye. Charlie didn’t want to acknowledge the reality of the situation. Instead, he walked into the garage and started up the car. “Come on!” he yelled.

As we marched into the garage, I caught a glimpse of the twins holding their rifles in their hands. Charlie peeled out of the garage, speeding off into the distance. I watched as the house became smaller and smaller. In the distance, I could see the squadron lights, headed toward the home. They were right. Their sacrifice would buy us the time needed to escape.

“What’s going to happen to them?” I asked.

Charlie sighed. “What happens to everyone? They defend their honor and pass on,” he said.