Nic gazed down at Elam as he slept. In Nic’s eyes, Elam was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. Over the past several weeks, his mate had bloomed in many ways. His morning sickness had gone away and his skin had become less pale. He’d embraced his ability to shift and they’d been on many runs and a few hunting trips together. They’d even taken down a caribou together with his sister and father. However, Nic didn’t plan on bringing him on anymore hunting trips until after the baby arrived. Once Elam’s womb became too heavy, he wouldn’t be able to shift anymore. The embryo remained human and he could damage the baby if he did.
But now they were cocooned together in bed at the cabin as they had been for the past few days, and Nic was loath to break their private bubble to spend the day in town with this family for Thanksgiving. It wasn’t exactly a traditional celebration for shifters, but they’d had to adapt to their country so as not to stand out. Over the years, they’d made it their own with the pre-holiday hunting sprees. The caribou would be mighty tasty with the remaining meat going into the freezer for additional future meals.
Nic let his hand drift down to the bump that had become too noticeable to hide anymore. They’d already had to buy Elam a larger size in sweatpants and shirts, and wearing jeans was no longer possible. Alex had offered to cutaway the front of them and sew a stretchable panel into the pants to allow room for the growing baby, so Elam had ordered some cheaper ones online since he didn’t want to ruin his good pairs. Nic caressed Elam’s belly, wondering how soon it would be before he could feel the baby move.
I still can’t believe how lucky I am.
His whole life had been leading him to Elam, to everything he’d never known he wanted. Living alone and without love no longer seemed real. If he ever lost Elam or the baby, he didn’t know if he could survive the grief.
Elam stirred, then rolled so he faced Nic, snuggling into his side. Nic loved the way Elam sought him even while asleep, the way he instinctually searched for contact with his Alpha. Nic brushed the loose strands of Elam’s hair that had grown noticeably longer since they’d met, pushing them off his forehead and away from his closed eyes. He tore his gaze from his mate to check the time on the clock on the nightstand. Both his babies needed their rest, but Elam would be upset with him if they arrived at his sister’s house late.
Maybe I can convince him to lounge with me for a few more hours.
Nic nuzzled Elam’s temple, breathing in his ever-intoxicating scent, then rubbed his shoulder to slowly bring him awake. Elam groaned as he stretched.
“W’time is it?”
“It’s a bit past eight.”
Elam groaned louder as his eyes fluttered open. “Gah. I’m still so sleepy.”
Nic didn’t like the sound of that. Elam might tell him to quit fussing over him all the time, but dammit, it was his job.
“Why don’t I call Alex and tell her to go ahead without us? We can come by for dessert or whenever you’re up to it.”
Elam smirked. “I’m not missing that meal for anything.” He reached under the blankets and covered the hand Nic had returned to Elam’s belly. He couldn’t stop touching it. Elam continued, “Although I probably should. I’ll be like a beached whale soon enough with the way I’ve been eating.”
Nic frowned. “You’re supposed to be eating. You know, that whole ‘eating for two’ thing.”
Elam sighed. “Yes, but one of the two in that equation is the size of a softball.” He frowned. “I think. I’m anxious for that ultrasound next week. Anyway, I can’t imagine he or she needs the mountains of food I’m downing on a daily basis. I’m just so damn hungry all the time.”
“That’s your body telling you you’re supposed to be eating.”
Elam chewed his bottom lip, not meeting Nic’s eyes. It was a tell Nic recognized from his mate and he wanted to know what it was that was plaguing him. Nic encouraged Elam to face him, grasping his chin with thumb and forefinger.
“Come on, baby. Tell me what it is.”
“I’m getting fat. Pretty soon I’ll be huge, and you won’t want me anymore.”
Nic frowned. That’s what’s bugging him? “Never happen. I think you’re gorgeous as fuck. Even more so now.” Nic rubbed Elam’s stomach again. “I never realized how…” Elam was better at expressing stuff, but Nic thought he was improving over how he used to be. His mate had opened up his world in more ways than one. “Well, how much I wanted what we have, all of it. And you carrying our child, watching as your belly grows…” Nic gave him a quick kiss. “It makes everything even sweeter. How could I not want you? Cherish you?”
Nic scooted down under the blankets and kissed Elam’s baby bump. The muffled sounds of Elam’s laughter could be heard as he carded his fingers through Nic’s hair. Elam lifted the covers and gazed down at him, the smile that Nic loved so much lighting up Elam’s features.
“Thank you, Nic. I know I’m sort of needy right now.”
Nic tapped Elam’s swollen navel with one finger and winked at him. “I’m only telling the truth. Want you all the time. But you have to know that you’re more to me than a hot lay.” At the arch of Elam’s eyebrows, he wondered if maybe he should’ve worded his remark differently. “You know what I mean by that, right?”
Elam gazed at him with a fondness that sometimes made Nic blush. Thankfully, it was dark enough in the room he doubted Elam could tell.
“I know what you mean, Nic. Oh, before I forget, I came up with another girl’s name last night. I passed out before I could tell you.”
Nic had lost track of all the names—male and female—Elam had decided on before he would change his mind again. As far as Nic was concerned, if Elam was the one who had to go through childbirth, then he won the right to name their baby. And anyway, Nic had loved all his choices so far.
“Okay then. What’s this one?”
“Sophie.” Elam grinned. “Do you like it?”
Nic kissed Elam’s baby bump again then slid his way back up the bed to face Elam. “I love it. Whatever makes you happy.”
A crease formed between Elam’s eyebrows. “But it has to make you happy too.”
He still doesn’t get it. “It does. I promise.”
Their lips met and Nic’s arousal grew as he pulled Elam close, running his hands down Elam’s back to his ass then up again. Soon, making love facing each other wouldn’t be possible. Just have be more creative. Right as Nic thrust his hardened cock against Elam’s hip, a loud pounding on the front door jerked him out of the moment, killing his boner. Elam tensed in his arms, his eyes going wide. They never had visitors, other than one time when they’d had Alex and the kids over for dinner. But that had been planned.
“Stay here.”
Elam only nodded in response. He’d undoubtedly been able to tell by Nic’s tone that he wouldn’t entertain any arguments about it. Nic leapt out of bed, grabbing a pair of sweatpants and yanking a shirt over his head as he trotted to the door. Once he reached it, another round of banging sounded, and he flattened himself against it, sniffing at the small, almost imperceptible hole he’d drilled into the wood so he could scent unexpected visitors.
Shifter.
The aroma was somewhat familiar, but clearly not someone who’d made much of an impression since he couldn’t bring to mind who they were.
But there’s only one.
Nic’s muscles went rigid as he prepared himself to attack if necessary. His jaw dropped when he swung the door wide, and while he didn’t relax his stance entirely, she didn’t appear as if she was ready to spring.
“Dara? What the hell are you doing here?” His words ended on a snarl. He’d hear what she had to say for her sorry ass then decide if he’d let her in. Let her around my pregnant mate.
She pressed her lips together, holding her hands up palms out as she did. “I know. You probably want to tear me to pieces for what I did. I get it. But I came to warn you about your brother.”
He narrowed his eyes, leaning in a tad, sniffing. Fear. Worry. Guilt. But no aggression. “I’ll let you in once you display your submission to me.”
The omega female dropped to her knees and bowed her head. “Forgive me, Alpha Petrov. I committed a terrible offense against the Wolf Creek Pack and have come here to offer my help in the hopes that my actions may be taken into account, so I won’t be judged too harshly.”
He crossed his arms, considering. The council had made it clear at the initial meeting regarding his brother and Elam’s pregnancy, that should she ever set foot in their territory again, she would be tried for her crimes. Their jurisdiction didn’t extend outside the pack unless they decided to bring in the higher authority of the Alliance, but the council hadn’t deemed it necessary at the time. It appeared that by showing up at his door, Dara hoped to ensure she was never tried at all.
“I accept your submission. Enter.”
She inhaled deeply then rose to her feet before crossing the threshold. She lifted her head then gasped. “Is that him?”
Nic whirled around to see Elam standing in the doorway of their bedroom. Dammit. Nic rushed to him, blocking his body with his own and grabbing him by his upper arms. He pushed him back into the bedroom, the hair at the back of his neck standing, his body on alert to any danger from behind.
He called over his shoulder, “On your knees again!” He glanced to see if she’d obeyed before returning his attention to his mate. “I told you to stay in here!”
Elam scowled at him. “I wasn’t going to wait to find out whether you were in trouble or not.” He shrugged loose from Nic’s hold. “I was careful, I didn’t just burst into the room.”
Nic clenched his teeth, lowering his voice to keep his words between only them. “I know how to take care of us. But I don’t trust her at all and didn’t want her to find out you’re here at the cabin.”
Elam’s features softened. “Okay, I understand. But I’m thinking you need to bring me in on your reasoning for what you do, what your ideas are about keeping me safe and so on.” He let out an aggravated sigh. “I love how protective you are of me and the baby, but I’m part of this relationship too. I’m not just a mindless puppy obeying your every command.”
Oh. Nic licked his lips as he tried to come up with the right thing to say while remaining aware of the potential threat behind him. “Sorry. I don’t think of you that way, but I need to handle this right now in case there’s legitimate danger. Discuss it later?” He arched his eyebrows, silently imploring Elam with his gaze how serious he believed the situation with Dara to be.
Elam glanced over his shoulder then nodded. “Of course. Later. And I’ll wait in here.”
He squeezed Nic’s hand as if reiterating he wasn’t upset. Nic squeezed back then faced Dara again, pleased that she’d remained on her knees with her head bowed the entire time. He approached her then halted once he was within a few feet of her kneeling form. “Up. Take a seat at the table. You have two minutes to convince me I give a shit about what you have to say.”
“Thank you, Alpha.”
Dara kept her gaze lowered as she followed his command. After they’d both settled, Nic eased back in his chair, arms crossed, ready to toss her out of his home on her ass if necessary.
“Speak.”
She lifted her eyes and the pain in them was clear. “I don’t want to make excuses for what I did, but I’ve heard the rumors being spread—no doubt from Artur—that the fated mate deception was my idea. I swear, Alpha, it wasn’t. He came to me and I was so lonely, so sure I’d never find my true mate, that I accepted his offer.”
“I imagine he promised you wealth, power?”
She nodded. “I won’t lie and say that wasn’t an incentive, but what I really wanted was a child. I was tired of waiting to find someone.”
In light of all that had happened to him since he’d met Elam, he couldn’t deny that her explanation sprouted within him a seed of compassion.
“Okay, fine. I believe you. If that’s all you have to say, then we’re done here.”
“No, wait, please. There’s more. The main reason I came here is to warn you that Artur has taken up with the Yukon Delta Pack. He’s discussed it with me in the past—before all of this. He told me that as soon as I was pregnant, he’d seek them out, offer to be part of the rebellion against the Alliance.” She put a shaky hand to her mouth before continuing, “That he’d support them if their Alpha challenged your father, killed him then put Artur in his place.”
Nic frowned. But that’s exactly what he’d feared the night before he disappeared. “Now that, I don’t believe.” Yet, he couldn’t detect any artifice from her scent.
“It’s true! I hadn’t known of his disappearance until my sister visited me where I’ve been staying with my mate.” She flushed. “We’ve remained isolated at my mate’s cabin—similar to what you’ve done here. But she brought me up to date on everything. Artur’s disappearance, you replacing him…” She swallowed. “Your mate and the pregnancy.”
“Hmm.” Nic continued to stare her down while working out in his head how to proceed. “I don’t buy your story because the last time I saw Artur, he was terrified that the Yukon Delta Alpha would kill our father and that he’d no longer be heir-apparent, that their Alpha would rule over both packs.”
Dara nodded. “Yes, but since the Alliance would have to approve one Alpha ruling over two packs at the same time, wouldn’t it make it easier for the Yukon Delta Alpha to go in league with Artur like he’d planned before?”
Nic understood her reasoning, but he still had such a difficult time picturing the Yukon Delta Pack agreeing to let his brother be in charge of anything after the way he’d deteriorated. Unless it’s all a trick to lure Artur in.
“All right, so let’s say all this is true. We can call in some extra security from the Guardian Pack, but we can’t openly accuse another pack without proof.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I know. But even if I never loved your brother, I do care about him. And even if you don’t believe me, I care about the pack. I wanted to warn you, so you’d be aware, that’s all.”
Nic ran a hand across the top of his head. Maybe I can somehow get to Artur, try to reason with him. His father would have to request a meeting with the Yukon Delta Alpha through the Alliance and since he didn’t know for certain Artur was there and accusing the Alpha of colluding would also require proof—he wasn’t sure how to proceed. Contact the Alpha as part of a social visit? Request permission to visit Artur as if I already know he’s there? It was possible that such an inquiry could put his brother into jeopardy.
Nic rose and Dara followed suit. “All right. I’ll take your statement under advisement. But I must admonish you—if I find out you’ve breathed a word of what you just told me to anyone other than you already have, I’ll find you then bring you back to the pack to go on trial for your scheme with Artur. Understood?”
She gave a small bow. “Yes, Alpha. Understood. Thank you for your mercy.”
After he’d bolted the door behind her, Nic leaned against it for a moment, his thoughts in a whirl. Looks like at least part of the holiday will be spent in a deep discussion with Papa. But first, he had to smooth things over with his mate.
When he entered the bedroom, Elam had crawled under the covers again, his bare shoulders peeking up from the top. Nic blinked a few times in confusion.
“Are you feeling sick?”
Elam shook his head, patting the bed next to him. “You’re right. We don’t have to get to Alex’s right away. And when we do, I’ll help her with the preparations while you go talk to your father.”
Nic rubbed his forehead. Do I really deserve this guy? “You heard?”
Elam offered him a sheepish smile. “I may or may not have been listening at the door.”
Nic snorted while he yanked off his shirt. “You’re a smart man.” He slid off his pants, his cock already at half-mast as he sauntered to the end of the bed, climbing up on the mattress then crawling toward the man he loved more than life. Nic reached Elam then yanked the covers free, revealing his nakedness.
Elam yelped, laughing. “It’s freezing!”
Nic quirked a smile. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll warm you up.”
* * * *
Nic regarded his father, his brow wrinkling as he absorbed everything Nic had shared with him about Dara’s visit. When he and Elam had first arrived at Alex’s, Nic had excused himself so that he and his father could speak privately in the den.
At last, his father straightened. “I hate to say it, but what she told you rings true.” His father shook his head, sighing. “It pains me to say this about my own son, but I’m afraid Artur has changed over the past few years—and not for the better. Where he’d once been eager to learn the ways of the pack, to allow me to guide him with an eye to being Alpha one day, something drastic must have happened somewhere along the line to make him so angry and resentful. He was always impatient, didn’t see why being pack Alpha was so much work since he thought everyone should be serving him. So, I’m almost wondering if he was the one who sought out the Yukon Delta Pack instead of the other way around. Who knows what drivel they fed him, how they pandered to his ego, what promises they made?”
Nic was relieved his father had been the one to bring the subject up. He’d already been leaning toward that explanation as a likely possibility but hadn’t wanted to upset him with a harsh criticism of Artur. “Sounds as if you could be right.”
His father sighed then leaned back in his chair. “Okay then. Let’s enjoy the rest of the holiday, then tomorrow I’ll approach the council. Let’s see if they want to bring in the Alliance and propose a more official inquiry into the Yukon Delta Pack or leave it with us to arrange for a social visit.”
After they’d left Alex’s den, they made their way back to the kitchen where all the activity was taking place. Katya was on Elam’s lap and he was reading to her from a pop-up book. Nic was familiar with the polar bear-themed tale from his childhood. The story only lasted about two minutes, so he could only imagine how many rounds of polar bear adventures Elam had already been through.
I’d lose my ever-loving fucking mind. He hoped he didn’t suck too bad as a parent. Thank the gods for Elam. Their kid would be toast otherwise.
Greg came bursting into the kitchen from the living room, stopped, then held up his hands like claws and squinched up his face. “Grrrrrrr. Ah woo!” After his enthusiastic wolf imitation, he raced from the room again. Nic swallowed hard, suddenly aware of what he would soon be tackling, what his life would be like in the near future. He glanced at Elam still happily reading away to Katya and making gasping sounds every time he opened a page and a bear popped up. Katya would dissolve into laughter and clap her hands with delight.
His sister whacked his arm with a spatula. He grabbed it where she’d struck him and glared at her. “What was that for?”
She crooked her finger, beckoning him closer to where she was frying up a generous batch of potatoes and onions. “You’ll be fine. When they’re your own, they cast a sort of magic spell on you that makes it all better.” She inclined her head. “I guess it’s the same for humans or else their race would’ve probably died off long ago.”
Nic rolled his eyes. “Funny.” He leaned closer. “But what if I’m too old for this? Maybe it won’t take.”
She whacked him again and drops of oil went flying.
“The fuck, sis?”
“Language!”
Alex and Elam had shouted the admonishment in perfect unison.