For the next two days, Kell allowed himself to indulge in the fantasy that he and Ronin were on a vacation of sorts, holed up in this micro-apartment and simply enjoying each other. Kell ate all his favorite foods and drank glasses of rich, red wine with no guilt. He still had a bit of a pooch from giving birth, and that would probably never go away, but the rest of his frame had been wickedly skinny for a while. He was glad to see more muscle definition in his legs from the treadmill.

In the living room, Ronin had shoved the couch all the way back to the wall, and then dragged the mattress from his own room out to cover the floor. With the couch cushions and all of his own pillows, they created a kind of nest right there where the big TV was, and in sight of the food.

They didn’t talk about the trial, and that was okay with Kell. Ronin occasionally went into his room to take a work-related phone call, but he didn’t share those calls with Kell. Kell was certain that if it was something Kell needed to know, Ronin would share. For now, Kell enjoyed the bubble his life had become.

And of course, sex factored into it. Their new favorite thing was rubbing off together, usually face to face, often with Kell sitting in Ronin’s lap. They’d clasp each other’s cock in slicked hands and rut until they came. Ronin seemed to love licking him clean as much as Kell enjoyed returning the favor. He loved everything about Ronin’s broad, bronzed, slightly hairy body.

The man was gorgeous, built like a professional athlete, passionate, intelligent, and also the kindest person Kell had ever met.

Kell knew the bubble would soon break, but he wanted to enjoy every moment he had with Ronin. They were cuddling in the late afternoon of their second day, some random comedy film playing on the television. Kell was too busy studying the lines of Ronin’s abs to really pay attention. Ronin occasionally fed him grapes, or cubes of cheese, and Kell ate without thinking, loving the pampering.

He knows he’s going to lose you.

The dour thought started poking at that bubble; Kell pushed it aside.

Near the end of the film, Ronin’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then flipped the phone open. “Ronin Cross.”

Kell looked up the expanse of Ronin’s chest to watch his face. His eyes lit briefly, and he seemed to struggle with controlling his expression, which dinged Kell’s curiosity bell. He sat up, the sheet pooled around his waist, and waited. Ronin mostly listened, and then said, “Yes, of course you have my permission. We can be there in less than an hour. Thank you.”

“Where are we going to be?” Kell asked.

“Quick trip to the hospital, love.”

“Why? Is Braun sick? Who’s got permission to do what?”

“Braun’s fine, as far as I know. Listen, I need you to trust me on this, please? Don’t ask questions. Let’s get cleaned up and head out. I promise I wouldn’t be dragging you out to the hospital and putting you in danger if it wasn’t important. Trust me?”

Kell didn’t need to hesitate, but he still took a moment to study Ronin’s face. His shining eyes and barely contained smile. Whatever it was, it was potentially good news. Maybe it was some sort of smoking gun that would seal their case?

Whatever it was, Kell chose to trust his bondmate. They took turns in the shower, because showering together led to groping and other things. They’d switched out Kell’s previous disguise for a pair of thick-framed glasses and knit beanie. A few others were on the elevator going down, but no one glanced their way, even though Kell looked like some kind of dorky street kid, next to Ronin’s casual clothes and smart hat.

Kell was twenty-four years old, damn it, but the level of protection necessary to keep him safe often made him feel like a helpless child.

Ronin had switched the plates on his car at some point, Kell noted, but he didn’t mention it. Small things like that kept them from being tailed or identified. Probably Jenks or Tarek’s idea.

He tried not to fidget on the long, circuitous drive to the hospital. They didn’t go to the emergency wing, or to any of the other specialities. They parked near the Family Medicine and Pediatrics elevators. Kell wasn’t due for a checkup for another week or so, because Dr. Troi was being very careful with his post-heat health—probably because Kell was living with an alpha. Kell could reassure him they weren’t having penetrative sex all he wanted, but Dr. Troi was adamant about the checkups.

“Not all alphas understand the word no,” Dr. Troi had said.

Kell knew that better than anyone, but Ronin was a better man and a better alpha than Dr. Troi gave him credit for.

Once they were in the elevator alone, Ronin said, “I gave permission to a doctor here to use a previously obtained DNA sample of yours to run a comparison test.”

“Against who?” Kell asked. He didn’t bother asking when the DNA sample had been collected from him—probably when he was first admitted in a catatonic state as part of the constabulary investigation.

“Against a twelve-week old infant found by officers who served a warrant on a couple believed to be part of the sex trafficking ring Tarek busted.”

Kell squawked. How dare someone do that to a baby! “Is the infant okay? Did they—?”

“The infant was in perfect health, no signs of abuse. But it was an alpha/beta couple, so the child was clearly not theirs biologically. The birth certificate naming the alpha and an unknown omega as the parents was easily proved fake. The investigating constable, though…” Ronin met his eyes. “Discovered a financial link between this couple and Krause.”

The world tilted sideways as the enormity of what Ronin wasn’t saying hit Kell all at once. He swayed, and Ronin put a solid arm around his waist. “You found Branson. You found my son.”

“I think so. That’s why the DNA test. I didn’t want to get your hopes up, in case it isn’t him.”

“It has to be. Oh goddess.” He clutched at Ronin’s shirt, panting a bit, and hot all over. “Please.”

Ronin hugged him and didn’t let go until the elevator stopped. It wasn’t their floor, and Ronin side-eyed both nurses who got on board, also going up. He also kept his body between them and Kell, but all Kell could think was his son could be in this hospital, only feet away. He’d mourned his child every day since he was taken, and he’d allowed himself little hope that Branson would actually be found.

Please, please, please, please…

They got off on the eleventh floor, which was Pediatrics. Constable Jenks and another Kell didn’t know were waiting for them with hopeful smiles.

“This is Constable Higgs,” Jenks said. “He was the supervisor in charge of the warrant search that helped us find the infant.”

Kell resisted the urge to throw his arms around Higgs and hug him. “Can I see the baby? I’ll know if it’s him.”

“Not yet, unfortunately,” Higgs replied. “Without knowing the real identity of the minor child, we can’t expose him to strangers. But the DNA results will be back soon. We have a secured room for you to wait in.”

“Okay.” It was not okay, damn it, he wanted to see his son, but this was procedure. The baby’s safety came first.

That didn’t stop Kell from pacing the private room they were ushered into, and the door locked from their side. He paced and plucked at his clothes and tugged on the ends of his hair, burning off nervous energy so he didn’t go insane. Ronin let him fidget without comment. This had to be driving Ronin crazy, too, because if that was Branson, their entire lives were about to change. Ronin was about to gain a stepson, and if Kell went to prison, a child to raise by himself.

No, he’ll have Braun and Tarek. Branson will want for nothing.

Except his actual omegin.

No, one step at a time. First, he needed proof that the baby was his, before his brain spun off wildly into the future.

A knock. “It’s Jenks.”

Ronin unlocked the door.

Jenks handed over an envelope. “I thought you two would like to do the honors.”

Kell recoiled. He couldn’t do it, and he shook his head at Ronin, who opened the envelope for him. With trembling fingers that Kell didn’t miss. The paper shook as Ronin unfolded it and scanned the page. Kell couldn’t breathe. All the air had been sucked out of the room.

Ronin looked up, eyes wide, and then let out a war whoop that probably rattled the windows, but Kell didn’t care. It was all he needed to know. He dashed forward, and Ronin caught him. Spun him around the room in a rush of air and laughter and joy. Kell was crying, Ronin was crying, and for the first time in weeks, Kell didn’t feel like a part of him was dead inside.

“Can I see him now?” Kell asked before Ronin had put him down. “Please?”

“Absolutely,” Jenks replied, grinning widely. “I’ll have a nurse bring him to you.”

Kell’s entire body vibrated with joy, excitement and complete shock. In the space of an hour, his whole world had changed. He clung to Ronin, because otherwise, he would have raced after Jenks, demanding his baby right the hell now. He’d have made a scene, gotten himself recognized, and that could put Branson in danger.

No. He’d protect his baby with his life.

So he stayed put, until there was another knock on the door. Ronin let in a surprisingly familiar face. Serge held a bundle wrapped in a white blanket, the infant’s face barely visible through the folds. Kell stared and his body threatened to lose all control of itself. Ronin led him to one of the room’s chairs and sat him down.

Serge carefully deposited the most precious creature on earth into his arms. Older now, Branson was still exactly as he remembered, with his dainty little nose and bright green Etting eyes that slowly blinked open at him. As if realizing he was back with his omegin where he belonged, Branson gurgled up bubbles and wriggled.

A drop of water splashed Branson’s chubby cheek, and Kell wiped away one of his own tears. More rolled down Kell’s cheeks, but they fell silently. The moment was too reverent for loud sobbing or emotional displays. Kell’s heart was whole again.

“Oh, baby boy.” Kell kissed his smooth forehead, both cheeks, and his dimpled chin. Beneath the scents of baby powder and the hospital was his unique beta scent. “You’re home. You’re home, and I’m never leaving you again.”

Ronin knelt beside him to stare in wonder at the tiny version of Kell in his bondmate’s lap. He looked like Kell, thank goddess, with those green eyes and pink lips. The tender reunion between omegin and son was too precious for additional commentary, so Ronin stayed silent, there for whatever Kell needed.

Jenks and Serge had left and shut the door, giving them privacy. Giving their family a chance to meet each other.

Family. I have a real family.

He wanted to shout it to the rooftops, but he kissed Kell’s temple instead. Kell looked up, his cheeks streaked with joyous, grateful tears. His eyes were alive in a way Ronin had never seen before.

“This is our son,” Kell whispered.

Ronin nearly sobbed with relief at what Kell was so freely offering, without Ronin needing to ask. “He is. He’s perfect, just like his omegin.”

Kell kissed him hard on the mouth. “I’m so overwhelmed right now, I can’t think of what to do next.”

“You don’t have to think. Hold your son. Nurse him, if you’re able. Cuddle him if you’re not.”

“I’m not able to nurse any longer.” Kell frowned. “My milk dried up after I was given the heat block. He’ll have to have formula.”

“The very best formula for our little man. Enjoy your son, Kell. Let me worry about what’s next, all right? I’ll see if I can’t track down some warm formula.”

“Okay.” Kell was enamoured of his son again, so Ronin left quietly.

Jenks and Higgs were both waiting outside, their faces grave. Ronin pulled the DNA test out of his pocket, and then shoved it at Jenks.

“Under the alpha designation, it says Unverifiable,” Ronin snapped. “Didn’t they have a sample of Krause’s DNA to match?”

“Of course they did.” Jenks studied the form. “I’ll go find the lab tech who did the test and find out what it means. Maybe the sample was contaminated.”

A darker, more sinister thought formed in Ronin’s mind. “Or the baby’s father isn’t Krause.”

Higgs frowned. “You think that’s possible?”

“Yes.” Ronin’s gut rolled, but he’d seen the video footage from the heat that produced Branson. “And I know exactly who you need to have tested.”

* * *

Kell stood at the room’s only window, but barely noticed the view. All he could see was the child in his arms. Branson wasn’t sleeping, wasn’t fussing, he was simply being held, looking up at his omegin. Occasinally gurgling in a way that made Kell wonder if his son was trying to say hello.

For so long, he feared his son was lost to him forever, or perhaps dead somewhere, but here he was, safe in Kell’s arms. Where he always should have been.

Every time Kell’s thoughts wandered to the people who had him, and why their home was searched, his gut cramped and he stopped. He couldn’t think about what his son had been exposed to in that house. It had the ability to enrage him, and he didn’t want those negative emotions around Branson. Hopefully, those people went to prison for a long damned time.

Krause had business dealings with them.

Kell’s arms shook, and he held Branson a bit tighter to his chest. What if Krause knew about the sex trafficking? What if Krause had participated in it? What if those alphas Krause had brought to Kell’s bed were involved?

His stomach ached, but Kell refused to be sick.

No, concentrate on Branson, not the terrible, awful things Krause did.

He started singing the lullaby their omegin had once sung to Kell and Braun, over and over, while he waited for Ronin to return. He wanted to call Braun and give him the amazing news, but he didn’t have a mobile. The room had a phone, though, so Kell carefully balanced Branson against his chest, and then dialed the number.

Braun may or may not answer, depending on if he recognized the hospital exchange or not. As two rings became five, Kell prepared to leave a message.

“Hello?” Braun’s suspicious voice asked.

“It’s me, and I have the most wonderful news!”

“Kell? Where are you?”

“I’m at the hospital.”

“Why, are you sick?”

Kell laughed out loud. “No, you dork, I just said I have wonderful news. You’ll never guess who I’m holding in my arms right now?”

Braun was silent for several seconds before letting out an ear-piercing screech of joy. “Branson!?”

“Yes, he’s been found.” A new surge of tears stung Kell’s eyes. “He’s found, and he’s in perfect health, and I’ve got him. I have my baby back.”

“Oh goddess.” Braun was openly sobbing, and Kell wanted to reach through the phone and hug him. In the background, someone was asking him what was going on. Not Tarek’s voice, so maybe his friend Dex?

“Hello?” a new voiced asked.

“Dex?”

“Yeah. Kell? What’s wrong with Braun?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Kell explained again.

“Holy shit, that’s amazing. No wonder he looks like he just won a million credits.”

“It is amazing, and Serge brought Branson to me.”

Dex made a rough sound. “I’m glad. And I’m glad you have your son back. Okay, Braun wants the phone.”

Kell laughed. “Thank you, Dex.”

“I can’t wait to see you guys!” Braun screeched into the phone. “Holy fuck. Where are you? Are you still at the hospital?”

“Yes.” He told Braun the room and floor number.

“We’re on our way.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

“Fuck safe, I want to see my nephew.” Braun hung up before Kell could convince him otherwise.

And truth be told, Kell wanted to see his brother. He wanted to share this joy with his last living blood relative. Braun had been without Branson, too, and he deserved to enjoy this moment with Kell. The reunion of a family that never should have been torn apart in the first place.

Ronin arrived first, with a warmed bottle of formula. Kell sat back down and offered the nipple to Branson. It took a moment for that tiny mouth to latch onto the rubber, and then he was happily sucking away. Omegins had to supplement natural milk with formula or donated breast milk, because they produced only a small amount at a time. Not nearly enough to feed their infants properly in the first few months.

After their first post-birth heat, the milk dried up anyway, until their next birth.

Kell’s heart lurched unhappily. He’d likely never give birth again, and while that hurt, it didn’t sting as harshly as before, now that his first—and probably only—child had been returned to him.

“You look so beautiful doing that,” Ronin said. He was watching them from near the bed, arms crossed, an expression of pure love on his face.

“I have missed him so much.” Kell grinned at the little bubbles of formula frothing at the corners of Branson’s mouth. “I missed everything, even the middle of the night screaming and the smell-bomb diapers.”

“I hate to admit this, but I have no idea how to change a diaper.”

Kell looked up, a bit astonished. “You have eighteen nephews. How is that possible?”

“I’m too much of a workaholic to ever be asked to babysit, and when I’m around the kids, it’s usually in the presence of one or both parents. I’m covered.”

“Well, it’s not difficult, so long as they don’t pee on you mid-change. Pee to the face is not fun.”

Ronin chuckled. “I imagine not.”

“Oh, Braun and Dex are on their way.”

“I’d say I’m shocked, but this room has a phone, and I know you. They’d better be careful.”

“I warned Braun to be safe. But this is going to help our case, right? Considering the type of people Krause gave my son to?”

“Yes, it will. At this point, there is nothing the prosecution can do to salvage Krause’s reputation. The only thing Awless can do to try and continue with this sham of a trial is to paint you as some kind of manipulative psychopath. But we have video footage on our side. I can’t say I’m looking forward to you finally testifying, but it will mean this nightmare is almost over.”

Kell shivered. “What if they do find me guilty, though?”

“They won’t, love.”

“But what if they do?”

“Then I will immediately file our appeal, and if the court sends you to wait it out in prison, I will keep Branson and your brother safe, until the verdict is reversed and you’re free again.”

Kell wouldn’t survive a week in prison, much less the months an appeal would take. But Branson would be safe and loved, and that’s all that really mattered to him. His own life came a distant second now.

After Branson consumed the entire bottle, Ronin arranged a cloth over Kell’s shoulder, so he could gently burp the boy. A bit came back up, which Ronin easily wiped from the baby’s lips. So paternal and loving, and it made Kell’s heart flip. Branson would be in great care with Ronin.

Braun stormed the room a few minutes later with a stuffed monkey in one hand and a shopping sack in the other. He threw both on the bed, and then came in to kneel in front of Kell. Braun hugged them both, not too tight, then kissed Kell’s cheek before admiring the baby.

“He’s gotten so big,” Braun said. “It’s like he’s doubled in size.”

“It seems that way.” Kell was loathed to be parted, but, “Do you want to hold him?”

“Of course.”

Kell transferred the bundle to Braun’s waiting arms. Full from his bottle, Branson’s eyes drooped and eventually closed.

“He’s a beautiful baby, Kell,” Dex said.

“Thank you. He’s such a joy. He was never terribly fussy, but I don’t know if that’s changed.” The doctor said Branson was healthy, but that didn’t mean anything, not when he’d been apart from his birth parent for so long. “Does Tarek know?”

“I called him on the way over. He’s in the middle of something at work, but he said he’d come as soon as he could.”

“Work on a holiday?” Ronin asked.

“Something to do with the bust where Branson was found, since it’s related the sex ring Tarek busted two months ago.”

“I can’t believe how much all of this is connected,” Kell said. He glanced up at Ronin, who was watching Braun intently. Not like he suspected Braun might drop the baby, but just…being protective. Vigilant.

A good father.

Ronin would be an excellent father for Branson. He’d be safe and loved and want for nothing, especially with grandparents, and a whole slew of new uncles and cousins. Maybe Braun and Tarek would move out to Nakota Province with Ronin and Branson, so they’d all be together.

Branson didn’t need Kell to thrive, he needed love and support. He needed a family that didn’t have the albatross of a murder hanging over his head. He didn’t need an omegin whose entire, violent mating was gossiped about for months in newspapers and radio talk shows. He didn’t need to grow up, only to one day stumble over those old records. To see exactly how horrible and violent his sire was, and to see how weak of an omegin had birthed him.

Tomorrow, or the next day, Kell would take to the witness box, and he’d have to sit there as twelve strangers, a judge, and two lawyers watched the absolute worst moments of his life. They’d watch him being beaten and raped, beaten and raped, over and over again. By his mate, by men who’d already testified. By Senior Iverson himself.

That was the one he dreaded the most. Not because of the man himself, specifically, but because he was the only one who’d ever made Kell beg. Beg for mercy, beg for it to stop, beg to simply kill him and be done with it. During those moments, Kell wanted to die and he’d been vocal about it.

Ronin had already seen the tapes, Kell was certain, but he’d never spoken of them. It was too much to even think about, much less try to process with his bondmate. But the world would know, his brother would know, and one day his son would know what a coward Kell was. Begging, pleading for Senior Iverson to finally end his miserable life.

To which Senior Iverson always answered with, “Not until you give us an heir.”

Us.

Kell’s stomach gurgled. He raced past Braun for the small bathroom, only to retch into the toilet without actually vomiting. Ronin was by his side right away, rubbing his back and holding his forehead up.

“I’ve got you, I’m here,” Ronin whispered. “This must be so overwhelming for you.”

I wish it was that simple.

“I can’t do this.” Kell spat into the toilet. “I can’t.”

“Can’t what? Parent your son? Of course you can.”

“Not that.” Kell wanted to do that more than anything else in the world—except spare his loved ones this upcoming pain. “The trial. I can’t take the stand. I can’t.”

“I know answering questions is going to be difficult—”

“You have no idea!” His voice echoed painfully in the small area, and Ronin flinched. Kell sat back on his heels, shivering all over. “You have no idea what it feels like to know what those people are going to see. Things so intimate and painful, and they’re going to be judging me.” Panic set in, keeping any future tears at bay.

“They won’t judge you, Kell, they’re going to judge Krause.”

“They’ll judge me, don’t pretend they won’t. Betas have domestic violence laws that protect them, so they’ll wonder why I never fought back, why I never reported him, why I stayed for so long. They won’t understand.”

“Yes, they will. We’ll make sure they do, that’s why I’m not simply playing the videos without your input. The jury needs context and explanation. They need to know how you felt about everything that was done to you in that bed. That you are not some sex-crazed omega with an insatiable sex drive, who was helped by his exhausted alpha. You need to tell them that.”

“It’s all going to be out there, in the papers and recorded interviews.” Kell started rocking and shrugged off Ronin’s attempts to reassure him. “Everyone will know, and one day Branson might find out, and what will he think of me? His father an abusive rapist, and his omegin a cowardly murderer?”

“You don’t know for sure Branson will ever find out the truth.”

“Please, you said it yourself that this is a landmark case. Whatever the ruling, it changes things for omegas in abusive relationships. People will be talking about it for decades.”

“It will be landmark, especially once you’re found not-guilty. And I can’t guarantee that unless you testify. I detest the idea too. I loathe knowing strangers will see you naked and in pain, but you know what I’d loathe even more? Only being able to see you from a prison visiting room. Your son growing up not knowing his omegin’s touch and smell. Losing you before I’ve claimed you as my mate.”

Guilt squeezed Kell’s heart.

“Listen, you probably won’t even get called tomorrow,” Ronin said in that frustratingly reasonable tone of his. “Tarek still needs to testify, and so does Constable Jenks. I have to present and frame the footage leading up to Krause’s death. I know you’re scared, but you have more time to think this through.”

“All of that should be enough. Why do I have to testify?”

“Because you’re the accused, and right now, you’re a face on a video screen, and you’re a silent figure behind a table. They’ll be able to hear you speak about the things that happened. Hear your emotions. Your anger over losing Branson, and your new joy at rediscovering him.”

Kell closed his eyes, wishing he had his son in his arms, and grateful to be having this conversation away from him. All the negative emotions in Kell were bad for the baby. But that didn’t mean Kell didn’t feel those emotions. He resented Ronin for putting him through this. He resented Krause for giving his son to a sex trafficker. He resented a court system that allowed alpha mates to abuse their omegas without consequences.

And Kell resented himself for his cowardice and inability to make a decision about this. He should demand they change his plea to guilty, so they could stop wasting everyone’s time. But he also understood why it was important to see this through. If enough people sympathized with Kell and saw how terrible things could get with a lawless alpha mate, maybe the laws would change. Maybe physical abuse would no longer be protected as domestic discipline. Consent from an omega would become a necessary thing, not simply a polite option.

In a perfect world, omegas would have the same rights as betas, the same protections under the law to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—centuries-old guarantees, written by the forefathers of his forefathers, at a time when the world was very different. But the words still carried the same weight.

Omegas deserved to be equals, yes.

But maybe Kell wasn’t the man to fight this fight.

Instead of telling Ronin that, Kell smiled obligingly, and got back up. He washed his face, then returned to retrieve Branson from Braun. Tarek had also arrived, as well as Serge, and Kell indulged them in their cooing over the sleeping baby.

The hospital had a policy against releasing infants into the custodial care of someone currently on trial for murder, so Ronin worked out a deal allowing for their tiny family to stay in that room overnight. Branson would be watched by security tomorrow while the trial resumed, but for tonight, Ronin curled up behind Kell, and Kell held Branson tight in his arms.

For one night, at least, they were the family they always should have been.

Tomorrow, everything would change.