Cale awoke in a now familiar tangle of arms and legs. He stretched and reached for the alarm clock on the nightstand. His movements, or more likely the alarm itself, roused his mate as well. Jaden rolled over and Cale leaned down to plant a kiss on his nose.

“Good morning,” said Cale.

“Morning,” Jaden answered with a sleepy smile.

For a moment they just snuggled together, each basking in the bliss of a true mate. Then, they rolled out of bed and began what was quickly becoming their standard morning routine.

First, they showered. Together of course. The first couple of mornings the shower had been more sex than just getting clean. Today, however, they merely enjoyed being together, as they took turns washing each other's backs and stealing kisses.

Breakfast wasn't a big affair. They were both equally happy with a bowl of cereal and some toast. Cale was used to fending for himself and had never seen much need for an omega who dedicated himself to cooking and cleaning. Since Jaden had no desire to become that omega, he was quite content to not volunteer to cook. With each day that went by, it was increasingly clear that they really were perfectly compatible. It seemed that whatever force chose a pair of true mates, it chose quite well indeed.

After breakfast, Jaden headed to work with Cale's mother. Cale divided his time between various tasks for his new territory and helping out around Maple Ridge. So far, they had met up for lunch every day, and then had dinner when Jaden was off work. Jaden periodically mentioned that he should probably go home, but had yet to actually return to Omega Row, other than to pick up some clothes and toiletries.

Everything was going so smoothly they were both starting to reconsider how long they wanted to wait before claiming each other.

“I've been thinking,” Cale said over dinner.

Jaden arched an expectant eyebrow. “Yes?”

“I'm not trying to rush things between us, but everything has been great recently…”

“I agree.”

Cale drummed his fingers nervously on the tabletop before continuing. “I understand Tanner's paternity leave ends next week.”

The omega nodded.

“Have you and my mother discussed what you're going to do?”

“Not yet,” Jaden said. “I figure either Tanner will want to ease back into it and I'll help him out part-time or I'll find something else somewhere on the territory and build up another set of job skills.”

“Well, I've been thinking… Remember when I said, before I knew it was you, I was thinking about hiring whoever was working as my mother’s secretary to come to my territory?”

Jaden was sure his heart rate increased as he nodded. He could tell from the way Cale was acting what was coming.

The alpha hemmed and hawed for a moment, before blurting out, “Would you like to? Be my secretary that is? In my territory. We don't have to worry about mating or anything like that yet, but I thought we might want to try the business side of things.”

Jaden nodded slowly. “I think I'd like that.”

“I need to get back to my territory soon anyway; there are a few things I want to start working on. You could come with me and get your office set up… and we could just go from there.”

“When?”

“The Monday Tanner starts back?” Cale shrugged. “I'm not exactly in a hurry, but I'm kind of excited to get you over there and see where things go.”

His secret had been nagging at Jaden ever since Cale returned. He kept telling himself that he'd know when the time was right. Now, was the time, he knew it.

Jaden took a deep breath. “I'd love to go with you, Cale. But, not that day.” He hesitated and sucked in a shaky breath. “I have to go to the doctor.”

Naturally, his mate was concerned. “What for?”

Jaden caught his gaze and held it for a long moment. He put a hand over his stomach and gathered his courage. “I'm sorry; I should've told you this sooner… I'm pregnant.”

Cale frowned for a moment, obviously completely caught off guard. Then his eyes widened in shock. And then, to Jaden’s surprise, he actually growled. “Whose is it?” Cale snarled.

Jaden couldn't help but laugh, which only served to further anger the alpha.

Cale stood, hands clenched into fists. He was obviously ready to go fight whichever alpha had knocked up his mate. It was cute, in a dominant, possessive sort of way. Jaden couldn't resist smiling as he stood.

Jaden reached out fearlessly. He knew his alpha would never hurt him. He grabbed one of Cale's fists and guided it toward his stomach. Cale's fingers uncurled at his mate’s touch and he let the omega press his hand against his belly.

“It's yours, Cale,” Jaden whispered.

Cale's jaw dropped. “What? Are you sure?”

Jaden laughed. “Of course I'm sure, you're the only one I've had sex with in a long time. It can't be in anybody else's.”

The alpha could only blink in disbelief. “Wait, it's only been a week. How can you even know you're pregnant?”

“It's not from this week.” The omega's answer made Cale narrow his eyes in confusion. “Have you already forgotten the ski shack?” Jaden teased.

“But… that…” Cale trailed off, still stunned. Instead of speaking, he pressed his hand firmly against Jaden. He had noticed that the omega had filled out a little bit, but had never suspected that his growing belly housed their child. He had assumed that it was just the difference between practically living on the street and finally having three square meals a day as part of a pack.

“Why didn't you tell me?”

Jaden sank back into his chair with a sigh. “I wanted to. I hope you're not upset that I've been waiting. I wasn't exactly sure how to tell you.”

Cale nodded.

“I thought…” Jaden raked his fingers through his hair, trying to think of how to explain himself. “Well, you know that I have no interest in the homemaker omega game. I was worried that if I had a baby I'd end up having to be a stay-at-home omega and I don't want that. I thought that if I have a job, then even if you want me to stay home, I'd have an excuse to go back to work. Assuming, that is, you wanted to be a part of the baby's life.” He held up a hand to silence Cale's interruption, and continued. “And if you didn't want to have anything to do with us, I figured I better have a job to be able to support myself. And then when you came back to Maple Ridge… I didn't want you to feel obligated to claim me, just because I'm pregnant. You know I was already doubting our five year timeline; I didn't want you to feel pressured too. If you want to be with me, I wanted it to be because of me and not because of our offspring.”

Instead of sitting, Cale rounded the table and took the omega into his arms. “Of course I want to claim you. And not just because I know you're carrying our child. I came back because I didn't want to wait five years. And I completely respect your decision to not tell me and your logic behind it. And now that I know… If you're still willing, I'd like you to come to my territory and try to be my secretary anyway. And if it doesn't work out, you'll still have me as a mate, if you want me.”

“Thank you, Cale.”

For an answer, Cale kissed him firmly on the lips, for the first time in public. There weren't very many other wolves around to see, if any even noticed. But the gesture was clear enough to Jaden.

“Will you come with me?”

“With you? Oh, to the doctor?”

Jaden nodded. “I'm supposed to find out the gender.”

Cale suddenly felt like a kid at Christmas. “I'd love to come,” he said eagerly. Thoughts of nursery decoration and preparations danced in his head. It was nothing like the burdensome distraction from his own pack that he always imagined. It was welcome somehow. Joyful.

* * *

Cale paced back and forth in the waiting room. “Does it always take this long?” he demanded.

“They’re busy,” said Jaden. “Don't worry, it'll be our turn soon.”

No sooner had he spoke, then the door to the back opened and the nurse stuck her head in. “Jaden?”

Shooting a knowing look at Cale, Jaden stood and followed the nurse, with Cale hot on his heels. Jaden lay down on the exam table and allowed the nurse to adjust a pillow behind his head. He went through the usual parade of questions about his health and how he was feeling, and then the nurse asked him to pull up his shirt.

Jaden could practically feel the anxiety emanating from Cale, as the nurse prepared the ultrasound equipment. She slathered the goop on his stomach and he gasped in surprise at the temperature, which made Cale jump in alarm as well.

“Sorry,” said the nurse. “Our warming machine is broken, I should have warned you it would be cold.”

“That's okay,” Jaden chuckled. “I was just surprised.”

The gel quickly warmed up and Jaden turned his attention to the TV mounted above him.

“And there's baby,” said the nurse as she zeroed in. “Head… there's an arm in the way… there we go! There's the face.”

Cale's hand tightened almost painfully on Jaden’s, as he gazed upon his child for the first time.

“Did you want to know the gender?” asked the nurse.

“Yes,” they chorused.

It was all a gray and white blur to them, but the nurse froze the image and announced, “Congratulations, it's a boy!”

Cale squinted at the screen. “Is that his…”

The nurse giggled and digitally added an arrow pointing to a part of the screen. “Yes, it is.” She hit a button, and the proud fathers could hear the sound of the picture being printed off. “We’ll get some good ones of his face too, don't worry.”

When the appointment was over, with a clean bill of health, the two left the office with a stack of pictures in tow. They had never done it before, but it seemed almost natural to hold hands as they walked.

“A boy…” Cale said.

“Happy?”

“I would've been happy either way,” Cale said. “But I'm excited to have a boy.”

“Me too,” Jaden said.

Cale squeezed his hand, and they resumed their walk in comfortable silence.

* * *

There. Jaden stepped back to admire his neatly arranged desk, before turning to take in his entire office. He cast a longing look at the coffee machine, before wrinkling his nose at the selection of non-caffeinated tea next to it. Now that the morning sickness was gone, there were a few other annoying quirks of pregnancy to contend with.

His stomach rumbled. Speak of the devil.

He sat down in one of his plush new chairs to wait for Cale. After arriving in Cale's new territory, Jaden was escorted to the alpha's office and told it was now his as well. Then, to his surprise, Cale had handed him a credit card and told him to buy anything and everything he needed to convert it into a functioning office.

Jaden had tried to get a budget out of Cale, but after hesitantly suggesting $500 and being given a counter offer of $5000, Jaden knew that his mate was serious when he said, “the sky is the limit”.

He wasn't waiting long, but could feel himself on the verge of dozing off, thanks to his recent bout of fatigue. It was a relief when Cale finally arrived and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Jaden called, standing.

The door opened and Cale stepped in. The last time he was in the room it had been nothing but his falling apart, hand-me-down furniture. His jaw dropped as he took in the omega's work. He hadn’t expected it to be finished, but caught scent of Easton and knew that Jaden had enlisted help with the heavy stuff.

There were large, well stocked, and organized desks for both of them. Multiple filing cabinets, some shelving, a pair of very comfortable looking desk chairs, and seating for guests as well. It looked like Jaden had gone all out to supply them with computers, printers, and other office equipment. Cale also noticed a colorful rug, a rocking chair, and a little portable crib in one corner.

“This is amazing,” Cale said. “I'm going to have to get you to decorate the entire territory.”

Jaden laughed. “Do you like it then?”

“It's fantastic, really. I couldn't have dreamed of anything better.” He looked over to the corner, allowing himself a moment to imagine Jaden, and then himself, in the rocking chair with their son. He walked over and ran a hand over the rocking chair. “I absolutely love it. Especially this.”

The omega sighed in relief. “I'm glad. I wasn't sure how you’d feel about having it in your office, considering all that stuff about not wanting a distraction and everything…”

Cale shook his head. “Honestly, at this point I can't believe that was ever a concern of mine. I can't wait to start working here with you by my side. And I want nothing more than to have our son with us too. Besides, this is technically our office.”

Jaden smiled at him. “I have a paint color all picked out too, but I figured I probably shouldn't. Easton offered but…”

“I'll take care of it the next time we're ready to go back to Maple Ridge. That should give the office time to air out while we're gone. But it looks amazing, really.”

“Glad you like it.”

“I think we actually have pretty similar taste.”

They shared a smile.

“When do you want to go back to Maple Ridge? I do have a doctor’s appointment coming up next week.”

“Already? Is the baby okay?”

Jaden nodded. “I have to go once a month for routine check-ups.”

“I can't believe it's already been a month, time sure is flying by.”

“Imagine how quickly the rest of it will go.”

“I can't,” Cale said with a chuckle. “We can certainly be back at Maple Ridge before your appointment. There's a full moon anyway.”

“I've actually been thinking about that…”

“The full moon?”

Jaden shook his head. “No. Yes. I mean I just… Doing all this stuff.” He gestured around the office. “Knowing that we’re going to be working together, and all the time we’ve spent together. I’ve kind of been thinking about…”

“Mating,” Cale softly finished Jaden’s sentence. “Officially.”

Jaden turned and met his mate’s eyes. “Yeah. I know you still want to wait… maybe it’s the hormones talking…”

“I don't. Not anymore.” Cale took a step toward him. “Will you? Let me claim you? It doesn't have to be this upcoming full moon,” he added quickly. “We can totally wait.”

Jaden couldn't believe he was saying it, but the words tumbled out of him before he could even think. “I'm ready if you are.”

Cale took his hands and drew him close. “I'm ready.”

They quickly closed the small distance between them and kissed.

* * *

The full moon was already setting as Jaden and Cale made their way across the darkening grass, back to Cale's house. Their house. At least until they moved to the new territory.

They walked quickly, eagerly, but still took the time to glance frequently at each other and smile shyly. As many times as they had had sex before, this was going to be new. The howling of some of their pack mates, still celebrating the full moon, echoed behind them.

“You’re quiet,” teased Cale.

“Just taking it all in,” Jaden said. “I love your pack’s mating tradition. Not that I’ve seen many.”

“So do I.” Cale gave his new, official mate’s hand a squeeze. “But I love you more, my husband.”

“And I love you.”

Just for fun, Cale swept Jaden off his feet as they crossed the threshold into the house.

Jaden laughed, but didn't struggle as the alpha carried him inside. He punched him gently in the shoulder, after he was safely on his feet. “I'm pregnant; you can't just sling me around.”

“Of course I can.” Cale shot him a devious grin. “At least for a couple more months.”

Jaden started to punch him again, but Cale caught his fist and tugged him off-balance, catching the omega in a tight hug against his chest. They kissed, long and hard.

“Shall we go upstairs? And make this official?” Cale breathed.

Jaden grinned. “I thought you'd never ask.”

Ripping off his shirt as he went, Cale started to sprint up the stairs, but turned back to wait for his mate. Jaden hadn't gotten very large yet, but was clearly starting to have some physical issues. His stair climbing, for example, had gotten noticeably slower and he had to cling to the railing as he went up. He gratefully took the hand that the alpha offered him, as they climbed the rest of the stairs together.

The sight that awaited them in their bedroom stopped the newlyweds in their tracks. The bed was decorated with rose petals, and a platter of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne rested on the nightstand. 

“Strawberries,” Jaden said in surprise. 

“Rose petals,” Cale said at the same time. 

They turned at looked at each other curiously.  

“Did you…” 

“Wait… 

They laughed together. 

“I had Niles bring the rose petals,” Jaden explained. “But the strawberries and champagne are a nice touch.”

“The strawberries are from me. Well, from Conner. But I didn’t ask for the champagne!” 

“Neither did I. Plus, I can’t drink it right now. I suppose we can save it.” As he spoke, Jaden crossed the room to the surprises. “There’s a card and, oh! It’s sparkling cider; I can have it!” He opened the card. “It’s from your mother." 

"Looks like we've got quite the party.” Cale came up behind Jaden and hugged him, kissing him gently on the back of his neck. 

Jaden turned and caught the alpha’s lips with his own. He gave Cale’s shirt a tug, encouraging him toward the bed. They embraced and sank down together onto the petal-covered blanket. 

“Champagne? Er, cider?”

“Please.” 

Cale carefully worked out the cork, laughing as it shot across the room. Even though he knew the pop was coming, Jaden jumped. Luckily, Cale hadn’t noticed. They clinked their glasses together and drank slowly, basking in each other’s company. After setting down the empty glasses, Cale grabbed a strawberry. He brought it slowly to his mouth, holding Jaden's gaze, before giving it a slow lick.

“Mmm,” he said, swirling his tongue over the chocolate tip. “Someday, I’ll have to cover you in chocolate.” 

Jaden nodded, far too focused on the chocolate slowly melting from Cale’s tongue to answer. By the time the red fruit was visible, Jaden felt like he was going crazy. He actually moaned as Cale’s tongue swiped across the little red fruit tip.

“Oh, did you want some?” Cale asked with a mischievous grin.

“I’m enjoying watching you.”

Still smiling, Cale finally took a bite. The juice dribbled down his chin and a single drop splashed onto his chest. Jaden couldn’t resist; he leaned forward and swiped his finger over the drip. Cale’s eyes were locked onto the omega as he slowly sucked the juice from his finger. When he was done, Jaden gave Cale a quick kiss, then pulled back and licked Cale’s chin. He sat back, watching and waiting.

“Well?” Cale asked.

“Take another bite.”

The alpha obliged; making sure to let it drip. Once again, Jaden carefully cleaned up every drop, this time licking his way up Cale’s chest. Cale took another bite and the strawberry juice fell right onto his nipple. Jaden sucked the nipple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue just as Cale had done to the strawberry. Cale moaned as Jaden gently nipped his nipple, then chuckled when Jaden gasped.

“Shared pleasure,” Cale said.

“I never imagined…” Jaden did it again, this time he was ready for it and moaned with Cale.

When he sat up, Cale selected another strawberry and held it out to his mate. Jaden pulled the fruit into his mouth and proceeded to suck the chocolate shell off. He popped the clean berry out of his mouth and shot a seductive look at Cale. Then, he took a small bite of it.

“It tastes better on you,” Jaden said. He started to put the strawberry back on the tray, then thought better of it and ate it. “Pregnant,” he said in response to Cale’s amused snort.

Jaden took a bite of another and paused with it in his mouth. Cale leaned forward and took a bite from the other side. Nose to nose, they finished the strawberry and kissed.

“You taste like strawberries,” Jaden breathed. “But, I better make sure…” With that, he slid down and undid the alpha’s pants. Cale raised his hips, letting the jeans slide away, followed by his boxers.

“You’re not naked yet,” he pointed out.

“I don’t need to be.” He was getting increasingly awkward, but Jaden was able to kneel down beside the bed. He guided Cale’s legs to either side of him and then took the alpha into his mouth without warning.

Cale yelped as Jaden’s mouth closed around his dick, lips down to where his knot was already beginning to swell. Slowly, Jaden slid back, making sure to give an extra firm suck on the head of Cale’s dick. It released with a pop and they both laughed. Jaden licked up and down the length of it, cupping Cale’s balls in one hand. He dipped further and pressed his face into Cale’s crotch, savoring the heavy concentrated scent of his mate. He nuzzled Cale’s balls before taking the sack into his mouth for a gentle suck. As he swirled his way back up the shaft, Cale grabbed him by the arm and pulled him up for a kiss.

Mindful not to sling the pregnant man too roughly, Cale spun them and climbed on top, keeping most of his weight on his own limbs. They kissed deeply, until the taste of strawberries and chocolate was nearly gone. Cale tickled around Jaden’s tight hole, teasing with just the tip of one finger. When the omega’s natural lube started to drip out, he finally slipped his finger in. Jaden sighed in pleasure and relief. Cale echoed the sound, feeling his mate’s pleasure.

Thanks to plenty of recent practice, he knew exactly when his mate was ready for another finger. Cale didn’t always use three, but he wanted to prolong their ‘wedding’ night. Jaden gasped in surprise at the addition, then groaned as Cale caught him off guard with several firm, expert strokes of his penis. Jaden pushed eagerly against Cale’s palm, encouraging the alpha. Cale shuddered in pleasure along with him, enjoying their new link. Never breaking contact with his fingers or hand, he rolled with Jaden onto their sides. He kissed the omega deeply as he slid out his fingers.

“Yes,” moaned Jaden. “Fuck me, knot me.”

Cale obliged, pushing his cock into his ready mate. It was strange to feel it through their bond, but almost overwhelmingly pleasurable. He wrapped an arm around the omega’s chest and pulled him close. They rocked against each other, each time Cale felt himself slip deeper inside. At last, his knot was so engorged he couldn’t pull out. Pumping Jaden’s cock faster, he forced himself to keep his rhythm for just a few more thrusts. The pleasure he shared with his mate was overwhelming.

Jaden had always thought their sex was fantastic, but this was beyond anything. Each time Cale slammed into him he felt both his own and Cale’s ecstasy. The alpha’s knot felt huge as it stretched him with every thrust. He put a hand over the hand Cale was using to jerk him off. He wasn’t sure if he was going to speed the alpha up or encourage him to slow down. Everything just felt too incredible.

“Come with me,” Cale breathed in his ear.

That was all it took. Jaden felt himself release with an explosion of pleasure. The alpha’s seed spilled into him with a rush of heat. Jaden swore he could actually feel the knot pulsing as Cale cried out in pleasure. Shaking, they collapsed together onto the bed.

“So, that’s why everyone was shocked I didn’t want a true mate,” Cale said, still panting.

Jaden laughed softly, not sure he could even speak. Instead, he snuggled back against Cale, tucking his head under his mate’s chin. Cale’s armed tightened around him in a hug. Jaden wiggled a little, feeling the knot slowly deflating.

“Hurry that knot up, I have to pee,” said Jaden.

“Way to ruin the mood.” Cale kissed him on the top of the head to make it clear he was joking. “You said you were going to go after the ceremony.”

“I did. I’m pregnant,” Jaden grumbled.

His mate chuckled and kissed him again.

* * *

“Next Tuesday? Yes, that'll be fine, just fine. No, that's it. Thank you.” Jaden hung up the phone and scribbled the delivery information on the calendar. “We are set for Tuesday, Cale,” he said.

“How did you do that?” Cale demanded, looking up from the documents scattered across his desk. “They told me it would be a month!”

Jaden shrugged at his mate. It seemed that in addition to his office organization skills, he was proving to be quite a business negotiator as well. Both wolves turned their heads as a tiny giggle and a snort emanated from the corner.

“Sounds like someone's nap is over,” said Cale. He stood, preparing to cross the room.

“Hang on.” Jaden chuckled at his mate’s eagerness to get to their child. “He might just be wiggling.”

There was another squeak and Cale danced in place. “You know I hate letting him fuss.”

“I know,” Jaden said fondly. “But he'll never learn to soothe himself if you pick him up every time he makes a noise, my love. You know Maddie is still terrible at sleeping by herself. I don't know how Tanner and Niles handle it.”

“I know.”

There were a couple more giggles, followed by a howling wail.

“Now he's up,” said Jaden, standing as well.

Cale beat him to the other side of the office and scooped up the infant. “There, there, Louis,” he cooed, rocking his son gently in his arms.

The crying subsided for a moment, before returning full force.

“I think he's hungry,” Jaden said. He held out his arms.

The alpha pressed a kiss to Louis’s forehead, before handing him to his mate. Jaden settled into the rocking chair to feed the child.

“I'm glad you added the mini-nursery to our office. Makes everything so much easier,” said Cale. He smiled at Jaden. “And I love having the two of you here with me all day.”

“Me too,” agreed Jaden. “What's the plan for the rest of the afternoon?”

“What does my schedule look like?” Cale asked, trusting that Jaden already had the appointments memorized.

“Wide-open,” Jaden said. “And as far as I know, there isn't anyone in town waiting to interview as a potential pack member so I don't think we'll be getting many walk-ins.” Louis started fussing again, so Jaden turned him upright and started gently burping him. “I just have a couple of things I'd like to finish up. I sort of overheard you talking to the builders earlier. Did you get any updates?”

Cale nodded. “We're on track to have a dozen of the first houses finished and unless anyone pulls out we’ve got tenants for all of them. I'd say a few more months and we're going to be ready to start officially moving in. They have a couple of commercial buildings nearly finished as well. Do we have any takers for those?”

“Yeah, I talked to several people who want to open up shop here. Including some who are ready and eager to join the pack. I think we're going to be in a great position when the time comes.” Jaden stood and gave Louis a couple of general rocks.

“I don't know how I could've done this without you,” Cale said. “In fact, I don't know how I ever thought I could get along without a true mate at all.”

“I'm glad I could make myself useful,” Jaden said with a smirk.

“Useful?” Cale snorted. “You've given me a son, saved me hours upon hours of time and hassle getting my pack ready, and been there for me during the most high-stress months of my life. Not to mention you've been instrumental in setting up my territory... am I forgetting anything? Oh yeah, you're also the love of my life. I'd say 'useful' is an understatement."

“I love you too,” Jaden said.

Smiling, Cale pulled his mate and their child into a hug. “Good, because the builders also wanted to let us know that our house is ready for another walk-through.”

“That sounds fantastic,” said Jaden. “Based on what we saw last time, there should be enough now that I can actually start coming up with some decorating ideas.”

“That's what I was hoping,” said Cale. “They gave me a pretty reasonable price to do the painting themselves, if you like.”

“They’re welcome to do most of it, once you and I have agreed on colors.”

“I trust your judgment.”

Jaden smiled. “Good, I’ll just have it painted and surprise you,” he teased. “But, I do want to know if you’d like pink or yellow for the home office.”

Cale snorted. “Sure, pink. That’s the perfect color for an office.” He tempered his sarcasm with a gentle nudge of his mate’s arm, letting Jaden know he knew the omega was teasing.

“I’m serious,” Jaden protested. “I’ve got a couple of shades of each picked out. Or we could find a way to incorporate both.”

“For our home office?!”

“Change of plans, it’s not our home office anymore.”

Cale furrowed his brow at his mate in confusion. “Then what is it?”

Jaden shifted Louis into one arm and put his free hand conspicuously over his stomach. “A second nursery."