In the weeks since Roger and Arlene mated, things had been calm, at least as calm as they got in his world. The Saviors were no longer an active threat and their online discussion board that Brett had hacked into had gone silent. Even Kaden’s automatic internet keyword search hadn’t produced any alarming results. Any hits received came from news or police reports, nothing that posed any threat to the tribe. Without so much as a blip on the radar from The Saviors, and most of their members’ arrested, Roger couldn’t help thinking that something was still heading their way. Things were quiet—too quiet.

“Man, you need to quit worrying.” Noah slapped him on the back. “Our women are safe, the tribe’s safe. Everything is going better than we could have planned. So why do you look like you just received the worst news of your life? You should be celebrating.”

“I just can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.” Watching his mate, he took a swig from his beer bottle. “The Saviors have been wreaking havoc on our lives for a long time and now, with the government sweeping in, we’re supposed to believe they’re no longer a threat? It doesn’t make sense. There’s no way all of them are in jail. Some of them have got to be lying low, waiting for the heat to die, then they’ll make their move.”

“When they do, we’ll be ready,” Noah reassured him. “In the meantime, we need to cherish the peace we have now.”

Jase strolled up to them, his arm around his mate, Becky. “It’s not like we’re sitting around doing nothing. We’re still preparing in case there’s more to this war, but Noah’s right, we need to enjoy what happiness we have.”

Becky nodded in agreement. Even after everything she had gone through, she seemed to be accepting of how things worked out. He suspected that at least some of it had to do with fact that The Saviors had killed the Gutternburg brothers after their usefulness ended. The brothers had both played a major role in blowing up her house with her and her son Billy in it. In the end, Pat Gutternburg had played a part in bringing down the organization, giving her a piece of justice.

“Tonight, we’re supposed to be celebrating. So, let’s forget about all this bullshit, even if it’s just for a few hours.” Becky tipped her head toward the party that was happening all around them.

All around them, people were chatting at the many tables, couples dancing, kids running around; everyone was having a good time. There were tables with more food on them than even a tribe of shifters could eat. This was the first time they’d had a chance to come together as a tribe, to relax and mingle. Tonight, they’d gathered to celebrate. In the next several months, their tribe would be growing.

Karri’s triples were due in just over a month. Sin had announced just days ago that she was expecting but Doctor Graham was still trying to determine if she’d have a wolf or fox pregnancy and until he did, there was no way of knowing if she was due in two or three months. Lioness Camellia was expecting with her bear mates Ari and Kaden but unlike the others, her pregnancy would last longer—seven months—so they had a while to go before their cubs would be due.

“I hear there’s more good news that we should be celebrating tonight.” Becky’s comment brought Roger back from his mental drift.

“Huh?” He turned his attention to the Chief’s mate.

“Don’t play coy.” Becky slapped his arm. “Your mate already told me.”

“You mean I’m going to be an uncle?” Noah let out a deep laugh before squeezing Roger’s shoulder. “My man here is a little overwhelmed with the news. He hasn’t exactly been shouting it from the rooftops like his mate.”

“Maybe that’s where your sense of doom is coming from,” Jase joked before growing serious again. “It’s going to be great. Fatherhood is unbelievable. Billy is giving me a run for my money and preparing me for when Becky here gives me another little one.”

“I’m going to be a father.” Even as the words came out of his mouth, Roger still couldn’t believe them.

“Don’t worry about him; he’s still in shock.” Arlene came toward him and he instantly pulled her into his arms, embracing her. “I thought he’d pass out when Doctor Graham explained why I’ve been so tired the last few days.”

“I could smell something different about her scent. It was as if she was part lion, but I knew that wasn’t right. I refused to consider the possibility…it’s only been a few weeks.” He hugged her tighter against him, as if he was afraid she’d float away.

“It only takes one time.” Circling her arms around his waist, she looked up at him. “It’s not so bad, is it?”

Hearing the concern in her voice, he smoothed his hand up along her back. “No, sweets, it’s wonderful, just shocking.”

If he could have planned it, he might have held off until they were certain that things were over with The Saviors, but he didn’t have any say over that now. She was pregnant and ready or not, they’d be parents in a few months. Now, all he could hope for was an easy pregnancy and healthy cubs. At least their cubs would be surrounded by other children their own age, including Karri’s children. They’d have a tribe full of people who loved and cared for them, as well as parents who adored them. Arlene was going to make a wonderful mother; he could only hope he’d make a decent father.

“What do I know about parenting?” He thought about his own parents and their hands-off way of life. He wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d learned to change his own diaper because they were too busy with their own lives. Such a detached approach wasn’t what he wanted for his children.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got this.” She rose onto her tiptoes and hooked an arm around his neck. “You’re a great mate and you’ll make an amazing father.”

“As long as I’ve got you by my side, I know things will be okay.” Pressing his lips to hers, the idea of lifting her into his arms and strolling back to the cabin danced in his mind. Before he could act on it, Karri and some others joined their group, interrupting the moment.

“If anyone should be worried about being a parent, it’s me.” Karri rubbed a hand along her stomach. “I’ve never spent much time around kids. I wanted nothing to do with Arlene when Mom brought her home from the hospital; I was angry she took their attention—whereas Arlene was babysitter of the year. All the neighborhood children loved her; parents would rearrange their schedules to get her to stay with their kids. She’s going to be amazing.”

“None of this talk.” Sin leaned against one of the tables, her mate standing by her side. “We’re all friends and we’re in this together. Zoe expects to babysit for all the new babies, so anytime anyone needs a break or some help, you know she’ll jump at the chance. We’ve got this. Our tribe needs new blood and we’re doing it. This will be the generation that will one day lead our tribe, so we better raise them right.”

“Nothing like a little pep talk from the Deputy.” Jase shot his sister a grin. “She’s right though. The Saviors have been living over our head for far too long. We need to start living again. Babies are just what we need.”

“Besides Ginger who says she’s not ready, I guess I’m the last one standing. The last one without the exciting baby news.” Swift leaned back into Brett’s embrace.

“Don’t worry, Swift. It will happen for you, too,” Sin told her cousin. “You’ve been going through a lot and finally rejoined the tribe. I’m just happy to see you smiling again and not letting fear overtake you. Brett’s been good for you. As for babies, you’re always welcome to come play with mine, though you might have to fight Zoe off.”

“We’ll get there.” Brett slid his hand down his mate’s side. “Maybe we should go work on that.”

“We’re supposed—” Swift’s words were cut off by a squeal as Brett lifted her into his arms and strolled toward their cabin.

“Okay then.” Sin chuckled at her cousin before turning back to the group. “Doctor Graham is going to be busy in the next few months.”

The conversation around him continued but Roger’s thoughts drifted off. Watching his friends and mate interact, like one big family, he realized this was why they fought against The Saviors, to get the laws changed, and everything else they kept going through. Family was important. For some of them it wasn’t the one they were born into, or even the tribe they were raised in. It didn’t matter what brought them together, but right there, the bond they shared was one of family. Blood didn’t make that connection; friendship, loyalty, and love did. He’d lay his life on the line to protect them and this tribe, just as he knew they would. If something were to happen to him, or any of them, their mates and cubs would always be looked after. That’s just what they did.

No matter what the future held, they’d get through it because none of them were alone. They had each other. The Saviors didn’t stand a chance as long as they fought as one. Divided, they’d succumb to their deaths, but together, they’d live to make this world safe for future generations.

The thought of his children living in a world where they didn’t have to hide their animal filled him with excitement. He was beginning to accept the fact that he was about to be a father, but this also made him more determined to make sure the peace they’d recently found became permanent. As he thought about his children, he slid his hand over his mate’s stomach. A new surge of protectiveness rushed through him. These were his cubs and it was his duty not only to protect them but also their mother.

No harm will come to my family. Not today, not ever. Mine…