27. Kyle

The four of us lay in an exhausted tangle of limbs in the bedroom. I honestly dont remember how we got here. We started in the office, and when the haze of lust and need finally lifted, we were all in bed together, passed out in one anothers arms.

A sated pile of contented wolves.

That was amazing. River’s voice is hoarse from all the moaning and screaming hes done.

Yeah. Frankie sounds sex-drunk, his voice muffled slightly by the pillow hes buried his face in.

Im glad you enjoyed it. Devon chuckles, his eyes closed as he rests his head on Rivers chest.

I did. River smiles softly at nothing in particular. I really did.

Pretty sure there’s zero chance youre not pregnant now. Devon’s hand lingers on Rivers lower stomach.

I hope so. River’s smile grows wider as he sighs. I want to have your pups.

We want that too. Frankie lifts his head and smiles lovingly at River.

I love you, River says, looking at each of us in turn. All of you.

We love you too. I lean in to kiss him. And were always gonna be here for you. No matter what.

Several weeks have passed since the peak of the breeding season. The pack has calmed down and normalcy has returned.

Mostly...

My muscles ache as I take a moment to rest on the stump of a tree. The sun is beating down mercilessly, but as I look around at the other wolves helping me clear the ground for a new garden, everyone is smiling.

Hows it going, babe? Frankie approaches me with a canteen of water.

Good, and thanks. I gratefully accept the drink, realizing just how thirsty I am. Hopefully, well be able to finish this before the end of the summer.

The project has taken longer than anticipated, but Im confident well be able to make full use of the new garden space in the spring.

Thats good. Frankie takes a look around, a sense of pride in his stance. Were getting there.

Hows everything else coming along? I ask, looking at him carefully.

Its going well. Frankie turns back to me with a grin. Weve got several new people interested in learning more about farming and gardening. We’re even pulling together a group thatll be taking some classes at the community college.

The college campus is a few hours away, so anyone taking classes will be in for a long commute several times a week. But hopefully, itll all pay off in the end.

Thats great. Im glad youre making progress.

Frankie truly seems happy now, and it’s great to see. Yeah. Me too. Its been a lot of work, but... His voice trails off as he catches sight of River and Devon approaching from the main compound.

Hey, sexy alphas. River waggles his eyebrows, being silly as he greets us. Hows it going?

Amazing.” I stand up and dust myself off. Were making good progress. I cant help but gently rub his belly as I give him a kiss. Hes only barely starting to show, but like most of the mated omegas in the pack now, hes got a baby bump.

That’s great. River reaches for Devon’s hand then leans on his side. We just wanted to take a little walk to see how things are coming along.

Im glad you did. I give Devon a kiss too, always happy when all my men are within arm’s reach. Ive missed you both.

River places his hand over mine, holding it in place. We’ve missed you both too.

Frankie kisses Devon’s cheek and then River. How are you feeling, baby?

Im okay. River shrugs and exhales dramatically. A little nauseous sometimes, but otherwise, I feel fine.

Dont worry. Devon kisses the side of River’s head as he speaks to me and Frankie. Im making sure he stays hydrated and is taking care of himself.

River laughs. I dont need all this babysitting. Im doing just fine.

Wed be poor mates if we didnt fuss over you. Besides, youre carrying our pup. Were gonna be extra protective of you. Frankie cups his face with his strong hands and peppers him with kisses.

River rolls his eyes but smiles affectionately. Fine, fine. Ill let you fuss over me now, but after the baby comes, that’s where all the attention needs to be.

No promises, baby, Devon says. But at least it’ll be shared.

Is it wrong to hope for triplets? River shakes his head, only half joking.

I slip my hands into my pockets, looking over toward the compound. How are things going with the pack? Any problems?

River shrugs casually. Not really. People are still adjusting to the changes, but I think theyre happy. Weve got a few more wolves working in town now, bringing in money. Were also looking into adding some more housing since all our little families will be outgrowing their current homes soon. Were still figuring out how to make it all work, but I think were on the right track.

It seems like it.” I’m so damn proud of the leader he’s become. Im glad youre happy.

River grins, tucking his chin. I really am.

Now, lets get out of the sun. Frankie nods toward the kitchen. And when was the last time you ate, Ky?

I shrug as my stomach rumbles. I’m fine. I had a big breakfast.

Uh-huh. Frankie shakes his head, not buying it. And how long ago was that?

I dont know. A while.

That settles it then. Frankie claps his hands together and then reaches for my hand. Were going to the dining room and were gonna have lunch together. Its been a while since weve done that.

Yeah, it has. River’s eyes light up at this unexpected mid-day lunch date.

Alright, fine. I hold up my hands in surrender, unwilling to disappoint my omega…or my alphas. Lets go eat.

We walk back to the main compound together, talking and laughing as we enjoy each others company. Things are going well, and our pack is thriving. Just a few months ago, I never believed I’d want to be in a pack again, much less mated to the leader.

But here we are, happier than we’ve ever been.

Weve come a long way since we first met River. And even though I was struggling at first, I do feel as if I finally figured out how I fit into our pack. Im not just a strong alpha, Im a provider. Im someone who can take care of my loved ones and keep them safe.

And Im proud of that.