49. Sam

Chapter 49

Sam

A s we clean up after our impromptu BBQ celebration, I feel a deep sense of contentment. The smell of grilled meat lingers in the air, mingling with the earthy scent of freshly turned soil from our new apple orchard. It's been a good day - hard work, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

I'm gathering empty beer bottles when I notice Jack and Lily in a quiet moment, their foreheads pressed together as they whisper to each other. The love radiating between them is almost touchable, and warmth spreads through my chest. Seeing Jack so happy, so at peace, fills me with joy. He has wanted his omega forever, and he finally got her. We all did.

I turn away to give them privacy, catching Max's eye as I do. He gives me a knowing smile and nods towards the house. I follow him inside, arms full of empty bottles.

"They're adorable, aren't they?" Max says as we start loading the dishwasher.

I chuckle. "Never thought I'd hear you use the word ‘adorable', but yeah, they are. We all are with her. You especially. It's good to see you so relaxed and happy. More than happy. Content."

He smiles but doesn't say anything. He is still Max, one to guard his feelings and not gush too much about shit. We work in companionable silence for a few minutes before Max speaks again. "You know, I never really thought I'd have this. A loving and true mate. I thought we'd end up settling for something acceptable but not perfect. It's overwhelming sometimes."

I clap him on the shoulder. "I know what you mean. But we got lucky."

He grins. "We did."

Jack and Lily join us, arms around each other. Lily's cheeks are flushed, and there's a sparkle in her eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Everyone okay?"

Lily nods, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Perfect. Just perfect."

Jack presses a kiss to her temple before moving to help us with the cleanup. As we work, the conversation flows easily between us, with Lily telling us about the upcoming Summer Fair. There's an undercurrent of excitement, a shared sense of anticipation for the future we're building together.

Her face lights up. "It's going to be so great! I've got so many ideas. The theme is ‘Midsummer Night's Dream' this year, so I'm thinking lots of wildflowers, fairy lights, maybe some hanging garlands..."

As she describes her vision, her hands move animatedly, and I smile. Her passion is infectious.

"Sounds beautiful," Jack says, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Just like you."

Lily blushes, and Max rolls his eyes good-naturedly. "Smooth, Thorne. Real smooth."

We all laugh, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. It strikes me, then, how natural this all feels. The four of us, in this farmhouse, planning our future together.

As the night winds down, we find ourselves in the living room, sprawled across the sofas. Lily is curled up against Jack, her feet in Max's lap. I settle on the floor in front of her, feeling pleasantly tired from the day's work. Leaning back against the couch, I feel Lily's fingers gently carding through my hair. The simple touch sends a wave of contentment through me. I close my eyes, savouring the moment.

"So," Max says, breaking the comfortable silence, "I've been thinking about the smaller section of the barn."

Jack raises an eyebrow. "What about it?"

"Well, we've got Lily's shop set up in the larger space now, but there's still a lot of unused space," Max explains. "I was thinking maybe we could convert part of it into a writing studio for me. You know, somewhere I can really focus on my work."

And be right next to Lily to protect her. Nice moves, Max.

"Great idea," I say, locking gazes with him. He nods imperceptibly, and we are on the same page.

Lily sits up straighter, her eyes bright with excitement. "Oh, that's a brilliant idea! We could add some bookshelves, and a big desk and have it carpeted and get you a lamp and some curtains!"

I nod, already picturing it. "We could even soundproof it a bit, so you're not disturbed by the shop activity."

Jack grins. "Looks like we've got our next project, lads."

The conversation flows easily as we brainstorm ideas for Max's writing space. It's moments like these that make me realise how perfectly we all fit together. Each of us bringing something unique to the pack, supporting each other's dreams and ambitions.

As the night wears on, I notice Lily trying to stifle a yawn.

"Okay, princess," I say, standing up and stretching. "I think it's bedtime for you."

Lily protests weakly, but another yawn cuts her off. I chuckle and scoop her up in my arms.

"Come on, love. Let's get you to bed," I say softly.

There's a moment of unspoken communication between us as she gazes up at me - a shared understanding of how lucky we are, how precious this new life we're building is.

As I carry Lily up the stairs, I can feel her nestling into my chest, her body warm and soft against mine. The scent of her - that intoxicating blend of lily and vanilla - fills my senses, making my heart race.

"You don't have to carry me, you know," she murmurs sleepily. "I can walk."

I chuckle softly. "I know, love. But I like taking care of you."

We reach the bedroom, and I gently set her down on the bed. She looks up at me, her green eyes heavy-lidded but still sparkling with affection.

"Stay with me?" she murmurs.

My heart swells at her request. "Always," I reply, kicking off my shoes and climbing onto the bed beside her.

Lily immediately curls into me, her head resting on my chest. I wrap my arms around her, marvelling at how perfectly she fits against me. We lie there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's presence.

"Sam?" Lily says softly after a few minutes.

"Hmm?"

"I'm really happy."

I press a kiss to the top of her head. "Me too, love. Me too."

As Lily's breathing evens out and she drifts off to sleep, I find myself reflecting on how much has changed in such a short time. Just weeks ago, I was resigned to a life of being part of an incomplete pack, watching Jack pine for Lily from afar. Now, here I am, holding our mate in my arms, part of a loving and true pack.

The door creaks open softly, and I look up to see Jack and Max entering the room. They smile at the sight of Lily curled up against me.

"Room for two more?" Jack whispers.

I nod, carefully shifting to make space without disturbing Lily. Jack settles in on her other side, while Max takes up position at the foot of the bed. It's a tight fit, but we make it work.

As we lie there, surrounded by the scents of pack and mate, I feel a profound sense of rightness. This is where we belong. This is home.

"I never thought I'd have this like this," Max murmurs, echoing his earlier sentiment.

"Me neither," Jack admits. "But now that we do, I can't imagine life any other way."

I murmur my agreement, gently stroking Lily's hair. She stirs slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into sleep. "We're three lucky alphas."

"That we are," Jack agrees. "That we are."