Chapter Five

"Why do you want to go to the bakery?" Christopher asked.

He eyed Kyle suspiciously. Kyle didn't blame him. His brother didn't know about Dennis yet, and Kyle's behavior was kind of suspicious. He disliked most people and didn't like eating sweets. Why would he want to go to a bakery?

"Jennifer wants to go," Kyle said.

"Jennifer's been going every day since we arrived. You never went with her. You've certainly never asked all of us to go with her."

Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose. Why did his brother have to be so infuriating? Kyle just wanted them to sit in the bakery and show Dennis that they were good people. Now that he'd been honest with his mate, he wanted Dennis to get to know them. It would take time, but they had that time.

Because Kyle had a surprise.

He couldn't wait to talk to his mate and his family, and this was a good occasion to have them meet. He just needed to convince Christopher to go along with it.

Thankfully, Jennifer was on Kyle's side, even though she didn't know what Kyle was planning. She hooked her arm around Christopher's and pulled him toward the door of the room they shared. Their grandfather was hovering in the hallway, waiting for them.

"Come on," Jennifer said. "I still haven't tried the banana doughnut I've been eyeing since we arrived."

"You've been having a different doughnut or cupcake every day since we got here," Christopher pointed out. "I'm sure you can wait another day to get your banana doughnut."

Jennifer pouted and turned big eyes to Christopher. She knew what she was doing. When she looked at people like that, no one could resist her.

That included her brother.

Christopher sighed. "Fine. Let's go get your banana doughnut."

They filed out of the room, and Kyle waited until Christopher was done locking the door. Jennifer had gone ahead to talk to their grandfather.

"I know you're hiding something," Christopher said.

Kyle wasn't surprised. Christopher was wary, and for good reasons. He'd always been like that, but then, he'd always seen how the pack had treated Kyle. Kyle remembered that when he was young, Christopher used to say it wasn't fair. He'd been right, but he hadn't known back then that there was nothing any of them could do about it.

"You don't need to be suspicious of me," Kyle reassured his brother. "I promise this is a good thing."

"I'm sure it is. I just hate secrets."

Kyle quickly squeezed his brother's shoulder. "It won't be a secret for long."

Christopher huffed, but he continued walking, so Kyle took it as a win. Sometimes, it was complicated to make everyone happy. Their family was tiny, but they all had wildly different personalities. Jennifer was sunny and outgoing, while Christopher was generally on the grumpy side. Kyle was a bit like Christopher but less sulky, while their grandfather was closer to Jennifer but not as outgoing as her. He completed their little family, and Kyle liked how well they all worked together. They were a family.

A family that Kyle hoped was about to grow by one member.

He was uncharacteristically nervous as they walked to the bakery. He kept looking around, but for once, it wasn't because he expected something to happen. He just couldn't believe this was their home, or rather, that it would be soon.

Hopefully.

As soon as they reached the bakery, Jennifer bounced to the counter. The woman who always worked there smiled at her, but she seemed more reserved with Christopher and Kyle. Kyle understood why, but it wouldn't stop him from leaning over the counter. "Would you mind telling Dennis I'm here?"

The woman cocked her head and stared at him. The questions were clear in her eyes, and Kyle wondered if she was going to ask them. Thankfully, she waited until Jennifer had her banana doughnut, and their grandfather had ordered a few cupcakes for the rest of them. Jennifer dragged Christopher to a table in the corner while Grandpa headed over to the coffee station.

"My cousin saw you and Dennis together at the park," the woman said.

Kyle sucked in a breath. He wasn't surprised that gossip was already running wild. In such a small town, he'd have been surprised if it hadn't been. "We talked," he said.

The woman snorted. "That's not what I'd call talking, but fine. I'll tell him you're here."

Kyle waited by the counter in case Dennis didn't feel comfortable coming over to meet his family. It was time the two sides of Kyle's life finally met each other, but he expected it to be slightly tense. That was how things had been between him and Dennis since they'd met, and while he was doing what he could to smooth them over, it would take time.

The back door opened, and Dennis appeared, quickly followed by the woman, who looked incredibly interested in what was about to happen. Kyle ignored her and smiled at Dennis. "Hi. I know you're working, but I was wondering if you could come sit with my family for a bit."

Dennis hesitated. "I don't know. I'm happy to meet them, but I'm working."

"You should go," the woman interjected. "Gordon and I have everything under control. Besides, you're not going far. You'll be sitting at the table there, so we can call you over if anything happens."

Dennis glared at her, but she happily ignored him. She continued beaming like a proud mother, which made Kyle snicker.

Dennis turned his glare to Kyle, but it quickly vanished as he sighed. "Fine. I'll come, even though I can't imagine how awkward things will be."

"You'll have to meet them eventually. I already told Grandpa that you're my mate, and it's only right that my siblings find out, too. Besides, I have something to tell all of you."

Dennis frowned but didn't ask what that something was. He walked around the counter, and Kyle waited for him. He wanted to take his mate's hand, but that would look odd to Jennifer and Christopher, so he refrained. He still bumped their shoulders together and smiled, happy when Dennis smiled back.

"I have a few announcements to make," Kyle declared as he reached the table where his family had settled.

Grandpa was already smiling, and just like always, Jennifer was bouncing in her seat while Christopher frowned at Dennis. Kyle rolled his eyes. He didn't blame his brother for his reaction since he didn't know Dennis, but he wished Christopher would give Dennis a chance. Maybe he would once he found out who Dennis was to Kyle and, through him, to the rest of them.

Dennis was visibly uncomfortable, but he sat down after dragging over an empty chair from a nearby table. He sat on the edge of it as if ready to run at any moment.

Kyle looked around the table. These were the people he loved and who were the most important in his life.

"Why are you staring at us like an asshole?" Christopher asked.

Dennis snickered and leaned closer to Kyle.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "I'm getting there. It's just nice to see all of my family gathered around the table."

Christopher arched a brow. "All of your family?"

Right."Dennis, these are my siblings, Christopher and Jennifer, and my grandfather, William. Everyone, this is my mate, Dennis."

The rest of the bakery was as noisy as before, but their table was completely silent. Dennis squirmed in his chair while Jennifer and Christopher stared at him. Thankfully, Kyle's grandfather already knew about Dennis, and he leaned forward to offer him his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said. "Welcome to the family."

Dennis shook his hand. "Thank you. I'm happy to be part of it."

"What the fuck?" Christopher spat out. "You met your mate, and you didn't tell us?"

"Things were complicated," Kyle said. "I wanted to tell you right away, but Dennis and I had things to work out. He's a member of the Green Hill pride."

Christopher grimaced. "Yeah, I can see how that would have been complicated. He's here, though. What does that mean? What about the alpha?"

"It means I want to be with your brother," Dennis offered.

"Even though he's trying to take over your pride?"

Kyle cleared his throat. "About that. I got a call from Gal, the current Green Hill pride alpha. We talked the other day, and I told him everything that happened back home. I didn't know what to expect after that, but he called because he wants to meet us. It's not a promise of making us pride members, but it's a step toward that, and I want us to take it."

* * * *

This was a lot to take. Not only had Dennis just met his mate's family, but now, he'd found out that Gal wanted to talk to them. There was only one reason for him to do that, and it made Dennis's heart race.

Things were working out. For a while, he hadn't been sure they would, but now he was. As long as Kyle let go of his stupid idea of taking over from Gal, he and his family would be welcome in the pride. It was where Kyle belonged, which meant his family did, too.

Dennis wouldn't have to worry about having to choose between his mate and his pride anymore. If things went well, Kyle would become a pride member, and Dennis would have everything he could ever have dreamed of.

A home. His bakery. A family.

A mate.

"Wait," Christopher said, raising a hand. "What happened to the plan we had that you would take over the pride? Is that why the current alpha wants to meet us? Why would he want to make us his pride members if you're going to be the alpha anyway?"

Kyle winced. "Just listen, all right? I should have been honest with you and Jennifer from the beginning, but you were settling down, and I didn't want you to stop. Besides, this was my problem, not yours."

"Stop beating around the bush and tell us what the fuck's happening," Christopher snapped.

Dennis felt protective of his mate, even though Christopher was right. It seemed like Kyle had kept many things from his siblings, and while Dennis understood where his mate was coming from, he could tell it wasn't fair. Christopher and Jennifer were young, but they were adults. They should know what was happening, especially because it involved them.

"I never wanted to be an alpha," Kyle told them. "The only reason I decided I should take over the pride was that I wanted all of you to be safe. I wanted you to be part of a community like you were with the pack, and I knew we wouldn't be able to find it anywhere else."

"That's bullshit."

Kyle grimaced. "Yeah, I know. But it's what I convinced myself of. I never belonged with the pack, and I thought that I could belong with the pride. I wanted that and my family, and what better way to get all of it than to take over the pride? I didn't think I could trust Gal, and I'm still not sure I can, but I'm willing to give it a try. He is, too."

"What happened when you talked to him?" Jennifer asked.

"The first time, I told him I was here to take over the pride. He nicely told me to fuck off."

Jennifer snickered. "I wish I could have seen it."

"You'll probably see it plenty of times if the four of you become pride members," Dennis said. "Gal isn't one to hide how he feels."

Jennifer looked at him, but Christopher was still focused on Kyle. "And now he wants to meet us?" he asked.

"Gal and his mate crossed paths with me at the park the other day. He asked me to tell him the entire story, something I hadn't done before. I wasn't sure it was the best idea, but I decided why the fuck not? It's not like things could get any worse for us, right?"

Christopher frowned. "I don't know about that."

Dennis agreed. Things could always get worse. Life always found a way to fuck things up, especially when you were already down.

"Anyway, I told him everything," Kyle continued. "I explained about Mom and what happened to her, and what Alpha Davis did. I told Gal I never wanted to be an alpha but that I felt it was the only way to ensure you didn't lose too much by leaving the pack with me."

Christopher shook his head. "You're an idiot."

Dennis thought he'd like Kyle's brother. He was telling the truth, and he didn't seem to be afraid to be honest with his brother. Kyle was an idiot.

But he was Dennis's idiot, and Dennis wasn't letting him go.

Kyle grinned. "I'm sure everyone around the table agrees with you. I know I do."

"You said that the alpha wants to talk to us," Jennifer said, interrupting the brothers before they could start bickering.

Dennis could see in Christopher's expression that he still wasn't happy and that he wouldn't hesitate to let Kyle know.

Kyle nodded. "He called me earlier. He didn't make any promises, but he asked to meet you, and I said I thought it would be fine. I wanted to ask first, and I wanted you to know Dennis."

"So you think we'll be allowed to stay in Green Hill?" Jennifer asked.

She appeared hopeful. Now that he knew their story, Dennis understood how much Kyle's family had sacrificed to be with him. They loved him more than they'd loved their old pack, but that didn't mean they didn't miss being part of that kind of community or having a home. Dennis could understand why Kyle had felt the need to find a place in the pride for his family. He wasn't sure what he'd do if he didn't have his pride, but he'd be completely lost.

"I think so," Kyle said. "I believe Gal wants to talk to us so that he can ensure we're not going to start problems, but I already talked to him, and he's a good guy. He could've kicked me out of his office that first day. He could've run us out of town. Instead, he allowed us to stay, and when he found me at the park, he was nice. He didn't order me to leave his territory. He gave me a chance to explain what was happening, and now, he's giving us a chance to become pride members."

It was a relief. Dennis didn't know if he could have chosen between his pride and his mate.

It looked like he wouldn't have to.

"You didn't have good things to say about the pride when your father was the alpha," William interjected. "Is Gal different? Is he a good alpha, or are you trying to convince yourself that he is?"

"He's a good alpha," Dennis declared. "I've lived both with Gal and Kyle's father. I would know."

William stared at Dennis for a moment before nodding. "I believe that. I'm glad my grandson found someone to love and that you're here to support him."

Kyle's cheeks flushed. "Don't say that," he scolded his grandfather.

But Dennis liked it. Things were still too fragile between him and Kyle to call it love, but they were working things out, and if Gal welcomed Kyle and his family into the pride, they would have time to do so. That was all Dennis wanted.

A chance.

He understood why Gal had to be careful. He didn't know Kyle and his family, and after the first impression Kyle had made, it was a miracle that Gal was willing to give Dennis's mate a chance. The only reason he was, was that he was a good man and an even better alpha.

"Gal has changed our pride for the better," Dennis explained. "Before, we were prisoners in the house. Only a few selected people were allowed to have a job or visit Green Hill. The rest of us weren't allowed to leave. We couldn't use the yard or the forest around the house. We were stuck inside, and it was hell."

Jennifer stared at Dennis with wide eyes. "Why weren't you allowed to leave the house?"

Dennis shrugged. "Alpha Carter loved control. If we weren't in the house, we would realize there was a chance for a much better life out there, and we might have left. A lot of pride members did. Thankfully, Alpha Carter was removed, and with Gal in his place, the pride is healing. We have jobs now. I have the bakery, and it's thanks to Gal. He might be a bear shifter, but he's the best alpha we could have dreamed of."

"He's not a tiger?" Christopher asked.

"Nope. The council sent him to get the pride back into shape and find a suitable alpha, but he ended up meeting his mate here, and he decided to stay. You being wolves will never be a problem. We accepted Gal and his beta, and we can accept you, too."

And if they didn't, Dennis would have a chat with the pride. The pride was expanding, but they still needed more members to replace the ones who'd left when Alpha Carter was in charge. It would take time for the pride to truly thrive, but they could do it.

As long as they gave people a chance.

* * * *

Kyle looked around the table. All the people important to him were here, and he hoped they'd continue being there. That meant giving Gal and the pride a chance, and Kyle prayed he wouldn't be wrong to do so.

He had no idea what he was getting himself into. Part of him didn't think they could trust Gal and that this was too easy, but another part was tired of fighting. That part also wanted nothing to do with the responsibilities that came with being an alpha, especially to people he wouldn't know.

Gal had seemed like a nice person when they'd talked in the park and even in his office, and Dennis had confirmed that he was. Since Dennis was Kyle's mate, Kyle felt he could trust him.

He hoped he wouldn't regret it.

"When does the alpha want to see us?" Grandpa asked.

"Whenever we're ready. He said to call him back when I talked to you."

Grandpa looked stunned. "And you didn't think to tell us sooner? When are we going?"

Kyle laughed. He felt lighter, and while he wanted to be cautious, he had a good feeling about this.

He belonged in Green Hill. He was sure of that, and he'd never feel any different. He might have never lived here, but his father had, and more importantly, his mate was here. It was a massive coincidence that Kyle's mate was a member of the pride, but Kyle would take it. He wanted a peaceful life, and he knew he and his family could have that here.

Grandpa shook his head. "This is no laughing matter. You shouldn't make the alpha wait for an answer."

"He won't mind," Dennis said. "He's pretty relaxed, so I wouldn't worry too much if I were you."

Grandpa looked at him like he was nuts. "He's the alpha. He deserves respect and not to have to wait on us."

Jennifer stuffed the last bite of her doughnut into her mouth as she watched them. Christopher still looked grumpy, but Kyle hoped he understood how important this was. It could make or break their future, and they couldn't miss this opportunity.

"I'll call him right away," Kyle promised. "I don't know when he'll be available to see us, but I don't think we'll have to wait for long. Any time is okay with you, right?"

Christopher looked like he wanted to say no, but Grandpa nodded eagerly. "Of course. After all, we're in his territory, and we haven't even gone to meet him. That isn't right."

Alpha Davis would have pitched a fit, but Gal hadn't. He also didn't seem to care that Kyle had tried taking the pride from him. Kyle still didn't understand how he could be so relaxed about that, but he doubted he ever would.

Kyle got to his feet and took out his phone. He didn't want to do this with an audience, so he decided to step out of the bakery. He wasn't surprised when Dennis followed him. He paused just outside of the store, wondering what his mate wanted.

"You didn't tell me about this," Dennis said.

Kyle swallowed. "I wanted to, but I was afraid of what my family would say. I mean, they wanted to be with the pride when they thought I was going to be the alpha, but I have no idea if they'll be fine with Gal."

Dennis looked at them through the window. "They seem to be."

"I think they are. Jennifer and Grandpa are excited."

"Christopher isn't, unless his expression is always that dour."

"He's worried. He doesn't like the way Alpha Davis treated me, and he's going to be wary of Gal for a while. Alpha Davis knew me my entire life, yet he didn't hesitate to kick me out of the pack as soon as my mother died. I think Christopher's afraid of what Gal will do, especially after what I did."

Dennis took Kyle's hand and squeezed it. "He really is a good person. We weren't sure about him initially because he's a bear shifter and the council sent him, but now I wouldn't want anyone else guiding the pride. Gal's one of us, and not only because he and Liam are together. He's become a true pride member and the best alpha we could have asked for."

It was a relief to hear that. Gal was giving Kyle a chance, and Kyle would grab it with both hands. It wasn't only because of his family. Of course, he wanted them to have a place to call home where they could build a new life and be surrounded by other shifters, but there was also Dennis to think of. What would he do if he had to choose between his pride and Kyle? Kyle couldn't be sure he'd choose him, and he wouldn't blame him if he didn't. They were mates, but they'd just met. There was nothing that said they had to be together, especially with the way Kyle had behaved.

But maybe Dennis wouldn't have to choose. Kyle would do everything in his power to ensure that this went smoothly and that everyone was happy.

Including himself.

"It's going to take time for you and your family to believe you're safe, but that's fine," Dennis said gently. "You'll get to know Gal and everyone else. Once you do, you'll realize there's no way Gal is ever going to kick you out unless you do something massive."

Kyle thought that demanding the alpha hand over the pride was pretty massive, but Gal was still giving him another chance. Part of him wondered if it meant that Gal wasn't a good alpha. After all, he was willing to give a chance to someone who'd tried taking the pride from him.

But another part of Kyle was glad that Gal had given him this opportunity. He'd seen right through Kyle's bravado, and now that he knew what was happening, he wasn't angry or holding all of it over Kyle's head.

Kyle leaned forward to kiss Dennis. "I promise I won't ever do anything like this again."

Dennis chuckled and pulled Kyle closer. "I sure hope not. I don't want to lose you when I just found you."

"As long as Gal doesn't kick me out of town, I'm not going anywhere. This is where I belong."

"Is it?"

Kyle wasn't sure what Dennis was asking, but he understood why his mate was hesitant to believe him. "It's where you are, isn't it? As long as you're here, I will be, too."

Dennis seemed pleased with that answer. "This has been my home my entire life, and I don't see that changing."

"Well, it won't have to. I'm sorry I was an idiot about all of this. I realize how lucky I am to be given another chance, and I won't waste it."

Dennis was the one who leaned in to kiss Kyle this time. Kyle sighed in pleasure and relaxed against his mate's chest.

Thiswas what he wanted. He hoped he'd have it for the rest of his life.

He would never have had a chance at this kind of happiness if he'd stayed with the pack. He'd been angry and confused but not surprised when Alpha Davis had kicked him out. He'd thought Alpha Davis was ruining his and his family's lives, but kicking Kyle out was the best thing Alpha Davis could have done. Thanks to him, Kyle had found his home.

"Do we really have to watch that?" Christopher's annoyed voice was loud.

Kyle leaned away from Dennis and blinked at his brother. He, Jennifer, and Grandpa had come out of the bakery and were staring. Jennifer looked like she found them adorable, which made Kyle feel weird because he'd never been adorable while Grandpa was smiling. Christopher, like always, was grumpy and glaring.

"Leave them alone," Jennifer scolded.

"I don't want to watch my brother make out with his mate."

"Then look the other way."

Kyle pressed his face against Dennis's neck and smiled. Sometimes, his family drove him up the wall, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He knew how lucky he was to be loved and to have these three people in his life.

That was why he was ready to do anything in order to keep them safe.

* * * *

Dennis was amused. He had a sister, too, so he was used to dealing with younger siblings, but Annabelle was nothing like Christopher. She was a little like Jennifer, though, and she'd been incredibly happy when Dennis had told her and their parents that he'd found his mate. She was chomping at the bit to meet Kyle, and when Dennis had told her that Kyle had a sister who was around her age, she'd been over-the-moon happy. Dennis didn't know if she and Jennifer would become friends, but if they didn't, it wouldn't be for lack of trying on his sister's part.

"I'll call Gal now," Kyle said. "That way, we'll know when we should head over to see him."

"Let us know," William said as he grabbed Christopher's shoulder and guided him down the sidewalk. "The three of us will take a walk."

It was a not-so-subtle way to tell Dennis and Kyle they could spend some time alone, for which Dennis was grateful. He wanted to spend more time with Kyle, especially on their own.

The problem was that he still had work to do.

He and Kyle watched as William, Jennifer, and Christopher left. Christopher was complaining loudly that they didn't have to do what his grandfather wanted and that he was old enough to make his own decisions, but neither William nor Jennifer seemed to be listening to him. They were talking, with Jennifer gesturing as she did so. They appeared excited to have a true chance to become pride members, and Dennis was, too. This was another step toward keeping his mate with him for the long term, which was all Dennis wished for.

"Sorry about that," Kyle said, his phone still in his hand.

"Sorry about what? Keeping this a secret? Introducing me to your family without telling me first?"

"All of that, I guess. I didn't think you'd have a problem with meeting my family."

Dennis pulled Kyle closer and kissed his cheek. "I don't. I just wish you'd planned this better. I have to go back to work, but I want to spend time with you."

Kyle's smile went straight to Dennis's heart. It made Dennis want to drag Kyle home and never let him go, but it was too soon for that.

"Well, I don't have anything to do. I could hang around the bakery and wait for you."

"It'll be a few hours at least," Dennis warned him.

"That's fine. I'm going to call Gal, then fuck around on my phone. You don't have to rush. I'm happy to wait for you."

Dennis thought that was the truth, even though it was hard to believe. Kyle had been so prickly initially that it was hard for Dennis to wrap his mind around the fact that, contrary to what he thought, everything was going the right way. He'd expected at least a disaster or two, but Kyle was working toward integrating himself and his family into the pride. He wasn't clinging to the alpha role like Dennis would have expected him to. He didn't care about being the alpha. He just wanted to be part of something, and he would.

As long as Gal took him in.

Dennis prayed he would. He didn't want to consider the possibility that Kyle wouldn't be allowed into the pride because he didn't want to think about what that would mean for him. He'd avoid doing so unless it was necessary.

"I'll be in the back," he told Kyle. "Just come through. Shirley won't try to stop you."

"She knows who I am?"

Kyle's question was soft, and Dennis could read between the lines. Kyle wanted to know if Dennis had told Shirley that he was his mate.

Dennis's heart broke a little. Kyle had felt unwanted all of his life. He'd always had his family, which was good because it meant he hadn't been entirely alone, but that was it. He deserved to have more people care about him. He deserved people who loved him and wanted to spend time with him. His pack had rejected him, but Dennis never would.

"She knows," Dennis confirmed. "So does Gordon. Ignore them if they stare at you. They're curious and aren't ashamed of it."

"I'd be curious in their place, too. I'll call Gal, then."

"See you soon."

Dennis didn't want to leave Kyle's side, but they both had stuff to do, and they couldn't lose themselves in each other's company the way Dennis wished they could. He was sure that as soon as Kyle's family became pride members, things would slow down, and he and Kyle would finally be able to enjoy their relationship. In the meantime, he had work to do.

He ignored Shirley's beaming smile when he walked back in and told her to let Kyle through once he was done with his phone call. He'd have to answer her questions eventually, but for a bit, he could avoid them.

He couldn't avoid Gordon. Dennis's assistant was taking a batch of cupcakes out of the oven, and he grinned when Dennis came in. "You're already meeting the family?"

"None of your business," Dennis grumbled.

"It was cute."

"Don't you have something better to do than bother me?"

"Come on, boss. You know you love it. Don't you want to tell me all about Kyle?"

Normally, Dennis wouldn't say a word about the person he was with. None of them had mattered as much as Kyle did, though. None of them had made Dennis want to brag that they were together.

Since he didn't know what Kyle would think of it, he decided it would be best to keep his mouth shut. Gordon didn't need details, and he certainly didn't need more ammunition to tease Dennis.

He glared at Gordon until Gordon snickered and went back to his cupcakes. They both had work to do, and Dennis was thankful when his assistant let it go and focused on the job. Unfortunately, it didn't last long.

Gordon's head snapped up as soon as Kyle walked into the kitchen. He glanced at Dennis, and Dennis could see the humor in his eyes. He pointed at the cupcakes, silently ordering Gordon to get back to work again, but the mirth was still evident in Gordon's expression.

Why was everyone so invested in this? Dennis wasn't surprised they were happy he'd found his mate and maybe even curious, but they had better things to do than obsess over his love life, dammit.

"All done," Kyle said as he stopped next to Dennis.

He kept a certain distance, for which Dennis was grateful. Having Kyle close flustered him.

"When does Gal want to meet you and your family?"

"Tomorrow. He sounded relaxed, so I'm not too worried, although Christopher can be a lot."

Dennis snorted. "You're one to talk. I don't think Christopher will be the problem here."

Thankfully, Kyle didn't take it badly. They were still trying to find their way around each other, and Dennis hadn't been sure Kyle would enjoy his teasing, but his mate smiled.

"I promise I won't start trouble. I want this to go well. I want to be allowed to stay." Kyle leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not sure what I'll do once I am, though."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I came here convinced I'd be the alpha. I'll have to find another job now. I also don't know if the pride and my family will be comfortable with all of us moving into the pride house. Maybe it would be best to rent a place in town."

Kyle was already thinking of the future. Dennis shouldn't be surprised, but he was. Part of him expected Kyle to bolt, but another part was starting to believe that Kyle truly wanted this.

Wanted Dennis.

Dennis bumped their shoulders together, since his hands were dirty. "You shouldn't worry about that yet. It's not like Gal will demand you find a job right after he welcomes you and your family into the pride. Once you're pride members, you'll have time to figure things out. And you don't have to live in the pride house if you don't want to, but that's where I live."

Kyle stared, and Dennis wondered what he was thinking. Dennis didn't want to move out, but if Kyle wished to live away from the pride, Dennis would follow. He hadn't been ready to sacrifice the pride and his family for his mate, but this, he could do.

"I think it's a bit too soon to talk about moving in together, and I want to make sure my family's settled in before I consider moving out on my own, but we can talk things out," Kyle said.

That was fine with Dennis. He understood how life-changing all of this was for Kyle and his family. It made sense that Kyle wanted to stick with them, at least initially. As long as Dennis knew Kyle wasn't going anywhere, he'd give him as much space and time as he needed.

That was what mates did for each other. It was what Dennis wanted to do for the man who would eventually become the center of his universe.

His mate.