17. Sebastian

It was still difficult to think about how different my life was five weeks ago. I’d been mated for five weeks already. I smiled thinking about Drew and how he would be waiting for me at home.

“I know that look.”

I glanced over at Benjamin. We’d taken to walking to and from work together if we were on the same schedule. There were some changes happening within the council, and more enforcers was one of them. That gave all of us different schedules, as well as different assignment rotations.

“It’s incredibly nice to go home to Drew,” I told him. “I didn’t realize how mundane my life had become before him. I had such a nightlife in Spain. Then I came here, and it’s in the middle of nowhere with nothing happening.”

Benjamin snorted. “True. But you have the ability to pop back home in a blink. Are you telling me you didn’t?”

I shook my head. “I did for a while. There were always things to do there. But then I just didn’t.” I looked up at the scenery as we walked away from the council building. This place was vastly different from Spain. Here, it was clean and fresh. The trees were gorgeous, and although I’d been skeptical at first, living on the top of a mountain in Montana had grown on me. Especially now that I had Drew in my life.

“What changed?” Benjamin asked.

“You had a thing with Justin’s mate before they met, right?” Benjamin stiffened for a moment before he sent me a glare. I held up both hands. “No, nothing like that. None of us are angels. I’m just saying. All right? But you had something. Caspian had something. I was looking for something with someone. I guess what changed was me. I was tired of being alone, and I was to the point that I was willing to accept not being with my One in order to not be alone. I stopped popping back there because nothing could ever come from it. I had thought that maybe Ledger might have been interested in something, but then he ended up being Damien’s mate, and I obviously wasn’t going to step in between them.”

“Ah. And to answer your question, yes, I had a thing with Matteo. But it wasn’t anything nearly as serious as what Caspian had with Peter. Everyone thought they would be together as long as they possibly could.”

I nodded in agreement. By all outward appearances, they were mated to each other. If you didn’t know them, you wouldn’t have been able to tell that they weren’t fated to be together.

“They were. They were together until they couldn’t be any longer.”

“True.”

“Sebastian!”

I froze, as did Benjamin beside me. We turned together as my brothers came running up toward us.

“Did you tell them?” Benjamin whispered.

“No. I’ve been busy. I should have, but I was trying to give Drew more time to get used to everything before dropping my family on him.”

Benjamin chuckled. “I’d say smart, but it might not have been. They’re going to know immediately.”

I sighed. I knew that, and as soon as they knew, they were going to not only be upset but also run home and tell our fathers. My peace with Drew was sadly over, and I was going to owe my adorable mate a huge apology. Our lives were about to be invaded by my family, and there wasn’t a whole lot I could do to stop it.

“Benjamin,” Caspian said as he was within a few feet of us. He nodded at Benjamin before he wrapped me up in a hug and immediately froze. He pushed me away, then reached for the neck of my shirt.

I swatted his hand away and met Lorenzo’s eyes. He had been giving Benjamin a welcome hug but had noticed Caspian’s demeanor.

“You’re mated?”

I sighed again. “Yes, but—”

“?Qué demonios?”

I sighed once more. “I didn’t say anything because there’s such a thing as needing time? You know, alone time? Something that our family doesn’t seem to comprehend.” I glanced between Caspian and Lorenzo. Both looked hurt. “I’m sorry. I truly am. But things are a little delicate with Drew, and having the four of you come here immediately might not have been beneficial for either of us.”

Caspian and Lorenzo just stared at me. Then both looked to Benjamin in unison. “Have you met this Drew?”

Benjamin winced. “I have. He and Eli are becoming good friends.”

Both turned accusing eyes back to me. I understood that as the oldest, Caspian always took that role seriously. He’d always been amazing. Despite the age differences between us, he was always there for Lorenzo and then me. I knew I was incredibly lucky since I was the youngest, but Caspian was in a lot of my fondest memories growing up.

“Would you like to meet him?” I asked, hoping to soothe things over with them.

“Now you ask,” Caspian said, crossing his arms in front of him. Lorenzo was standing beside him with his hands in his pockets.

“Don’t be too difficult on him,” Benjamin interjected. “The council grants everyone a month minimum to be with their newly claimed mate to form and strengthen their bond. They’ve only just moved beyond that time. If you really have issue with it, I can have Father discuss the particulars of finding your mate and how that works and what the expectations are.”

I loved my family, but I especially loved Ben in that moment. Throwing Uncle Rainier at them was exactly what needed to happen. Both of my brothers immediately looked apologetic.

“I am sorry. But it’s been one thing after another. Drew has been incredibly sick, and he’s just starting to finally be able to be upright for longer than a few minutes.” After the pregnancy sickness came the dizzy spells. Dr. King had given him some supplements that he needed to take twice a day. They had helped tremendously, but we’d discovered that Drew was most likely going to have a difficult pregnancy throughout.

“What’s wrong?”

Benjamin chuckled. “He’s pregnant, Cass. You know that thing that happens when fated mates meet and claim each other? That happened. Drew is pregnant, and it’s been difficult on him.”

Caspian and Lorenzo gave me sad looks. I shook my head. “He’s fine. He’s a champ. Eli and étienne are both spending a lot of time with him. I’m going to be taking some extra time off from the council when needed, but for now, he’s okay. I’m not going out on any assignments until after the baby is born.”

“You should have Papa sit with him,” Caspian said. I had honestly thought about that, but Drew had been so sick that I didn’t feel comfortable dropping four more people on him. I knew they would be nothing but kind, but when you felt like death had run you over, the last thing you wanted was to meet the in-laws for the first time. And they would all come.

“My offer still stands. Would you like to meet Drew? He’s currently awake. He’s waiting for me to get home.”

“Is that wise?” Benjamin asked. “He’s not going to be expecting the three Ainsworth brothers.”

I shrugged. “They’re here. They’re going to bug me until I introduce them.”

“We’re standing right here,” Lorenzo said.

I shrugged again. “Anyway. If you’d like to meet Drew, you’re welcome to come meet him. If either of you make him uncomfortable, I’m kicking you out. And if either of you tell Father or Papa, I’m cutting you off for the foreseeable future.” With that, I simply turned and started on toward home. I heard footsteps behind me, and when I glanced to my left, Benjamin had caught up. I glanced behind me farther and noticed that Lorenzo and Caspian were following at a short distance.

“Are you at least going to give him a heads-up?” Benjamin whispered. I nodded.

“Cutie?”

“Hey, Seb. Are you still on your way home? I was getting frustrated feelings from you through our bond. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

He was absolutely the sweetest. “Yes, I am. I’ll be there in a few. But unfortunately, I’m not alone.”

“Huh? Is Benjamin coming with you?”

I glanced at my cousin. “He’s here, yes. But I think he’s going home to Eli and their boys. But my brothers just showed up a few moments ago.”

There was a long pause. “What?” Drew asked quietly.

“They’re going to come meet you. It’s my fault. I’ve been ignoring them, and that’s not really normal for me. Now, they’re here. If you don’t want them in the house, I understand. I’ll send them on their way.”

There was more silence. Then panic came through our bond.

“Drew?”

More silence, and I suddenly became worried. I looked at Benjamin with wide eyes and then simply popped into the home I shared with Drew.

“Drew?” I called out. I searched the house for his aura and found him upstairs in the bedroom. I popped in there and found my adorable One running around frantically. He froze when he saw me. His eyes were wide, and he was trying to pull off his T-shirt I was certain he’d slept in last night while trying to get a polo off the hanger.

“They’re here already?” he asked, frantic. I rushed to his side and wrapped him in my arms.

“They might be. I left them with Benjamin.” I leaned down and kissed the top of his messy bedhead. “Cutie, what are you doing?”

“I can’t meet your brothers in my pajamas. If they’re anything like you, I’m sure they’re immaculate and look like they’ve just come off of a runway as well. I can’t compete with you warlocks on a good day. Throw in two more, and I’m going to look like I’m back living on the streets.”

It took a lot to not roll my eyes. But I did manage to get Drew calmed down when I used magic and put him in clean pajamas. “There. Is that better?”

Drew pulled back a little, looked down at himself, then back up at me and gave me one of his looks. I’d come to understand that one quite well over the last few weeks. That particular one was the are you serious look.

“They’re still pajamas, Seb!”

“Yes, but clean ones. And you’re pregnant. And you’ve been sick, and they know that.” I winked at Drew and pulled him back into my arms. “Besides, you’re absolutely adorable when you’re messy and in your pajamas.”

Thankfully, Drew melted. I wasn’t necessarily trying to charm my One, but I did want him at ease.

“I’m sorry. I’m not meaning to freak out. I knew I would meet your family eventually. I just didn’t expect it to be today.”

“I didn’t expect them today either. Normally they give me a heads-up that they’re coming, but like I said, I’ve been ignoring them. This is entirely my fault.”

Drew shrugged. “So, just your brothers?”

I nodded.

“All right. Are they staying for supper? Are we still going to have sandwiches?”

I couldn’t help it—I leaned down and kissed Drew. He was adorable, and he was mine. I didn’t think it would be possible to love someone quite this much, but here I was. Completely and totally enamored with him.

“Yes, we can have sandwiches. Are you up for them?”

Drew nodded. “Maybe a smaller one. I’ll have fruit and extra veggies on my sandwich.”

I grinned. “You can have anything you want,” I told him.

Drew followed me downstairs, holding on to my hand tightly. I saw three sets of legs when the front door came into view. As we descended the stairs, I saw Benjamin standing there with my brothers. They all looked concerned, and I felt bad for leaving them like that without saying anything.

“He’s fine. Just nervous,” I told them.

“Well, sucks for you,” Benjamin said. “When you disappeared, I reached out to Eli, who was with Dad. He reached out to Father, who is still with Master Edison.” Benjamin looked like he was trying his best to not laugh. I groaned seconds before there was a loud knock on the door. It then swung open, and in came none other than Master Edison with not only both of Benjamin’s fathers but Dr. King as well.

“Oops,” Drew said as he peeked around me.

“He’s fine,” I told them all.

“Hi, étienne,” Drew said as he came out from behind me.

“Drew, sweetie. Are you all right?”

“I am.” Drew glared up at me.

“Eewww, someone’s in trouble,” Lorenzo said. The smile immediately wiped off his face when Drew turned his glare to my brother. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Actually, I don’t think I’m in trouble, Lorenzo. You, on the other hand, might be.”

Dr. King came forward and immediately moved to stand in front of Drew. “I don’t get that anything is amiss. But I was told you were panicking,” Dr. King said. “What caused the panic? Your aura doesn’t show anything at the moment though.”

“I caused the panic,” I told the doctor.

“No you didn’t,” Drew argued. He then looked at the doctor. “Imagine spending weeks puking your guts out, then getting so dizzy you could hardly walk. Then, all of a sudden, you’re meeting your brothers-in-law unexpectedly.” Drew sent my brothers another glare.

Master Edison started chuckling. “I do believe all is well here,” he said.

“Yes, Master. I do apologize for causing everyone alarm.” I was most likely going to never hear the end of it tomorrow, but for now, I was in the clear.

“Nonsense. We’re all just relieved that Drew is doing well.” Master Edison looked at my uncles, and then he nodded at me. “Enjoy your visit with your brothers. But don’t allow them to stay too long and tire out your One.”

“No, of course not,” I said. I silently thanked Master Edison. I couldn’t actually thank him in the moment without upsetting my brothers, who were staring my way. Specifically at Drew.

“Yes,” Dr. King said. He looked down at Drew. “I would have suggested waiting two more weeks to ensure you’ve regained your strength. You’re making great strides, but the past few weeks have really hit you hard.”

“I promise I’ll just sit on the couch and let Sebastian spoil me like he’s been doing,” Drew said.

“That’s my boy,” étienne said. I gave my uncle a look, and he turned a shapely eyebrow at me. “Your One is carrying your baby. The least you can do is spoil him every chance you get.”

I held up both of my hands in surrender. “I do. I promise.” I looked to Uncle Rainier for help, but he shook his head.

“Do not look my way. He gave me three sons, and I did everything for him during all three pregnancies. I am with him on this one.” étienne looked to his mate and grinned. We could all tell they were talking through their bond, and by the looks of things, Uncle Rainier was about to get incredibly lucky. He cleared his throat. “If there is nothing else, Master Edison?”

Master Edison chuckled. “Enjoy your evening. Shall we all leave and let Sebastian make it up to Drew for dropping his brothers on him last moment?”

With that, everyone simply left, leaving me with my brothers and Drew. Caspian cleared his throat and held out his hand toward Drew. “It is nice to meet you, Drew. I am Caspian.”

Drew stared at the hand for a moment, causing my normally incredibly sure brother to question himself, it seemed. I had never, in my entire life, witnessed such a thing. After a moment, Drew took a step forward and placed his hand in Caspian’s. “It’s nice to meet you as well. Sebastian has talked about his family on and off over the past few weeks.”

Caspian shook Drew’s hand and then let it go. He then looked up at Lorenzo. Lorenzo was an Iberian lynx shifter like our omega father. And he seemed to have gotten his height from not only our father but somewhere else way back in the line. He was a little over six and a half feet tall and somehow made even me and Caspian look short at six three and six two, respectively.

“Lorenzo,” my middle brother said. He took Drew’s hand, and instead of shaking it, he knelt over it and grinned up at Drew. “It is such a pleasure to meet you.”

I felt Drew’s face heat through our bond. I rolled my eyes before I reached around my One and took his hand from my middle brother’s. “Flirt with someone else. He’s mine,” I warned.

Lorenzo gasped and placed his hands on his chest. “I would never. I was being sincere. It is a pleasure to meet him. I’m already envisioning how much Papa is going to adore him.” Lorenzo grinned. “He’s so tiny.”

Drew looked up at Lorenzo, then up at me, and rolled his eyes. “You know, if I wasn’t pregnant, I’d shift and kick your little kitty ass.” Drew looked back up at me and then simply walked away. “I’ll be in the living room, Seb,” he called out over his shoulder. “It’s very nice to meet you, Caspian. Please come in and make yourself at home. I need to rest though.”

I looked at both of my brothers. Caspian had a smirk on his face, and Lorenzo looked truly offended. I couldn’t help it; I busted out laughing. I was still laughing when Caspian walked off to follow Drew. When I finally stopped laughing, I looked in the direction that Drew and Caspian had gone. “I love you, Drew,” I called out.

“Love you too,” he said back.

I looked over to my brother and shook my head. “Your charm didn’t work. Sorry.”

Lorenzo looked at me with wide eyes. “What type of feline shifter is he?”

I grinned. “Cheetah. And he’s absolutely breathtaking in that form.” I glanced toward the back of the house. “His human form as well.” I took several steps away from the front door. “Are you coming in?”

Lorenzo looked as if he wasn’t quite sure. “Am I welcome?”

I couldn’t help it; I laughed again. “Yes, my brother. You are welcome. Just don’t try to flirt with my One nor do anything to piss him off. He has spunk.”

Lorenzo’s smile was slow. “Yes, I can see that.” Lorenzo looked at me. “I like him.” He nodded.

Yes, I was sure he did. “I do too,” I said. “Too bad he’s mine and not yours.” I honestly couldn’t see Drew with Lorenzo. I loved my brother. Both of them, in fact. But Lorenzo was your typical playboy alpha that wouldn’t have been a good fit for Drew. Drew needed someone more understanding and patient. I’m not saying Lorenzo would have forced Drew. But he simply wouldn’t have been who he needed to help bring him out of his shell.

“I would never.” Lorenzo stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “Do you truly believe I would do such a thing? To my brother?”

I looked at Lorenzo for a moment before shaking my head. “No.” I moved closer. “But there are things about Drew that you don’t know and might never know. Please, just be a gentleman around him.”

Lorenzo stared at me for a long moment before nodding in understanding. “Of course,” he whispered back.

We joined Drew and Caspian, and immediately, Caspian looked up at me and laughed. “What is with this couch?”

I laughed again. “Isn’t it amazing? There’s tons of room, which is great since Benjamin and Eli live next door. They visit every so often with their twins, and the boys loved to crawl on it.”

“étienne and Eli were here earlier with them,” Drew said as I sat beside him. Immediately, I wrapped my arm around him and leaned down, kissing him on the forehead when he looked up at me.

“I’m sorry, my heart. I didn’t know they were going to be here.”

“It’s all right. Truly. I like them both.”Drew looked over at Lorenzo, who had just sat beside Caspian. “I think Lorenzo is too sure of himself though. Does that charm always work?”

I couldn’t help it; I busted out laughing. My brothers just stared at me like I’d finally lost it. If only they knew.

I looked down at Drew and cupped his cheek. “More often than not, yes,” I told him out loud. Let my brothers wonder what the rest of the conversation was. I didn’t care. They showed up here without warning. Or perhaps they had let me know, only I’d just not seen the message.

“Might I ask a question?” Caspian asked.

“Of course,” I told him.

He pointed between the two of us. “Is this the person you were asking about the whole considering a relationship about?”

I nodded slowly. “Yes. Thankfully, Drew put me out of my misery and accepted me fairly quickly, and I didn’t have to wait. I would have though, because he’s completely worth it. He’s worth everything,” I said. Only I wasn’t talking to my brother any longer. I had cupped Drew’s face again and was staring directly into his eyes. Drew’s cheeks heated again, and I smiled. I wondered if I’d always have that effect on him. I sure hope so.