Secluded alpha m m mpreg shifter romance omegas inn love book 4 lorelei m hart

Secluded Alpha: M/M Mpreg Shifter Romance (Omegas Inn Love Book 4) Lorelei M. Hart

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SecludedAlpha

Copyright © 2024byLoreleiM.Hart

DigitalISBN:979-8-89320-008-9

PrintISBN:979-8-89320-009-6

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OmegasInnLove

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen

ChapterNineteen

ChapterTwenty

ChapterTwenty-One

ChapterTwenty-Two

ChapterTwenty-Three

ChapterTwenty-Four

ChapterTwenty-Five

AnExcerptfromDeliciousAlpha

AbouttheAuthors

LiketheowneroftheBearclawInn,Ilostmymateovertwodecadesago.Weweremadlyinlove,althoughhewasnotmy fated Histimewasuptooearly;we’dneverevenhadcubs Imisshimeveryday

Iwanttoloveagain.Tofindamate,butIdon’tknowwheretostart.I’mnotasyoungasIusedtobeandhavesecludedmyself ingrievingthelifeweshould’vehad.Butmybearinsistsit’stimetostartlivingagain.

Hugo

I’vetriedalltheappsanddatingsitestonoavail.Thethingis,Icraveanolderalpha.Hedoesn’tevenhavetobealeopard likeme.Justsomeonewhocantakecareofmeandwhodoesn’tfoolaroundlikemostofthealphasI’vemet.Iwanttosettle downandknowI’msafewithhim.

ThenIgotaletterinthemailfromtheBearclawInn.Itmayjustbethetickettomyfuture.NooneleavestheBearclawwithout amate,right?

Secluded Alpha is the fourth book in the Omegas Inn Love Series. It is a sweet with knotty heat MM shifter mpreg romance featuring an alpha bear shifter who’s ready to stop grieving, an omega leopard shifter ready to find a true alpha, the magic of Franklin and his Bearclaw Inn, and a guaranteed HEA. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. If you like your alphas hawt, your omegas strong, and your mpreg with heart, download your copy today

HesitantAlpha

SteadfastAlpha

DeliciousAlpha

SecludedAlpha

By LoreleiM.Hart

ThefarmwasWilliam’sdream.

Itwasanurbanfarm,onanacreoflandinanoldersectionofthecity,buthedreamedofadaywhenwe’dbeabletogrow mostofourownfruitsandvegetablesonthatsmallspace Ilaughed,atthetime,teasinghimthathe’dloseinterestafterayear ortwoandwe’dhavetoputthelawnbackinandtheshrubshesoenergeticallyremovedtomakeroomforraisedbedsand dwarffruittrees

Tobefair,mylovehadlostinterestinbowling,waterpolo,golf,andafewotherpassionsinourtoofewyearstogether beforehesethissightsonthispropertywithitsneglectedsprawlingranch-stylehouseandfalling-downfences Theentire neighborhoodwasinsadshape,andwegotthefirsthalfacreforasong,butwhenWilliammadeanofferonthehomebehind us,Iputmyfootdown.Withlittleresult.Icouldneversaynotohim.Abouttenyearsyoungerthanme,hewashandsome enoughtobeamodel,notthathe’deverbeeninterestedinanythinglikethat,funny,winsome,andincredibleinbed Andbuilt likesomeonewhosebodyshouldbe100percentperfect.

Shiftersrarelycatchdiseases,wecanhealfromalmostanyinjurysimplybyshiftingtoouranimal,andweliveamuch longerlifethanhumans.Usually.Butevenshifterscanbebornwiththepotentialforabrainaneurism.Unfortunately,nobody knewthatabouthimuntilthedayhetextedmethathehada bitch of a headache andwascominghomefromworkearly

Heneverevenmadeitoutoftheofficebuilding,keelingoverwhenthebloodvesselwentfrombulgingtobursting.He alsonevergotasinglethingplantedinhisfarm.Allhe’dmanagedwasthehardtaskofdealingwithwhatwasalreadythere. ButIcouldnotlethisdreamdiewithhim Whetheritwouldhavebeenanothershort-termhobbyornot,atthemomentheleft me,itwasthethinghe’dbeenmostexcitedabout.Goinghomeafterhisburial,Ifacedthepilesofboardsandbagsofsoil,the cardboardhe’dcollectedfromalltheneighbors’recyclingbins,andthemountainsofsticksandbranchesfromtheformer shrubs.Hewasgoingtousethe“lasagna”layeringmethodtofillhisnewraisedbeds.

Thatwouldneedtobebuilt.

Nearlytwentyyearslater,I’dmadeallthemistakesanewurbanfarmercouldmanage,killingalotofinnocentseedlings alongthewaybutalsolearningsomethingaboutmyself.Ilovedbeingafarmer onthisscale.Igrewenoughtofeedmyself anddonatealottoneighborsandfoodbanks Itwasn’tmyjob-job,butitwashardwork Andcompletelyworthit Sittingon theporchthiseveninginlatespring,Iwassurroundedbythebeautyoftheearthcomingintorenewal.

Thedwarffruittreesweremaybealittlebiggerthantheyweresupposedtobe,butIattributedthattotherichsoilI’dbuilt and,lately,withthesuccessofthefruittreeguildsaroundtheirtrunks.Gradually,I’dlearnednewtechniquesandincorporated themintothefarm.Whatcouldgrowwithwhat?Whatcouldhandleshade?Whydidmytomatoesdiethatoneyear?Itwasa constantlearningexperience.

Oh,andthechickens?Theywerestrictlyegg-layingpets.Nomeatchickensonmyfarm.IevenpulledthecurtainswhenI atepoultryfromthegrocerystoresoasnottofreakoutthegirls Itwasacitylot Orrathertwo Thehouseonthelotbehind hadbeenrenovatedandwasrented,butthespacearounditwasallediblegardeninglandscaping.Thetenant,whowasgetting agreatdeal,wasjustgladhedidn’thavetodealwiththeoutsidethemselves Ihadhopedhemightwanttocomeoutandpulla fewweeds,hangoutandtalkaboutwhentheappleswouldberipe,andifitwasagoodpeachcrop.But,no,justlikethe previoustenants,thisonedidhisownthingandhadnointerestwhatsoeverinbondingovernarcissusblossoms.

Rockingandlookingatthepaleleavesonthestone-fruittrees,Ifinallyhadtorecognizeanimportantfact Iwaslonely.

Workingalldayandcominghometotakecareofthefarmwasfulfilling,butIneededsomethingmore Myfriendswere busywiththeirmatesandchildrenand,insomecases,grandchildren.Theywerekindbutdidn’thavemuchtimetosparefora singlefriendwhohadnofamilyofhisown Ineededsomeonetositherewithmeandappreciateallthispropertycould provide.Tosay,“Nicetomatoes,”or,“Doyouneedhelpwiththeasparagus?”

Ididn’tneedthemtobeafarmer,butIdidneedcompany.Evenifallthey“helped”withwaseatingtheasparaguswithme andappreciatinghowdeliciousitwas Orsharedalemonadewhilelookingoverthenarcissus ButmaybeIwasmakingtoo bigadealaboutsomeonealsolikingtogarden.Iwasn’tlookingforahoeingpartner,ratheracompanionwhowouldfillahole inmyheartsobigIhadnoideahowtomakeithappen,andmaybeitneverwould

Hugo

“Isthisseattaken?”Amanaboutmyagesatdownbeforewaitingformyanswer.Hehadasweetsmile,butIwasn’t interestedandneitherwasmyleopard.Iwasoverdating.Burnedthebridgeandemptiedmybrainoftheidea.

I’dbeenghostedmoretimesthanIcouldcountandhadsimplygivenup

IreturnedmygazetomybookandwassearchingforthesentenceIhadbeenreadingwhenhenudgedmewithhis shoulder “Doyoubake?Whatisthatenticingsmell?”

Thealphawasalion.Icouldsmellthefellowfelineonhimassoonashegotontothebus.Iwasalwayscaughtbetween notwantingtoberudeorentertainshallowconversation “Yes Ibake Ibringthingstomycoworkers”

“Dotheypayyouforit?”Heleanedforwardandtriedtolookintomyclothbag,butthebellabovemerang.

“Thisismystop.”Igotup,fumblingtoputmybookawaywhilebalancingmylunchbag,mybreadbag,andmybackpack. “Ihopetoaccidentallybumpintoyounexttime”Hewinkedatme,andIgavehimthesmileIgavetostrangersandthehot dogvendorwhenIwasn’tplanningonbuyinganythingfromhim friendlybutaloof.

Thesmellsofthecitywaftedallaroundme

Theyeastyfragranceofthebagelshopadjacenttomybusstop Multiple perfumes,soaps,anddeodorantsaseveryonerushedtotheirappointmentsandjobs.Rustandmetalandstalewater.Butfare lessoverwhelmingthanthesounds Thedrummingandclickingandthumpingofshoesinallshapes,sizes,andheaviness againstthesidewalk.Peoplechatteringontheirphones.Orderingfood.Eatingfood.Fussingateachothertohurryup. Complainingabouttheweather.Theswishofpantlegs.Sneezing.Coughing.Theentiregambit.Somedaysitwasnice.The barrageofsensorysparkswassometimescomfortingbut,ondayslikethis,wheremyleopardwasabitmoreboisterousthan usual,itwasannoying,andapulsethrummedinmytemples.Withrelief,IpushedpastthecrowdintothebuildingwhereI worked

“Goodmorning,”Petesaid,squeezingintotheelevatorwithmeandaboutthirteenotherpeople.

“Goodmorning.”

Wesharedalongstare.Petewasmyworkfriend.Wetalkedandsometimessharedlunchtogether.Ibakedhimloavesof sourdough,mostlytogethistakeonmyexperiments,andhebroughtmeTupperwarecontainersofleftoversfrommealshis alphamadeforhim Buthewasmatedandexpectinghisfirstchild,andIwassingleandspentmyfreetimebakingandreading booksandwatchingvideosonbaking.Wedidn’tdoanythingoutsideoftheworkday,andthatwasokay.IfIhadanalphaand wasexpectingorevenhadalreadyhadachild,Iprobablywouldspendeveryfreeminutewiththem

“Well?”hesaid.“Nowildnewrecipeforme?”

Someoftheothersintheelevatorturnedaroundandlookedatthebag.DidtheythinkIhadenoughtosharewitheveryone? No.Ididn’t.

Foodbroughteveryonetogether evenstrangerspackedintoanelevatorbringingthemtoafloorfullofcubicles.

Afterwearrivedatourfloorandexited,wewaitedforthedoorstoclosethenlaughed “Ithoughttheywereallgoingto pounceonyou.Plus,thesmellofbreadwasfillingtheplaceandmakingthemalldrool.DidIsmellblueberry?”

“Close”Ipulledoutaminilemon-huckleberryloaf,butIalsohadaraspberrywhitechocolatecheesecakeversionfor himtotaste.Imadeloavesofregularsourdoughforthefarmer’smarketontheweekends,butIoftenalsobroughtsome differentflavors,andtheyalwayssoldoutalongwiththeothers.

Giventheopportunityandcapital,Iwouldbakefull-time,butuntilIstruckitrich,Iusedthisjobtopaythebills Unfortunately,thewordpassionorevenhappinesswasn’tallowedintheclaimsdepartmentofthishomeinsurancecompany. Myjobinvolvedstartingtheclaimsprocess,butmostofthetime,hearingpeople’sheart-wrenchingstorieswasenoughto makemecry.

Whiletakingacallfromawomanwhohadlostherhometoafire,includingallherpreciousmementosofherlatemother, onthephone,achatmessagepoppeduponmyscreen.Bothmyloaveswereahit.

“That’sgood,”Isaidatexactlythewrongtime.Thewomanhadjusttoldmehercatalmostdiedintheflames.

“What?”sheexclaimed

“Notyou.No.I’msorry.Acoworkerwasspeakingtome.Hedidn’trealizeIwasonthephone.”Iwentthroughthe motionsofstartingaboutahundredotherclaimsthatdayand,bytheend,Iwasbeatenandwrungoutcompletely

Thisjobsuckedthelifeoutofme,butIneededit.

Duetoextra-heavytrafficresultingfromanaccident,Ididn’tgethomethatnightuntilafterseven Iwasstarvingand orderedinsincethelastthingIwantedtodowascook.Bake,yes.Cook,no.

Iploppeddownonthecouchandwasdriftingoffwhenaknockjerkedmeupright.Istumbledovertoopenthedoorand mumbled,“Hello?”

“Hugo?OrderfromThaiwantMore?”

“Yes That’sme”ThefoodI’dordered Right

ItippedthedeliveryguyandsatdowntoscrollthroughmyphoneforawhileasIate.Sighing,Iopenedanappthat promisedamate,butI’dsentsomemessagesthatnevergotresponses.Ihadatype,thatwasforsure.Mypreferencewasan olderalpha

I’dneverreallygottenalongwithalotofpeoplemyage

Iwantedsomeonewithwisdomandlessonsthathadbeenlearnedwithbothageandexperience.Someonewhoknewwhat hewasdoinginlifeandinthebedroom

Someonewhoknewhowtotreatanomega.

Iwashuntingforeggsfromacoupleofhenswhohadbecomeescapeartistsandhadbeenlayingthemintheoddest cornersofthefarm,whenIgotatextfromoneofmyoldestfriends.Wehadhistory,heandI,butnotinthewaypeopleoften meant OurlatemateswerechildhoodfriendswhohadbeenontheirwaybackfromareuniontogetherwhentheywereTbonedonthehighwayandinjuredbeyondwhatevenshiftingcouldheal.Wehadmournedtogetherandtriedtogoforward, eachinourownway Withvaryinglevelsofsuccessovertwodecadesofloneliness

Butwhileneitherofushadfoundsomeoneelsetomate,orreallyeverplannedto,myfriendFranklin,ownerandoperator oftheBearclawInnhadfoundthebetterwaytocombatloneliness Insteadofspendinghistimechattingwithchickens,hehad turnedhisandhislatemate’sdreamhomeintoaB&Bandfoundanicheforhimself.

Chat me up when you get a chance. It’s been too long since we ’ ve gotten together.

Islippedaneggintomyharvestingapronpocketandploppeddownononeofthemanymismatchedseatsaroundthefarm Someoneoncesaiditwouldbeagoodideatohavelotsofplacestositandobservemybedsandtreesandallthepartsofthe farm Itwouldkeepmeoutthereenjoyingmyselflongerandhelpmetonoticethingsthatmightotherwisegetpastme Like insectsandzucchinishidingunderaleafwhiletheygrewtobaseballbatsize.Andsunsets.Thisevening,afteralongdayatthe otherjob,Iwasmorethanhappytopressmyfriend’scontactandsettleinforaniceconversation Ithadindeedbeentoolong

“Collin!Thatwasfast.”Hischucklecameovertheline,remindingmeoftimeswhenthefourofushadgottentogetherfor dinnerorsometimesaweekendaway.Ididn’tknowwhyIdidn’tjustcallhimupwhenthesadnessthreatenedtooverwhelm me,butwheneverhemessagedorcalled,Iperkedrightup

“Goodtiming.I’moutinthegardenwaitingforthesunsetshow.”

“Thatfarmofyoursisbeautiful Iguessyou’reprettybusygettingreadyforspring,huh?Nosparetimetovisitanold friend?”

“Franklin,Ialwayshavetimeforyou.Iseverythingallright?Doyouneedanything?”Astheonlyconnectiontomylate mate,ourfriendshipheldaspecialsignificance.Evenifwewentmonthsoryearswithoutgettingtogether whichwassilly sincewedidn’tlivethatfarapart,butwebothstayedbusy theclosenesswasalwaysthere.

We’devenwonderedonceifmaybewecouldbemore,butthenwegottogetherfordinner,spenttheentiretimetalking aboutourlovedones,andagreedthatwehadnospark,justafriendshipforlife.Andthatwehadthebestofmateswhowould neverbereplaced

“Everythingisfine,butIwantedtoinviteyouforaweekend.Youneedabreakfromworkingandfarming.”

“Ido.”Eagerly,Ibeganrunningovermyscheduleinmyhead,butthenIhesitated.“Franklin,myfriend,doyouthinkI needabreak,oristhisoneofyourmatchmakingweekends?”

“Well,whatifitis?”

“I’mnotlookingforsomeonenew YouandIaredestinedtobesingle,remember?”

“Maybenotdestined…”

Isuckedinabreath “Haveyourunoutofpeopletosetup?”

Hislaughterwarmedmeasalways.“Never,butyou’vebeenalonetoolong,andit’stimeforyoutoloveagain.Hewas notyourfated,youknow.”

“OfcourseIknow,butIlovedhimenoughforhimtohavebeen Williamisirreplaceable”Iheardtheangerinmytone andclearedmythroat.Franklinwasjustbeingnice.EventhoughIdidn’twantanewmate,hehadlistenedtomecomplain enoughthathewouldwanttohelp “Seriously,I’mfine”

“Collin,you’renotfine.”

“You’renotfine,either,”Iretorted “No,notfinebutokay.Fornow.Butyouknowmyreputation.Iwouldn’tsuggestthisifIdidn’tthinkIhadapersonyou couldbehappywith.”

“Notmyfated?”Thehopeflickeringinmyheartwastoocruel

“That,Idon’tknow.You’llhavetotellmewhenyoumeethim.”

WehungupafterIagreedtoatleastshowupandenjoytheweekend Meettheguy EnjoyFranklin’scooking AtleastIknewwhatI’dbeeatingtonight.Eggs.IfoundacouplemoreasIcontinuedmyperusalofthenooksandcrannies attheedgesofthefarm NowtofindsomeonetobabysittheplacewhileIwenttovisitFranklin “Collin?”

Iturnedonaheel,justasIwasreadytoslipthethirdegginthepocket,nearlymissinganddroppingitontheground.“Oh, Allen”Mytenantintheback “CanIhelpyouwithsomething?”Pleasedon’tletitbeaplumbingissue

“Er,no,well,maybeyes.”Hisfaceflushed.“Ineedtoaskafavor.”

“Idon’tsupposeyouneedanegg?”Ihelduptheoneinmyhand

“Thisissoembarrassing.”Hestoppedtalking,andIwaited,havinganideawhathemightbeabouttotellme.“I thatis, mycompanyhasshutdown,andIhaveanewjobalreadysoyoudon’tthinkI’mabum.”

“Ineverwouldthinkthat”Itwasthethirdofthemonth,andwhiletherentwasnotlateuntilthefifth Allenhadneverpaid aminutelaterthanthefirst.Ihadbeensobusywithfarmingplansforspring,Ihadn’tnoticed.“Doyouneedafewdays?”

“Um,alittlemorethanthat Theyhadn’tpaidmeinoveramonthbeforetheyshutdown,kepttellingustheproblemwas temporary,butturnedoutitwasanythingbut.Ihavesomeoftherentbutnotallofit,andIdon’tstartthenewjobuntilthefirst ofnextmonth Hell,Ishouldjustpackupandgo” hewentfromblushingtopale “Ihavenoideawhere Icouldjuststayin mycar.”

“Allen,comeoverhere.”IguidedhimtoagreenmetalbenchI’dfoundatajunkyard.“Sitdownandwe’llfigurethisout.”

BythetimeheheadedbackforhisADU,hehadagreedtotakecareofthingshereformenotonlywhileIwasawayfor theweekendbutalsohelpmewiththeextraspringworkofplantingandotherthings.Inreturn,hewouldgetamonth’sfreerent andalltheeggshecouldeat Also,anythingedibleinthegardens,althoughitwasn’tthebesttimeofyearforthat Butthere weresaladgreensandthelastofthebrassicas,beets,andherbsandgreenonions.Enoughtosupplementwhathehadenough moneytobuy

AndIcouldplanmytrip.

Hugo

“Wehadtomoveyourtable,Hugo.I’msorrybutyourlinewasblockingtheotherbooths,andpeopleweregettingabit, let’ssay,feisty.”

I’dearnedmylocationatthefarmer’smarketbypatientlybumpingupfromabackcornerovermytimehere,anditmore thanirritatedmethatIgotshovedbacksomewherelessvisible.

Isighed Beingsuccessfulatanythingwasalonelybusiness “Thankyou,James”

“You’rethankingme?Ithoughtforsureyouwouldbeupsetaboutthis.”

Ishruggedoneshoulder “Seethegreenwagon?”ItippedmyheadtowardoneofthetwowagonsItowedherefrommy car.Theycollapsedandletmebringallmyinventorytomyboothinonetrip.

“Yeah?”

“Thatwagonholdsmypreorders Movingmyboothisn’tgoingtomattermuch Isellouteverytime”Infact,Ihadbeen tryingtofigureouthowtofindtimetobakemore,butfreshnesswasparamountandIdidn’thaveacommercialoven.

Henodded,andIscentedthetiniestbitoffrustrationcomingfromtheelkshifter Anelkinthecitywasunique,buthehad acabinupstatewherehewenttorunfree,butnotasoftenashe’dlike.Myleopardwantedtorunaswell,butitwasrarefor metogetanywherewherehecould

OnceIwasatmyboothandputupmyvinylsign,severalpatronshoverednearbywhileIsetup.Therewasawoman acrossthewaywhorarelysoldasinglebitofmakeup.Itwasthekindthatbasicallysolditself,butnoonecametoherstall.I sawherwithherhandsploppedonheramplehipsandhereyebrowsbunchedabovehernose I’dtoldherthatIwouldmake heranewlogoandhelpherwithonlinesales,butshestuckhernoseupattheidea.

Maybestandingtherealldayandnotsellingoneproductwasherthing

I’dboughtabrand-newtableclothformytablerecently,niceandcolorfultogetpeople’sattention.Ialsohadfoundsome simple-to-assembleshelvestodisplaythebreadandhadawhiteboardthatlistedmyavailableitemsforthedayandtheir prices.

Onceeverythingwasdone,IflippedthelittlesignfromClosedtoOpen.

Thefirstpersonwasaregularwho’dplacedarushorderfortensmallbreadbowls,andformytrouble,hebroughtme someofhishomemadebroccolicheddarsoupthathewouldputinthebowlslater,tryingtoimpresshisomega’sparents.

Mostofmypreordersweregonebynine,leavingonlytheloavesI’dstayedupallnightbaking Thefancyoneslike rosemaryolive,andthecrazyoneslikethehuckleberrylemonandraspberrywhitechocolatecheesecakethatI’dletPete samplethatweek.

“Whyintheworldwouldyoumakethesewildflavors?”amansaidwhilereachingforasampleoftheraspberryloaf.

“Becausetheytastegood,andIlovetobecreative.”Wasn’tthefirsttimeI’dgottenthequestion.Thereweresourdough puristswhoexpressedtheiropinionswhetherIwantedthemornot Ifounditfunny Sometimestheoneswhoaskedthe questionsweretheoneswhopurchasedthemostintheend.

Hechewedthebread,andhisscowlturnedintoasmileinseconds Anothercustomer “Thisisfantastic,”heexclaimed “Ithasthesweetnessofthechocolatewiththetangoftheraspberryandsournessofthedough,butthenyou’rehitwithribbons ofcreamthatbalanceeverythingperfectly.”

Ineededtohirethisguytoreviewmybreadsforonlinesales

“Thankyou.Pleasesampletheothers.Ihavenewflavorseveryweek.”

Themanleftwithasmileonhisfaceandoneofmyclothbagsloadedwitheachvarietyofmybreadavailablethatday He eventookapictureofmeandhandedmehisphonesohecouldlikemypageonsocialmedia.

Byearlyafternoon,Iwassoldoutand,onceIbrokemyboothdownandputeverythingaway,Idecidedtopurchasesome thingsfromothervendors,especiallysomethingtoeatsinceI’dmissedlunchandwasstarving.Itwashardtopickwithso manyoptions,butIendedupwithabagelsandwichandsomefresh-friedchipsthathitthespot.

Everythingfromthefarmer’smarketwentintomybasementstorageunit,withmymailinhand,Iopenedthedoortomy apartmentandcollapsedonthecouchagain.Havingtwojobswaswearingonme.

Zoningoutwithguiltypleasurerealityshowsandeatingagrilledcheesefilleduptherestofmynight IwishedIhad someonetospenditwith,evenifitwasonlyafriend.Itwastimeslikethisthatmyleopardroaredhisloneliness.Hewanteda mate,andhistasteslikemine,werespecific

WhiletheTVshowwasonacommercialbreak,Ilookedatthemail.Bills.Advertisements.Ifoundaletterinanavy-blue envelopenearthebottom.Ithadafancyold-fashioned-typewaxseal.Itosseditontothesidetable,sureitwasawedding invitation,whichIwasnotinthemoodtolookat

ItonlyremindedmethatIhadnomateandtherewouldbenoweddingormatingceremonyinmyfuture.

IhadaweektogetthroughbeforeitwastimetoheadtoFranklin’splaceandmeetmyfate.Orfated.Orjusthaveanice time.Ihadn’trealizedwhenwefirstspokethathemeantnextweekend,butwe’dtextedbackandforthafewtimes,andhe’d clarified ItwasveryfortunateAllenwouldbeavailabletotakecareofthingshereonthefarmsoIcouldheadouttothe Bearclawandenjoymyself.

Franklinhadareputationformatchmaking ButI’dalreadyhadmytruelove,fatedornot,andIdidn’treallybelieveeven FranklincouldfindsomeoneIcouldconnecttoonanythinglikethatlevel.AndI’dneverbeabletoreachthatagain.Nomatter howwellhemeant Still,Ididn’tmindtheideaofhavingaweekendvisitingwithafriendorevenadateforonce I’dbeen alonealongtimeandalthoughI’dneverbeenintoone-nightstands,alackofmatedidnotremovemyphysicaldesires.Aslong asbothofthoseinvolvedknewthefacts thatitwasjustavacationfling noharmnofoul.

Probably ByWednesdaynight,I’dspentsomuchtimeconsideringwhetherthiswouldbeokayoramistakethatwould risktearingthescaboffthewoundthatwasmyheart.AndthatwasthereasonIcouldn’thaveanythingmorethanaweekend flingwithanyone WhatdidIhavetooffer?I’dspenttwodecadesinmourning,myonlyrealpleasuremakingmylatemate’s dreamofanurbanfarmcometolife.Iwaswashingupmyfewdinnerdisheswhenthephonerang.Iglancedoveratthescreen andsawtheBearclawlogo Idriedmyhandsandpickedupthedevice,swipingtowakeitup

“Collin,youallreadyfortheweekend?”Listeningtohisvoice,thesmooth,richtonesandwarmth,IwonderedhowI’d havemadeitthroughwithouthimafterourmatesdied.IcouldonlyhopeI’dlenthimasmuchsupport.“Didyoufindsomeone totakeoverthefarmwhileyou’regone?”

“Mytenantispitchingin.Iwasluckyhe’savailable.”

“Allright I’llletyougetbacktoit,then SeeyouFridaynight”

“Franklin,isitallrightwithyouifIcomedownalittleearly?I’mthinkingoftakingthedayoffifIwon’tbeintheway.”

“You’dneverbeinmyway,Collin.I’dwelcomethecompany.”HisweekendswereusuallybookedattheB&B,butI didn’tknowwhathedidtherestofthetime.Gotreadyforthoseweekendspresumably.Orderingingredientstocookthemeals heprepared,cleaningandfresheningrooms…perhapscorrespondingwithclients?“Itgetsquietaroundhereonweekdays.”

“Allright,then I’llseeyoubrightandearlyandwecanspendsometimetogetherandmaybecatchup”Weexchangeda fewmorepleasantriesandhungup.IdecidedtogettobedearlybecauseifIwasleavingearlyonFriday,Ihadawholelotto dobothattheofficeandhereonthefarm AllenlivedherebuthadneverparticipatedbeyondpresumablyeatingtheproduceI leftinbasketsonhisbackporch,andifhewasgoingtonotonlybemyhelperforamonthbuthavefullresponsibilityfor everythingforthreedays,he’dhavetolearnagreatdealinoneevening.

Thenextday,Irushedthrougheverythingonmydesk,wantingtobesureandleavethingsinorder.Sincethefarmtiedme down,Ineverwentfar,andmyofficewasusedtocallingmeanytimetheyhadaquestion.ButIwasreadyforsometruefree timeandtoldmyassistantthatunlessitwasatrueemergency,IwasgoingtobeunavailableuntilMondaymorning Itfelt shockinglygood,andImadeamentalnotetotakemoreweekendsoff.

IfthingsworkedoutwithAllen,maybeevenafterhestartedhisnewjob,he’dliketohelpoutfromtimetotime Ipulled intothegarageandgotout,headingintothehousethroughthekitchen.AquicksnackandI’dseeifmytenantwasreadytolearn howtotakecareofmyurbanfarm.

IwaseatingahamsandwichoverthesinkwhenIspottedAllenwaitingonthepatio,holdingashovel Itappedonthe windowandhelduptwofingerstolethimknowI’dberightout.Shovingthelastbiteintomymouth,Ijoinedhimafter changingtojeansandaT-shirt “Lookslikesomeone’sreadytowork Ican’ttellyouhowgladIamthatyou’reheretohelp out.It’sbeenforeversinceItookacoupleofdaysaway.”

“AndIcan’ttellyouhowgratefulIamthatyouarelettingmehelpoutagainstrent Ipromiseyouwon’tregretit”

Rememberinghowupsethe’dbeen,Ididn’twanttomakethingsworse,soIpattedhimonthebackandoffereda reassuringsmile.“Everyonehaschallengingtimes.Now,haveyoueverfedchickensbefore?”

“Ihavenot Isitanythinglikefeedingacat?”

“No,notreally,butthat’salsoaskillyou’llneed.Ebonyisparticularabouthowsheisservedherfood.”Iledhimacross theyard,pastsomeraisedbedstowherethechickentractorcurrentlysat “Now,Imovethechickenseveryday Givesthema freshbitofgroundtoscratchforyummybugs.”Weworkedourwayfromsectiontosection,andIshowedhimwhattodo.At thistimeofyear,theworkloadwasn’tbad,butforsomeonenotusedtoit,itwouldbealottoremember

Hugo

Sundaywentbylikeablur.Iate.Igroceryshopped.Laundrywasdone.Apartmentwascleaned.Otherthanthat,Istewed inmyowntirednessandgroanedatthestartofanewweek.

Mondaysweretheworst

OnceIwasonthebus,Itookoutmybook,butitwasn’tholdingmyattention.That’swhenIremembered.Ihadtuckedthat navy-blueenvelopeintomybackpackthatmorningandintendedtoopenitandbehappyforwhoeverwasgettingmated Maybeitwasacousinorahighschoolfriend.

Iwashappyforthem Iwas ButIwantedsomeofthathappinessformyself Mademefeellikeaselfishbastard.

“Whoa,youdon’tseewaxsealsanymore.”Amansatnexttome.Heappearedabitolderthanme.Heworeasuitandtie, officesemiformal,likemebuthiswascharcoal,whereasminewastanandIworeavestinsteadofajacket

“Probablyaweddinginvitation,”Igrumbledbackatthesquirrel.

“Notmated?”heasked,makingmyhacklesgoup Icouldalwayssensewhenanalphawasabouttomakeamoveonme, andwhileinmyyoungeryears,itwaswelcome,nowthatIwasalmostthirty,Iwantedqualityoverquantity.Byquality,I meant,Iwantedthatolderalphathatmydreamsweremadeof

“No.You?”Idecidedtoengageintheconversation.Hewasbeingkind,afterall.

“Iwas.Heleftmeforanotheralpha.Onewhohadmoremoneythanme.”Hesquirmedinhisseatandpulledoutabagof nutstomunchon,livinguptohisshiftersideinalltheways

“I’msorry.”

Henodded,andIwentbacktoopeningtheenvelope,feelinglikeIneededtobecarefulofthewaxsealandeventhepaper itself.Likeitmightbeimportantonedaydowntheroad.Insidewasaletteronwhatlookedlikeparchment.

WhenIopenedit,thescentofbearhitmynose.Ididn’tknowanybears.

Dear Hugo…

AsIread,Ishookmyheadandhadtogooveritagain,lettingtheinvitationsinkin.

Whowasthisperson,andhowinthehelldidtheygetmyaddress?

Andwhywouldanyonegivemeafreeweekendtriptotheirbedandbreakfast?

Iheldtheletterupandlookedatthebackandfront,seekingmoreinformation Awebsite Aphonenumber Anything

“IknowIshouldn’tbenosinginyourbusiness,butisthataletterfromtheBearclawInn?”

Imovedthepagesohecouldseebetter.Iwasdumbfoundedandwouldtakeanylightthatcouldbeshoneonit.“That’s whatitsays.SomeonenamedFranklin?”

Hereadoverit,andhiseyeswidened.Heputhislittlesnackintohisbackpackandscootedcloser.“Youknowtherumors aboutthisplace,right?Damn

IwouldgivemyentiredenforaletterfromFranklin”

Iturnedtowardhimslightly.“Why?”Iglancedoutthewindow.Istillhadoverhalfofmycommuteleft,andIhopedthis mandidaswell “What’syourname?Ididn’task”

“MynameisFelix.AndyouareHugo.”

Igasped.“Howdidyouknow?”

Thealphasnortedandpointedtotheletter “It’srightthere”

Islappedmyforeheadandchuckled.“Iclearlyneedmorecoffeethismorning.Sorryaboutthat.It’snicetomeetyou.Now, tellmewhatyouknow”

Helaughedandtoldmeeverything.FranklinwasawidowandowneroftheBearclawInn.NooneknewhowFranklindid it,buteveryonewhowasinvitedthereleftwithamate

Itwaskindofthemottooftheplaceamongtheshiftercommunity. “Noone?”Iasked.

Henodded “Noone Hehassomesecretabilityorsomething,butheknowswhichalphasandomegaswillhititoff Instantly.Thinkaboutit.Nooneleavesunmated,buttheyonlyhaveFridaynightthroughSundayafternoontomate.”

“So,healreadyknowswhoyouwillfitwith?That’s interesting”

Felixlaughed.“Doesn’tmatter.Youwantanalpha,right?”IknewIprobablymadeafacebecausenextthingIknew,Felix waswavinghishandsinfrontofhim “Notme Iwasn’tofferingmyselfup Imean,youwantanalpha?Thisisyourchanceto findyourfated.”

“Wow,”Imuttered,movingtheletterbackinfrontofme.“IguessIshouldgo.”

“Youreallyshould Imean,what’stheworstthatcouldhappen?Youhaveaniceweekendwithahotalpha Doesn’tsound sobad,doesit?”

Thebuswascomingclosetomystop “Isupposenot I’llthinkaboutit”

Mynewfriendlaughed,andweexchangednumbers.Hewantedtoknowhowallofthisturnedout,andIdidn’tminda newfriend.“Hey,you’dbetterthinkaboutitprettyfast,”hesaidandthumpedtheletter.Ihadn’trealizedIwasstillholdingit.

“Theinvitationisforthisweekend”

Turnedout,Felixgotoffatthesamestopasme.Wetalkedandwalkedbeforepartingways.Hisschedulehadrecently changedandsowewouldseeeachothermostdaysonourcommute

WhenIsatdowninmymiserablecubicle,Ihadalreadymadeupmymind.Ihadplentyofpersonaltimeandnevertookit. Thismightbemychance Felixwasright

Innotime,IhadaticketandanUberbooked.Thisweekend,Imightmeetmymate.

TheBearclawwasaboutanhourfromme,makingmefeelguiltyforhowinfrequentlywegottogether.Therewasno reasonforit.Evenwiththefarm,Icouldgofortheday.ButnowwithAllen’shelp,I’dtrytorectifythesituation.Startingwith thisweekend Ilovedworkingwithmyplantsandchickens,butIlikedtheideaofeatinggoodmealsandhavingadult beverageswithoutknowingtherewouldbeaflurryofsquawksandhystericalcheepsfromaflockwhowaspickingonone another AsIzippedupmybagandcarriedittothecar,Icouldn’thelpbutfeelalittlelighter,readytohaveagoodtime BeforeIhittheroadtogetthere,though,Ihadonemorethingtodo.Whenyouhaveafarm,younevergoanywhere withouttakingalittlesomethingasahostgift Intheheightofsummer,mybountywouldmakechoosingalmostimpossible,and I’dhavefilledthebackofthecarwithtomatoesandpeppersandeggplantsandallsortsofthings,butthisearlyintheyear,of course,itwasamoresubtlehaul.

Still,mybuddywithhischeffyskillswouldappreciategarden-freshproduce,soIbroughtoutacoupleofbasketsand lookedforthebestofwhatthefarmhadtooffer.Eggs,ofcourse.Thehenswerealwaysintheirtractor/coopwhenIwasnotat home,althoughIletthemouttoplayforsometimemostdays,whichwaswhyIhadtohuntsometimesfortheireggs Butfor now,theywereintheirhome,andIopenedthelittledoorsbehindtheirneststoseewhatIcouldfind.

WhenIstartedkeepingpoultry,IwentthroughWilliam’sresearchlibraryandfoundarticleshe’dcutoutofmagazines aboutheritagebreedsandhowsomeofthemwereindangerofdisappearing.Iwasn’tsureifmysmallflockwouldbeabig helpbutreasoneditcouldn’thurttotrytosupportvarietyinthisworld.Williamhadgoneonandonabouthowfactoryfarming wascreatingasituationwheretheentirefoodsupplycouldbewipedouteasilyduetothepracticesthatwerewipingout diversity.Ihadn’treallylistenedatthetime,butoncehewasgoneandI’dsetouttocreatehisparadiseinhismemory,itjust madesense

Theresultwasabasketofeggsinarainbowofcolors.Blue,green,brown,white…maybenotthefullrainbow,butthey suredidlookprettytome.Andasifthey’dknownIneededthem,myhappylittleflockhadgiftedmetwodozenthismorning. “Thanks,ladies.”Iblewthemakissandgavethemapileofgreenstopickatinthanks.“Allenwilltakegoodcareofyou,and I’llbebackSundaynight.”

“I’vegotthis”Mytenant’svoicemademejump “Sorry Ijustthoughtthehensmightwelcomesomereassurancewith theirdadhittingtheroadforawildweekend.”

Iturnedtofacehim “Wildindeed Franklinwouldprobablytakeumbrageatthatcomment”

“Franklin?FromtheBearclawInn?”Allen’seyeswidened.“Ihadnoideayouweregettingmatedthisweekend. Congratulations.”

“Nononono.”Itseemedeveryonehadheardthetales,andIhadtocutofftherumor.Sure,myfriendmightbetryingtoset meup,butitwasjustagood-naturedattempt,suretofail.“Franklinisoneofmyoldestfriends.RestassuredI’llbebackhere thesamegrumpyoldwidowerwhofixesyourclogs”

“Youcallaplumber.”Hissmirkwasnotsink-repairrelated.“ButI’llbelieveitwhenIseeit.Rumorhasit,noshifterever goestothatB&Bfortheweekendwithoutmatingup And,landlord,youcoulduseamate You’realonewaytoooften”

“You’reafineonetotalk.Idon’tseeomegasdoingthewalkofshamefromyourplace,either.”

Heshrugged.“MaybeIgototheirhouses.Anyway,thisisn’taboutme.It’saboutyou.Andyournewmate.”

Blowingoutabreathofirritation,Ishovedtheemptybasketintohishands “Comeon We’llharvestsomegreensand thingsformyfriend.Thebestthingaboutthisweekendwillbeeatinghisdeliciouscookingandcatchingup.” “Andtherewon’tbeanomegathere?”

Iyankedapairofclippersoutofmypocket.“Let’sclipsomeofthesesaladgreensandthenwe’llseeifwecanfindany broccoliorcauliflowerfittoeat Andbeets Hemakesthebestsaladwithspicygreens,beets,walnuts,andfeta”

“Deflectaway,matetobe.”Butheletitdropafterthat,andIshowedhimhowtocutthelettucesandothergreenswithout damagingthegrowingplant.Allenwasalreadyshowingpromiseasahelperand,ifheenjoyedit,Ihopedtomakean arrangementtohavehimcontinueworkingwithmeagainstsomeorallofhisrent Notonlywouldanextrasetofhandsbe helpfulforsomeofmyplannedprojects,butitwouldgivemethefreedomtogoawayfortheweekendfromtimetotime.It wouldbegoodformetovisitthebeachorthemountains orfriends

BeforeIgotoutoftown,IstoppedandpickedupthefetaandwalnutsaswellassomeothergourmettreatsIthought Franklinmightenjoy

Notthathewouldn’tbefullystocked,butsincehewouldnotbewillingtotakeapennyfrommeforthe roomoranythingelse,Ilikedtheideaofcontributingtoourtimetogether.

WhenIarrived,Franklingreetedmeontheporchandledmerightintothekitchen,protestingeverythingIbroughteven whileunpackingitandadmiringtheeggsandveggiesandeverythingelse “Youdidn’tneedtobringathing Ohh,theseeggs arebig.Thinkthereareanydoubleyolks?”

“Onlyonewaytofindout”

Helaughed.“Sitdownandgetreadytobefed.”

Afterweatebaconandfresheggs twoofwhichindeedhaddoubleyolks alongwithhomemadesourdoughtoastand jam,Iputonanapronandplayedsouschefformyfriend Wedidallthemealprepfortheweekendandmadeapotof minestronefordinneraswellasthatsaladI’dbeendreamingof.Itwasagood,goodday.

Hugo

“Everyone,thankyouforyourpatiencetoday.Weapologizeforallthedelays.Enjoyyourstay.”

That’swhatthecaptainhadtosayafterasix-hourflightdelay?Six.Hours.Everyonedebarkedtheplane,groaningandnot returningtheoverpoweringsmilesfromtheflightattendants Theymeantwell,buttheyknewthisdidn’tlookgoodforthe airlines.Peoplehadplacestobe.Weddingsandbirthdaystoattend.Familiestheyhadn’tseeninmonthsoryears.

Mateswhowerewaitingforthem Yeah,IwastotallybuyingintoallthisBearclawInnbusiness Ihadspenttheflightsand thedelaysonmytabletdoingtheresearchthatFelixtoldmewaswidelyavailableonthecommunityforums.Hewasright. Therewerefirsthandtalesofalphasandomegaswhohadsearchedhighandlowfortheirmatesonlytofindthemwithone letterfromFranklin.

SomewereconvincedFranklinhadsomekindofmagicorenhancedshifterability.Thenothersarguedthatifhehad magic,certainly,hewould’vesavedhisomegafromhisearlypassing

“Areyouserious?”Iaskedtheairlinerepresentativeasheexplainedtothecrowdthatamidallthedelays,ourbaggage hadbeenputonanotherflightandthatflightwasnowevenlatercomingin Wewouldhavetowaitatleastanhourforour baggagetocomein.TheUberIhadbookedhadbeenlongagocanceledonceIknewthattherewasnowayIwouldmakethe timeeventhoughIhadbookedeachlegofthetripperfectly

“Yes.I’msorry.Wehavecreditcertificatesagainstfutureflightsforeachofyouforthisinconvenience.”

Inconvenience.ThatwasthemostdiplomaticwordI’deverheard.Neverwantedtohearitagain.Andthe“credit certificates”wouldbarelycoverluggagefeesonanotherflight IftherewastheslightestchanceI’dflythisairlineagain

Twohourslater,Ihadmybagsandhadsecuredanotherride,finallyonmyway,whenaloudpopcamefromthebackof thecar Thedriverswerved,andIheldonfordearlifewhilehestruggledtogetthecarundercontrol,finallypullingoveron thesideoftheroad.

“Thetireblew,”heexclaimed.“Ihaveanappointmenttogetanewsettomorrow.”

“Rain,”Ilaughed.Thesoundheldabitoflunacy,butsuchwasmydaysofar.

TherewasnowayformetosendamessagetoFranklinorlethimknowthatIwasonmyway,buttheuniversewas clearlyagainstme

Igotoutandhelpedthedriverchangethetire,sinceIwasdoingnothinginthebackseatbutcursingthiswholetripand myselfandallairlinesovertheplanet Oncewehadthespareon,hetoldmehewouldtakemetherestofthewayandthenget itfixed.Itippedhimanyway.Itwasn’thisfaultthatthedayhadgonelikeithad.Atleastnottotally ifheknewheneeded tires,heshouldhavereplacedthembeforetheybecamethethreadbaresetI’dseenwhilehandinghimtools.

ArrivingattheBearclawInn,anhourlater,Iwasresemblingmoreofawetratthananomegalookingforlove.There werenolightsonexceptthefrontporchlight,sowhenItookthestepsthatledmetothegorgeousVictorianhome,Ifeltawful forwakingthemanwhomighthavefoundmyfatedmate ButwhatwasIsupposedtodo waitoutsideallnight?

Ihadraisedmyhandtoknockonthelargedoorwhenitopened,makingmestepback.Themanwhostoodinfrontofmein nothingbutapairofpajamapantswasthethingmyage-gapdreamsweremadeof Hewastallandlean Hisobliquesquivered ashereachedtoopenthedoorwidertoadmitmeandmysuitcases.“YoumustbeHugo.Comeonin.”

“I’msorryI’mlate.”ThishadtobeFranklin,theowner,butdamnitall,whywasn’tIheretoseehim?Hehadthatsaltand-pepperhairthatmademedrool,andtherewassomethingaboutthewayhestoodtherethatmademewanttostripright thereinthedoorwayandtellhimtoforgettheotheralpha.

“That’sokay Comeonin Lookslikeyouhadaroughday”

Ichuckledashetookmycoat.“Youhavenoidea.”

“HowaboutIshowyoutoyourroomandthenwouldyoulikesomethingtoeat?”

Inodded.“Thatwouldbefantastic.Thankyou.I’msorryIwokeyouup.”

“Noproblem.I’malightsleeperanyway.”Hetookmybags.Themovementmadehisbicepsflexandmycockstir. Franklinhadnobusinessbeingsingle “Hereisyourroom Comeondowntothekitchenwhenyou’reready”

Itookthefastesthotshowerofmylifethenfollowedmynosedownstairswherethescentofgrilledhamandcheesefilled mynose “Ithoughtyoumightwantsomethinghot Iwarmedupsomesoupfromearlieraswell”

Isighedandmadequickworkofboththesandwichandthesoupaswellasasaladmadewithnutsandcheeseandabout twelvekindsoflettuce Andshreddedrawbeets Whoknewyoucouldeatbeetsraw,orthattheytastedsogood?Oncemy bellywasfull,ayawnforceditswayoutofmeasItoldhimthestoryoftheflightdelaysandthedriver’stireandtherainand thebaggage.BythetimeIwasdone,Ihadre-exhaustedmyself.

“Whydon’tyougettobed Ithinkthere’safulldayplanned,andyouneedyourrest Everythingwilllookbetterinthe morning.”

Itookhisadvicebutdidn’tknowaboutthebetterpart Infrontofmewasthemosthandsome,kindalphaI’dever

encountered.Myleopardwasstir-crazy,wantingtorunwithhim,bondwithhim.Doallkindsofthingswithhim. ButIwasheretomeetanother.

Itdidn’tsitwellwithmebutbythetimeIwasinbed,staringattheceiling,Idecidedtotrusttheprocess Franklinnever gotmatingswrong.So,myfatedmatewassleepingintheroomdownthehall.

AndIwouldmeethimtomorrowmorning

Iwokeupearly.Actually,Ididn’tsleepawholelotallnightlongknowingthatomegawasrightacrossthehallfromme. Hisscentofwarmgrassesandfreshwaterwereentirelytoopresentformybeartosettledown.Itossedandturnedforafew hoursthenfinallygotupandsatinthechairbythewindow,watchingthemoonmoveacrosstheskyandfinditsrestshortly beforethesunpeepedoverthehorizon.

MyplantovisitwithFranklinand,ifallthestarsaligned,haveafling,fadedintotheawarenessthatthisomegawas someonespecial.Mybear,whohadnotbeeninterestedinanyonesinceWilliamdied,wasfullyalertandgrowling.Infact,he waswilderthanI’deverknownhimtobe AndthatmademefeelguiltybecauseI’dspenttwodecadeslivingwiththegriefof hisloss.Hedeservedtobemourned,deservedmyunendingloyaltyafterhistragicdeath.I’dbeentheolderoneandalways assumedI’dgofirst.Muchlater,ofcourse,butstillbeforehim.

Ishouldneverhavecomeherethisweekend Notwithanomegainthemix ComingtospendafewdayswithFranklin, sure.ButIwasn’treadyfortheemotionsrollingovermeeverytimeIdrewabreathoftheairscentedwithhisfragrance.I’d foundasortofpeace,andsuddenlyitwaspeelingaway,revealingthepoorlyhealedlesionleftwhenmymatewasshredded awayfrommeinsuchaviolentway.Maybetherightthingtodowasjustpackupandslipawaybeforeanyonewokeup.I couldleaveanoteforFranklin,apologizingandtellinghimitjusthadn’tworkedout

Theomegahadn’tevenrecognizedme.Fromourconversation,he’dinstantlyassumedIwasFranklinandIhadn’tdone anythingtodisabusehimofthat.Why?Itwouldhavebeeneasyenoughtosay“I’mCollin.Frankliniszonkedoutinhisroom.” Butwhenmybearwasreadytoburstoutofmychest,andtheomegawasmoreinterestedinthesaladthaninme,mypride kickedin.Ormaybeitwasrelief.Ifhe’dgivenmetheleasthintthathesharedmyinterest,Iprobablywouldhavescoopedhim upandtakenhimupstairstomyroomtomakelovewithhimuntilmorning

Buthecouldn’tcarelessaboutme,didn’tshowtheslightestsignthathemightwantmetodothat.So,Imadehimdinner andshowedhimtohisroom.AndnowIhadtogodownthereinacoupleofhoursandfacehimoverbreakfast.Iwasn’tsure howIwouldhandleit.

Bythetimethesunwasfullyrisen,I’dshoweredanddressedandwasheadingdownstairsforacupofcoffeebeforethe omegawoke I’dtellFranklinIhadtogo MaybetellhimI’dheardfromAllenandhadachickenemergency Forthefirsttime, Iregrettednothavinglargeranimals.NotthattheywouldbeallowedintheurbanareawhereIlived.Butacowemergencyhad alotmorehefttoit OrIcouldevencomecleanandtellhimwhathappened I’dbeenhisfriendlongenoughtoowehimthat honesty.

“Goodmorning,earlyriser.”Franklinturnedfromwherehewasfillingapercolatoratthesink.“Ididn’texpectyouforat leastanhourorthree.Wasn’tthebedcomfortable?”

“Thebedisfine.Betterthanfine,asI’msureyouknow.Youhavemadeabeautifulplaceforpeopletostay.Nocomplaints atall”

“Thenwhatkeptyouawake?Youworriedaboutthefarm?Ithoughtyourtenantwasdoingagoodjob?”

“He’sonlyhadacoupleofdaystolearn,butI’msurehecanhandletheweekend Itoldhimtocallmeifheneedsme”I sighed.“Buttherealreasonmymindwasspinninginalldirections.IreallythinkthebestthingwouldbeifIwenthome.I’m notreadyformating,Franklin.”

“You’reputtingtoomuchpressureonyourself Don’tthinkofitthatway EnjoytheweekendanddotheactivitiesI’veset up.Now,I’dbettergetthewafflebattermixeduporyou’llstarve.IthinkI’llputsomebaconinit,too.”Hewhistledashe gatheredhisingredientsandlaidthemoutinfrontofhim Infullcontrolofhiskitchen,heallowedmetohelphereandthere, butwebothknewwhowasincharge.

“Yousleptthroughyourguest’sarrival,”Iteased “I’mstartingtothinkyou’regettingold,Franklin”

“Youknowme.IgooutlikearockwhenIsleep.Butyouhandledit.”

“HethoughtIwasyou.”

“Yeah?Andyoutoldhimthetruth?”

“Ididn’t.”AndIwasstilltryingtofigureouttherealreasonwhy.“Buthe’llfigureitout.Helookedtired.”

“Concerned?”HearchedonebrowandIlobbedawaffleathim Hecaughtitandsetitonhisplate “Thankyou Don’t mindifIdo.”

“Youareincorrigible Youthinkyou’rejustgoingtoinvitemehereandsomeomegaand,bam,we’reinlove”

“That’swhatgenerallyhappensaroundhere.”Hissmirkwasinfuriating.

“Well,don’tholdyourbreath.Idon’tthinkhelikesmeevenalittlebit.”

Hugo

ThisalphamustreallythinkI’macolossalass.Hewelcomedmeinandbroughtmybagstomyroom.Madeamealforme. Ithoughthewastheowner.

MaybehethoughtIwasyoungandsilly

IwishedIcouldreadminds,justforamoment.

Asoureyesmetacrossthebreakfasttable,Isawnothingbutkindnessinthosepoolsofchocolate Franklinwasn’tbad lookingbyanystretch,butIwasrelievedthatitwasthemanacrossfrommewhoFranklinhadchosentobemymate orFate hadsethimuptoorchestrateourmating AnywayIlookedatthesituation,Iwasintheroomwiththemanofmywildest fantasies.

“Didyouwantanothercupofcoffee?”Collinasked,drawingmeoutofmyalphastupor.Myleopardwascallingoutmate now,andIsworeitwasloudenoughforeveryonetohear

“No,thankyou.”Iateoneofeverythingofferedatthetable.Franklinwasanamazingcook,andItoldhimso.

“Well,Collinhelpedagreatdeal Hegrowshisownherbsandvegetablesaswellaseggsfromhischickens Thecream cheesehashischivesinit.”

“Didhegrowthegreensforthesaladlastnight?”

“Andthebeets.”FranklinnoddedatCollin.“Hebroughtmeallsortsofgoodies.”

“I’vealwayswantedtogrowmyownfood.Atleast,alittlebit.”

Collingiftedmeasmilethatsomehowreachedmychestandtuggedatmyheart Hewasmymate Nodoubtaboutit He toldmeabouthisurbanfarm.Hebasicallygrewmostofhisfoodontheacrethatheowned.Heshowedmepicturesonhis phoneofhisgreenhouseandwhenheswiped,therewasanotheroneofhimatamarketstand,muchlikemyown,wherehewas showingoffhisprizefruits.

“Idon’tnormallygotothefarmer’smarket,butafriendwhohasastandinvitesmetosharehiswhenIhavewaytoomuch insummer.UsuallyIdonateorsharewiththeneighbors,butit’sfuntosellalittle,too.”Hewasadorable.Likeaproudpapa.

Franklinpushedtohisfeet.“Ifeveryoneisfinishedeating,I’llstartoncleanup.Youtwocanspendsometimearoundthe propertyuntileleven That’swhenyouwillbetransportedbyhorseandbuggyaroundthecountytoallkindsofplacesandthen haveapicniclunchinthecountryside.”

IlitupatthethoughtofalongridewithCollinandapicniclunch Franklincertainlyknewromance Eventhewayhe talkedabouthishomehadasweetnesstoit.Likehewasdescribingalover.Hehadclearlypouredeverythingintothishouse ashedideverythinginhislife.

“Letushelp,”Ioffered.

FranklingavemeastinkeyeandCollinbackedhimup.“He’snotgoingtoletyou.Trustme.”

Wegotouttothebackporch Collinhadbroughtanapplewithhimfromthefruitbowlonthetable Hesankhiswhite teethintothecrispflesh,andIbarelycontainedamoan.Everythinghedidwascaptivating.Eveneatingadamnedapple. Icouldonlyimaginewhatitwouldbelikeforhimtobiteme claimmeashisown

“I’vebeenfriendswithFranklinforyears,”Collinstartedashesatinoneofthelargewoodenrockingchairs.

“Haveyou?Youtwoseemedtohavearapport.”Itmadesense.Theywereaboutthesameage,thoughCollin’sbodydidn’t revealhisageasmuch

“Wehave.So,Hugo…”

Gods,IshiveredwhenhesaidmynameandIhopedthatneverfaded “Arewegoingtotalkaboutlastnight?”Achucklefollowed.

Ihadtolaughaswell “CanIclaimtemporaryinsanity?Imean,yesterdaywashell,andyouansweredthedoor Ithought youwereFranklin.”

Hetookanotherbitewhilelookingoutontheproperty.Franklin’shomewasamazing,butitwasnothingcomparedtothe viewfromthatbackporch Themorningskywasfilledwithhintsofburntorangeandpinksthatswishedthroughtheclouds likepaintbrushings.“Andwhatdoyouthinknow,omega?”

Ohdear Hearinghimsaymynamewasonething,butitwasquiteanothertohearhimcalltomyleopard Andthat’swhat hewasdoingwhenhecalledmeomega,talkingtobothmyhumansideandmyleopard.Hepurredinsideme,wallowinginthe sentiment

“I’mgladyou’renothim,”Isaid.

“Itdoesn’tmattertoyouthatI’molderthanyou?”Heturnedtopiercemewiththosebrowneyes.

“It’sabonusinmybook”

Arumblecamefromhischest.Hewasabear,throughandthrough.Thescentpouredfromhisbeingandwaftedtoward me Hesmelledlikeaforestrightafterarainfall “That’sgoodtohear”

“Icouldaskthesame.I’myoungerthanyou.”

“Yes.Yesyouare.Itdoesn’tbothermeatall.Myformeromegawasyoungerthanmeaswell.”

Realizationpouredoverme

Hewasgorgeousandbuiltandintelligent Iwouldbestupidtothinkthathe’dwaitedhis wholelifeforthischance.Ofcoursehehadamate.Anyonewouldbeluckytohavehim.“Youhadamate,”Iwhispered.

“Idid Hepassedawhileago”

Therewasclearlypaininhiswords.Hehadlovedhisomega.Thatwasgood.Peoplewhohadlovedamatedeeply alwaysloveddeeplyagain Atleast,that’swhatIhadheard Ihopeditwastrue

“I’msorryforyourloss.”

Henodded.“Thankyou,Hugo.Howaboutawalkbeforewegoonthistour?”

Awalk with my mate? Yes, please

Whenwegotback,wepartedwaysatthetopofthestairs.WehadworkedupabitofasweatandwhileCollin’sscent wasthesweetestthingI’deversmelled,Iwantedtotakeaquickshowerbeforeweleft AsIreachedfortheknob,Ipaused andlookedovermyshouldertofindCollinstaringatme.“Whatisit?”Iasked.

Heshookhisheadandsmiled “Later Wehavetime”

Thewalkhelpedtoclearmymindabit.BythetimewegotbacktotheB&Bafterourwalk,Iwasoverthinkingthe omega,Hugo,hatedme.Hewasembarrassedathismistakeoverwhowaswho,andIhadtotakemyshareofblameforthat one,too Butnowthatwe’dgottenpastthat,Iwassoreadyforafundaygettingtoknowoneanother,andmyfriendhadgiven usjustthat.

Ahorseandbuggytour Whoevenknewthatwasathing?IpokedmyheadinthekitchenandsaidhellotoFranklinwho wasputtingthefinishingtouchesonourpicniclunch.“Hey,justcheckingin.Hugowentuptoshower,andI’mabouttofollow.”

“Areyou?”Hewaggledabrow “Thatwasfast”

“I…what?”Iblinkedathim.“Notthatkindofshower.Wetookthatwalkandgotalittlewarm,andI’dliketofreshenup.” Igavehimawaveandheadedupstairs.Twentyminuteslater,weclimbedaboardthebuggyandsettledback,shoulders touching,forourtourofthecountryside

Werodedownthedriveandontotheroadinfrontofthehouse.Afewminuteslater,weturnedoffontoalanelinedwith treesandIeasedanarmaroundhisshoulders Ihadn’tbeenthisclosetoanomegainsolong,orevenwantedtobe Hetipped hisfaceup,maybeabouttosaysomething,butbeforeItookamomenttothinkaboutwhatIwasdoing,mylipsdescended, brushinghisgently Ipaused,expectingIdidn’tknowwhat TofeellikeIwasdoingsomethingwrong?Whennothingcouldbe furtherfromthetruth.

Heleanedback.“What’swrong?”

“Notathing”Iclearedmythroat “Everythingisright Youfeelsoperfectinmyarms,andIjustwanttokissyouallday” “Thenwhydon’tyou?”Hesnuggledincloseragain.“BecauseIthinkI’dreallylikethat.”

Iwantedtosaysomuch,totellhimwhyIwasperplexed,inmoredetail,tosharesomuchaboutwhatlovehadmeantto meonce,butthenIrealizedthatitwasn’tnecessary.Maybewe’dtalkaboutitagainlater,probablywewouldbecause somethingthathadbeensuchabigpartofmybeingwasn’tgoingtodisappearfrommymindentirely.Butnow,inthismoment, underwhateverkindoftreesthesewere,theirpinkblossomsaddingafresh,sweetscenttotheair,allthatmatteredwas,well, now.

I’dalwaysbeentoldthatlivinginthemomentwasthebestthingapersoncouldpossiblydo,hadbeentoldthatmostlyby well-meaningfamilyandfriendsoverthepasttwodecadesastheytriedtoconvincemethatIcouldnotdwellinthepast.But noneoftheirkindwordsandgestureshadmovedmeoutoftheholeI’ddugtolivein

I’dknownHugolessthantwenty-fourhours,andhislipsmovedundermineinawayI’dneverexperiencedbefore.I teasedthemopenandstrokedhistonguewithmine,losingmyselfinhim.

Thebuggywasstoppedwhenwenextparted,andthedriverhadsetupourpicniclunchbesideastream.Isteppeddown andheldupahandfortheomega,helpinghimdowntositontheblanket.“Ididn’tevennoticewhenwearrived.”Istrokeda lockofhairbackfromhisforeheadandpressedakissontheskinrevealed “Let’sseewhatFranklinsentustoeat”

“Isthedrivergone?”Helookedaround.“Ididn’tseehimleave.You’dthinkweweredistractedorsomething.”

“Lookatthefrontseat”Ishookmyhead “Eitherhe’sanudist,oronemoreanimalisscamperingaroundhere somewhere.”

“Ohhh.”Hugoleanedbackonhisarmsandliftedhisfacetothedappledsunshinecomingthroughthetrees.“Youhave magicallips,alpha Theyshutoutthewholeworld”

“I’dsayitwasyours.Letmetryagain.”

Wedideventuallyeatlunch,anditwastypicallydeliciousfarepreparedwithlovinghandsbymyfriend,butifyou’d askedmeanhourlaterwhatitwas,I’dhavehadnoidea.Ialsodidn’tnoticethedriver’sreturnbecausehecamewhilewe werewanderingupstream,holdinghandsandpausingtokisseveryminuteorso

Whenwewereinthebuggy,returningtotheB&B,IgaveHugoaruefulgrin.“Mybearisnotthrilledthatwedidn’ttake theopportunitytoshiftandlethimmeetyourleopard.”

“They’llhavetheirturn”Herubbedhisthumboverthebackofmyhand,whichwaslinkedwithhis “Butitwasniceto gettoknowthissideofyouforawhile.DidImentionI’mgladyouweren’treallyjusttheowneroftheinn?”

“Mm-hmm”Irestedmyheadontopofhis “Butit’snicetohearagain”

Theridewasreallyspecial,theclopofthehorses’hoovesechoingoverthequietcountryside,butitwasovertoofast.I hadtoremindmyselfIhadtherestoftheweekendtospendwiththisspecialomegatoliftmyspirits,whenwestoppedinfront oftheBearclaw.Ithadbeensuchamagicalday,timeoutofmind.

Franklinwaswaitingontheporch.“Justintimefordinner.”

“Yourlunchwasreallygood,”Hugosaid Iwassureithadbeen,butmaybeherememberedwhatitwas,too I’dhaveto asklaterormaybenot.Ididn’twanthimtothinkIwaslosingmymemorywithage.Hemightlikeolderalphas,butheprobably wouldpreferonewithshort-termmemory

“Thankyou.”Hesmiled,goodwillshininginhiseyes.“Anddidyouenjoytheride?”

“Yes.”That,Icouldassertwithconfidence.“Itwasagreatidea,myfriend.Canwehelpyouwithanythingfordinner?” Wefollowedhimbackintothehouseandtowardthediningroom

“No.It’sallservedupandonthetable.Justgooninandenjoy.”

“Youaren’tjoiningus?”Hugodidn’tsoundtoodisappointedattheidea AndasmuchasIenjoyedFranklin’scompany,I wouldn’tmindmorealonetimewiththisomega.Iwassofocusedonhim,IfearedI’dlosetrackofanyoneelseintheroom. LikewhenthedrivershiftedtohisBengaltigerform IonlyknewwhatithadbeenbecauseIasked,andordinarilyI’dbesorry tohavemissedtheopportunitytoseehimbecausetheywerebeyondrare.

“No.Ihavesomethingstotakecareof,andIhadabiteearlier.Youtwogoaheadandeatup.Imadegooduseofalotof theproduceCollinbroughtfromhisurbanfarm Anddon’tyoudarecleanupafterward Goforarun,ifyoulike There’s nobodyaroundforalongwaystodisturbyou.”Heliftedahandandleftusalone.Dinnerwasgreat.Grilledsteakswitha varietyoftheveggiesIbroughtandachocolate-frostedcakesogoldenhehadtohaveusedmyeggs Imadeapointof rememberingwhatweatethistime.Losingtrackofmysurroundingswasnotagoodwayforanalphatocareforhisomega.I wantedtoslaydragonsforhim ormaybejustfendthemoffiftheylookedathimtoolong Someofmybestfriendswere dragons.

Franklinwasgoodatwhathedidonalllevels.Notonlyhadhefoundtheperfectmanforme,butthewayheconveniently wasabsentfromthefancydinnermademeknowthiswasn’thisfirstrodeo.

ThemanwasborntobeamatchmakerandIwishedthatonedayhewouldfindamatchofhisown Yeah,he’dbeen widowed,buthehadtoomuchvibrancyandlovetosharetobealone.

“Whathasthatsmileonyourface,sweetheart?”Collinasked Hedidn’tsitacrossthetabletonight Instead,hesatright nexttome.

“IwashopingonedayFranklinwillfindanothermate Someonetosharehisheartwith”

Henodded.“It’shardtomoveononceyou’vefoundloveandyet,thatlovemakesyoutrustinthefeeling.Youwantmore ofwhatyouoncehad.It’sacatchtwenty-two.”

“Areyouspeakingfromexperience?”Iasked,takinghishandinmine Hewasmymate,so,mytouchshould’vebrought himsomecomfort.Hisshoulderssoftened,andhevisiblyrelaxed.

“Iam I’vebeenaloneforsolong,butI’mreadyforamate AreyouupsetthatIhavematedbefore,Hugo?”

Ishookmyhead.“No.AslongasI’mthelast.”

Wefinishedourdinnerandthen,withoutdiscussion,madeourwayouttothebackyard,followingFranklin’ssuggestion forarun.Westoppedinsidethelineoftrees,andCollinwinkedatme.“Omegasfirst.”

Iscoffed.“You’rejustgoingtostandthereandwatch?”

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandleanedagainstthenearesttree,crossinghislegsattheankles “I’menjoyingthe view.Feelfreetotakeyourtime.”

Thisman I’dneverbeensoturnedoninmyentirelife Iwasn’tsosurewewereevengoingtorun Thelookinhiseyes wasstraightoutofaromancenovel.Darkenedirises.Cockedeyebrow.Thewholegamut.“Comeon,bear.Iwanttorunwith you.”Ifinallygotallmyclothesoff.Collinwalkedover,stalkingmewitheverymove,andIhopedlikehellhewasreadyto pouncebecauseIwasmorethanreadytobehisprey.

“Let’srun,then,leopard.Ican’twaittochaseyou.”

Ishiftedbeforehim,knowingthatifIstoodthereamomentlonger,therewouldbenorunning Myleopardwasdesperate toshowhimourspots.Lethimseehowfastwecouldrun.AndIwantedtoseethebearIwasalreadymatedtoinmyheart.

ThewoodsaroundFranklin’spropertywerevastandhadlotsofplacestoplayandrun Iclimbedtreesandtaunted Collin’sbear.Hewasabiggrizzly,andIknewthathewouldn’tbeabletoclimbtotheheightsIcould.ButeventuallyIcame downandcurledaroundhisleg,likeadomesticatedfeline.

Whenweshiftedback,westoodthere,bothnakedandbothobviouslywantingtheother.Ouranimalshadbondedduring therun.I’dthoughtbondsbetweenanimalstooktimeandmanyruns,buteverythingI’djustexperiencedwithCollinprovedthat notionwrong Wewereinstantlybonded Completelyandtotally,ouranimals Itwasdeep,likethemarkIwouldreceivefrom him.

Iwasinlove

“Areyousureaboutthis?Iknowit’sfast,”hesaid,brushingsomehairawayfrommyface.Hepluckedaleaffromthetop ofmyhead.“BecauseonceIhaveyou,Iwon’tbeabletoletgo.”

“Thenyou’dbettertakeme”

Hegrabbedthebackofmyheadandpulledmetowardhim,coveringmymouthwithhis.Ireachedaroundhistorsoand yankedhimcloser,needingmoreskincontact Alltheskincontact Amoanfellfrommylips,andhepulledback,breakingthe kiss.Iwhimpered.

Collinchuckled “Comenow,omega Iwon’ttakeyouonthegroundinaforestforourfirsttime Mybedoryours Choose onebeforeIdo.”

“Yours,alpha.Iwanttobesurroundedbyyourscentwhenyoutakeme.”

Beforeanymorewordsweremuttered,hepickedmeup,honeymoon-style,andmadehiswaytowardthehouse Hedidn’t pickupourclothesandhonestly,Icould’vegiventwofucks.Evenifweputthembackon,theywouldn’tstaythatwayfor muchlonger

“Putmedown.WhatifFranklinsees,”Igiggledbutwasn’tprotestingwithmybodyand,honestly,notverystronglywith mywords

“Nope.I’mcarryingyouallthewayupthosestairs,andI’mnotstoppinguntilIlayyouacrossthebedwhereIcantake youin.You’reminenow.Ifyoudon’twantthat,you’dbettertellme.”

Thiswasthesecondtimehe’dasked,butIwassure

“I’msure,Collin.Iwantallofyou.Tonight.Foralways.ShowmeI’myours.”

Hugo

Itookhimtomyroomandlaidhimonthebed,alreadygratefulthatwehadchosennottobotherwithourclothes.We couldpickthemupinthemorning,butfornowtheycouldstaywheretheywere,outofourway.Iclickedonthebedsidelamp. Myshiftervisionmadeitpossibleformetoseeeveninthedimnesswithoutit,butIdidn’twanttomissathingtonight

Hugowaseverything.Hehadtheleanmusculatureofhiscat,aflatbelly,andlightlyfurredchest.Iwantedtoexploreall theplanesandvalleysofhisbody,butafteroureveningsofar,itwasdifficultnottotakehimandmatehimimmediately My bearencouragedthat,infact,beinglessromanticthanmebututterlypassionateforourmate.

He’dhavetowaitabit,though,becausethisnightwasaboutmakingmemoriesforalifetime Wewouldneverhave anotherfirsttimetogether,anothermatingnight.Itracedhislipswithafingertip.“Yourcatisbeautiful.”

“Heis,andyourbearismagnificent.”Hugokissedmyfinger.“ButrightnowI’mmostinterestedinthissideofyou.Please don’tkeepmewaiting,alpha Makemeyours”

“Iwill,intime,omega.ButIwanttogettoknoweverythingaboutyou.”Ireplacedthefingerwithmylips,kissinghim somethingIcouldimaginedoingforever HepartedhislipsundermineandIdelvedintohismouthwithmytongue,tastingand exploringfurther.Bythetimethisnightwasover,I’dhavemadeastartintolearninghisbody.

Whilekissinghim,Iglidedmyhanddownhisbodytofindhiscockstiffanderect Irubbedmypalmoverthehead, smearingtheslipperyprecumdownhisshaft.Hemoanedandbuckedhiships,andItookhishintandendedourkiss,skating downtokneelbetweenhislegs.Iwantedthatcockinmymouth,andIdidn’tthinkhe’darguewithme.

WhenIlappedawaythelastoftheprecum,heburiedhisfingersinmyhand,pressingdown,encouragingmetodoexactly whatIwantedto.Butwhilemylipsclosedoverhisbulboushead,myfingerssnuckdowntofindhishole,whichwasalready slickandreadyforme ButIhadsomethingelsetodobeforeIcouldaccesshimwithmorethanmyfingers Thefirstoneto breachhisringofmusclesshowedmejusthowtighthewas.Evenslippery,he’dneedsomepreparationforhiscomfortand mine.

Imovedmyfingerinandoutand,whenheeasedabit,Iaddedasecond.Scissoringthemgently,Isuckedandlickedand nibbledatthetreatinmymouth,graduallytakinghimintomythroat.Hiswhimpersgrewlouder,andhisgriponmyhairstung, butIdidn’tmind Hecouldpullitalloutifhewanted,withnoprotestfromme Iinsertedathirdfingerinhisgreedyholeand workedthemhard,needingtobringhimsoonorImightspilljustfromthesoundshewasmakingdeepinhisthroat.

Iwasrelentless,suckingharderandswallowingaroundhim Withacry,hespurtedhot,saltycumintomythroat,andI gulpeditdownasfastasIcould,atrickleescapingfrommymouth.Easingfreeofhisassandmovingmyheadback,Iroseon mykneesandpushedhislegswiderapart.“You’resotight.Evenwiththepreparation,I’llbecareful.”

“Don’tbecareful.Takemehard,alpha.Markmeinsideandoutasyours.”

Agrowlescapedmylips,mydesiretopossesshimmakingithardtorememberthatIdidn’twanttocausehimanypain. Especiallysincehedidn’tseemtocareifIdid Butitwasmyjobtotakecareofhim,tomakethisgoodforusboth Fittingmy cockathishole,Ipressedinward.Itwasanarrowpassage,butIcontinuedtopush,gettingaboutathirdofthewayinbeforeI backeduptogodeeperandthendeeperyet Hugo’seyesweresqueezedclosed “Omega,openyourbeautifuleyessoIcanseeyouareallright.”

HeobeyedjustasIbottomedout,ballsdeepinhishot,tighthole.“Alpha,”hegasped.“Yes,likethat.”

ThentherewasnomoretalkasImovedfaster,easingoutuntiljustthetipremainedinsideandthenfillinghimagainand again.Ireachedforhiscockandstroked,pleasedtofindhewashardagainandIcouldbringhimalongwithme.Isqueezed andrubbedandpoundedintohishole,myheartpoundinghard Iwaspanting,losingmybreathwithexertionandelation A matewaslikenoother.I’dalwaysheardthat,butuntilnowhaddoubtedthatmypreviousrelationshipcouldbetoppedinbed oranywhereelsebyanyoneelse

Itwasdifferent,andnoshametowhatI’dhadbefore.Butafatedmate,atruemate,wasexactlywhateveryonesaid.Made justformeasI’dbeenforhimandnothingineitherofourpastsmatteredintheslightest.

Onemorefirmstrokeandhiscumpouredovermyhandtriggeringmyorgasm

“Yes,alpha,yes!”Hegroundagainstmyhand,whimperingandmoaning.“Ohhhh,yes.”

Idroppedoverhim,bracingmyselfonmyhandsasmyknotgrewandstretchedthenarrowspaceitfilled Ibentandsank myteethintohisneck,thescentandtasteofcopperfillingmymouth.Liftingmyhead,Ilappedatthewound,mysaliva ensuringitwouldscarandmakeamarkanyothershifterwouldseeandknowhehadamate

Me.

Iwasthatmate.

Whenmyknotabated,Ifelltothesideandtookmewithhim,cuddlinghimagainstmespoon-style “Mate,”Iwhispered “Mate,”hemurmuredinreply.“Mine.”

Hugo

“Youwould,wouldn’tyou?”Isatupenoughtoleanonmyelbowswhilehelovinglypinnedmetothebedwithone muscularthigh.

“Movetoyourareatobewithyou?Iwouldmovetoasnowytundraforyou,Hugo ButIthinkyoualreadyknowthat”

Iknewathingortwoaboutshifterbondingbuthadneverexperienceditformyself.Atetherinsidemethatwouldneverbe broken,evenindeath,boundmetohim Myleopardhadbondedcompletelywithhisbear Theywerealmostoneinthetangle ofmating.“Icouldn’taskyoutodothat,Collin.”Iwatchedashishandsomeeyesdroppedtomychest.Damnit.I’dhurthis feelings Hadn’tbeenmyintentionatall “Lookatme”Hedidn’t “Alpha,please”

Thatdidit.Hisbrowneyesmetmineandhesighed.“Youdon’twanttomoveintogether?Youdon’twanttobetogether?”

Ithrewmyheadback.Forallthisman’sprowessandconfidence,hewaslikeanyoneelse.Thismatingwasnew,andwe werestilltiptoeingaroundeverythingabit,gettingtoknoweachotherand,thoughIknewourbondwasstrong,itwouldstill taketimetogrowbeyondthisstage.Ihadtoassuremyalphathathisplacewithmewassolid.“Collin,ofcourseIdo.ButI won’taskyoutomoveintomytinycityapartment We’llfiguresomethingout,butI’vebeenkindofwantingtogetoutofthere forawhile.Ihavetofindanewjoband…there’ssomanythingstoplan,butthatdoesn’tmeanIdon’twantustobetogether. Wewillbetogether There’snootherchoiceforme”

Ishiveredasheranhisfingerdownthelengthofmychest.Itwasalmostlunchtimeandwehadn’tgottendressed.Hadn’t botheredto.Heleanedforwardandplacedhismouthovermystill-healingbite.“There’snochoiceforme,either,omega. Noneatall I’vebeenwaitingsolongforyou Let’sgetshoweredandeat Maybewe’llthinkofsomething”

Whileweshoweredandeventuallymadeitdownforasimplelunchofacharcuterieboard,Franklinwasallgrins.

“Ihadplansforyoutwotoday,butIhaveafeelingyouwon’tbekeepinganyappointmentsoutsidethebedroomtoday” Igasped.Iwasn’tembarrassedaboutlovingmynewmatebutdamn,didhereallyhavetotalkaboutitoverthemuenster andpepperedturkey?

“Franklin,”Collinadmonishedhisfriendbutwinkedatme.“Imeanyou’rerightbut…”

“Butwhat?”Franklinanswered.“ThisiswhatIdo.Letmepuffmychestoutalittlebitatmysuccess.Yourmatingisa goodthing MeansIdidsomethingright Plus,thistimeitwasforafriend”

Ilistenedtothemtalkaboutoldtimesandmemories,butIwasonlyhalfpayingattention.Inmymind,Iwasalready makingplans thinkingaboutmyfuture,oneInowsharedwithCollin

Franklinservedsomelemonbarswithcoffeeafterthesandwiches,butIdeclined,makingmywaytothebackporchto thinkthingsover.

Myjobwasdismalatbest.Thoughthesteadypaycheckstookcareofthebills,itwasaconstantdragonmysoul.My passionslayelsewhere,andnowIhadonemore.whowasinside.Hischucklesfromthekitchenwherewe’dbeeneating warmedmeevenfromthisdistance Icouldn’tseemyselfapartfromhimforanyamountoftimethatwasn’tnecessary,buthow couldImovetohistownwithoutajobwaitingforme?Ihadalwaysbeenresponsibleformyownexpenses,andIwouldnot beadragonhim

“Hey.”Hesqueezedmyshoulderafewminuteslater.“Areyouokay?”

“Yes,”Iwhispered,liftingoutofmyoverthinkinghaze.

Insteadofsittingdownontherockingchairnexttome,hepickedmeupasthoughIweighednothing,satdown,and positionedmeonhislap.“Whyallthedeepthinking?Issomethingwrong?”

Thisman

Ilaidmyheadonhischestandlethisheartbeatlockmeintothepresentmoment.Withhim.Withmymateandmyalpha. “Nothingiswrong Justmusingaboutthefuture”

Hechuckled.“Iwasinthere,tryingtotalktomyfriend,butallIcouldthinkaboutwasyou,outhere,andhowyouandI weregoingtoproceed.Yousaidyoudon’twantmetomoveinwithyou…”

“It’snotthatIdon’twantyoutomoveinwithme,Collin Youhaveanestablishedlife Youhaveahomeandyourgardens andyourjob.AndIknowitwasalongtimeago,butthat’salsothehomewhereyouspenttimewithWilliam.Iwon’trobyou oftherootsyou’veputdown”

“Youwouldn’tberobbingme.I’dgiveallofthatupforalifewithyou nohesitation.”

Isatupandcuppedhisfaceinmyhands “That’spartofwhatmakesyouamazing Buthere’swhatyoudon’tknow Ihate myjob.Itisonlyameanstoanend,andthatendistheelectricbill.That’sit.Idon’treallylovemytinyapartment.Theareais noisyandcrowdedandwhileIloveitattimes,Ilovesomethingelsemorenow.”

Collinsearchedmyeyesandthenwrappedhisarmsaroundmywaist “I’vegotasolution Moveinwithme Letmyhouse becomeourhouse.Youcanbakeallthebreadyouwant,andI’llgarden,andwecanbuildalifetogether.”

Ipaused,soakinginthismoment Raresnippetsoftimechangedthecourseofaperson’slifeforever,andthiswasoneof

thosemoments.“Yes,”Iwhispered.Iwouldfindajobthereandpullmyownweight.I’dalwaysfoundonebeforewhenItried. “Yes?”Hesmiled thebiggestoneyet.“You’llcomelivewithme?”

Inodded “Yeah Now,let’sgocelebrate”

IthoughtthatthemonthafterWilliampassedwasthelongestperiodoftimeofmyentirelife,butthatmomentwasnothing comparedtothethirty-twodaysIwaitedtohaveHugobackinmyarms.Hisscentbrandedtomynose.Hisskinpressed againstmine

Mybodyachedformyomega,andmybearwasnonetoopleasedthatithadtakenthislongtogethimhere,movingintomy home,intoourden I’dfocusedonmakingmydenbetterforhim forus AllenandImadethefarmlookitsbestand,whileI keptatidyhouse,Imadesurethatourbedroomhadnice,softlinensandnewfluffytowels.

Mymatedeservedthebestbecausehewasthebestthingthathadeverhappenedtome

Onthewaytotheairport,Istoppedforacoffee,andI’dbroughtalongtheeggandcheesesandwichI’dpreparedfor breakfast.Iwastoonervoustoeat.NotaboutseeingHugoorhavinghimwithme butanigglingfearhemightnotgetonthat airplanemademyfingerstingle HemightdecidethatIwasn’tworthgivinguphislifethathehadestablished,despitehim sayingeverythingotherwise.

Hehadtoldmethatbeforehemetme,hesometimeslayawakeimaginingthealphaFatemighthaveforhim Notbodytype oranythingphysicalbutthecharacterhemightpossess.Onewhowouldcareforhimandbethestabilityhecraved.

HeclaimedthatIwashisrock,buthewasmysavior He’dpulledmeoutofthedepthsandbackintothesunshine

Ittookforeverandadaytoparkmytruckintheairportparkinggaragebut,onceIwasinsidethemainbuilding,Ibegan scouringtheboardforHugo’sflight.

Hehadgottenanonstopandtextedmeonceheleftthehouse,butIhadn’theardfromhimsince

Thatdidn’thelpthenervesatall.

Ifoundhisarrivalinformationontheboardandgroanedoutloudseeingthathisflightwasontimebut,inmyhaste,Ihad gottenhereafullhourearly.

Morewaiting.

Moreoverthinking.

Morewhat-ifsstabbingmeinthebrain.

Perfect

Itookawalkaroundtheoutsideoftheairport,tryingtogetsomeexerciseinbutatthesametime,tryingnottolooklikea weirdouptonogood Aworkerstoppedme,andIconfessednearlymywholelifetohim,tellinghimthatIwaswaitingformy partner.Iusedthewordpartnersincehesmelledhuman.

Hechuckleddeeplyandencouragedmetocarryon.

Nerveswereabitch.Hiswords,notmine.

Unabletostayawayanylonger,Iperchedonabenchatthebottomoftheescalatorwheredebarkingtravelerswouldhave topassontheirwaytobaggageclaim Hugohadshippedmostofhisbelongingsbuthadcheckedacoupleoflargeduffelsto tidehimover.I’dthoughthemightdrivehere,andhadofferedtoflyoveranddothatwithhim,buthehadneverseentheneed tobuyacarhe’djusthavetopaytoparklivinginacitywithlotsofpublictransportation AndIsuspecteditmighthavebeen anexpensehecouldnoteasilyhandle boththecarandtheparking.Hedidexpressadesiretohaveone,though,sogetting himavehicleofhisownwouldbeapriority.I’dalmostgoneouttogetoneonmyown,butmytenant/assistantfarmerpointed outthatacarwassuchapersonalthingtomanypeople Weagreedthathemightliketochoosehisown

Helovedtheideaofmytakingcareofhim,buthe’dbeensupportinghimselfsincehewasinhislateteensandinsistedthat hewouldgetajobrightawayandnotbea“burden”Likehecouldpossiblybeanythingbutapleasure MybearandIwanted himtohaveeverythingandanything,andthatincludedindependenceifitmadehimhappy.Butintime,weprayedhe’dlearnto trustusenoughthathecouldworkornot,pursuewhateverhechoseforhislifewithoutworryingaboutwhopaidforwhat Getajob,don’tgetajob.Maybegobacktoschoolorlearnaskill.Helpwiththefarm.Bakebread.Sitontheporchand enjoytheview.Justdowhateverhelikedbest.Butwehadawholelifetimetogrowtogether,sotherewasnorush.

Myphonebuzzedinmypocket,andhismessagemadeeverythinginmeflarewithfreneticenergy Hewasonhisway Had justgottenofftheplane.

Iputmyhandovermychest,tryingtoquietmyheart’sfranticthuddingandfailing Hewashere.Mymatewashere,andhewasmine,andhewouldbewithmefortherestofourlives.

Iwatchedtheescalatorlikeahawkand,finally,Isawhimatthetop Hisgazeroamedthecrowduntilitfellonme I droppedmycoffeeinthetrashandbouncedonmyheels,waiting.

Whywereescalatorssodamnedslow?

Oncehehitthebottomstep,hebrokethroughthecrowdandleaptintomyarms IblewoutabreathIfeltlikeIhadbeen holdingsinceIlethimpartfrommeafterourlife-changingweekendattheBearclaw.

Now,Iwasneverlettinghimgo

“Youdidn’ttextmewhenyougotontheplane,”Igrowledintohisear,puttinghimdownbutkeepingmyarmaroundhis waist.

“Myphonedied Aladyinmyrowhadoneofthosebatterybanks Sheletmeuseit Wereyouworried?”Hecuppedmy facewithhiswarmhands,andeverywildemotionrelaxed.

“Alittle”

“Noneed.I’mhere.I’mnotgoinganywhere…exceptbaggageclaim.”

Ileaneddowntokisshim Gods,Imissedhistaste “I’lltakeyou,butonlybecauseyou’readorable”

Helaughed.“Andallofmyclothesareinthere.”

Iputmymouthtohisearandletmybearspeakthroughme.“You’renotgoingtoneedmanyclothes,omega.Atleastfora coupleofweeks”

Hegaspedandturnedtogentlyslapatmyarm.“Savethatforlater,Collin.”

Wegothisbags Hehadsoldmostofhisfurniture,onlykeepingafewkeepsakesandhisbakingitems Theywouldarrive soon.

Plus,Iwouldbuyhimanythingheneeded

Wegothisbagsintothetruckbut,onceourscentsweremixedinthecab,Ihadhardlystartedtheenginebeforehescooted overandputhishandonmythigh.I’dneverbeengladdertohaveabenchseat.HeneededmeasmuchasIneededhim.

“Onekissfortheroad?”heasked

HowcouldIdenyhim.Ikissedhimsweetly,butIwouldhavetoexercisegreatcontroltoavoidaspeedingticketonthe wayhome “Twentyminutes,”Igrumbledmoretomyselfthanhim

“Longesttwentyminutesofmylife.”

Wedidn’tbotherwithhisbagsoncewereachedmyhouse.Therewasnotour,nonicetiesexchanged.WhenIclosedthe frontdoor,myomegawaspressedagainstit.HereachedformypantsasIslammedmymouthoverhis.

Gods,Imissedthisman.

Bakinginanewplacedidn’tgoassmoothlyasIthought,thoughCollinwasasaintaboutitall.Hedidn’tmindifI reorganizedtheentirekitchentofitmyneedsandhadeventalkedaboutbuyingacommercialoven,butIwouldhavetosaveup forthat

Todaywasourfirstsharedboothatthefarmer’smarket.Afriendofhishadinvitedhimtosellsomeofhiscrops,and betweenmovinginandallofourreunionlovemaking,Ihadn’tgottenachancetobakeanythinguntilnow Buttoday,Ihada fewloaves.Onlyafewwildonesbut,ingeneral,enoughtomakeasplashintown.Mysourdoughstarterhadbeenthemost preciousthingI’dbroughtwithme,andI’dfeareditwouldsufferfromthetravel Tomyrelief,ithadnotdied Collin’svegetablessoldoutinonlyafewhoursasdidmysourdoughbut,aswepackedup,IknewthatIhadtomakemore money.Ihadtofindanotherjobstat.Ididn’twantCollintothinkIwassomekindofleechonhim.

“Whatareyouoverthinkingabout,mylove?”heasked,takingaboxfrommethatheldsomeofmysignagethathadarrived withmyotherbelongings.Wepackedeverythingintohisvintagetruckanddecidedonburgersforlunch.

“HowdoyoualwaysknowwhenI’moverthinking?”Iasked,reachingovertotanglemyfingerswithhis Collinwasan affectionatealpha.AlwaystouchingmeandmakingsureIfeltsafe.Iwasoneluckyomega.

“Youmakeaface Youreyebrowsdrawdown,andyournosescrunches Cutestdamnedthing,butIalwaysknowthatit meanssomethingisonyourmind.Areyoureadytoshare?”

Ilookedoverathissalt-and-pepperhair,barelycagedbyhisballcapwithhisfarm’slogoonthefront.HehadaT-shirt onthatstretchedatthebiceps IknewallofhisrollinghillsandvalleysbyheartnowandwhileI’dseensomeomegasdroolat mymate,theyhadnoideawhatawonderlandwashidingunderthatsimplegreenT-shirt.“Ineedtogetajob.That’sall.This weekIamgoingtostartapplying somewhere untilIcanmakeenoughtogetthecommercialovenandbringinsomereal incomeatthemarkets.”

“Isthatsomethingyouwanttodo?Gobacktothat…whatdidyoucallit,dismalexistence?”Hechuckledwhilewepulled intowhathadbecomeourfavoriteburgerspot.Ithadbeenhis,butnowitwasours,likeeverythingelse.

Wewentinsideandordereddoublecheeseburgerswithextragrilledmushrooms.Oncewehaddugin,Iansweredhis question IlovedthataboutCollin Heneverpressed Hewaspatientandalwayswaitedinsteadofpressuringmetoanswer somethingIwasclearlynotreadytorespondto.“Ihatedthatjob,andthethoughtoffindinganotheronelikeitmakesmefeel suffocated”

“But…”

“But…Ican’tcontinuetoliveherewithnoincome.It’senoughthatIdon’tpayanyrentoranyofthehouseholdbills,butto contributenothing,well,itfeelswrong.”

Collinpolishedoffhisburgerandwipedhismouth.“Youexpressedawantforanalphawhowouldtakecareofyou.Iam here,wantingtotakecareofyou,Hugo There’snoneedforyoutogogetajobyouhatewhenI’mrighthere,wantingto provideforyou.Ihavemoneysavedup.EverythingIownispaidfor,andIhavelivedinamodestwaytomakesureIwasset forlife Plus ”Hepaused Ihadgottenusedtothis Thealphathoughtoverhiswordsbeforehespokethem Ilovedthatabout him.“ThereisalsoasubstantialsumofmoneythatWilliamleftme.Lifeinsurance.Ihaven’ttouchedit.Neverneededto,butI thinkthathewouldbehappyifitwenttosupportingmymate mynewmate.Myforevermate.”

“Collin”Ibreathedouthisname Healwayssharedthingswithme,evenwhentheygothardtotalkabout Healwayshad todragthingsoutofme,butmyalphawasanopenbook.HismourningandlovingWilliamhadneversubtractedfromhislove forme Infact,Ithinkitmadehimmorecaringanddotingthaneverbecauseheknewhowshortandpreciouseachmomentwas withtheoneyouloved.ThoughIwasonlyacrossthetablefromhim,thedistanceseemedlikeamile.Igotupandwentoverto hissideoftheboothwhereIcuddledintohisside “Yourheartissobig Areyousureaboutthis?”

Henodded.“Yes.Besides,Iwouldmissyouifyouhadtoworkweekends.Wewouldn’tgettocuddleinthemorningsand therewouldbenolunchestogether.WhowouldmakesureI’mdrinkingenoughwaterwhileIgarden?”Myalpha’shydration wasatrueconcern Thatmanwouldgoalldayononecupofcoffeeandaprayerandthensayhethoughthewasgettinga headacheintheevenings.

Ilaughed,nuzzlingmyfaceagainsthischest “Notyou Youneverdrinkenough”

“I’vemissedsomeonemostofmylife.Don’tmakememissyou.”

Isighed “YoumakeitsoundasthoughI’mdoingyouthefavor”

Herestedhisforeheadagainstmyhair.“YouarethebiggestblessingIcould’veaskedfor.Ibreatheforyounow,omega. Don’tmakeanoldmansuffer.”

“Ah!”Iplayfullyslappedathisstomach “Judgingbythismorning,youarenooldman”

“Hmm.Ithinkyouneedmoreconvincing.Eatup,mylove.You’regoingtoneedallofyourenergythisafternoon.”

Iheardmymategetoutofbedthatmorning,buthewouldcomeback.Thatwashismorningprocess.Hewouldgetup,use therestroom,andthenreturnforalongsnugglebeforewestartedtheday.

ButIshotrightuptoasittingpositionwhenIheardanotherroundofheaving

Thiswasn’tthefirsttime.

Ithadbeengoingonforweeks,hereandthere

Mypreciousomegahadcomeupwithseveralexcusesforthisoccurrence.Stress.Movinganxiety.Anewplace.New food Hisstomachwasupset Allkindsofthings

Ididn’thavethehearttotellhimIalreadyknewwhatwasgoingon.

Infact,thefirsttimewemadelovewhenhegotofftheplane,hismatingscenthadchanged.Anoverpoweringsweetness blendedwithhisnaturalscent

Thesweetnessofapregnantomega.

Myfriendatthefarmer’smarketrecommendedmetothemanagementforabooth Themarketmanagerhadvisitedthe farmanddiscussedmypractices,doneacursoryinspection,andofferedmethespace.WhenIaskedaboutHugo’ssourdough, itwasenthusiasticallywelcomed Ihadn’ttoldhimaboutityet,sincehe’dbeenlyingdownrestingwhenthevisitcame,butI hopedhe’dliketheideaofusbothworkingfromhomefull-time.Ifheagreed,I’dgivemynoticeatworktheverynextday.It wouldbeadream,especiallyundercurrentcircumstances.

Irushedintothebathroomandranawashclothunderthecoolstreamofwaterbeforekneelingbesidehim “Bigbreaths, love.Itwillpass.”

Hesatbackonhisknees,acceptingmycare Thefirstcoupleoftimeshe’dthrownup,he’dtriedtorushmeoutofthe bathroom,thinkingIwouldbegrossedoutordisgusted.Couldn’tbefurtherfromthetruth.Hewassickand,whateverthe reason,Iwasthereforhim.

HowcouldInotbe?

“Idon’tknowwhythiskeepshappening,”hemewled.Hischinquivered,startingafreshfloodoftears.Gods,thisman.It brokemyhearttoseehimlikethis,butIknewhewouldputthingstogether Forsomereason,Ithoughthewouldwanttocome totheconclusionsomewhatonhisown.

Iscootedcloserandwipeddownhisfaceandthebackofhisneck Helaidhisheadonmyshoulderandthenclimbedonto mylapwhileIclosedthelidonthetoiletandflushedit.“Youthinkit’s…Hell,Idon’tknowwhatitis.”

Suckinginabreath,Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisnakedtorsoandrockedhimabit.Hewasdistressedandlosingsleep. Allofthisthrowinguphadmadehimdehydratedandabitcranky,andIcouldseethetollitwastakingonhisbody.

Imademydecisionrightthenandthereonthecoldbathroomfloor.

Nomorewaitingforhimtorealizeit

“Whatelsehasbeengoingon?”Iasked,strokinghisback.

“Areyousureyouwanttoknow?”heasked

“Iwanttoknoweverythingaboutyou.Haveyoubeenhidingsomethings?”

Thatmadehimsitup.“Nothiding.ButmaybeeverythingI’vebeenfeelinghasthesameroot?”

Inodded HewascomingaroundwhichwasgoodbecauseIcouldn’ttakeitanymore “Tellmeeverything”

“I’mtired.Likeallthetime.Itooktwonapsyesterday.Two.IthoughtforsureyouwouldthinkIwaslazy.You’dmated withalazybones”

Wasn’tthefirsttimeI’dheardhimusetheterm.Heclaimedoneofhisfatherswasbigonworkethicandifhewasn’t doinganything,hewascalledalazybonesasajoke Didn’tseemfunnytome “Iwouldneverthinkthat Ifyourbodyistired, what’stheuseindraggingitfurtheralong?You’llgethalfdoneintwicethetime.Whatelse?”

Hepressedhisfingersagainsthischest.“Mychesthurts.Mynipplesaresupersore.”

Damnit I’dheardhimhissthenightbeforeasIpaidattentiontohisnipples,butIthoughtitwasasoundofpassion “You didn’ttellme.”

Heshrugged “Yourtomatoplantsstink,”hesaid,laughing “What?Justthetomatoplants?”

Anothershrug “Andeggs Iloveeggs,butlatelytheydon’tloveme” “Hugo,canIsuggestsomething?”

“Yes.SuggestsomethingwhileI’mbrushingmyteeth.Please.Anythingmighthelpatthispoint.”

HestoodandleanedoverthesinkwhileIthrewtheclothintothelaundrybinandcleanedthetoilet Icloseditagainand tookaseat.Ihadalreadyboughtsomepregnancytestsandtuckedthemunderthesinkhopinghemightseethem.

Heapparentlyhadn’t

“WemadeloveforthefirsttimeandmanyothertimesattheBearclawInn,omega.Thatwasabouteightweeksago.” Henodded,andoureyesmetinthemirror.

Iwenton “Ourmatingwaspowerfulandwhentruemates,fatedmates,connect ”

Hugo’sbrowneyeswidened,andheletthetoothbrushclankagainstthesink.Oncehismouthwasrinsed,heturnedtome, wipingitoffwithatowel “Youthink attheBearclaw ”Helookeddownathisbelly “Ineedatest”

Nowweweretalking.“Underthesink.I’monestepaheadofyou.”

Hemurmuredsomethingaboutalways,andIchuckled Oncethestickwaspeedon,hetookshelterinmyarmswhilethe timercounteddownthelongesttwominutesofmydamnedlife.

Pregnantornot,Iwantedhimwell.Ifthistestwasnegative,wewouldbeinthetruckandonourwaytothehealerbefore hecouldthinktwice

Hejerkedwhenthetimerwentoff.

“Collin,”hesaid,holdingupthestick Hishandwastrembling Mymatewasshaking Thecolorhaddrainedfromhisface andIscoopedhimupbeforehecouldfaintrightthereinthebathroom.

Hewascarryingourchild

Hewascarryingmybabeinsidehim.

Gods,Iwasoneluckybastard.

Iwouldbeturninginmynoticetomorrow IjusthadtodiscussitwithHugofirst

ButIthoughthe’dagree

Hugo

“I’mwhat?”Istutteredwhilepattingbehindme,tryingtofindaplacetosit.Collinreachedformywaistandheftedme ontothebed.Ididn’tevenknowIhadstumbledallthewayintothebedroom.MaybeIhadn’t.

“Hugo,lookatme”

Ihadthestickinmyhand,andtheonlythingsIcouldseewerethetwolines.Hegentlytookthestickfrommeandputitin hisbackpocket

“Omegamine,lookatyouralpha.”Thatsnappedmeoutofitandmademymatechuckle.“Thereyouare.Iwantyoutolie backonthebedwhileIgetyousomeicewater”

Ididashesaid,restingmyheadonthepillows.“That’smyjob.I’myourwaterboy.”

Thesoundofhislaughterfadedashemadehiswaytothekitchen.Hedidn’thavehisbootson.Noclompingthroughthe house Imissedthesound Closingmyeyes,Ifocusedonwhathewouldbedoing Takingthepitcherofcoldwateroutofthe fridge.Puttingiceintotheglass.Thesplashofthewateragainstthecubes.Collinstickingastrawinit.Hisfootstepsashe camebackintothebedroom “Here,waterboy Drinksomeofthis”

Isatupandtooktheglassheofferedme.Gods,Ifeltlikeadoofus.Iwaspregnant,notstupid.Isuredidfeellikeit, though,fromthewayI’dreacted

“Didyoualreadyknow?”Iasked,takingalongdragofthewater.

Henoddedandsmiled.“Isuspected.Yourscentchanged.Youweregettingsickinthemornings.Youturnedyournoseup atyouravocadotoastyesterday Littlethingswereaddingup,butIwantedtowaituntilyoucametoyourownconclusion” Isnorted.“Howdidthatworkoutforyou?”

Hetooktheglassfrommeandclimbedintobed,layinghisheadonmychest Iranmyfingersthroughhisshinyhair,trying tocompletelycalmmyself.“Notgood.Youalmostfaintedinthebathroom.Youwentsopale.Itscaredme.”

“I’msorry,”Iwhispered.“Butyou’regoingtobeapapanow,Collin.AndsoamI.Are…areyouhappy?”

Withallmytheatrics,we’dmissedthecelebration.Andthebabeinsideme,theonewhowascreatedbyusoutofsheer loveforoneanotherdeservedcelebrating.

“IamthehappiestI’veeverbeeninmylife,saveforthedayIfoundyouthatnightattheinn”

“Really?Iwassoakingwetandpissedoffattheworld.Youtookonelookatmeandthought, Yeah, baby. That’s the drenched rat for me ”

Myalpha’srobustlaughterfilledourbedroom.“Thewordratneveroccurredtome.Whataboutyou?Ourbabeisinside you.Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?Tellthetruth.It’sokayifyou’reunsureorscaredor…”

Myfingertipsdriftedfromhishairtomybelly.Collinsatupandputhishandovermine.Andthenhedidthesweetestthing ever.Heleaneddownandkissedmybellyandspokesomesoftwordstoourlittleone.“CanIbeallthosethings?I’mabit leery I’mexcited I’mnervous But,mostofall,I’mthrilled”

“Youcanfeelanythingyouwantaboutthis.I’mwithyouforallofit.We’llgetthroughthisaswedoeverythingelse together”

Itookhishandinmine.“ThenI’mokay.”

“Ifyou’rereallyokay,canIshowyousomething?”heasked.Theglintinhiseyesusuallyprecludedalovemakingsession. “Whatisit?”Iwaggledmyeyebrows

“Notthat.Well,notthatyet.Comewithme.”

Wewalkeddownthehallwayuntilwereachedtheguestroom,whichweusedforstorage Hereachedfortheknoband openedthedoor.“Onceyourscentchanged,Isnuckinhereonceinawhileandstartedtocleanthingsout.Ithoughtthiscould bethenursery”

Thisman.Thisbeautiful,caring,damned-near-perfectman.Hehadn’tjustcleanedthingsout;hehadputarockingchair fromthegarageinthecorner.IthadbeencleanedoffandremindedmeoftheoneswesatonwhenwewereatFranklin’sinn. “YouwerehopingIwaspregnant,”Ibreathed,lettinggoofhishandandwalkingaroundtheroom

“Hoping.Praying.Therewasabitofbeggingtothegods.”

Iwhirledonhim Hepouredhisheartintoeverythinghedid “Canyouimagineme?Mybellyswollenwithyourchild insideme?”

Agrowlcamefromhisbear “I’vedreamedofit,omega I’vedreamedofyouwithyourhandsaroundyourbelly Telling meyou’remine.”Heleanedagainstthedoorframe,nearlyfillingthespacewithhisbroadshoulders.

“I’malreadyyours,”Isaid.

“You’llalwaysbemine”Hecockedhishead “You’rehungry Comewithme,mate Letmefeedmylittlefamily”

Itookhishand.“We’reafamilynow.”

“We’vealwaysbeen

Fromthemomentwemated You’reallthefamilyIeverneededbutnow,we’remakinganewoneof