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AN – This scene was not included in the original Vella release. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of the future!
Samson moved the pillows once more before rolling his eyes at himself. “Damn pregnancy hormones. Who actually wants to nest?” He rubbed a hand over his baby bump and couldn’t stop a grin. He still blamed almost everything on the pregnancy and his Alpha still let him. They were just as excited to meet this cub as they had been with the first two.
Thoughts of Ryder made it easy to move to the back of their home. His Alpha was working out with Fane, Garen, and Everett. They were just beyond their property line but easily close enough for his senses for him to watch his Mate. The PI and detective might have official training and Garen was also an Alpha, but his writer was a true warrior. Covered in a light sheen of sweat, Ryder’s muscles rippled as he sparred against the Wolf. Their decade together had given his husband crinkles at his eyes and grey at his temples and he was as beautiful as ever. His Mate was mesmerizing enough and Samson almost missed the conversation between Fane and Everett.
“...apparently teen hormones with an Alpha designation is dangerous,” Fane whispered.
“Is that really how he learned to fight?”
“That center wasn’t as good as Trucu. They claimed Alphas were mindless beasts. I’m sure some embrace the stereotype, but Ryder never has. He isn’t a typical Alpha.”
Samson agreed with that wholeheartedly – his Alpha was worlds better than anyone else, even the characters he wrote. He smiled as he remembered many examples of his Mate caring for him, their cubs, and their extended family over the years. Samson no longer worried about being alone and that fact still brought delighted a rush of joy.
“...your Omega is the one man enough to have built your den, not you.”
Before he knew it, Samson was outside and knocking Garen to the ground. Ryder picked the Wolf up before Samson could.
“Whoa, hold on.” Fane didn’t get between them, but he stood close to Ryder. “What’s going on? Samson?”
Samson jerked his head to stare at Fane. His mouth fell open as he realized he’d attacked the Wolf simply for teasing his Alpha. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
No one moved, but Samson felt the shiver running through his body as he shifted out of his partial Lion form. He placed a hand on his Mate’s arms. “It’s okay, Alpha. It was my fault.”
He couldn’t help but appreciate Ryder’s growled denial of his blame. Still partially shifted, his Mate practically threw the Wolf to the side before turning to Samson. Ryder’s flaming eyes brought a rush of need Samson tried to ignore. His Alpha’s nostrils flared and he licked his lips.
“Hey now, none of that.” It was again Fane who was brave enough to interrupt.
Ducking his head down, Samson blew out a harsh breath and focused on Fane and Everett. The human wasn’t armed but he could fight and he looked ready to do so. “Can we just blame pregnancy hormones and you guys get out of here?”
Everett edged closer to Garen. “You okay?”
The Wolf nodded as he glared at Ryder, not Samson. “Yeah, I’m fine. We can leave.”
Samson stepped closer – both Ryder and Garen growled while Everett and Fane both froze in place. Ryder’s continued snarling sent another shiver down Samson’s spine. Unfortunately, that’s when the pain hit and he doubled over.
Multiple cries of his name brought no comfort. His Alpha’s hands on his hip and back did ease the agony. Samson grabbed one of his Mate’s hands and knew his grip was too tight. Ryder didn’t flinch as he held him through the pain eased into discomfort.
“The cub! It’s time – the baby is coming.”
Fane’s words sent the men into overdrive. Samson ignored them to breathe in his Alpha’s scent. Summer storms and lemonade were still there along with salted caramel apples. Love – family – security.
“Are you ready to move? We should get to the Center.” Ryder’s free hand moved to cuddle him close and bear his weight. “Fane will have Tamra bring the cubs straight there.”
Samson looked up to kiss his Mate. There would be time before the next crushing pain so he turned to the Wolf. “I am sorry. I’ll get that clubhouse built for your pups. Tell your man—”
“Don’t worry about it,” Garen interrupted. He maintained a respectful distance. “Get to Grann and deliver that cub. If anything happens to our resident cats, my Pack might revolt.”
“I volunteer to eat his share of pies.” Everett also stayed back several feet and was no longer close to their property line. He grinned then winked as Samson and Ryder glared at him. “I know I’m just a human but I’m willing to take one for the team.”
Rolling his eyes, Samson waved off the teasing of his family. He still clung to Ryder as his Alpha led him away. Being an Omega was a gift, but it was also a messy, painful one sometimes. Another pain hit before just after they parked at the Center. Ryder took one hand off the wheel and again Samson gripped tight.
Even with the pain, he remained proud to be an Omega. He was even more proud of his Alpha, cubs, and family. Bringing one more into his Pride was an honor and he was grateful for it.
“Fuck, it hurts,” Samson hissed the words and blinked back tears. He was grateful, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t complain.
Ryder kissed his cheek and cradled him close as he lifted him from the car. Samson nuzzled against his neck and slid one hand to rest over his Alpha’s heart. He could feel his Mate’s love, strong and pure, fill him with comforting warmth. There was also a rush of excitement as Ryder loved his cubs and was anxious for their third one to join them. It was a happy tear that slipped down his cheek. “Damn pregnancy hormones.”
Chuckling, Ryder set him in a wheelchair and adjusted his grip to hold Samson’s hand. “Come on, Omega. We’re in this together.”
“Easy for you to say.” Still grumbling, Samson also still clung to his Mate’s hand. He then smiled at him. “I get to name this one.”
###
“WHAT DO YOU WANT TO name her?” Ryder was curled around his Mate and newborn. The little girl was still red-faced, but she had stopped crying once the medical professionals left them alone in the temporary den. Their other cubs had brought in the blankets so not even Fane had touched anything. The whole room smelled of family, of love.
Samson didn’t even look away from the cub. “She’s gonna be a fighter like you. Her name needs to be strong.”
Nodding, Ryder thought of names that would meet Samson’s needs. It was how they had named their first two. His Omega had looked at each one and decided what the name needed to mean. His job was to provide one that met his requirements. Their first daughter’s name meant champion of freedom and their son’s meant beloved.
“Come on, writer. I know you know of a name meaning warrior.” Samson finally twisted to smile at him before kissing him. “What’s her name?”
“Lexi, defender of man.” Ryder touched a finger to her nose then her chubby cheek. His breath caught at the rush of feeling from his Mate. He moved his hand to cup Samson’s cheek and smiled when his Omega nuzzled against him. Happiness flowed between them, but he still asked. “Is she a Lexi?”
Samson kissed him then the baby. “Hello, Lexi girl. I’m so glad you’re ours.”
A click sounded before they heard Fane over the intercom. “My niece and nephew are ready to meet their sister.”
The door burst open before he’d finished speaking. Ryder pulled away from Samson and Lexi to hug his cubs.
“Dad, can I hold her?”
“You’re too little. I should get to hold her first.”
Ryder grinned at Samson and moved between the fighting siblings who reminded him so much of him and Fane. “If you calm down, you can both hold her. Davin, give your Papa a kiss then sit in that chair.”
His son rushed to kiss Samson then plopped into the chair. Ryder kept a hold on his daughter and smiled down at her. “Carlys, did you both wash your hands?”
“Yes, Dad.” She injected more attitude than a nine-year-old should. “What’s her name? Can I pick it out?”
“You named your turtle Shell,” Davin reminded her with a huff. “Papa, I’m ready!”
Samson moved slowly to sit up and Ryder rushed to his side to help. His Omega smiled down at their daughter before sharing that smile with him. “Okay, you wild things, settle down. Your Dad and I named her Lexi. She’s very small and helpless right now so—”
“We’ll protect her,” Carlys interrupted. She bounced on her toes and lifted her arms. “I want to meet my sister...please.”
Their eldest daughter had golden eyes and Ryder suspected she might have inherited more from Samson. They didn’t care what their subgenders or gifts were though. He and Samson were proud of each of their children for being themselves.
As soon as Samson placed Lexi in her sister’s arms, Carlys kissed her forehead gently. “Hello, sissy. I’m Carlys and I’m your big sister. That means I will always protect you and love you.”
Their eldest child stepped slowly and carefully to her brother’s side. Davin sat on his hands and rocked in the chair.
“This is your big brother Davin. You’ll never be alone, Lexi.”
“We promise,” Davin added. He leaned forward and kissed Lexi’s hand.
Samson wrapped his arms around Ryder and he returned his Omega’s embrace. They walked to their cubs and stared down at the newest addition to their family.
It wasn’t a big surprise when a shower of colorful sparks filled the room and settled into a rainbow.
“Leina has given her blessing.” Samson’s voice was roughened by the tears he swallowed back. “We’ve nurtured our love and it’s multiplied. We have even more wonderful things to look forward to together.”
Carlys placed her sister into her brother’s arms then grinned up at them. “I know what happens next.”
Davin didn’t give anyone a chance to speak. “I know too! They all lived happily ever after.”