Page 39 of The Bound Alpha

Ole entered first with a basket of fresh pastries, dressed in jeans and a polo shirt that accentuated his muscled body. As an omega, he was naturally smaller than Rhys or his mate Eldin, but his physique showed how strong he was. Behind him walked Eldin, wearing a simple T-shirt and black cargo shorts, carrying their toddler on his hip. Reena had on the cutest yellow sundress with horses on it and matching knee pads. She wiggled out of her dad’s grasp and reached out for me, babbling something that resembled my name.

“Hello little warrior, are you ready to play?”

She nodded and patted my cheek with her saliva-covered hand.

I was the happiest uncle, but I was not ready for children myself. Maybe I never would be. For now, I used hormonal contraception to enjoy messy lovemaking and have easier heats.

“I have good news,” Ole said as we all sat down on the couch and armchairs around the coffee table. “You know how the northern districts allow a selected number of wealthy omegas to attend university, right? The reputation of our safe house has reached so far, we’ve had lawyers from the northoffering pro bono services to omegas needing to escape abusive relationships.” Ole kissed Reena’s head, took her from my arms, and set her to the ground where she crawled to the rug covered with toys ready for her.

I grabbed one of the pastries Ole brought and bit into it with delight. Rhys’s love had taught me that I didn’t need a strict diet, that I could eat well but give in to my sweet tooth as well. Maybe I was a size or two bigger, but chocolate was worth it. Besides, Rhys didn’t mind, and worshipped my stretch marks as if they were stripes earned in battle for self-acceptance.

“That’s fantastic.” Rhys pulled out a box of new wooden toys from behind the couch and set it in front of Reena. She squealed in delight and upturned the contents with a clatter.

“We have a list of names and numbers, but we could use your old connections, Rhys,” Eldin said and fished out his phone from his pocket.

“I can do that. It won’t be instant, but I still have a trusted friend there who wants to help. Send the doc over.” Rhys tapped his phone to Eldin’s and opened the file on his device.

“I just checked on the new family settling in,” Ole said. “They seem to be doing well. The dad cried from gratitude during the orientation last night, but his son skipped off to play with other kids right away.”

Between the four of us and Reena, we ran the wellness school and the safe house, helping as many people as we could, spreading the love and joy we found in our mates to others.

Two years ago, I was happy that I’d found a mate who loved me with his whole heart. Now, I had friends who became my family, and a community that supported each other.

When everyone had left, I took a blanket and headed outside.

I sat cross-legged and looked toward the setting sun that bathed the grass ahead in warm colors. Our horses roamed across the land, looking as relaxed as I felt.

Rhys hugged me from behind, cradling me in the vee of his legs. He buried his nose in my hair and inhaled. “I love the sun streaks in your hair. I love your new moles.” He kissed my nape. “I love how you channel your spite into doing so much good in the world. I love you, my sunshine.”

“I love you too.” Sniffling, I snuggled closer to him. “I didn’t know I was capable of all we’ve accomplished together. And we’re just starting. I’d be forever grateful that you dragged me out of the bushes by my ankles that day.”

Rhys chuckled. “I’m glad I kept the stilettos as a memento, then.”

I elbowed him in the side, and he laughed even harder.

With a contented sigh, I looked ahead toward a view that had only existed in my dreams ‌two years ago. “I don’t have to imagine my happy place anymore. I live in it.”

THE END