Page 18 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Yet all that had changed with one random phone call from a guy he hadn’t seen since the night he had the most fantastic sex he hadn’t been able to forget. Now there were six children he needed to guide and protect. And Sam.

Well, Vaughn couldn’t even begin to explain how complicated his feelings for Sam had become. He’d longed for someone strong to stand beside him, someone who didn’t bow to him simply because he carried the title of alpha.

He longed for another alpha at his side, someone who was his equal. It wasn’t the typical longing of an alpha, but it was the desire of Vaughn’s heart.

Seeing Sam in action, standing up to the woman who’d dared hurt the cubs, leading them all without hesitation even though they were hurt and afraid? How he’d stood up to Vaughn even though he’d seen things he’d not even known were possible? Sam should have been terrified, but instead he’d put himself between the cubs and Meshaq without hesitation, even though most shifters trembled in fear over the other alpha’s ferocious appearance. And that… that was what had Vaughn’s heart longing for more.

Hope filled him for the first time in years. Maybe… maybe the impossible had happened. Maybe he’d found his true mate and through these cubs…children of his own.

He turned back to his parents and found his mom looking at him with another knowing smile. “You’re probably right. I should get some sleep.”

“Your mother is always right. I thought I’d taught you that lesson years ago.”

Joanne shoved at Stuart’s arm but kept smiling at her son. “Those kids are going to need their alpha tomorrow. You’re in for an interesting time as they transition, but remember that you have an entire pack here to support you.”

“And I’ll cover the clinic tomorrow,” Stuart added. “We’ll think further ahead on scheduling once we’ve all had some rest.”

“Sounds good. Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome. Sleep, son.”

When Vaughn woke up, he couldn’t figure out what it was that had pulled him from his sleep. His body certainly wasn’t happy with him and he realized he was on the couch. The memories of the night before came hurtling back, and he opened his eyes quickly to see all of the kids still safely asleep on the floor in front of the couch. He heard whispered voices from the kitchen and sat up to see what was going on.

His grandmother was standing on one side of the island, clearly working on breakfast. Sam sat on a barstool on the opposite side, busy writing something on a notepad. Nana glanced his way and smiled, which caused Sam to look over to him as well.

“Morning,” Vaughn muttered as he climbed off the couch and stretched out his stiff muscles. After a yawn large enough to hurt, he stumbled over to the island and sat down beside Sam. “What are you two doing up so early?”

“It’s after seven, lovebug.”

“Nana…” Vaughn started to protest the use of his nickname, especially when Sam began to snicker beside him, but a whimper from the living room drew his attention. He was on his feet and across the room before Ollie could fully come awake. He knelt at the head of the mattresses and rested his hand carefully on top of Ollie’s head. When the boy opened his eyes, he immediately looked to Vaughn. Once Ollie recognized him and began to wake up more fully, Vaughn asked, “You ready to get up?”

Ollie nodded and began to untangle himself from the pile of blankets around him. Ben opened his eyes as well. Vaughn rested his hand on Ben’s hair and rubbed it softly. “I’ve got him. Go back to sleep.”

Ben waited for Ollie to lean heavily against Vaughn before he closed his eyes and pulled the blankets up over his head. Vaughn lifted Ollie into his arms and carried him over to the island where Nana and Sam were waiting.

“How’s my little muffin doing this morning?” Nana asked.

Vaughn rolled his eyes at her newest nickname and settled in the seat with Ollie on his lap. Ollie looked around with a puzzled frown, and then turned his face into Vaughn’s chest. “It’s okay, Ollie. You’re with me and Sam. Everyone’s fine.”

Ollie peeked out and caught Sam’s gaze. “Hi, Sam,” he whispered.

“Hey, little man. You hungry? Nana is going to make us some breakfast.”

Ollie nodded and leaned over to press his forehead against Sam’s arm. Sam reached up and cradled his head for a moment. Vaughn caught his Nana’s soft sigh and looked over to see her wiping away a tear.

He couldn’t even tease her about her soft heart because his was currently in his throat. He had never seen cubs open up to a human like this before. They were treating him like pack, like family, even after all they’d been through.

“Well, you’re in luck this morning,” Nana said after she composed herself for a moment, “because Sam couldn’t decide between pancakes or eggs so we’re having both!”

Ollie looked over at her with a puzzled frown. “We don’t have cereal for breakfast?”

The smile slipped on her face for a moment, but she recovered quickly and smiled at him again. “You can have cereal if you want some! Let me see what we have.”

She bustled over to the pantry, and Ollie leaned forward to watch her go. Then he looked nervously up at Vaughn. “What’s a pancake?” he whispered once he was convinced she was distracted.

Sam made a frustrated sound beside him.

Vaughn had to swallow his own annoyance and hope that Meshaq would find stinky Foote and make her pay.