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My heart clenched at the mention of having my own. With the mating bond, a deep desire for my own children settled in my soul. I knew I would have to discuss it with Amelia soon, especially with her fears. As soon as we got test results, then we could have an open and honest conversation. Until then, I would keep that little fact to myself.
“Mack and Casey’s twins were never this rambunctious. It must be something in your genetics.” Miguel commented.
Miguel had come from Casey’s pride along with Jonah, who was now the head of our security operations six months out of the year. Miguel decided to join our pride, and Jonah divided his time between the two. The prides are only a couple hours apart. Close enough to visit, but far enough that those visits are few. The road between the two is rough through the jungle, not meant to be an enjoyable drive, which helped deter random hikers or explorers. The road, along with a very strong cloaking spell provided by the local coven of witches, ensured that both prides were as secure as possible.
“I swear their kids have been drugged since birth. There is no way they are that well-behaved all the time.” Diego scoffed as he tried to grab Lissette as she ran by, Felix still hot on her heels. Marisol was sitting quietly on the living room floor, playing with toys.
“Let’s take them out back and let them run in the yard,” Leo said.
Diego laughed. “Fine, but you get to deal with Kymber when she starts yelling about getting the kids’ clothes dirty.”
“Honestly, that’s your mate’s own fault. Kids are meant to play. Their clothes are meant to get dirty, so putting her in that damn frilly thing was her mistake.” Leo opened the French doors that led out to the back porch. “Outside, kids!” His dad voice held a tiny bit of his Alpha power and had even me making my way outside.
“Yeah, I’ll let you give her that explanation. It will be a hell of a show when you do.” Diego moved one of the wicker chairs so that he had a clear line of sight to the backyard exits.
“You can relax. We are safer in my backyard than anywhere else in the compound.” Leo came out, handing each of us a cold beer. “Now, let’s hear why these two decided to visit us today.” Leo tilted the neck of his bottle at us.
“We need advice,” Miguel threw out. “About the mating bond and just being mated in general.”
“It’s like being married only on a whole other plain.” Diego offered. “You can feel each other, talk to each other, all without anyone else knowing.” He tapped his temple. “Those things are a blessing and a curse sometimes. It’s hell keeping surprises under wraps.” He laughed.
“Your situation is more unique than others.” Leo leaned on the table as he spoke. “You not only have one, but you have two mates. Twice as much emotion to handle and twice as much insecurity to overcome. Even with the challenges, it’s still a blessing to be celebrated, nourished, and cherished.”
Leo, as always, hit the nail on the head. “Can I ask a question?” I figured it was best to put everything on the table from the start.
“Of course. As a friend or as your Alpha?”
“Both.” I took a deep draw on my beer before continuing.
“Shoot, if I can’t answer, I’m sure DJ can.” Leo nodded.
“How soon after mating did you move Kat into your home?” I kept my nerves in check as I waited for an answer.
“Well, at first, we stayed in our own cabins because I was in the process of securing this property. She balked when I asked her to move into my cabin. Then I offered to move into hers, and that upset her even more. I would say it took about two months of sleeping at each other’s place before she agreed to live with me. Her only caveat was that we created a new home together instead of moving into the other’s cabin.” He paused to take a sip. “I had already started construction on the buildings here. The apartments were finished, and I knew that this property would be for the Alpha house. We moved into an apartment for a few weeks until our house was built.”
“A few weeks? That’s crazy fast to have a house built.” Miguel’s eyes went wide.
“Yeah, but money talks. I would have given every cent I had to get this damn house done in the allotted time. I just wanted to start our pride and our lives together on a clean slate.”
“Makes sense.”
“I am assuming Amelia doesn’t want to move in with either of you.” Diego set his empty bottle in front of him. His eyes scanned the exits before continuing on.
“Yeah. Miguel agreed to move into my home since it’s bigger and has more space if we ever decide to have a family. Now, we just have to figure out how to convince Amelia.”
“It’s going to have to be her choice, her suggestion.” Diego’s eyes hardened. “If you force her before she’s ready, I’ll rip your limbs from your body and feed them to the rogue shifters outside these walls.”
“We would never force her to do anything,” Miguel squeaked. He had a healthy fear of Diego, and for good reason. No one wanted to meet the man who used to work for a cartel boss. Death was an ever-present friend of Diego’s back then.
“Miguel’s right. The only exception is if we are keeping her safe from something, someone, or even herself. But moving in is not something I would force. I know that would push her further away.” I tapped my fingers on the table as a new plan began to evolve once again. “You’ve been talking about expanding to the very edge of the jungle, right?” I directed my question to Leo.
“Yes, but it’s just in its initial planning phase. Why?”
“That is going to open up another large plot of land for homes. I assume that Diego will get first pick as your Beta. I would like to ask for the second pick. I think giving Amelia the option of building a home with us from the ground up might be just what she needs. When she’s ready.”
“I think that would be a good idea,” Diego replied. “She really likes where she is, but I can tell it’s not the place she wants to set roots in. It’s close to Kymber, which keeps her anxiety in check. Now, with two mates who love her, want to care for her and protect her, who will provide anything she needs…” He gave both of us very serious looks. “Maybe she can find new ways and new methods for handling her attacks.”
“Of course, we will do anything to help her.” Miguel’s words rang with honesty and were filled with love.
