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My sweet omega blushes, waving a stuffed bunny in front of Zane’s face for him to grab. “Well, we started the adoption process for Tanner. We’re fostering right now, but hopefully, it’s approved soon.” Benjamin wipes under his eyes, tears leaking as he smiles. “And … I’m pregnant.”
“Gods, it’s about time!” Brandon practically shouts, sitting on the floor and pulling Benjamin in his arms. “I figured you’d tell me as soon as we hugged. You smell different.”
Huh? No, Benjamin smells the same. I pull in a deep breath to be sure. Yes, he smells of jasmine and … just jasmine. No citrus scent.
Well fuck, how did I miss that? His jasmine scent is always overpowering, but it had gotten stronger after his heat. I just figured it was because of his heat, not because of a pregnancy.
Benjamin laughs. “Do I?”
“I’ve been around you for years. I know your scent.” Brandon stands and gives Tanner another hug. “Welcome to the family! I’m so excited to have a nephew. I’m an only child, so this is very good news.” He sits beside Tanner and squeezes his knee. “Now, you don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’d like you to consider me your uncle. Benji is my brother and he’s Zane’s uncle. Is that okay?”
Eyes red and glassy, Tanner nods.
We visit with Brandon and Mason for about another hour or so, talking about the future. Tanner doesn’t speak and we don’t try to force it. He does lean against either me or Benjamin the whole time and I can’t explain how much that warms my heart.
Just a few shorts months ago, I never thought I’d want a family. I didn’t want a mate and I never thought about having kids. And if I did have kids, I didn’t think I’d want to adopt a teenager.
But here I am, with my pregnant mate and my teenage son, visiting with people I hope to call family.
My father would be proud.
Benjamin is dead on his feet by the time we get home. His apartment is closer than my house and Tanner’s stuff is there, so I head there so I can get him in bed. After I tuck Benjamin in with a bottle of water on the nightstand, I kiss his forehead and go to the living room where Tanner is flipping through channels.
“Hey, bud,” I say, sitting beside him, throwing my arm around the back of the couch. “How are you feeling? You had a long day today.”
Muting the TV, Tanner sits back and inhales deeply. “So mmm-many different emotions. Will y-y-y-you and Benji still w-w-w-w-want me when the b-b-baby comes?”
“Of course. Benjamin met you way before I did and he went on and on about hoping you would reach out some way. He’s not going to give you up. And neither will I.”
“I just … my … Joe. He w-w-was terrible. I can’t—”
I slide closer to him, cutting him off. “We would never do that to you. Benjamin has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. What you see from him now is what you’ll always get. Can I tell you something?” Tanner nods. “Me and Benjamin didn’t always get along. But even then, he always took care of me. Even when I know I was a pain in his ass, he made sure I had lunch, that I was taking breaks, telling me to take my ass home when I tried to work too late.” Tanner laughs at that. “He’s a good omega. He would never hurt you or put you in an unsafe position. I can promise you that neither of us will. Do you believe that?”
He doesn’t answer right away, but I’m not offended. Tanner had an ordeal these past few months. He trusts Benjamin wholly and I’m working to get that same trust. I think we’re almost there—I hope we’re almost there.
Finally, he nods. “Yes. I believe you.”
Grinning, I throw an arm around him and give him a quick hug. “Good. Now, can I ask you a personal question?” He nods, turning to face me. “Why didn’t you want to talk at Brandon and Mason’s house tonight?”
I watch his eyes shutter, and I wish I didn’t ask, but I need to know how he’s feeling. His feelings are important to me and if I can help him, I will.
Sighing, he tucks a lock of hair behind his ear. “Mason is sss-so big. Like an a-a-alpha should be. If he h-h-h-hears that I’m b-b-b-broken …”
I figured that’s what it was. I think the only reason he let his guard down with me is because I’m Benjamin’s mate and I heard him speak when he was talking to my omega. He didn’t have time to put his guard up. But Mason is a stranger. And Tanner’s right, Mason is one of the largest alphas I’ve ever seen. I can see why Tanner would feel this way. But from what I saw myself and what Benjamin has told me, Mason isn’t a gruff man. He’s sweet and takes care of his omega and child. Nothing to fear from him.
Then I think about what exactly Tanner said. “You are not broken,” I tell him vehemently. “You have a speech impediment, but that doesn’t make you less than. Don’t think that.”
“B-but my dad—”
“Fuck him,” I almost roar, then dial it back when I see Tanner flinch. “I’m sorry. I’m not angry with you. I’m angry that he made you feel like you deserve anything but the best. From here on out, Benjamin and I will make sure you get more love than you can stand.”
Tanner gives me a watery smile, swiping the tear that leaks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Are you afraid to go to school because of your stutter? Did kids tease you?”
“A little. I u-u-usually mention it first. It’s not as bad as it used to b-b-be.”
“Okay, good. Because we have your documents and we’re enrolling you in school next week.”
