Chapter Text
Rainier howled, ears ringing as all sound coalesced into a piercing noise.
There was pain, but also—so much pleasure. Together, it rose like the tides on the rocky coast, its breathy wind caressing over his entire body.
And Rainier drowned. Engulfed in every touch, every thrust. He floated in the center, weightless. Zeus and Adam were everywhere, surrounding him from all directions, their hands a worshipping warmth. A sea of scents swirled, cresting until they became one. Within the shores of Rainier’s mind, two wolves rested beside his own.
He crashed to the surface, as a long, sensual pull from Zeus’ cock began flowing outward. It stole Rainier’s air, and he gasped—no, he didn’t want it to leave him. The wide cockhead taunted, stretching his rim, about to pull free, but he whined at the same time Zeus growled. All currents reversed, and his alpha drove back in. The power swallowed Rainier, and he became an extension of Zeus, cock pounding into Adam. His omega twitched beneath him, devoured by his heat, spent but still needy.
Their bodies clashed, the deep press of their hips strong enough to rattle through the mattress. It seemed to shake the whole room. Zeus didn’t stop. He was a storm raging, rut overtaking him. Rainier couldn’t keep up, just as caught in the riptide as Adam.
From below, a constant stream of breathless prayers bathed Rainier’s face in humidity, Adam’s voice breaking, “More, more, more…”
It was baffling to Rainier how his erection persisted. There was no logical reason for it beyond how Adam’s cunt held him tight, refusing to let it wane. He had come once, along with Adam’s many. The release siphoned from him, and without Zeus ravaging him from behind, the pain would have been unbearable.
He found no relief, not even in Adam's tender mapping of his chest. Slim fingers splayed over sweat-drenched skin, tracing every bite mark, coasting up to his neck and stopping to frame his face. Rainier’s arms shook uncontrollably. The strain burned through him as he held his upper body away from Adam, doing his best not to smother his omega.
Pleas hung from his tongue, uncertain if he wanted them to stop or use him forever. Only moans and eager whines formed; there was little energy left for words. And when there seemed to be no end in sight, Rainier felt a sharp sting in his backside.
Zeus’ knot.
Both panic and relief soared through him. Rainier forced his legs wider, raising his head with a wanton sigh. Yes, please, he wanted to say, but instead he keened loudly. Catching his message, Zeus huffed into the back of his neck, licking over Adam’s bite. The hands around his waist flexed, nails digging in. Zeus' rutting became relentless, skin slapping against skin, a searing chafe taking root.
The sting was incessant, and Rainier couldn't help the tears gathering in his eyes. It hurt. But just when Zeus’ knot became too much, Adam clenched down onto his length. Pleasure bloomed in his groin and Rainier came, hard.
The world turned white around him.
Rainier drifted, his body a distant echo. Flickers of consciousness fading in and out—a tug deep within him, a gentle nudge becoming a shallow bite at his shoulder, but not one finger or limb responded to his command. Each just a dead weight. He let his mind go then, his wolf coming with him, and together they slipped away.
—
The first fleeting thought to filter through Rainier's mind was sweltering warmth. The second was that it was difficult to breathe. He aimed to roll to his back, but an unmovable wall kept him trapped beneath its suffocating bulk.
After several failed attempts, Rainier cracked his eyes open. A dark room greeted him, his instincts whispering it was late. Grogginess weighed his eyelids down, sleep and dried tears crusting his lashes. It was hard to swallow, tongue stuck to the roof of his parched mouth. When he could focus, he realized Adam was curled against his chest, buried under him. Zeus' arm draped heavily over them both, his fist tangled in Adam's sandy hair.
He still laid sandwiched between them, legs tangled together. The warmth was overwhelming. He needed out.
"Zeus.” Rainier's voice came out like dry sand stuck in his throat. He coughed and tried again. “Zeus, I need to get up.”
Speaking hurt, and as sensation returned, everything felt raw and his whole body ached. When Zeus didn't respond, panic pulsed through him. He'd have to climb over Adam, but he didn’t want to disturb his omega. Leaning forward, he gripped the edge of the nest and strained to pull himself out.
The slightest movement sent a sharp spasm through his backside. Zeus' knot. It was still buried within him.
No.
Rainier didn't care anymore. He struggled, shoving back against Zeus with all his strength.
Eventually, his alpha stirred, easing away, cold air rushing over Rainier's overheated skin. But before relief could settle in, Zeus dropped onto his back at the same time Rainier wrenched forward.
And the knot tore free.
Rainier yelled, agony exploding across his mangled rim. Adam jolted awake and Zeus shot upright.
Any movement sent a blaze of pain through his abused hole. Rainier froze, trembling as he fought to keep himself still. Harsh breaths hissed through his teeth, eyes squeezed shut while the mattress dipped, Zeus hovering above.
”Rainier—shit.” Zeus' tenor was rough, drowsiness slurring his speech. A hand slipped under Rainier’s arm, guiding him off of Adam to his stomach. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean—”
”I know.” Rainier's reply came out more harsh than intended. “I couldn't wake you.”
Adam moved aside as Rainier laid back down, but as he settled, his omega pressed close again. Rainier whined, Adam's fevered body too much, too hot.
”Rainier?” Adam whispered, his words a damp fog across Rainier’s shoulder. Concern broadcasting through their bond.
Zeus hummed and leaned over Rainier, brushing Adam's hair back with careful fingers. Adam’s eyes fluttered a bit before closing. “Don't fret. I'll tend our beta. Go back to sleep, love.”
Rainier didn’t want to be ‘tended’ to, he just wanted everything to stop hurting. He wanted Jefferson, Tolmie. Zeus’ hands danced over his back, stopping at every mark. Rainier heard his alpha’s teeth grinding together, and imagined what he must look like, covered in bites and bruises. A long hiss followed those hands.
Adjusting his body away from Adam, Rainier flipped his head in Zeus’ direction, voice hushed, “I was always told omega heats were magical. This was not magical.”
It was too dark to see his eyes, but Rainier swore there was a crinkle of smile lines around them.
“Stuart said the same thing after his first time too.” There was a hint of laughter in Zeus’ ragged tone. This close, his smokey, sweet maplewood permeated everything. Rainier snorted, trying to expel the strong musk but he only cleared his sinuses and allowed more in.
“Is it done?” Rainier asked. It was hard to be sure. Adam was an inferno and the scent of his heat still ruled the air.
His alpha placed a weightless hand on Rainier's shoulder. "Yeah, it's done. Thankfully, this was not a true heat. Rest, let me heal you."
A bewildered scoff left Rainier. "Not a true heat… gods."
The bed barely shook with Zeus’ laughter as he skirted down Rainier’s side. He moved like a ghost, wrapped in the early morning darkness, refraining from touching Rainier until he guided his legs apart. Rainier’s heart was leaping wildly, a rabbit in a forest of uncertainty. Every graze and soft brush of Zeus’ fingers had Rainier lurching forward on his elbows.
And every time he did, Zeus would let out the lowest of chuckles. Just the sound of it had Rainier smiling, then quietly detesting himself for it. But like the lingering tingle of his alpha’s touch, Rainier’s gaiety buzzed in the hearth of his chest, his wolf rolling around in it.
Zeus molded his heavy form to the back of Rainier's thighs. The globe of his ass gripped, thumbs skimming and leaving goosebumps in their wake. Hands spread him wide, a sharp sting twitching up Rainier’s back at the tug of his ruined hole.
But all thought, all pain was wiped clean the second his alpha’s hot tongue delved within that never-ending ache.
A soundless gasp had Rainier rising on his hands, upper body lifting to the sky in heavenly relief. It swiftly turned to ecstasy, seizing Rainier’s spent and sore body. Heat pooled low, and defying exhaustion, his cock swelled anew. Dragging his knees under him, Rainier made to rise, but Zeus caught his hips, keeping him planted on that mortifyingly delightful mouth sucking away all his hurt.
The depths of his body quivered in an earthquake of maddening bliss. A moan trapped within shook free, pouring out in a shameless babble. Rainier’s hands fisted tightly into the crumpled nest. It was all he could do to hold on. Until he felt himself falling. And fall he did.
A wretched sound stretched his lips, cock expelling barely any spend. Rainier had given all he had to his omega.
Maneuvered onto his back, Zeus didn’t cease his tending, cleaning up new and old messes. Rainier panted, squirming at that blistering wet tongue. It found the bruised bite on his inner thigh, a breathy grin curving against the inflamed flesh. Zeus cradled his leg like a precious artifact, his bulky body pinning the other down.
Before Zeus pulled away, he left a kiss over the mark.
“Adam sure did a number on you.”
Rainer actually laughed, a bit too loudly, “Says the alpha whose knot split me apart.”
Zeus pounced, landing gracefully over Rainier, face to face. Rainier blinked, sight readjusting to the dark, Zeus’ expression slowly revealed in the creases along his forehead and between his brows. A tortured look that matched the worry in their bond. Rainier chastised himself for not being more mindful. It was an accident, he knew that, but still he was carelessly being cruel with his loose tongue.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Zeus kissed him, stopping the apology. Then thick, muscled arms snaked beneath his body, encasing Rainier. He gave into the affection, opening his mouth, his own hands entwining around the back of his alpha’s neck. His scent bled into the space between them, he couldn’t stop it. Zeus purred, releasing the kiss to sink deeply over Rainier.
“You smell so good…” Zeus mumbled, finding the fresh bites around his throat. He cleaned them, each graze of his tongue languid and pleasant. Dropping his head back, Rainier sighed and went slack. Zeus followed the map of hunger Adam left on his body, erasing any discomfort. He’d heal quickly. It was remarkable just how much better he felt. The wonders of alpha spit.
“Thank you,” Rainier said, his words slurred in relaxation. A hum replied, Zeus loitering at his nipple, delicately circling his tongue around Adam’s teeth indents. But whenever he pressed over the raised bud, Rainier jerked, and he swore each additional pass was on purpose.
“Hmm, stop…” Rainier whined, moving to cover himself, but Zeus obeyed and traveled lower to his belly. The brush of Zeus’ sex insistent, and hard against his thigh. Rainier sat partially up to keep track of him, unable to see much beyond his alpha’s wide, muscular back, a faint ray of moonlight highlighting his beauty.
Heart stuttering, Rainier swallowed.
A sheen of amber eyes peeked up from where Zeus was sucking on his stomach. He stopped and came to his knees, a smile spreading. “What? What’s that look,” he asked.
“You scare me,” Rainier said, unwittingly.
That got a head tilt from Zeus, his lips flattening out in regard. “Is that so? You don’t smell of fear.” Zeus drew in a purposeful inhale, “You smell like…”
“Don’t—” Rainier cut him off, he knew what he smelled like… desperate longing, pure contentment. His arousal crisp and clear, even mixed with the intoxicating scent of Adam and Zeus’ cloying musk. His alpha’s care was considerate, and so severely needed, and that terrified Rainier. Just how natural it felt being with him, but it was all soured, tainted. And Rainier wished that it wasn’t so. That things could have been different, because he liked Zeus, liked being taken care of by his alphas, his pack.
“There’s a part of me that wants you, but then I remember what you did…”
The rest of his words wouldn't come. Rainier lurched away, burying his face into the nest. He gripped his legs and pulled them into his body, doing his best to breathe through his festering anxiety. A shadow fell over him, his alpha close but not touching. Then all at once, Zeus’ form swallowed Rainier whole. He was dragged into a wide chest, his alpha nuzzling into his scent gland. A hand slipped behind to clutch the back of his neck, as another hooked behind his knee and forced it over Zeus’ side.
All the while, a haunted whine leaked between distressed pleading, “I’m sorry, Rainier… I can’t live with what I’ve done to you. I can’t bear it.”
Every apology, overflowing with salty tears and grief, had Rainier responding, arms closing around Zeus, his wolf whimpering and calling out. Rainier clung tighter, letting his scent calm them both.
A long, broken road stretched before them, and Rainier resolved to try and forgive. Scars, ugly and twisted would remain, but he would still try. It wasn’t just for himself—it was for his family, his sons and Tolmie, for Jefferson and the pack.
And lastly, it was for Zeus.
"I—I know you're sorry… and I want to forgive." Rainier whispered to his alpha, all his ache and pain on display through the bond. "I just need time—give me time. But I also need you to be strong, to keep the pack safe, my family safe. Will you do that for me?"
Through labored breathing and weighted silence, Zeus nodded. And Rainier felt the moment he split, all the strangling tension in the bond suddenly imploding as Zeus’ grief ate itself. Rainier’s lungs felt crushed beneath that constant suffering. It had always been there, from the very start, when Zeus had staked his claim. Rainier didn’t let go, he held Zeus through it, his alpha breaking apart in his arms.
Slowly, Zeus calmed, less burdened than before, but still hurting. It wasn’t long before sleep stole them away, its spell compelling needed rest. Until Zeus untangling himself caused Rainier to wake.
He could sense the sunrise on the horizon. It would break soon, muted light slipping past the drawn curtains. The bed jostled ever so slightly and Rainier turned, finding Zeus beside Adam, the omega still out cold.
Zeus glanced up at him, gathering Adam close with a palm resting over his stomach. It was too early to see the signs of his pregnancy, his abdomen flat and far too trim for an omega. Unconsciously, Rainier’s hand joined Zeus’. Two heartbeats pumped against the pads of his fingers, one more distant and almost imperceptible compared to Adam’s.
“Do you feel it?” Zeus asked, adjusting his hand to mirror Rainier’s position and closing his eyes, face scrunched in concentration.
A slight smile curled at the edge of Rainier’s mouth, “Yes. Hold still.”
Taking Zeus’ hand, he pinned it down to stop his fidgeting, then let go. With the lightest of touches, Rainier fingertips drifted over Zeus’ nail beds, until he was sure his alpha could feel the beat. “Listen with your fingers, not your mind.”
Zeus jolted, his hand lifting then immediately going back to Adam’s belly. Rainier studied Adam’s face, serene and half hidden against Zeus.
“I feel it, I feel it,” Amber eyes widened then shot up to find Rainier. “She’s okay.”
“She’s okay,” Rainier confirmed. He snuggled up to Adam watching amazement and joy dance over Zeus’ features. “For only six weeks, she has a strong heart.”
A flash of a smile met his words, “She does, doesn’t she.”
“Yes—” Rainier’s voice broke, unable to stop all of Zeus’ emotions from coming through the bond. There was sadness mixed with such jubilation, and Rainier realized Zeus and Adam must have faced unfathomable loss over the years.
“How long…” It was difficult to speak, Rainier’s throat had dried out, after a rough swallow, he tried again, “How long have you been trying?”
Teeth sunk into Zeus’ plump lower lip, and Rainier worried he’d cut himself until his alpha finally replied. “We tried for a little over four years, and then just stopped. It was too hard, but I remember each one we lost, even if Adam never said anything.”
Splaying his hand out over Adam’s stomach, “Nine, there have been nine.”
Rainier gasped and reached for Zeus, fingers entwining. Tear drops slipped down Zeus’ face, his smokey scent becoming more potent. “It feels like a miracle just to have this—I don’t want to lose her.”
With a gentle squeeze of his hand, Rainier offered, "Talk to her. Let her hear your voice."
"I wouldn't know what to say." The response came with a weak chuckle.
An idea sparked, and Rainier beamed at Zeus. "Tell her how to catch a rabbit. I could use a few tips myself."
“Catch a rabbit? Really?”
Rainier huffed and dropped Zeus’ hand, slumping back against Adam. Shaking his head, Zeus considered Rainier before his gaze poured over his omega.
“Okay, that’s an easy one—” Zeus snorted, fingers finding the baby’s heart beat once more. The touch caused Adam to twitch and grumble, tucking his face deeper into his alpha. Both Zeus and Rainier froze, even holding their breath, and waited for him to quiet.
Lowering his voice to a deep whisper, Zeus explained the simple steps on how to catch a rabbit, or any small critter. He claimed it was simple, but Rainier had his doubts. Zeus listed all the various creatures they could hunt, stating his favorites were quail and voles. A wondrous tone overtook him as he spoke about the forest near the pack house.
He mentioned his alphas, and Adam, an even Rainier, glancing over when he did. A bit of fang in his smile when he reminisced about the time Rainier challenged him. That betas were stubborn.
And lastly his words drifted to Pike, and how much his little alpha would love a baby sister. That he’d be the best big brother in the whole world.
“I can’t wait to meet you,” Zeus said even quieter, as if speaking it aloud would jinx it. “I hope I get to meet you…”
Rainier prayed to the gods that Zeus would get to see his baby’s birth. He prayed the same for himself—to hold Leif in his arms. And one day teach his baby boy how to hunt, after he learned himself of course, so they could catch rabbits together.
An ache bloomed in his chest and dug at his throat, his wolf leaning into it, trying to quell his pain. But such a future seemed so far out of reach, and hope such a fragile thing.
—
Later that day, Jefferson shouldered the door open, the hinges creaking and protesting. He wavered in the doorway, brown eyes shadowed with unease taking in Rainier, recently showered and sitting at the edge of the nest in a damp towel. Those brown eyes scanned the room, stopping at crumbled protein bar wrappers and several empty bottles of water littering the floor.
At the sight of his mate, Rainier released a happy sigh, waterdrops falling from his soaked hair. Shivers rattled his bones. But he was too cold and exhausted to even try and get warm.
“You have my clothes?” Rainier asked. A relaxed smile emerged across Jefferson’s face alongside a raised gym bag.
The next thing Rainier knew the bag was tossed at his feet, and Jefferson sank down next to him on the mattress. Tugged into a hug, Rainier protested briefly before giving in. He could hear Jefferson inhaling deeply, breathing all of Rainier in.
“You look rough,” his mate said, dragging his scruffy jaw along Rainier’s. “Feeling okay?”
Bursts of laughter from the bathroom interrupted them. Both Rainier and Jefferson jumped at the noise, attention snapping to Zeus and Adam washing up. Collapsing back into Jefferson, Rainier sighed again.
“Yeah.”
Jefferson squeezed him with an unconvinced hum. Nestled into his mate’s warmth, Rainier rode the vibrations of Jefferson’s calm words and minty scent. “Are they almost done?”
“Dunno, they’ve been in there for awhile,” Rainier said, eyes unable to remain open. He and his wolf were very content now that Jefferson was here. “Wouldn’t mind them staying in there longer.”
“No, don’t fall asleep, you need to get dressed.” Strong hands guided him up, snagging the towel from his shoulders. It was thrown over his head, and Jefferson kneaded his soaked strands. Rainier let him, once again slumping into his mate.
“Get dressed, I’ll go make some coffee.”
He was brought to a sit once more, and held steady as Jefferson stood and planted a kiss onto his forehead. “Trust me, you’ll want to hurry.”
That earned a raised eyebrow, and Rainier squinted at him. “Why? What’s going on?”
Tension stretched between them as Jefferson dropped to one knee. "It's not for me to say. You'll have to ask Zeus."
“What did Zeus do?”
Jefferson shook his head. “Get dressed, you’ll see.”
Rainier’s eyes followed Jefferson as he picked up the trash and vacated the room, leaving the door open. His mind floated, watching his mate from across the apartment, rummaging through the small kitchenette's cabinets and drawers. The rattle of the coffee pot being placed on the counter brought Rainier back to himself.
Whatever awaited Rainier had his stomach clenching in dismay. A distant thought rushed to the forefront of his mind. His request to Zeus. The one thing he wanted most in this world.
White noise devoured everything around Rainier. He gasped and a burst of adrenaline kicked his heart into a frenzy.
It was impossible to get his lungs to suck in air, every limb going completely numb. Pinpricks of sensation cascaded down his arms, and Rainier stared at the gym bag between his feet before tearing it open and yanking out his clothes. He couldn’t even say what he put on in his haste, not bothering with socks or shoes.
Just as he catapulted from the bed, Zeus and Adam materialized from the bathroom. Zeus rushed to meet him, capturing his shoulders to hold him still. There was only a towel tied around his waist. Water dripped down his alpha’s toned body, his scent muted by floral soap.
“Rainier, what’s wrong?”
Rainier’s breath hitched with a pleading whine and amber eyes turned molten gold with alarm. Rainier shoved a fist into his alpha’s firm chest, struggling to speak. “You—you found her?”
Shooting a glance at Jefferson, Zeus’ smokey scent flared in irritation. “You told him?”
“No! I swear I didn’t tell him anything.” Quick footfalls approached as Jefferson raised his hands. “Promise.”
Another keening cry pulled both alphas' focus back to him. Squirming in Zeus’ grasp, Rainier attempted to remove himself only to be guided over to a small loveseat. He was pushed into the cushions, Zeus sitting in front of him on the coffee table, its glass cover screeching as he leaned forward.
“I need you to listen to me, Rainier.”
Gritting his teeth, Rainier shot up, but Zeus forced him back down, continuing, “Everything is okay. Tolmie is safe, but I need you to breathe. Please, Rainier, calm down.”
“Zeus—where is she!” Rainier growled, nails scraping at the arms keeping him in place.
A snarl from his wolf had Rainier thrashing. A kick aimed for Zeus’ knee until Jefferson collared and folded him into his chest. Arms constricting around him, Jefferson spoke with something hurried and fervent in his voice
“She’s here. Tolmie is here.”
Those words ruptured Rainier. Shock halted any struggle, each limb refusing to respond. An asphyxiated mewl was all he could manage. Jefferson’s cotton shirt nearly ruined, wrenched within his grip. Unable to process such a thing, he flexed his fingers tighter, tethering himself to his mate.
Jefferson repeated himself, “She’s here, Rainier. Your family is waiting, they just arrived and they’re asking for you.”
Moving closer, Zeus turned him with soft encouragement, his cheekbone sliding against Rainier’s. “I considered your request, Rainier, and my answer is yes.”
Zeus’ declaration forked through him like lightning. A shudder shook his limbs as his alpha’s thumb traced the delicate rim of his ear. “If your mate will have us, I will accept her into our pack.”
Honey and lavender cocooned Rainier, and he breathed his omega’ scent. Adam wrapped around him from behind. Surrounded so fully by his pack, Rainier and his wolf released a chuffed yip.
Tolmie was here. He was going to see her and the twins, hold them in his arms. Rainier could hardly believe it, but the bond confirmed it to be true. Tears welled in his eyes.
Adam's calm voice joined Zeus' gentle touch, his alpha’s fingers catching and wiping away every tear. “I support Zeus’ decision and accept Tolmie as well.”
He couldn’t speak, couldn't get his mouth to open and state his excitement. Only whimpers of aching joy expressed his immense relief and gratitude.
Time slowed after that. Zeus and Adam untangled themselves to quickly change. In a muted daze, Rainier let Jefferson fuss at his appearance, combing back his hair, licking his fingers to get it to lay just right. Gentle coaxing got him to his feet, and Jefferson chuckled as he fixed the misaligned buttons on his shirt. All the while, Rainier tried his best to make his lungs cooperate—slow, deliberate inhales followed by trembling exhales that never seemed long enough. But not once did his tears cease.
A dizzy spell caused Rainier to sway. The rapid beat of his heart spurred by the wolf running circles in his chest. He was going to explode if he waited even one more minute.
“Please,” Rainier said, finally getting his mouth to move. “I need to see my family.”
Pausing to take him in, Jefferson's touch settled on his shoulder. There were tears in his eyes too, and the barest of smiles on his lips. “Okay,” Jefferson took his hand, twisting their fingers together. He glanced over to Zeus and Adam spilling from the bedroom in their hurry. “Let’s go see them.”
Rainier didn’t know where to go. He started to lead once they reached the bottom of the apartment stairs, but his feet stalled in his confusion. They were still at Duvall’s, still in an unknown place. Rainier and his wolf suddenly didn’t like the thought of Tolmie being near a strange pack.
Sensing Rainier’s panic, Jefferson pulled him closer, camphor and mint slowing his racing thoughts. “I’ve got you, little wolf. Your family is safe with Stuart and Baker. They are with pack.”
It was as if Jefferson had read his mind, or maybe Rainier was broadcasting unknowingly. He turned to his mate, “Do you hear me through the bond?”
Behind him, honeyed laughter bubbled up as Adam spoke. “Oh yes, Rainier. I’ve never felt anything like it. The bond is as vibrant as if we were wolves.”
A roaring blush overtook Rainier’s face, “I’m sorry—I can’t seem to control myself right now.”
“You don’t need to apologize, little wolf.” Spun into his mate’s arms once more, Jefferson cradled him, fingers gliding through the hair at the back of his head. “I know this is a lot for you, don’t worry about us.”
Extracting himself, Rainier nodded, “I’ll try, but I need you to lead the way.” He pushed Jefferson in front of him, “or else my wolf is going to rip itself free. Hurry, please hurry.”
Taking his hand once more, Jefferson ferried Rainier along. Every footstep, every passing second had Rainier’s emotions unfurling. Hopelessly, he clung to his mate, too shaken to even walk straight. Blood roared in his ears. Sight fading around the edges as they entered Duvall’s home and stopped in the front living room.
Everything vanished except honey-dew green eyes and strawberry blond hair.
But it was the faintest scent of lemongrass, so delicate and cherished, that convinced Rainier that what his eyes saw were truly real.
Tolmie.
Sitting solemnly on the couch she looked so small, Helen at her side. Pruitt was there too, in a heated discussion with Stuart and Duvall, but Rainier barely paid him any mind. Tolmie was staring right at him, face fracturing in slow motion. Her dress green like her eyes, flowing long to her ankles. A thick, gray cardigan covered her thin shoulders, belly round beneath.
He went to her as Tolmie rose from the couch, and then, she was in his arms. Slim fingers hooked into his plaid shirt, pulling it taut. Rainier held her to his heart. His first breath of Tolmie a resurrection.
Lips found his, wet with salt and longing. The taste of his wife, his other half. It quieted his wolf and soul. He kissed her fiercely, his tears caressing her face, hands tangled in strawberry waves. She was speaking, but the animalistic whines pouring from him were so loud, so piercing, he was unable to catch her words until all his senses honed onto her vaporous whispers.
“Rain, my Rain,” Tolmie asserted to the heavens, “thank the gods, you’re okay, my Rain…”
It hurt to hear the ache in her voice, and Rainier only cried harder, a sob breaking onto lips of spun silk. Tears collecting in his eyelashes like rain in a spider’s web. Tolmie accepted his heartbreak along with her own. The pads of her thumbs roamed his cheeks and eyes, lingering over closed lids and furrowed brows. Reclaiming him as hers with every kiss and touch.
A child’s yell, distressing and gut-wrenching, jerked them apart. And Rainier pivoted to find Killen racing for him.
He sank to his knees as his eldest son rushed into his chest with all the grace and speed a two year old could have. Tiny arms squeezed around his neck, Killen smashing his face into Rainier’s, his wailing muffled by the action. Rainier held him tightly, sobbing, hands checking every inch of his little frame. Confirming he was here, that he was alright. A need to protect howled deep in his core, his wolf’s hackles rising.
Through watery eyes he glimpsed River, planted in the middle of the floor. His little face scrunched and red, sizable tears gushing from the corner of his eyes. Helen picked him up, guiding him to Rainier. Each step uncoordinated, legs giving out, but Helen didn’t let him fall. Rainier reached out just as his little boy did the same.
Little hands, soft and delicate, begged to be picked up. With a tormented huff, Rainier coiled his arm around his small body, lifting and cramming River beside Killen. He hunched over his boys, tears and snot dripping down his nose and onto the floor. Kneeling before him, Tolmie cradled his head to her breast, nails scraping down the back of his head and shoulders in a lulling motion. The boys safe between them.
He had his family, and Rainier would die before he ever let them go again.
Lilacs and the musk of leather drifted into lemongrass and youth. Lifting his head, Rainier met Pruitt’s green stare. The old beta clasped a hand behind Rainier’s head, bending forward until their foreheads touched. Helen sat on his other side, hugging Tolmie, her palm resting on Rainier’s arm.
“You’re out?” Rainier managed, his voice frayed.
Pruitt gritted his teeth, a stunted exhale hiding a sob. “I am, thanks to your alpha’s lawyers. Got released this morning.”
Rainier nodded, nuzzling back into Tolmie. “My heart, my love, tell me you’re alright.”
“Yes, Rain. I am now.” She forced Rainier to fully look at her. Even wrecked, she was the most beautiful thing in the world. The blotches of red on her cheeks only made her eyes sparkle like sea glass.
The world came back into focus then, and Rainier’s attention wandered. Troubled pheromones, overly sweet and suddenly too much accompanied flushed faces and overflowing eyes from the crowd around them.
Duvall was there with his entire pack, brood clinging to hands and legs, along with Cannon, Valentine and a few new and unknown shifters. But Rainier’s survey did not pause until he found his own pack within the bunch.
They stood together, but apart. Adam had fallen to his haunches with an arm wrapped around Pike. A fist covered his mouth as tears left shining lines down his face.
Jefferson stood next to Pike and Adam, hands dangling loose and open. Expression wrought with grief, his hardened brown gaze glistening, lips a thin line of pain.
On the other side of Adam, a solemn Baker consoled Stuart. The bigger alpha dragged his hands through Stuart’s long, dark hair as he cried into his broad chest.
And in the shadows beyond them, was Zeus.
Shame and dark, pitiful emotions surged through the bond. His alpha had erected a barrier of criss-crossed arms to cover his heaving chest. Devastation visible in the biting clench of his teeth and the anguish marring his features.
The sheen in his amber eyes mesmerized Rainier, so honest, and so deserving of their misery.
But Rainier already had his fill, and didn’t want his pack to suffer any longer.
A deep voice, Duvall’s, ordered everyone out of the room. Rainier watched them go until it was just his family and pack left.
Untangling his arm from around Killen, Rainier stretched his hand toward his pack, calling through the bond.
“Please… come meet my family.”
Jefferson was the first to move. Slow, uncertain steps brought him forward, his sweaty palm finding Rainier’s. He kneeled with a timid smile, keeping hold of Rainier’s hand. Sensing the approach, Killen poked his head up and squinted at the alpha.
“Jeff, this is Killen, my first born.” Rainier rotated to expose River buried in his shirt. “And this is River, he’s a little shy.”
The boys stared at the alpha, refusing to move from Rainier. Jefferson smiled at them both, his brown eyes darting between Tolmie and her parents, then back to Rainier. When no one objected, Jefferson relaxed, his grin broadening.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” Jefferson said, a nervous glance aimed at Rainier with a squeeze of his hand. But before Rainier could nudge the boys, Killen jumped up to his feet.
“Is dis your house?” At his brother’s question, River perked up.
Jefferson shook his head with a flash of teeth. “No, no. But I’d love to show you my house one day.”
“You have goats? I saw goats and one whicked my elbow!” In his excitement Killen pushed his elbow into Jefferson’s face to show him where. Feigning fascination, Jefferson’s mouth dropped open in excitement.
“Wow, it licked you?”
River jumped in on the conversation. “It whicked me too!”
Spinning back to Rainier, Killen loudly asked, "Can we go to the farm, Daddy? I wanna show you goats and donkeys.”
"You saw donkeys! That’s incredible, and I’d love to go to a farm with you, bud, but not right now, okay?” Killen nodded solemnly, bracing himself on Rainier. Leaning down, Rainier rubbed his nose into River's hair, a joyous inflection in his tone. “Did you see them too, River?"
"He sure did," Tolmie said, reaching over to tickle River, who squirmed and squealed, then tumbled back into Rainier’s chest. Killen flopped over his brother, and the boys dissolved into giggles.
Taking the opportunity, Jefferson released Rainier and extended his palm to Tolmie. “It's an honor to finally meet you properly, Tolmie. Rainier speaks of you constantly. I'm sorry our first meeting wasn't... as it should have been.”
Camphor, spicy and heady, poured from Jefferson as Tolmie considered his outstretched hand. Ever so cautiously, she settled her hand into his. Pruitt squeezed her shoulder in comfort.
“Thank you,” Tolmie said quietly before taking her hand back.
Pruitt angled towards her, whispering loud enough for Rainier and Jefferson to hear. “He’s an honest alpha, smart too, refused to play cards with me.”
A smirk quirked at the edge of Tolmie’s lips, and she narrowed her eyes at her father. “I’m not even going to ask…”
Movement beside them had everyone turning as Adam joined the circle. He led Pike before him, stopping next to Jefferson.
“Hello, I’m Adam, the pack omega. This is my son, Pike, who’s just a bit older than your boys. Why don’t you say hi, Pike?”
Squirming in Adam’s grip, Pike eyed Killen and River. “I already said hi, can I play trucks now?”
“Why don’t you ask Killen and River if they’d like to play with you?” Adam offered.
A bright, eager look overtook Pike, and he shuffled up to Killen and River. “Wanna play trucks? I only have two so we gotta take turns.”
Hopping off Rainier, Killen panted happily and bounced on his feet. “Rucks!”
Taking his hand, Pike pulled him away. Rainier and his wolf kept track of Killen as the boys went over to a nearby coffee table, where Pike’s trucks awaited. Once they settled nearby, Rainier relaxed.
Tolmie nudged River, and asked if he wanted to play. With a shrill whine, River shook his head and smashed his face into Rainier’s shirt.
Perfectly happy to have his baby boy with him, Rainier snuggled River into his sternum. His scent sweet and familiar, and Rainier sighed along with this wolf.
He glanced up to see Baker guiding a distraught Stuart forward. A fierce need to comfort his alpha roared within Rainier as he took in Stuart’s hiccuping sobs and puffy face. But Baker cuddled him close, whispering something in his ear before placing a kiss on his temple. Stuart sagged with a nod and flashed a brief smile.
Rainier introduced them. “Tolmie, this is Baker and his mate, Stuart. Baker, Stuart, this is my wife, Tolmie.”
A bright smile crossed Tolmie’s face. “We’ve had the pleasure,” Tolmie said with a nod, then she turned to Adam, placing a hand over her chest. “And to you, Adam, I was told you were the one who got ahold of my mother. Thank you for warning us, for bringing us here—”
Emotion cracked Tolmie’s voice, but Adam didn’t hesitate, he gathered Tolmie into his arms and hugged her. She embraced him back, eyes finding Rainier’s, light shimmering within them.
The sight of his wife and omega, together, had Rainier’s own eyes going blurry. His hand found Tolmie’s, her grip painful in its need.
Letting go, Adam moved aside, Baker and Stuart doing the same to create space for Zeus.
With deliberate steps, their alpha approached with a sense of finality. Through the bond, Rainier sought Zeus, lending his strength.
Dropping to his knees before Tolmie, Zeus bowed his head. But the moment he raised his face to her, Tolmie struck, her palm cracking across his cheek and snapping his head to the side.
"You—" Tolmie seethed.
Rapid pants flared her chest, anger tensing her shoulders and a grimace slashed through her pretty face. She took a deep breath and held it for a long time, eyes closed, her whole body trembling.
Then she backed away, her voice empty and all rasp. "I'm sorry, Rain…"
With a shake of her head, Tolmie blinked through her tears and rushed for him. "I can't—I can't."
Rainier took her into his arms, smothering River between them. Tolmie's sobs coursed through his whole body.
"Don't be sorry, my love, there's no reason to be."
Still turned to the side from the force of the slap, Zeus hadn't moved. Rainier feared Zeus would leave, but was relieved when Zeus merely dropped his head back into a bow, hands balled in his lap.
A swallow had Zeus' throat moving, mouth opening to speak. There was a fragility to his words, a lulling acceptance fueling his speech.
"I greatly wronged you and your family. I deserve your hate, but I'm the one who should be sorry—the one who needs to apologize." Exhaling slowly, Zeus swallowed again before continuing, head still bowed.
"Firstly, to you, Tolmie. That night, that awful night… I shouldn't have—I shouldn't have taken Rainier, and I never should have let you leave. There is no excuse for my actions. And to you… Rainier. There are no words to express the harm I caused you, no words that could ever make it right. Even though you want to forgive it doesn't change the fact I hurt you—that I raped you—"
Zeus stumbled, a mournful keen halting his apology. Arms wrapped around his shoulders as Jefferson rested his head next to Zeus'. Rainier's eyes went blurry at the sight, tears raining rivers down his face and neck. With a deep, shuddering inhale, Zeus caught his breath.
"I forced you into this pack against your will. And by doing so, I didn't just fail you, I failed my pack. I hurt them. I ignored them…"
The bond flared, sucking the air from Rainier's chest. Zeus' amber gaze lifted to meet his. "I failed you all, and I am not worthy to be your alpha. Not worthy of this pack. I don't deserve any of you… I'm so sorry."
He sat there for a moment before he went to stand, to leave, but Jefferson wouldn't let him. Held in place by his second.
Zeus fought briefly before succumbing to the tide of emotion within. Silent weeping shaking his frame as he collapsed into Jefferson. Moving closer, Adam consoled him, soft whispers pleading with Zeus.
"Please don't go, alpha. We don't want you to go."
Rainier sank into his wife, nuzzling her until their foreheads met. Through stuttering breaths and quieting tears, Tolmie looked at him.
"I know this is hard for you, my love. There's just so much at stake. I accept that you cannot forgive… but this is my pack now, and Zeus is my alpha. We need each other."
Tolmie gaped at him, green eyes consuming him. He could feel her hesitation, her want to question his acceptance. The fight in her eyes tearing him apart. Lowering her gaze, Tolmie dipped her head.
“Rain I… I will do my best to support you.”
A dagger pierced his heart. Cradling her face, Rainier pressed a kiss to her brow.
"Can you take River for me?" he whispered, and Tolmie nodded, gathering the protesting toddler into her arms. Rainier quietly soothed him, sweeping the hair back from River’s round face.
He stood, taking the few short steps to where his pack had gathered. His bare feet halting before Zeus, with a sigh he extended a hand down to him.
Amber eyes, damp and bloodshot, blinked up at him. A hand slid into his own, and with the help of Jefferson and Adam, Zeus came to his feet.
Zeus had a strong grip, much like that day they first met. It was hard to forget that moment, that brief encounter that had turned his whole world upside down. There was still that familiar tingle in his alpha's touch. And if he let go, Rainier was sure it would linger.
"It feels like it was yesterday that you shook my hand for the first time…" Rainier started, unable to stop a flood of emotion from turning his gaze misty. "I was so afraid of you that day. In some ways I still am."
His lips cracked with a slight smile, sniffling to clear his sinuses.
"I do know what makes someone deserving of another. It's selflessness, a willingness to do everything in your power to protect, to cherish, to love…"
Slowly, Rainier followed the arm of the hand he held, eyes drifting over the lean muscle of Zeus' bicep, his chiseled jaw, until he found amber.
"I also know you'd do anything for your pack. It's why you risked it all for me."
Zeus' face hardened, his mouth disappearing into a thin line as he fought to hold it all together. It was admirable considering the hurricane of hurt pounding against their bond.
"Please Zeus, don't give up now. I need you. My family needs you. This pack needs you. And I know that's a lot to put on your shoulders. I read once that… pack alphas are chosen. The gods' chosen. And if the fates are to be believed, then they chose well with you."
A half grin appeared upon Zeus' face, cracking like the first bit of sun over a sleeping mountain. "I thought you didn't believe in fates and the gods."
"I don't," Rainier huffed, and closed the distance between them, hugging his alpha for the first time.
"I believe in you."