The Littlest

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “I told you,” Riley said.

  Mateo jumped. “Jesus! Don’t do that.”

  “I spooked you? I spooked the badass Skull Blaster?” Riley guffawed.

  Mateo grabbed him around the waist and kissed him. Even after being married to the man for years, he’d never get tired of him, and now they had so many more years to be together.

  “What are you thinking?” Riley bit Mateo’s lower lip softly.

  “I’m thinking I like where this is going.” Mateo grabbed Riley’s butt cheek and pulled him closer.

  “Yeah?” Riley slipped his hand into Mateo’s pants. “Oooh, commando.”

  “I have a mission.” Mateo walked backwards with Riley’s ass in his hand.

  “Well, make that mission quick because we only have another half hour of twin sleeping.”

  “Half hour?” Mateo sighed loudly. “Oh, all right.”

  “Big baby,” Riley laughed softly, wrapping his legs around his husband’s hips.

  “I’ll show you my something big.”

  Riley grinned.

  ~*~

  Sam stretched out on the sofa and closed his eyes. The 3 a.m. feedings were almost over. Because Kane was a werewolf, he ate twice as much as a normal baby. He and Dakota were running themselves ragged. His mom had taken Kane on more than one occasion just so he and Dakota could sleep.

  Sam smiled as Dakota came in the front door.

  “I hear you,” he called out.

  “Well, then come help me. I have a truck full of groceries.”

  “You’re so domesticated,” Sam chuckled. A low growl came from behind and then Dakota sprang on top of him and rolled over into his lap.

  “Domesticated, eh?” Dakota bit Sam’s bottom lip.

  “You are just as sexy as the first day I saw you.” Sam cupped Dakota’s face in his hands.

  “I was in wolf form.” Dakota raised his eyebrows.

  “You were still sexy, even then. That first night at the bar, when you kissed me – I felt that all over my body. I had to get more; I wanted you so much. I still want you.”

  Dakota kissed Sam softly as they stretched out on the couch. “I feel the same way.”

  A growl came from behind the couch and Dakota chuckled. “Kane?”

  “And he’s back in wolf form,” Sam sighed.

  Kane jumped on the couch and sat down on Dakota’s butt. He eyed both men, his head tilted to the side.

  “Hungry?” Sam asked.

  “He probably is. Why don’t you come help me and we’ll sit down to dinner together.”

  Sam looked at his son. Kane’s head was still cocked to one side.

  “I think he and Matty are talking.”

  “We need to get them back together soon. I can always tell when they start missing each other.”

  “It’s like me when you’re gone,” Dakota sighed and snuggled into Sam’s chest.

  “I’m not going anywhere for a while, not if I can help it.”

  “So, Ireland this summer,” Dakota yawned and closed his eyes.

  “Right after the Fourth of July. You like going there, don’t you?”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  Sam moved a stray strand of hair from Dakota’s face and kissed his forehead. He moved slowly, trying not to move Dakota too much.

  “Get some sleep; I’ll unpack the groceries.” Sam smiled, already hearing Dakota’s soft snores. He looked over at Kane and motioned to his son.

  “Come on, kiddo. Bathroom break.”

  Kane trotted to the door and sat down. It was like seeing Wyatt all over again. Except his son was an alpha. Sam smiled at the thought.

  They stepped out onto the porch and Kane went around the side of the house. Sam unloaded the truck and waited for Kane to come back. Having a child was definitely an experience. Having a werewolf child was an even bigger one. Kane came back around the house and sat by the front door. Sam crouched down and petted Kane’s head.

  “You miss Matty, don’t you?” Kane whined and nuzzled his hand. “I know, we’ll see them soon though, all right?”

  Sam picked up Kane and laughed when he let out a growl at Sam’s dog, Rocky. The poor dog whined and tucked his tail between his legs.

  “Aw, it’s okay, Rocky. Kane just needs to be fed. Come on, boy.”

  Dakota was stirring on the couch and Sam looked at the time. Dinner would be done soon. They had discussed calling his parents, but Sam knew he’d have to push the issue.

  “Dakota?” Sam sat down on the edge of the couch.

  “I know, I heard you.” Dakota sat up and stretched out.

  “I’ll be right here. I promise if they say anything mean, me and the guys will fly out to Alaska and kick their asses.”

  Dakota chuckled. “Hand me the phone.”

  Dakota had found out his parents still lived in the same house in Fairbanks. The telephone number hadn’t changed, either. Dakota hoped it was because maybe someday they hoped he would call. He dialed the number and held his breath. On the third ring, the phone was picked up and a female voice came over the line.

  “Hello?”

  Dakota’s hand shook as his mother’s voice floated over the miles and into his ear. His breath hitched as the night his parents kicked him out of the house for being gay resurfaced in his memory.

  “Dakota? Is that you? Please say it’s you!”

  Sam nudged him and Dakota finally opened his mouth. “It’s me.”

  A deep sigh came over the line and Dakota gripped the phone more tightly.

  “I so hoped you’d call someday. I’m so sorry, Dakota. Your father and I are so very sorry for everything.”

  Dakota’s eyes pooled and he sniffed, wiping his nose.

  “Really?”

  Sam held Dakota close to him. His husband deserved to be loved. And dammit, he’d make sure he always was.

  ~*~

  The morning’s rays penetrated the thin curtains in the room. Sam rolled onto his side and looked at Dakota’s peaceful face. The conversation with his parents had gone well – so well, in fact, they were going to come and visit. Sam placed a soft kiss on Dakota’s lips and smiled when he whimpered softly. He eased out of bed and looked at the time. It was nine in the morning and Kane hadn’t woken them up.

  Sam slid his slippers on and padded down the hall to Kane’s room. The door was open and Kane was sitting on the floor, eating the bedroom rug. He sighed and picked up his son.

  “That’s the second one, Kane. What’s wrong with the hambone we bought for you?”

  Kane huffed and nuzzled him. Sam looked around the room; the hambone from last night was nowhere to be found. Sam eyed his son.

  “Did you eat the whole thing?”

  Kane whined softly and Sam held his son more tightly.

  “Hey, let’s go see what Grandma’s making for breakfast, okay?”

  Sam left a note for Dakota and shut the front door quietly. He’d let Dakota sleep a bit longer. The whole ordeal from last night had taken a mental and emotional toll on his husband. The smell of bacon greeted his nostrils as he neared his parents’ house. Kane wiggled in his grip and Sam put him down. His son ran right through the doggie door of his parents’ house.

  “I’m not feeding you until you shift!”

  Sam chuckled at his mother’s tone of voice. It was the same one she had used with him, as well as with Troy and all the Quinton boys. Sam stepped into the kitchen he’d grown up in. His mother stood by the stove in her apron, looking down at her grandson.

  “Morning, Ma.” Sam stepped over to her and kissed her cheek.

  “Morning. Your son is just as stubborn as you were.”

  “Yeah? But he’s a lot cuter. Look at that face.” Sam bent down to grab his son. “You just can’t help but give into his pout.” Sam stuck his bottom lip out at Kane.

  “That right there will have your son ruling over you. Alpha or not, he is still your son and you have to make sure he knows who’s in charge.”

  “Oh he knows, don�
��t you, Kane?” Sam said, remembering Ireland and Kane testing him. Kane nuzzled him and yipped.

  “Good.” Nadine pointed at Kane with her spatula. “Now shift.”

  Kane shifted and cooed.

  “Much better!” Nadine laughed.

  The sound of tires in the driveway caught Sam’s attention. He tilted his head, listening. The sound of Wyatt and Preston talking to Gage floated down the driveway.

  “You expecting company?” Sam smiled.

  Nadine’s brows furrowed.

  “Ma?”

  Nadine dropped the spatula and ran to the door. Her smile widened as Wyatt, Preston and Gage made their way to the house. Another car was coming down the drive and Nadine clapped her hands at the sight of Grayson and Xander with their husbands.

  “What’s all this?” Nadine wiped at her eyes. She had missed the four Quinton boys.

  “We figured since you wouldn’t be going to Ireland this time, we’d come visit.” Wyatt took Nadine in his arms.

  “Hey, Ma!” Grayson waved, getting out of the truck.

  Nadine held a hand to her chest. These were her boys, all grown up. The visit from Isabelle Quinton had given her peace. She’d never wanted to replace Isabelle in the boys’ lives, and Isabelle had assured her that she was nothing but grateful for the sacrifices Nadine had made for her sons.

  “Look at you boys!” Nadine put her arms out.

  “Hey, wait for me!” Sawyer jogged over to join his brothers.

  “Pfft, you live here. She sees you all the time.” Xander ruffled his brother’s hair.

  “I can still kick your a—”

  “Sawyer!” Nadine scolded.

  “Butt,” Sawyer finished.

  Nadine eyed Gage, holding Wyatt’s hand. “Look at you! You’ve gotten so big.”

  “Hi Gramma!” Gage threw his arms around Nadine’s legs.

  Wyatt smiled at his son holding Nadine’s thighs. Her eyes were watering as she picked him up and held him.

  “You need help with breakfast, Nadine?” Jagger offered.

  “Come here you two!” Nadine put Gage down and opened her arms for Taylor and Jagger Drake, Grayson and Xander’s husbands. “It’s so good to see you all. I’ve missed you so much!”

  “We missed you, too.” Taylor hugged Nadine.

  “Now get your buns in the house so we can eat.” Nadine motioned to the house. Sam stood on the front porch, looking into the distance. Nadine approached him and took his hand.

  “What’s on your mind, Sam?” Nadine motioned to the glider on the porch and they both sat down.

  “Dakota’s parents are coming for a visit.” Sam turned to look at his mother. Anger flared behind her deep brown eyes. “They want to make things up to him.”

  “As they should!” Nadine huffed. “Treating Dakota the way they did; they should be ashamed of themselves!”

  “They are, Mom.” Sam sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

  “That’s not all of it, is it?” Nadine searched Sam’s face.

  “I don’t want to lose you and Dad, Ma. I look at all the guys who grew up without their parents and I know I’m so lucky to still have you and Dad. I’m going to live for a long time; I don’t want to have to watch you die.”

  Nadine patted Sam’s hand. “But that’s what life is – you are born, you live the best you can and then you die. I’ve had a wonderful life. I found love with your father, had a wonderful son and raised wonderful boys who had lost their own mother; and Troy, who lost both his parents. I’ve lived a full life, honey.”

  “I don’t want to lose you, Mom.” Sam wiped at his eyes.

  “Honey, you will have Dakota and Kane for a very long time.”

  Sam stood up. “I know that - I want you and Dad for a very long time, too!”

  Nadine stood and took Sam’s face in her hands.

  “I know you’re scared; everything will work out. I promise.” Nadine pulled Sam into her arms and held him.

  “Sam?”

  Sam looked up to see his father walking toward the house with John Quinton.

  “Dad,” Sam grinned. “You have a full house.”

  Joe sniffed the air and smiled.

  “So I smell.”

  John patted Sam’s shoulder as he entered the house.

  Joe eyed his wife and son. Both had red eyes.

  “What’s going on? Everything okay?” Joe stepped up on the porch.

  “It’s going to be.” Sam hugged his parents tightly.

  ~Three months Later~

  July in Seattle was in full swing.

  Riley stood and surveyed the newest outreach center. He, Wayne and Caden Fournier had bought the building a year ago and had torn it down and rebuilt it. It was in a perfect location – right across the water from Gas Works Park, and Fairview Park was right up the street. The best part? They were right next to the water, and Derek Jacobs had given them access to his boat. Austin Jacobson, a Seattle firefighter and part of the gang, was bringing his pontoon boat for the day’s activities as well.

  Streamers in red, white and blue lined the walls, and more patriotic decorations filled the room. Riley was proud of their efforts, but – as much as he loved Seattle – his home was in Arizona. He and Mateo, along with Vince and Keegan, planned to push the acceptance of gay marriage in the state. They had a long way to go.

  Vince and Keegan were running the outreach party in Phoenix this year. It was nice to know they had friends who would help any time they needed them. James Pruitt-Jacobs was also staying in Phoenix with Derek, to help run the outreach center’s party.

  Jagger, Taylor, Grayson and Xander Drake, along with Wayne and his husband, Conner, were running the party in Anchorage.

  Strong arms wrapped around him and Riley leaned back into his husband. They’d been back and forth to the Queets reservation for the last two months. Nadine loved having all the kids together and had given them tons of clothes for Maggie.

  Sawyer and Troy, along with Josh and Mark, had flown to Ireland in June to start the implantation process with their surrogates. Riley knew that Sawyer and Mark had wanted a child for a long time. He couldn’t wait to see what happened when their children were born.

  Josh and Mark were contemplating being changed if their child was born with the werewolf gene. He couldn’t blame them. Riley glanced at his watch. The world travelers were arriving right before the fireworks, and Riley couldn’t wait to talk to Mark about their visit.

  “The place looks great, babe. You did a wonderful job.” Mateo nuzzled Riley’s neck.

  “I had help,” Riley chuckled.

  “Oh, that’s right. Nikolai and Colin got dragged into it, didn’t they?”

  “Well, Nikolai did such a great job on Valentine’s Day. He brought Chance with him this time and, boy, can that warlock make a room sparkle,” Riley chuckled. Somehow, Chance’s spell had gone awry and the whole room glowed for a good half hour.

  “I see you dragged the football players into it as well.”

  “I did,” Riley nodded. “They didn’t complain much. Sebastian’s their quarterback and they follow his lead. Besides, they all volunteered at Camp Pride; they love helping these kids. Sebastian and Nicholas helped; so did Casey.”

  “Shit,” Mateo laughed. “You got hardened Irish Detective Casey O’Shea to help?”

  “I told him I’d bite his ass.” Riley leaned his head back, meeting with Mateo’s lips. “Where’s Maggie?”

  “Jude’s got her. I swear she loves Hayden and Jude.”

  “So does Matty,” Riley chuckled. “I love the way he growls and yanks on Hayden’s pant legs.”

  “Ha, ha.”

  Mateo looked over his shoulder to see Hayden, hands on his hips. Matty ran through the room with a streamer clamped in his little jaws.

  “Weren’t you supposed to be watching him?” Mateo raised his brows.

  “I am. See? I’m watching him run with the decorations.” Hayden smiled wide.

  At four months old, Ma
tty was getting faster and stronger. It was taking Mateo longer to find and bathe him. As it was, he and Riley had to set snack trails to lure him into the bathroom.

  Maggie was figuring out how to sit up – kind of. She rolled her way around the house and loved her swing, but most of all she loved having her Uncle Nikolai sing to her. The twins were inseparable, and even when they went to visit Kane, both pups would stay close to Maggie.

  Kane flew by his uncles seconds later and tackled Matty, grabbing the streamer. They rolled around on the floor, yipping at each other. Riley grinned at the sight of his son with his mate as Sam and Dakota came in carrying coolers.

  “Who’s got boat duty?” Sam asked, opening the lid on one of the coolers.

  “That would be me and Jaxon.” Justice strolled into the room and looked around.

  “Lucky you!” Dakota clapped his hands and laughed.

  “Hey, I get to be out on the water on Derek’s bad-ass boat. I do consider myself lucky,” Justice winked.

  “So, Austin and Tucker are manning the pontoon boat.” Riley walked to the table and grabbed the clipboard. “We’ve got quite a few kids signed up for the water skiing, Justice.”

  “Can I see that?” Justice walked over and scanned the list. Skylar Foxx’s name was on the list for Austin’s pontoon boat. He hadn’t seen the kid since Valentine’s Day. Somehow, he’d disappeared. Justice scanned the remaining names and smiled. “Well, lookie here. Elijah Newman is signed up for water skiing.”

  Riley chuckled.

  A loud crash behind them made Riley spin around. Matty and Kane had knocked down a tray of raw steaks.

  “Hey! That’s a no-no!” Riley took off with Mateo right on his heels. He grabbed the tray and set it back up on the table, and then turned to find Mateo wrestling with Matty for a steak.

  “Matty Esposito! Drop it!” Riley narrowed his eyes at his son.

  “You might as well let him eat it now,” Hayden put a hand over his mouth to hide his smile. “He’s already chewed it in half.”

  “Some babysitter you are!” Mateo scoffed.

  Kane was running in the opposite direction with a big steak hanging from his canines. Dakota reached to grab him, but Jude snatched up the little pup in his free hand. Maggie was resting on his hip and let out a happy squeal.