by Toby Aden
Will had brought so much change into his life that he could not imagine being without the man. He was his everything, his reason for breathing and living. He brought laughter into Will’s life and made him ensure a balance between his duty and his personal life. He lived for the smiles and the snuggles and each and every moment they shared together.
When he was not with Will, he thought constantly about him. He thought about their conversations and their bonding and wondered what Will was up to. He hurried daily through meetings with his betas and enforcers just to be able to get back to his mate earlier. Being with Will was, hands down, the highlight of his day, and he never took for granted the gift fates had given to him.
Will was his to protect and to love for the rest of their long lives. He just hoped that when Will was finally ready to open up to him completely, he would understand why, when his brothers told him their story, he’d asked them to keep it a secret and not let Will know that they had already told him of it.
And thinking of family, Gregory blurted out, “Will you go with me to my brother’s son’s naming ceremony?”
“Hmm?” Will asked then wiggled around until he was turned and facing Gregory. “Your brother?”
Gregory nodded. “Yeah. You know of Dorian, right? The first omega we have seen in centuries?”
“Yeah. The rumors were all over. He’s mated to the vampire king, is he not?”
Gregory smiled, nodding. “Oh yeah. We were not at all on board with that mating at first. The fact that he was the first omega in several generations, not to mention our long-lost brother, did nothing to help us accept that he had to remain with the vampires, but Dorian…” Gregory shook his head. “He’s one powerful omega, not to mention he’s a determined little shit. He wouldn’t leave his mate for anything, and so we had no choice in the matter.”
“You’re not a fan of his mate?”
Gregory shook his head. “Oh no. Kevyan and I get along fine now with the understanding that we’ll be coming for him should he hurt Dorian at all. He’s a good guy once you get to know him, but old wolves don’t learn new tricks in a single day you know. A few people from both sides are still wary of the peace, but we’ll get there. One day.” Gregory shook his head. “Anyway, I’m off topic. I was talking about their son. Dorian gave birth…”
Will sucked in a surprised breath. “He gave birth? But he’s a man.”
Gregory laughed at that then leaned in to place a kiss on the surprised Will’s lips before pulling back. “He’s an omega, baby, but apparently, there’re a lot we don’t know about them. Since the knowledge was so long ago, most have forgotten.”
“But he gave birth? Himself?”
“Yeah. They’re holding the ceremony a few days from now. The first vampire-werewolf hybrid child. Will you come with me?” Gregory asked once more.
“Of course. I’d love to meet your brother,” Will responded, his eyes still wide with surprise.
“Good.” Smiling at his mate, Gregory leaned in and stole a kiss from his mate.
* * * *
The kiss was gentle and loving and caring and cherishing. A reaffirmation of their bond and growing feelings for each other, which they savored until they broke apart and just stared at each other tenderly. With their arms wrapped around each other, Will turned once more until he, too, was once more facing the darkening water and the coin sun, which was almost all the way into the water on the horizon.
Will used Gregory’s arms as a pillow for his head and allowed the man to hold on to him tightly as they watched the sunset together, content in the moment they were sharing together.
Chapter Eleven
Gregory and Will stood outside the Melrose Mansion, holding hands as they took in the sights around them and the sound of music coming from somewhere in the mansion. A lot of people were already present from the number of cars parked in the large compound, and Gregory could not hold back the smile that twisted his lips from the occasion today marked for his brother, as well as both vampire and werewolf species.
Glancing towards his mate, Gregory cocked a brow. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” Will responded, smiling at his mate and eager to meet the omega who was his mate’s brother and who had played a very important part in settling the war between both species.
“Come on.”
Together, they followed the sound of the music and walked around the mansion till they found where everyone was gathered in the garden where the ceremony was being held.
The garden was bustling with people, music, and the cacophony of voices in conversations. It was Rorik, Dorian Melrose son’s naming ceremony. It was a very intimate ceremony with the vampire warriors on the compound and family of both parents in attendance, along with a few friends and guests of the families. Gregory noted that the vampire councilmembers whom he’d met during the mediation for peace were also all in attendance, as well as the former betas of Alpha Steven, his father, and his own current betas. Several Alphas of other packs were also present, and it was gathering all had to attend because of the significance to both species.
Looking at the way the garden was decorated for the naming ceremony of the first vampire-werewolf hybrid child, everyone could not help but be impressed. It was early in the evening with jar candles lit all over the edges of the stones surrounding the flowers in the garden. Some of the jar candles also hung from the trees.
Dancing candlelight lit up the entire garden, making it look magical and out of this world. The tables were covered with white tablecloths, and vase of flowers sat upon each surface. The chairs were decorated with flowers twining around their legs.
Kevyan Melrose, the vampire King and mate to Gregory’s brother, stood in front of the invited guests, along with Mr. Keller, Dorian’s adoptive father, and all of the siblings’ biological father, Alpha Steven of the Santiago pack, the largest wolf shifter pack and the one from which all the other packs took their lead. The three men complemented each other, dressed in white, fitted suits. Yet each was distinctive in build, power, and form. Whereas the other two men were all sleek muscles, Mr. Keller was a bit heavy, and of the three men, Kevyan looked the youngest, yet was the oldest among them all.
Kevyan raised a hand to silence the crowd, and soon enough everyone was quiet. Even the music came to a halt. “I thank you all for being here tonight to witness the naming of my and Dorian’s firstborn son. Now, without much delay, my mate will arrive with our son.”
Clapping and cheers went up at this announcement. Those in attendance knew the importance of this moment, even if it wasn’t spoken aloud. This went all the way to solidify the political agreement between the werewolves and the vampires. Having a child of both races bound them much closer than a simple signature on a piece of paper could have.
It wasn’t long before Dorian, complementing his mate in a white suit, stepped out with Rorik in his arms and Maria, their adopted daughter walking beside him. The godfathers, Sam, who was Dorian’s childhood best friend, and Gregory, flanked him on one side, while Christiana and Annalise were on the other. When Dorian had sent a text asking him to be named godfather to his son, Gregory had been beyond ecstatic. Glad to be a part of the ceremony and honored by the role offered him.
Together, the five of them walked in to stand with Kevyan and Dorian’s fathers. In the crowd, Dorian’s adoptive mother stood with Will, and when their eyes met, Gregory’s softened with wistfulness, hoping for a day where he could have this very same thing, even if it had to be by surrogacy. Maria, though, broke away from them and ran to stand with Dorian’s adoptive mother, slamming into her legs and slipping her much smaller hands into Mrs. Keller’s, a grin splitting her face as she stared up at her adoptive grandmother. Mrs. Keller smiled indulgently at the little girl before pulling Maria in front of her and turning to watch the ceremony.
Kevyan’s warriors stood scattered, spread throughout the garden, while the councilmembers and their men clustered to one side. Mark and Tony, ever with Dorian,
walked three steps behind them.
With a dazzling smile, Dorian handed Rorik to Kevyan, patting the baby and holding on to Kevyan without letting go. They all stood by the fountain, and it was there their father and Mr. Keller presided over the naming ceremony.
“Godparents, step forward if you please,” Mr. Keller said, and all four of the godparents moved toward where Kevyan and Dorian held Rorik. “Do you solemnly swear to guard and to teach your godson, to lead by example, and to be there in time of need for your godson?”
As one, they chorused, “We so swear.”
Kevyan turned to face the crowd, holding Rorik against him so that Rorik faced the crowd and they could all take a glimpse at the child. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present my son, Rorik Melrose, heir and prince to the vampire throne,” Kevyan said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear, and a cheer went up in the air with Rorik cooing and flailing his arms and legs about.
When the cheers died down, four-week-old baby Rorik transformed into a white-gray wolf and launched himself out of his father’s arms. The tiny wolf pawed the ground, wagging his tail playfully and launching into the crowd, running around in circles. Kevyan and Dorian barked out indulgent laughs at their son’s antics, shaking their heads as they watched people move out of the playful child’s way. They took notice of Maria and Rorik playing in the crowd and smiled fondly at the kids
“Well, that’s that,” Kevyan said with a smile at his son. “Please, let the celebration commerce.”
The music resumed, playing softly in the background, and their guests soon sat comfortably, chatting among themselves as the servants came out with food and drinks.
Dorian turned to Gregory and clasped him in a manly hug. “Brother, thanks for being here.”
“I wouldn’t have missed my nephew’s naming ceremony for the world, and you know it,” Gregory said with a smile before dragging Dorian along with him. “Come meet my mate. I didn’t get the chance to introduce you two properly before the ceremony began.”
Gregory and his mate had arrived later than the other werewolves from his pack. Dorian had only had a chance to nod to Will before he’d dragged Gregory along with him to meet Rorik before the ceremony began.
“What’s your mate like?” Dorian asked as he trailed after his brother, trying to keep up with the man’s long strides. “Slow down a bit, yeah? I can tell you’re excited to get back to the man,” Dorian said with a chuckle.
Turning a sheepish look to Dorian, Gregory slowed down. “Sorry. And you’d love him. On second thoughts, it might not be such a good idea to allow you both to get close. Both of you ganging up on me would be a definite no-no,” Gregory teased just as they reached the family table where Will sat with all the other members of their entire family.
* * * *
Dorian laughed at his brother’s words, unable to believe the serious man he’d met so long ago had cracked such a silly joke. The man was always serious whenever they talked, and he could see the softening in both demeanor and Gregory’s features. No doubt, all attributed to the one who was Gregory’s mate. Anyone who could get this serious man to let loose like this already had Dorian’s approval.
“Will, sweetheart, come meet my brother,” Gregory said, holding his hand out for his mate.
Dorian had only seen Gregory’s mate briefly, but he hadn’t been paying much attention then, but now looking at the man, Dorian could see just what had drawn his brother to this man. The androgynous-looking man was just simply gorgeous. Although not as gorgeous as his own mate Kevyan, he could still appreciate the beauty of this man.
However, it was the contradictory look in the man’s eyes that drew him closer to the man. The shy, yet mischievous look the man sported was one that was not all that easy to pull off, and he could just tell how the man had managed to get past Gregory’s defenses and turn him into a lovesick puppy.
“Dorian, meet my mate. Will Santiago. Will, my brother Dorian Melrose,” Gregory said, introducing the two as he let go of Dorian’s arm to slip his hand around Will’s waist, pulling his mate closer to his side and dropping a kiss to Will’s head.
“Don’t hog the man all to yourself, brother,” Dorian said, humor lacing his words as he pulled Will out of Gregory’s arms and enfolded him into a full-on hug. “Welcome to the family, Will, and be prepared to have your hands full with this one,” Dorian said, nodding to his brother as they separated.
Will barked out a laugh, and Gregory folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t be fooled by his innocent face, Dor. I’m the one who has my hands full with this one.”
Will let loose a husky laugh, pushing his bottom lip out in a pout and staring at his mate, his hands on his waist as he glared in mock consternation at his mate. “Take it back, Greg. I’m an angel. Your brother had me pegged right.”
Gregory burst out laughing before leaning in and pecking his mate on the mouth and shaking his head. Dorian stood, staring at their antics and laughing at the easy connection between the two, glad to see his brother had met his match.
“What’s funny?” a soft voice asked from behind Dorian, and he turned to see his sister, Annalise, standing there with another man by her side.
Reaching out, Dorian pulled the slim, soft woman into his arms and held her tightly, sighing when she reciprocated, a smile teasing her lips as she held on tight. Even though they had found out they were all related by blood, they hadn’t had much time to get to know each other very well face-to-face, and Dorian had missed his family so badly.
* * * *
Gregory stood with his arms around his mate, his chin resting on Will’s head as he watched his brother and sister hold on tightly to each other, laughing until they both separated and Annalise introduced her mate, Will’s brother, to Dorian.
“Bryce, when are you going to get a steady girlfriend, huh? Looks like you’re the only one in the family still single,” Dorian said with a twinkle in his eyes as he eyed his adoptive brother, who had walked up to join them.
At five feet nine, Bryce was the complete opposite of his adoptive brother, Dorian in looks. He was already twenty-five and still playing the field, but of course, with his dark looks, moss-green eyes, and a dimpled smile, he was a lady-killer.
Bryce smiled at his brother but didn’t say anything, as his gaze was drawn to a man standing off to one side and chatting with a group of other men. Gregory followed the man’s gaze until he was staring at one of the councilmember’s men before a knowing smile formed on his lips.
“See someone you like?”
Bryce’s attention snapped back to them, and he flushed prettily, causing the rest of them to laugh as they all glanced toward the man who had snagged the attention of the man who had otherwise been a sworn bachelor.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bryce said, turning his back on the man and settling into a seat at the table.
“Sure. You just keep telling yourself that,” Dorian said, giving his brother a knowing look also, but before he could say anything else again, Kevyan came to join them, enfolding Dorian in his arms and pulling the man onto his lap as he settled in around family. The rest of them also took their seats, preferring to continue the conversation while seated and comfortable than still standing around as they teased and laughed and joked together.
Their conversation was cut short as a few of the councilmembers and visiting Alphas and betas came over to where they were seated, relaxing, to confront Kevyan and Dorian. When they all noticed the men standing over them, they glanced up in surprise as though not expecting to be interrupted. It was clear from their postures that they had concerns and would not be deterred until they had some sort of answer
Kevyan waved for them to move so that they were all facing him before motioning for them to say what was on their mind.
“If we may, Your Highness, what does the birth of your son mean for the rest of us? For our race?” asked Francis Reynolds, one of the vampire councilmembers, concern clear in his voice.
&nbs
p; “The fact that my son is a hybrid is not a source for concern,” Kevyan started by saying.
“How do you know that? How do we know that? He’s the first vampire-werewolf hybrid that we know of. The implication of this may be good for uniting both species, but other than that, is he a threat to us? Just what will he be capable of as he grows older?” one of the Alphas asked, voicing all of their reservations.
“We do not know all the answers—” Dorian started, only to be cut off.
As one, everyone raised their voices, voicing their concerns and demanding answers. They talked over each other, trying to get all their points across at once.
“Enough!” Kevyan’s and Alpha Steven’s sharp voices rang out in unison and silenced them all.
When they all finally calmed down, Servain, another vampire councilmember, cried, “How do you expect us to accept this new development without any reservations when even you have no idea what it means for us all? It’s like the blind leading the blind. Eventually, we would all fall into a hole.”
Kevyan raised a hand, and the councilmembers all fell silent on the confrontation about to ensue. “Tonight is my son’s naming ceremony. I will not have a shadow cast over it. If any has concerns or objections, we are pleased to address them all tomorrow. Now please, if you don’t mind, I would like to continue the festivity of tonight.” It was a dismissal, clear and simple, and no one dared to oppose it.
When they all saw that their words would not be tolerated or welcomed further, they all began dispersing, and Rorik came barreling through the group to fall into Dorian’s arms. More precisely, Rorik ran in circles around his fathers a few times in wolf form until he settled down and changed back into his human form and Dorian picked him up.