by Anya Byrne
"Apparently," Andreas said as he collapsed at Jessie's side. "I'm afraid I can't tell you more, because I didn't get to learn a lot before Alpha Simmons decided to give us some privacy. I wasn't even sure how it was possible since I had no idea human males could get pregnant." He wrapped an arm around Jessie and pulled him closer. "I do know this won't be easy, baby, none of it. You saved my life, but who's to say my Alpha won't try to attack us again?"
Jessie studiously pushed away the dread coursing through him at the thought, melting it into renewed decision. "I'm not afraid of him. I'll protect you."
Andreas brushed his lips over Jessie's, his eyes glowing with affection. "Will you, now? Well, then, I must be completely and utterly safe."
Jessie stuck his tongue out at his lover. "You know it. After all, you did knock me up. You have to take responsibility."
Andreas kissed his temple, his hold on Jessie tightening. "I'll gladly do just that. I'll keep you safe, Jessie, I promise. You and our baby… No matter what I have to do, I'll keep you safe."
There were so many things still confusing Jessie, so many unanswered questions and problems that needed to be solved. But his mate's promise soothed Jessie's heart. He knew now that, when he'd gotten knocked up by his werewolf Dom, he'd finally found his future. Whatever else came their way, they'd handle it. Together, always.
Epilogue
That evening
From the doorway of the mansion, Finn watched the car approach, his heart filled with both sadness and glee. He had known from the moment his father had realized Jessie was his son that the older werewolf now had a chance at a new life. It seemed that everyone in his family was finding a mate, except him.
Shaking himself, Finn squeezed his father's shoulder. "Nervous?" he whispered, knowing that it would be inconvenient for the other pack members to realize their Alpha's state of mind.
"Just a bit." His father chuckled. "I haven't seen Will in... God, it must be almost fifty years now. I don't even know if he'll want me anymore." His expression sobered. "You do know that this doesn't mean I've forgotten your mother, right?"
Finn nodded. "Don't worry about that. I realize she was special for you, but in a different way."
He'd loved his mother a great deal, but he couldn't resent his father for wanting to reunite with his true mate. After all, true mates were so special, so rare. Even if Finn never found his fated other half, he wanted his loved ones to have that.
Finally, the car pulled in and stopped in front of the mansion. Saul stepped out first from the driver's seat and proceeded to help his mate exit. Finn had never actually gotten the chance to meet Gavin, since Saul was insanely protective of his human mate, but the lovely and very pregnant blond could be no one else. Finally, a third man left the vehicle, and the resemblance with Jessie easily identified him as William Orwell—as did the gasp from Finn's father.
Finn gave his father space for his reunion with his true mate and directed his attention to Saul and Gavin. He put on his best friendly smile and faced Gavin. "I'm Saul's brother, Finn," he said. "I know we didn't get the chance to speak much, and your first impression of me was probably horrible, but I hope we can be friends."
Gavin smiled softly, although the shadow of some resentment lingered in his deep brown eyes. "It's a pleasure. I'm Gavin. I'm sure we'll get along fine. Where's Jessie?"
As if on cue, Jessie and Andreas came up behind Finn. "Gav!" Jessie greeted his friend enthusiastically. "I have so much to tell you, Gav. God, it all happened so fast."
Meanwhile, Saul shook Andreas's hand and the two of them watched Gavin and Jessie, bemused expressions on their faces. "Hello, Andreas," Saul said. "Long time no see. Planning a longer stay this time?"
Andreas chuckled. "Definitely looks like it, as long as I find a pack that can welcome Jessie and me."
"You're always welcome to join mine," Saul replied. "Well, it's just me and Gavin right now, but under the circumstances, I think it could be more like an extended family than a pack."
"Sounds perfect." Andreas grinned. "I'd have to consult with my mate of course, but I suspect that he'd want to stick with Gavin anyway."
"I suspect you might be right," Saul replied with a smile. His expression sobered. "Although we still have your pack to handle."
"Believe me, I'm more than aware," Andreas replied. "I won't let them harm Jessie."
As the two werewolves spoke, Finn's father and William Orwell were kissing not a few feet away from them. They likely broke away just because Jessie's father still seemed concerned for his son. "I need a word with you, young man," he told Jessie. "How could you not let me know of what was going on?"
Jessie set his jaw in a stubborn expression. "How could you not tell me Saul was my brother?"
William rubbed his eyes tiredly and wrapped an arm around his son's shoulder. "You know why I had to keep it secret, sweetheart. Don't be angry with me."
"I'm not angry," Jessie said. "I'm just confused. Does this mean I'm older than Saul? How is that even possible? And why do I suddenly have healing powers?"
"Healing powers?" William repeated. "I have no idea what you're talking about. As for the other thing, yes, you are older. But the first decades of your life you didn't even have a human consciousness. Your birth was very traumatic. That's why it was extra important for me to help your friend."
Silence fell in the small group as everyone took in the new information. Finn wished he had something to say that would help his brother, because both Saul and Gavin looked very disturbed by William's explanation. For that matter, so did Andreas. Finn couldn't know for sure, but he was fairly certain Jessie was pregnant too.
Thankfully, Finn's father broke the unsettling quiet. "I'm sure we'll figure everything out in time. And no one here is alone anymore. We'll find a solution together."
There was a weight in his voice, one Finn had heart before and recognized as guilt. He couldn't say he was surprised. His father's past with William Orwell held so much pain and emotion it was difficult for even Finn to process.
Nonetheless, by the time Finn's father finished speaking, the encouraging words settled over all of them with the strength of an Alpha's decision. The group started to make their way inside. Finn watched them all go, but didn't follow, at least not immediately.
His father was correct in one thing. Each of them had a new family now, and they could rely on each other for support. His brothers—and wasn't it interesting that he had two of them now?—had mates and children, and his father a mate bond of his own to hopefully fix. Right now, there was no place for Finn there.
Finn stared out into the distance, and as the moon finally appeared on the darkened sky, he desperately wished that one day, he'd have a family of his own. In the meantime, he had no intention to wallow in self-pity.
Andreas and Saul realized it too, but Wendel Adler wasn't about to take his defeat well. Finn might have no way to prove that he'd been the one to arrange the attack, but he didn't have to. This wasn't over, not by a long shot, and by the time Wendel came at them again, Finn would be more than ready.
THE END
http://anyabyrneromance.wordpress.com/
About the Author
Anya Byrne is first and foremost a longtime fan of erotic romance. Starting to write her own stories was a natural progression of her devotion for the genre. Years after she put pen to paper in that very first book, she is just as enthusiastic and, let’s face it, somewhat obsessive about erotic romance and all that it entails. She is steadfast in the belief that there’s nothing quite as hot as an amazing hero—except more amazing heroes engaged in heroic hot lovin’, and has branched out into the field of self-publishing to convince even more readers of this fact. Hopefully, she will succeed.
For the latest news and upcoming releases please visit Anya at:
http://anyabyrneromance.wordpress.com/
Other Books by Anya Byrne
Hachti Warriors 1. Sold to the Man in the Purple Fur
MMM menag
e sci-fi novella, 29.585 words
Lone Wolf Pack 1. Pregnant with His Werewolf’s Baby
MM paranormal novella, 30.631 words
Coming Soon
Mate Wooing 101. The Werewolf's Roomie
MM paranormal novella
Everyone knows taking a roommate is a lottery. For Corey Ferguson, it's been way more. Corey's had to live for months with the hottest, most amazing guy he's ever met. And while eye candy is always nice, his roommate Sebastian is also ridiculously straight, and there's only so much unrequited affection Corey's poor heart can withstand.
In a bid to put his doomed feelings behind him, Corey agrees to go on a blind date with another man. And that's when things start getting really strange.
Unbeknownst to Corey, Sebastian is a werewolf. Since moving in he's been trying to woo Corey, but with no visible results. Who knew humans had such complicated mating rituals? It's so much easier for werewolves, but humans always have to do things in a long-winded manner, and half the time, Sebastian doesn't even know which way is up.
He makes tentative plans to confess his feelings, when suddenly his mate is snatched from him by some stranger. No, this cannot be. He refuses to allow it. No one gets in the way of a werewolf and his mate.
But between his rival, his secret, and his inability to figure out a way to Corey's heart, can Sebastian succeed in claiming his mate, or will Corey always remain just the werewolf's roomie?
http://anyabyrneromance.wordpress.com/
Copyright 2014 Anya Byrne
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