by JJ Anderson
Ronan stepped into David’s house, his eyes taking it all in. He’d escaped his father’s hold and was free. He’d been happy here, even if it had only been a little while. This was his home now.
David retrieved clothes he’d had left here from before, and they all dressed. Once he had his pants on, Ruari moved to stand beside him. “You okay with this?”
He glanced around and caught David’s gaze, warmth spreading. “Yes.” He tugged on his shirt, sliding the material down his body.
Ruari pulled on a shirt as his lips twisted. “How do you know?”
“Because David is here.”
Ruari’s hand landed on Ronan’s arm, and he squeezed. “You like him, don’t you?”
Warmth spread. “I do.”
Ruari moved so David couldn’t see his face and then he spoke low. “Are you sure?”
Ronan’s heart expanded. “Yes, I really do like him. He’s different. He’s special. I want to spend my life with him.”
“That’s good to hear.” David’s voice made his skin break out in goose bumps.
Ruari sucked in a breath, and his eyes rounded.
“It’s okay, Ruari, I’m not your father.” David’s low voice rumbled. “Ronan will be safe here. You’ll be safe here if you want to stay, or if you just want this as a home base as you explore your world.”
Ruari spun to face David. His shoulders lifted as he sucked in a huge breath. “He’s special. Don’t you hurt him.”
David didn’t laugh or try to shame Ruari though he was tiny compared to David and even with his wolf capabilities would have a hard time going up against a bear.
“Ruari, I swear by all that I am I won’t harm Ronan.” David opened his arms and held his hands flat, palms up. “I’ll keep him safe while allowing him to live an awesome life. He won’t be a prisoner or held against his will. If he decides to leave, I’ll let him go though I will beg him to stay. He will be cherished and loved like he deserves.”
Ronan stepped around Ruari to David. He wrapped his arm around David’s waist and snuggled close. “I’m going to be happy here.” Ronan held on to David as he spoke to his brother. “I know you have a lot of healing to do. Go to Arizona and enjoy your life. We aren’t prisoners any longer.”
“When you’re ready to come back, you’ll have a place here, or we’ll set you up somewhere close.” David stuck out his hand for Ruari to shake. “Ruari, I consider you family now.”
Ronan’s heart expanded. He was lucky to have David in his life. Ruari needed to find his happiness. It would take him time, but now they had all the time in the world with their dad gone.
They settled in for the evening after Ruari spent a few hours outside drawing without fearing what their father would say. When it was time for bed, it seemed like David was nervous. He stood off to the side in his bedroom, his eyes following Ronan as he prepared for bed.
After he used the restroom and had pulled on a pair of long pants but no shirt, Ronan moved to stand in front of David, his chin raised, hands on his hips. “I won’t bite.”
David cupped his cheek. “What if I want you to?”
He threw back his head and laughed then sobered when David smoothed his hand over Ronan’s chest and lower to his belly. David’s hand felt good on him, right. Like the stars had lined up just right and given them an opportunity few others had or deserved.
“Two babies. Cubs or pups?”
Ronan shrugged. “I didn’t ask.”
David’s eyes grew wider. “Why not? Don’t you want to know.”
“No.”
“But won’t it—”
He placed his finger on David’s lips. “It won’t make any difference. Pups or cubs, I’ll love them the same.”
David growled then tugged him close. “You’re so freaking perfect for me.”
It didn’t take any time for David to have him on his back, his clothes tossed to the floor, as David bent over his belly, wonder written all over his face. He glanced up, meeting Ronan’s gaze.
“I can’t believe you’re having my babies.”
Ronan sobered. “It will change everything.”
David lifted and then straddled him, going up on all fours. “Or it will change nothing. We may be busy, and we might want to hire someone to help, but it won’t change how I feel about you or what I think of you. We’ll have more to do with them in our lives, that’s all.”
Worry had worked its way into his happiness. What ifs kept coming up. His past didn’t lead him to believe anything good would happen with an alpha, but this wasn’t his past, it was his future, and he didn’t have to fear it like he feared his old life. “Are you okay with that? Like you want this.”
David’s smile reached his eyes so fast Ronan couldn’t help but smile too. “Oh baby, yes. I want you, and I want a family with you. I want it all. I want the babies, the night feedings, the mess, and the love.”
“So you’re not mad?”
“No, I’m thrilled. And more than just a family, I have you. I have the one man who I swear was made for me.”
“So you believe this was fate?” Ronan ran his hand up to the top button of David’s shirt, toying with the fabric before looping his arm around David’s neck. “That the birth control shot failing was meant to happen?”
David shrugged as he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his furry chest. “I don’t know why it happened or what was up with your shot. I only know I’ve fallen for you, Ronan. I’m in love with you. So if fate stepped in and made it happen, then good. If it was just some weird anomaly, then good. I’m happy you’re in my life.”
Ronan sat up so his face was even with David’s. “You love me?”
“Yes, it’s growing every day, but yes, I love you. I love the little things about you, and I love your passion for life. I love how you fought for freedom and didn’t become a pawn of your father.”
His face grew hot as tears built. He wiped at his eyes. “Stupid pregnancy hormones.”
“You can cry in front of me. I don’t mind at all. It shows me you have emotions for me.”
“There are so many emotions I have for you. I’m falling for you.” Ronan never wanted to leave David’s side. This big beast of a bear had turned out to be a teddy bear, which was exactly what Ronan needed in his life. He had little doubt David would protect him, but he wouldn’t lord over him. Sure, they would argue, but he believed their life would be good.
“I can see the love in your eyes.” David leaned in and placed a kiss on Ronan’s forehead. “You don’t have to say the words.”
Those words were so close to the tip of his tongue. The fear and pain he’d grown up with wasn’t in this house. He was free to be himself. “I want to though.”
“In time. Right now, I want to show you what I feel for you. I want to worship your body.”
Ronan swallowed over the thick wad of emotions in his throat as David pushed him to his back.
The slide of David’s hands on his skin, the graze of his beard, the gentle kisses, and playful nips took him over the edge all too soon. His body sang to David’s tune. They were one, David sliding in, Ronan accepting. The pace picked up, and his dick woke up again.
Heat built and twisted around him, taking his breath and his mind. David rolled to his back, taking Ronan along with him. He was on his knees, his ass sliding down David’s hot cock. He’d never imagined life being this good. His chest tightened as another wave of bliss passed through him.
David’s gaze didn’t stray as every inch of him filled Ronan. His thickness, his pubes against Ronan’s nearly hairless bottom, his balls, all of it brought Ronan closer to orgasm. The love in David’s eyes overwhelmed him. He was ready for this. Ready for a lifelong commitment.
David flipped them again and rose up, his lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes lit with a flame so hot it scorched Ronan. David pressed in, grinding his hips against Ronan’s. The veins in David’s neck showed as he shouted out Ronan’s name.
It was all too much.
He tried to wait but having David inside him, loving him like this blissed him out. He came hard, his ass clenching down on David’s cock while thunder and lightning rolled through him. The earth tilted, and maybe an explosion went off, heck the sun could have ceased shining, all that mattered was David sinking into him as they became one.
When he caught his breath, he opened his eyes and stared up into David’s beautiful face. The wonder he had for this man had wrapped around his heart, his soul, and held him in place. He’d never leave David. The bond between them was too strong. He’d spent his life fearing this, fearing being so dedicated to one person he could lose his life, but David wasn’t a jerk. He wouldn’t ever abuse that bond.
Ronan’s voice was soft, but the words fierce. “Forever is what I promise you.”
David pressed his forehead against Ronan’s. “Same here, forever, my love. I’ll cherish you, keep you save, and give you freedom. This is our future, Ronan, and I plan on making it wonderful.”
The words were so powerful, so beautiful Ronan had no reply. They lay together, touching and caressing for a while, then David led him to the shower and helped him wash. Ronan half thought David was there because he liked touching him. After the shower, David carried him to their bed. Wrapped in the comfort of David’s arms, he drifted off.
Morning brought beautiful skies and happiness. The feelings growing inside were more than he’d expected. He felt deeper for David than he’d dreamed imaginable.
Ruari found a place to stay out west, and they began planning for him to leave. His course would take almost a year, but his break would line up with the birth of the babies. Ronan was happy his brother was planning on coming back for that.
After they arranged for the useful parts of his father’s company to be sold, he and Ruari could relax. There were debts to be paid, but once the property was sold, and the bills taken care of, they would have money left over.
Since Ruari didn’t have to leave for two weeks, they spent the time laughing, cooking, and making David’s house Ronan’s home. It was odd being so free and happy. Every once in a while, Ronan would meet Ruari’s gaze, and they would both shiver as fear snuck up on them. Those times were fewer and further between now than they’d been even a month before.
Ruari left for Arizona, and it was only he and David. Their life was filled with happiness. He still had nightmares, but David was there to help him work through the worst of it. He planted a garden and learned how to cook some of David’s favorite dishes. Part of his healing was learning to be himself. He’d never been able to express himself freely, but David encouraged him.
From the calls, letters, and video chat sessions, it looked like Ruari was having a wonderful time. He was learning things about himself he’d never even expected. He wanted Ruari to have the best of life.
And today he would see his brother again. He couldn’t wait to hear first-hand about Ruari’s adventures.
“Hey,” David called out from the den.
Ronan ambled out, his belly sticking out so far, he feared it would never go back to what it was before. He grunted and shook his head.
“What was that grunt about.”
“My belly.”
“I love your belly.”
He rolled his eyes. “You keep saying you do, but you’re not the one who has to live with it.”
“No.” David stepped closer and placed his hand on the huge bump. “I don’t, but I love you. And I love how you’re having my babies.”
He blinked up at David. “Will you love me after I give birth?”
“Yes. You’re more than your body, though I do love your body—”
Ronan snorted. “Even with me like this?”
“Babe, especially with you like this.”
He wrapped his arms around David’s waist and held on. “I love you.”
David sighed. “I have to go pick up your brother. Will you be okay? Do you want to come with me?”
“Hmm, a hike to your truck and then sitting in it for hours while we drive to the airport. That’s a big no. I’m going to take a nap and rest. I mean I want to see Ruari, but I need sleep.”
“Get some rest. I’ll be home soon. We’ll stop for food. Want me to pick you up anything?”
He nodded absently as the reality of his situation hit him full force. His brother was coming home, that meant the babies would be here soon. “Anything will be good,” he said, not even sure if he could eat. “Thank you.”
David left after a quick kiss and Ronan headed to the kitchen. This house was secure, and Ronan didn’t doubt his safety. No one had come looking for them. Two weeks ago, David had moved his truck closer, but it was still almost a mile away. There was talk of cleaning the overgrown driveway leading from the county road, but David still hadn’t made a decision.
After eating a banana, he stretched out on the bed and drifted off. He woke to the worst pain he’d ever experienced. He rolled to the edge of the bed and stood but dropped to his knees when the pain was too much. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced before.
It took him thirty minutes to crawl into the bathroom and then the shower. He undressed slowly, each move painful. Then he flipped on the hot water, turning, so it hit his back where the pain was centered. He was better for a while, but the heat was making him sick.
He turned off the water, but liquid still flowed down his legs. “What is that?”
Ronan stared at his legs and another pain hit hard. The urge to push wound through him.
“Oh no,” he cried out. His water had broken. He was having these babies soon.
This wasn’t supposed to happen while he was alone. Every scenario of the birth he’d gone through in his mind, David had been with him. Fear rode him hard. How could he do this alone?
Ronan drew in a deep breath, trying to calm.
“Omegas do this all the time.”
His words didn’t help. He’d read article after article and watched videos to help him understand what to do, but nothing had prepared him for the fear and pain.
What if something happened. What if one of the babies had a cord wrapped around his or her neck? What if he died?
The pain grew worse, and he swore he was going to vomit. There would be no help, no one to call on. They lived too far out from town, and it would be impossible to give directions to the entrance. Maybe he could make it to the road, but not without standing, and standing was unattainable in his current state.
Panic threatened to overwhelm, and the world was caving in on him. He didn’t want David to come home and find him dead on the floor of their bathroom.
A sob escaped his lips. He couldn’t do this alone. “Where are you, David?”
Chapter Fourteen
The fear of David finding him dead pushed Ronan from the distress swamping him. He grabbed onto the counter and pulled himself up to standing. His tablet was in the bedroom on the dresser. He made his way there, stopping to breathe as another contraction hit.
He wouldn’t succumb to the pain.
When he made it to the dresser and had the tablet in his hands, he realized walking helped. His head cleared a little more. He went back into the bathroom and gathered fresh towels. This was going to get messy, but he was prepared now.
The kit David had made up was in his closet, so Ronan headed in there, finding the kit and a cute blue gift bag.
David had thought of everything. Emotions filled him. His man was amazing. He had a gift for Ronan for after the birth. Ronan had indeed found an amazing man when he’d stumbled into David that day he was running for his life. So much had happened.
Another contraction hit and he fought to stay on his feet. The pain was worse. These babies were coming soon.
He moved slowly, each step taken deliberately. He finally made it back to the bathroom. He put a few towels where he could grab them and arranged the kit for use.
Another contraction hit, this one bigger than the ones before. The urge to push struck so hard he couldn’t ignore it thi
s time. He dropped to a squat and noticed the pain eased when he pushed. It was happening soon, and he wasn’t sure he could handle this alone. He needed that video.
Once he could breathe again, he set up the tablet with the instructional video of what to do if an Omega found themselves alone during birth. He felt better. He loaded the video and then clicked over to music and another contraction hit. He let out a low groan as pain filled him. Time seemed to stop. The sounds around him blanked out as the urge to push took over.
After the world came back into focus, he hit play on soothing tunes with gently rolling waves in the background. The time between the contractions was oddly calming. The pain had been so intense that this lack of pain seemed like a blessing.
Then boom, another contraction took his breath. He reached down between his legs as he dropped into another squat over a towel. Emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Then there was the downy soft hair on a round head.
His baby!
He pushed again, this time ignoring the pain. After the contraction waned, he leaned against the cabinet and drew in a long breath.
“Okay, baby, let’s get this done.” Talking to himself might seem crazy, but he wasn’t only talking to himself, he was talking to his babies.
With the next contraction, a burst of relief hit, and one baby slid out into his hands. Shock filled him at the sight. He’d been prepared to look upon his baby, or so he thought, but this was magical. His inner wolf sizzled and sparked. He forced himself to calm down. He didn’t want to shift while giving birth.
At the end of his next deep breath, the urge to push hit again. He placed baby number one—a girl—on the towel in front of him, then began pushing.
This baby was easier but no less emotional when he saw her beautiful face staring up at him. She was just as perfect as her sister. Tears ran down his cheeks as he cut the cords and delivered the afterbirth. The soft grunts and squeaks from his babies made his throat close up. Then one of them stretched and his heart squeezed.
He’d done it. He’d had his babies, and everything had gone well. He prayed David made it here soon so he could witness the miracle of these children.