For a moment, I’m stunned. It’s unusual for Jaxon to even make the slightest compliment if it’s not to Ava.

“Yeah,” I say. “I know. It would be shitty to have a Beta you didn’t trust.”

“After how you kept this pack together when I fell apart a few years ago.” He pauses, and I hold his gaze. “There is no one else I’d want beside me.”

A small laugh passes my lips. “You make us sound like lovers.”

Jaxon makes a face. “Please, never say that again.”

“Just tell me that you’d be nothing without me.” I playfully wink. “We all know it.”

He shakes his head with a scowl. “Get out.”

I chuckle and step out of his office. “You’ll never be rid of me, Jaxon.”

“And that I’m fearful of,” he says as I begin to shut the door. “Meeting is in an hour.”

I head down to the kitchen and find Sebastian already there with Ava and Lucy at the counter, Albie in Ava’s arms as she rocks him gently.

“Good meeting?” Lucy smiles as she warms up a milk bottle.

Sebastian blows out a long breath. “As good as it’ll ever be.”

“Jaxon insufferable?” Ava chuckles.

“Understatement,” I murmur.

“He’s been worse,” Sebastian comments. “He wants me to take over the training.”

Lucy’s eyes widen a little. “Really?”

“Yep, and incorporate the witches, too.”

“Sounds…fun.”

“As ever.” Sebastian laughs.

“It’s time for this little man’s nap,” Lucy says as she takes Albie from her arms and looks up at Sebastian. “He’ll be sparko after this bottle.”

Sebastian moves towards her. “Let me take him.”

“Why?”

“Because I know you want to shower,” He cradles the baby in his arms. “Go. I’ll have him down when you’re done.”

Lucy stares up at him with stars in her eyes. She pecks his cheek and then his lips. “Thanks, babe. You’re the best.”

“I know.” He smiles back at her.

Lucy practically runs to shower as Sebastian takes Albie to the living room for some peace and quiet. Ava holds her bump as she starts grabbing plates and filling them with snacks. I quirk a brow at her. “Pregnancy cravings?”

“No.” She laughs. “Kayleigh’s coming over. She has lots of memorabilia from school that I want to see and show Jaxon, too. I don’t have any of those things, including our yearbook.”

I pause, staring back at her. “Kayleigh’s coming over?”

She never told me that.

“Yeah,” she says as she watches me carefully. “She said you went over to see her the other day.”