Page 51 of Chomp's Challenge

Spike shoves a bottle of Jack in front of him. “Drink it. All of it,” he orders.

Kodiak arches a brow. “But,” he argues.

“No. You've got plenty of padding. Drink. Now.”

Thirty minutes later, Kodiak’s words are slurring, and he’s pacing the floor, sending agonized glances at the bedroom where the women are gathered. He’s not drunk enough to be a concern. It’s just taken the edge off, which has probably helped Callie.

My mom has promised to get him as soon as it’s time, so until then, we’ve made it our mission to keep Kodiak occupied. The liquor has helped, but I can see it’s already wearing off. Damn shifter metabolism!

Just when I think Kodiak might actually shift in the clubhouse, my mother pokes her head out the door. “It’s time.”

Kodiak is sober in an instant, rushing to his mate. Spike, Peanut, and Fang begin to pace, and I join them, knowing this moment is private and I need to wait to enter the room. When the door finally opens, it’s not my mom. Kodiak takes small, measured steps as he walks into the main hall where we’ve been waiting, holding a swaddled bundle.

“My son.” He swallows hard. “My first cub.”

Cheers erupt in the room, and there isn’t a male in sight who isn’t both envious and thrilled for Kodiak. This is what we’ve all wanted, and what we’ve hoped for. Mates. Offspring. Peace.

“I’ve got a son!” Kodiak kisses the sweet, soft cheek of his newborn, and I can tell he’s in love in an instant.

Later that night, I sit on one of the couches with my mother and Ariel, enjoying the celebration going on around us. The clubhouse is full of life, cheer, and hope. It’s fucking powerful.

My mother’s head droops, and she rests against the cushions, asleep in an instant. I’m still in awe that she’s here. We’ve decided not to leave the clubhouse so I can stay close to Mom and Chewy for a few days. I feel the need to remain by their side, and Ariel understands. It’s not like there aren’t plenty of rooms and suites available, and Ariel has already gotten one ready for them to use until their cabin is built.

“You know,” she whispers, “I think I know just what you need right now.”

“Oh?”

“Practice,” she answers simply.

For once, I don’t catch her meaning right away. “Huh, dove?”

“Practicing for our own.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and it’s the cutest thing. Wait. Is she saying . . .?

Yes! We need hatchlings! my gator bellows, nearly deafening me with his roar.

I shoot to my feet, pick up Ariel, and stride with purpose toward my room.

We’re making our own little bundle of joy. Tonight. And every night until it happens.

Ariel’s lips hover at my ear. “I want a baby of our own, Chomp. Give me one.”

I shiver. “Mate, I will give you so much of me, it’s dripping out.”

She giggles. “Good.”

I know when we enter that room, we’re not coming out for hours. Gator’s thoughts sum it up for both of us.

Let’s get it on!

Epilogue

CHOMP

Two months later

“Are you ready, Chomp?” Mom asks as we put the finishing touches on the brunch. Once she and Chewy got settled, she went to work at the diner, and after she heard Ariel’s idea about how to increase business and sales, she and I put our heads together to create a brunch menu for Sundays. Just like the ones she used to make growing up.

Being in a large industrial kitchen allows me to pander to my desire to cook for others without intruding on everything else I do for the club’s businesses. Plus, as an added bonus, I get to spend time with my mom. I have the best of both worlds, in all honesty. I get to work alongside my mate at the club business and cook with my mom once again.

---