Page 79 of Baby and the Beast

Nash still couldn’t believe the Panthera of the entire eastern united states—a queen in shifter society—allowed all the children to call her grandmother. Grandma was Darriel’s mom, Serena, and Nana was Dinah. Bhodi’s mom—another shifter queen—Aadhya, also had another title with the kids as well, and together they were referred to as the Grandma Club.

Casimir slipped the dress over Copper's head and tiny arms, marveling at how such a simple act could fill him with such profound joy. She was growing so quickly—already taking her first steps, saying a handful of words, and shifting into a tiny copper-colored fox kit that could fit in his palms.

"How do you do that?" Nash asked, shaking his head in wonder. "She fights me for twenty minutes, but you ask once and she's suddenly cooperative."

Casimir chuckled, smoothing Copper's curls. "Maybe she just likes to keep you on your toes."

"Or you wrapped around her little finger," Nash added with a smile, leaning in to press a kiss to Casimir's cheek.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Casimir replied innocently, though the warmth in his eyes betrayed him.

The past year had changed him in ways he never could have imagined. The weight of guilt that had bent his shoulders for so long had gradually lightened, replaced by the responsibilitiesof fatherhood and partnership. He still carried the scars—both physical and emotional—but they no longer ruled his life.

Copper patted his face with her tiny hands, demanding his attention. "Papa, up!"

He lifted her easily, settling her on his hip as Nash gathered the diaper bag and birthday presents they'd kept hidden.

"Ready?" Nash asked, his amber eyes bright with excitement.

Casimir nodded, taking Nash's hand with his free one. "Let's go celebrate our little miracle."

They walked together to the main hall, Copper babbling happily between them. As they entered, a cheer went up from the assembled guests. Casimir still wasn't entirely comfortable being the center of attention, but he'd learned to tolerate it for Copper's sake—and for Nash, who thrived on the pack's communal energy.

"There's the birthday girl!" Emmett called, approaching with his daughter Josie skipping along beside him. The two little girls had become inseparable playmates, despite Josie being three years older.

Copper wriggled to be set down, immediately running to her friend with the wobbly determination of a new walker. The adults watched, laughing as the two embraced with the unrestrained enthusiasm only children could manage.

"Hard to believe it's been a year," Emmett said, echoing Casimir's earlier sentiment.

Nash nodded, leaning against Casimir's side. "Sometimes it feels like we just arrived yesterday. Other times..."

"Like you've always been here," Ryker finished, joining them with drinks.

It was true, Casimir reflected. Despite his initial reluctance, the pack had become home in a way his solitary cabin never could have been. He'd found purpose here—not just in raising Copper and building a life with Nash, but in helping otherrefugees find safety. His knowledge of the mountains and tracking skills had gotten him a good job, but it also meant he was on the team that responded to emergencies.

"Happy birthday to one of my favorite granddaughters," Regina announced, presenting a small velvet box to Copper, who had toddled back to her parents.

Nash hid his smile. As Emmett was officially Regina’s grandson, then technically Emmett and Ryker’s brood were her great-grandchildren, but it would be a very brave shifter that ever dared to give her that title.

"Well, at least for now," Regina replied with a meaningful glance at Nash's midsection.

Casimir's eyebrows shot up, and he looked questioningly at Nash, who flushed slightly.

"I was going to tell you tonight," Nash murmured, a mix of embarrassment and joy on his face.

Casimir felt the world shift beneath his feet. "You're—"

Nash nodded, his amber eyes luminous. "About six weeks. Marco confirmed it this morning." Humans were unable to get male omegas pregnant without having a certain gene, but with encouragement and Zeke’s help, Casimir had gotten himself tested and it had been confirmed that somewhere in his lineage he had shifter blood.

Before Casimir could respond, Copper demanded their attention, struggling to open Regina's gift. Nash helped her, revealing a delicate silver chain with a small pendant—a small fox laying curled up on a human hand.

"For her heritage," Regina explained. "Both sides are equally important."

"Thank you," Casimir said, his voice rough. "It's perfect."

The celebration continued around them—children playing, adults laughing and talking, the pack's bonds strengthening withshared family. Copper toddling from group to group, soaking up attention and gifts with gleeful abandon.

Everyone looked over at the windows at the sound of Zeke’s helicopter landing and Darriel clapped his hands in glee. “Good timing. They would have missed the cake cutting.”

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