Page 40 of Alpha's Rise

3 Years Later

“Come on, Jeremiah. I’ll help you.” Christopher held the hand of the little boy toddling next to him as they walked over to the ice cream cart. The younger child was a perfect mixture of his parents. Hazel eyes like Tobias. Skin a beautiful light cocoa, courtesy of his mother, Romi. And a stubborn attitude unlike anything seen before, courtesy of his second dad, Nathan. The only one who could get him to calm down was Christopher, his unofficial big brother and protector.

Today was a special day. Romi was pregnant with her second child, and they were all gathered for a celebration at the Alpha Supreme’s home. A few days ago, they’d found out they were having a little girl this time. Another blessing for Romi, Tobias, and Nathan. Many of the kids from town and their parents were gathered around. There was plenty of food for everyone. Music was playing and even a few brave souls had ventured onto a makeshift dance floor to show off their moves.

“Romi, our little guy is getting so big,” Layla said next to her before leaning in for a hug. “Jeremiah’s going to be a heartbreaker.”

“Yeah, he’s something else, alright. I thought having both Tobias and Nathan in his life would help balance our little guy. Two fathers to give double the discipline. Little did I realize that instead of calming him, they would amplify him. He’s the only son of the only son of the Alpha Supreme. It’s like he knows how important he is to the pack. Everyone caters to him and his little attitude…” Romi was getting spun up.

“Girl, it’s okay. You’re gonna have to let that go. Let your little man live his best life. He’s only two years old. You and I both know how those terrible two’s can be.” They both glanced over at Christopher. While he was the poster child for well-behaved and balanced children, he wasn’t always like that. “Those weren’t easy days, but he got through it. So will Jeremiah.”

“With this little one coming in four months, I’m just worried that I won’t have enough time to spend with my little guy. Tobias and Nathan do the best they can, but with more rogue shifters coming out of the woodworks and spreading across the US pack lands, it’s becoming harder.”

Layla nodded in agreement. “It’s been tough. Odin says he usually stayed on his own unless Tobias truly needed him. Lately, that need has been happening more often. Although, I must admit, I feel safer knowing that Odin is with Tobias and Nathan when they’re gone. The three of them together are a formidable trio.”

Romi felt the exact same way. Lately, whenever they left, she became emotionally drained. If she weren’t pregnant with little Jana, she would want to be out there with them. But her men were adamant that she stays at home and protect their pack. They weren’t slick. She knew her powers became muted when pregnant, something she discovered when Jeremiah was growing in her stomach. “I’m just glad they’re back for a while. If I had my wish, I would want them to not leave again until this little girl is born.”

“Does she talk to you? You know, like Jeremiah did?”

A huge smile came over Romi’s face. “She does, and girl, does she talk. I mean, anything and everything. From the food I eat to what her daddies are doing. She’s a very curious child, even though she’s not yet in this world.”

“Do you think she’ll be like Jeremiah? He’s already showing signs that he has shifter capabilities and his momma’s sparkle,” she said with a grin. “Christopher says his birth… and Jana’s birth will change the face of the pack forever.”

Romi wondered the same thing. Her babies were special. More than anyone expected. Along with their father’s shifter capabilities, she was sure that both her babies would inherit her power as well. What would that mean for the pack? What would that mean to their enemies.

And there was that other secret, she thought, placing her hand on her rounded stomach. It’s okay, little princess. Your daddies will protect you. She couldn’t help but send that silent message to her daughter.

“Well, our Christopher is probably right,” Romi admitted. “But thank goodness we don’t have to worry about it today. All I care about right now, is getting more of that red velvet cake. It’s been calling my name.”

Layla knew Romi had changed the subject, but she was okay with that. There was plenty of time to discuss the future of the pack. Today was a day for fun and celebration with family and friends. “Well, rest your feet. I’ll grab it for you. I’ll also go check on the kids while I’m at it. Odin has our little girl in his arms somewhere. I think they’re over by the ponies. I swear, if that man tries to get her a horse, I’m going to go off,” she laughed.

Watching her friend walk away, Romi looked around at everyone gathered. Three years ago, she never would have expected to be here. Mated to two very protective men. Living close to Layla, Christopher, and Odin. Plus, Layla had a new little girl, Amber, who just turned one years old a few months ago.

Life was good for her, and her family was thriving. Romi wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Speaking of happiness, she watched Tobias and Nathan walk in her direction. The current Alpha Supreme was between them, so they must have been talking about pack business. As they approached, her father-in-law leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. It was such a dad move, but since she found it endearing, she didn’t put up a fuss about it.

“Daughter. How are you feeling today?”

“Hey Pops. I’m okay, just feeling a bit like a beached whale. Jana’s playing hopscotch on my kidneys, but so far so good.”

A smile lifted his lips. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know. I know we haven’t experienced this in a long time, but we managed to raise this one,” he tipped his head at Tobias, “and he turned out okay.”

“Yeah, I guess he’s alright,” Romi said with a laugh, before reaching her hand out to Tobias. “Thanks for the offer, Alpha. You, Maria, and Brayden have been amazing. Not only to me, but you’re also amazing grandparents. Thank you for everything.” She just hoped they felt that way once their secret was out.

He nodded, patting her on the shoulder. “Speaking of my mates, I don’t see them around. They probably snuck off to a quiet spot.”

“Dad. Nope,” Tobias interjected. “We don’t need to know all that.”

As he walked away laughing, Romi couldn’t believe one of the most deadly and powerful beings in the entire shifter world was her father-in-law, and grandfather to her babies. What a fucking whirlwind. Sorry baby, you’ll have to forgive momma’s language, she smiled as she sent the message to her daughter nestled in her stomach.

“Hungry?” Nathan asked as he stood by her side.

“Layla’s getting me some cake.”

“Romi. You know that’s not good for you or the baby.” Tobias complained. “By the way, where’s our son?”

Pointing in the direction of the ice cream truck, she tilted head. “With Christopher.”

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