bChapter /bb184 /b

Conrad POV

I stand on the balcony and look out to the forest as the hunt is underway. Some have me torches and others shlights, and they chase their targets. Watching the lights flicker fike stars on the ground was quite mesmerising. Flowing in and out of the heavy tree canopy like meteors.

Lewana went to bed about an hour ago. She was exhausted after today’s events. I held her til she went to sleep, but got up when I heard the howling. The joyful howls of a pack of wolves enjoying the night.

The feeling was indescribable. I should be guilty about sentencing wolves to death, but I don’t. It had to be done. I’m not happy about either, but I do feel peaceful. Not conflicted as I thought I would be.

It’s about midnight when I see the torchesing back in from the forest and decide to go back to my sleeping mate. She was nearly four months along now. Mary told me not to focus on the pups‘ arrivals until trimester three, as that is when nesting or den instincts will be the focus. Until then. Just focus

on my mate.

1 woke about 6 and just held my mate while she slept. I have made it more of a priority to be with her in the morning so she doesn’t feel alone. It has definitely calmed her down more. Calmed me down, if I’m honest.

I know we have one more major hurdle to ovee. Malik and Donovan. But that can wait til tomorrow. Today. We spend as a family.

Lewana opens her eyes at about 7. I make sure to ask Serena what she wants this morning, and she says she is in the mood for duck. I head out hunting while she gets ready and goes downstairs.

We meet in the kitchen with the rest of our family and enjoy breakfast.

Arthur and Liam are famished and are shoveling food in like no tomorrow. They must have shifted a lotst night to be this hungry.

Iugh when I enter. “You two look starved. Must have worked up an appetitest night“.

They both grunted in reply. I pass Mary the duck and go sit next to my girl. I just hold her tight while she stares longingly at the duck, while Mary butchers itb. /b

“You did wellst night, son“. Arthur ps me on the back twice, and I appreciate the acknowledgement.

Thanks. I actually thought it would feel different. I mean, I had to shoot a few enemy soldiers while in the military, and I suppose it’s a simr thing, but I’m OK“.

bHe /bjust nods. “Good to hear“.

Mary,e over with my breakfast. “Well, I’m proud of you as well. Proud of all three men in my life“.

Liam looked horrified. “When the fuck did Arthur work his way to the same level as us?b“/b.

Mary just ps her hands at him. “You know what I mean. You all did a good jobst night handling what was needed“.

Liam decided to double down. No. We are your boys. Not the men in your life. We are in an entirely separate superior category above your… whatever

Arthur is“.

Arthur decided to ianndy /iLiars for this remark. Think the term you kids use is fuck buddy

Liam bstares /bat the old man, horrified as we all bust outughing

Arthur then starts dramatically looking around the table I cant find the whipped cream for by pancakes Did I forget to bring it back from your ce bst /bnight, my httle cupcake?“.

Liam starts dramatically dry heaving as the girls start screaming withughter. I just groan as Mary goes red and runs over to smack Arthur, but he grabs

her and kisses her on the lips.

When theughter dies down, except Liam is still staring at Arthur like he is nning revenge, a peaceful silence falls over the kitchen.

Mary speaks up in a voice above a whisper. Actually, I did want to talk to you all about something“. Mary looks down at the ground as Arthur rubs her back reassuringly. She is clearly nervous.

“How would you feel if Arthur and I became mates?“.

The whole room froze. All eyes were on Liam and me. Liam was too stunned to say anything, so I spoke up.

If this is what you want, and you’re sure, why are you asking permission?“.

Arthur takes over as Mary is shaking. I can smell her fear.

“Lewana and Conrad. We all know we are a parental figure in your life, and you have enough to manage with the pup, the enemy threats, and the weight of the crowns you have to bear. Thest thing either of us wants is to make things moreplicated for you both. If you say no, we will stay together just unmarked, but we will go with what you think is best.

Liam speaks up incredulously. “What about me and my opinion? Am I just chopped liver to you?“.

Arthur rolls his eyes. “Of course we care. They just have more to worry about. Also, if we can convince the two of them, you’re outvoted anyway“.

Mary smacks Arthur yfully on the chest, and he just shrugs.

I can feel the joy rising in Lewana, and she bursts out crying in uncontroble sobs.

Arthur looks instantly worried. “It’s OK, Jellybean. You know we won’t do anything if it upsets you like this“.

I startughing Arthur, I can feel her emotions. There are happy tears. She always said she just wanted you to be happy. I feel the same way about Mary, so I think it is a yes from both of us“.

Lewana just starts nodding, unable to speak through her tears, and reaches out to hug Arthur, who instantly reaches out to hug her back.

Mary looks at Liam, still slightly worried. “Are you OK with this?“.

Liam just rolls his eyes. b“/bAs long as I stay your favorite, it’s fine“. She runs over and hugs him tightly and starts kissing him on his cheek.

Arthur yfully jokes with her. “Save some of them for me“b. /b

Liam gets an evil look in his eyes. “It’s iOK/i. I can give you some“.

He starts chasing Arthur around the table while blowing air kisses, and Arthur dramatically dodges them. When one gets him, he acts like it is poison and drops to the ground while clutching his chest.

My family.

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ok when in the hell is Conrad going to mark her like damn it’s been like forever I can’t wait anymore000

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