Austin's Point of View
"Wait, Aiden, wait. The moon brought her here," I tried to explain, but the look of disgust on his face withered my voice away.
I watch as Aiden lowers his face to her neck, his teeth elongating as he marks her in front of me. Instant pain flares in my chest. We should have done that together, combining our essence at the same moment.
Then I watch as he enters our mother's house, closing the door behind him.
"I don't know what will happen from here. She was mated and marked by Aiden. She carries his pup. He's been with me since yesterday morning, his scent guided her here, with some help from the moon. She's here because he led her here. Don't think you have a right to claim her just because you found her. I'll scry and see what your future is regarding humans," my mom said before she too walked into her home. I watched as the door began to close, then stop. "Get rid of that female. No, give her that home and rebuild. My daughter-in-law deserves a clean home."
I stand in her yard and watch as mom walks away, her command strong in my head.
Dad is an omega male, which does not mean he is weak, he's just the seventh born, first generation. Unlike my mom, who is the seventh born in four generations. She is extremely strong, more powerful than any pack alpha I've ever met. Including our own.
I scratched my head as I turned away. I put on some shorts that are kept in a bin around the pack property, as I make my way back home, back to Cass. Cass has been with me for two years, living with me as we both sought our fated partner, but not wanting to be alone. We have done everything together, just as a real fated couple.
My heart pings as I imagine the pain in her eyes.
I imagine my human mate finding out that not only did I not wait for her, but I also have a pup born from another.
My first born was not birthed by my mate, but by Cass.
Nausea rolls through me. I love my baby girl, just born five weeks ago. My mother has never come to see her. Neither has my father.
The rest of the pack has. It was Bree's birth that led me to commit to Cass, promising to mark her as my chosen mate.
I can still smell Abby on me. Her lavender and honey scent made my mouth water, whereas Cass's scent of oleander is no longer as appealing. In fact, it's not appealing in the least. Where it once made my mouth water, I feel the urge to run far away.
Just yesterday I was devouring her honey pot, listening to her scream as she orgasmed. The image that made me so proud yesterday is causing my stomach to revolt today. The pleasure I took in entering and cumming deep inside her is what caused me to lose the rabbit I ate before finding Abby. I retch in the plants before continuing the trek home.
Cass will be hurt.
Bree. What will become of her?
I step out of the woods and into my backyard. I see Cass through the kitchen window, singing and dancing as she cleans. When I left her late last night, I was resistant and kept kissing her until we made love. The smell my mother scented was of our union. I watch as she picks up Bree, cooing down, the soft smile that once warmed my heart left me cold.
I've messed up.
Not only my possible future with Abby and Aiden, but also Cass's future.
What wolf would claim a female with a bastard?
My mom's words play in my head…
"Austin, be patient. Aiden will be back. He is not turning away from the moon, nor from you. He needs his space. Remember when you boys were younger? Aiden always did his own thing, even though you both are twins. He was just more independent than most wolves. Wolves like us need a pack. Aiden will be fine. In fact, he'll come back just for his destiny ....So, don't do anything stupid with that girl Cass. That wolf is not meant for you."
It would be funny if it didn't hurt so badly. The brother I thought abandoned is back, officially marked my mate and here I am. Being a coward staying in the backyard. Watching as Cass cares for our daughter. Aiden is the wolf with the reputation of being stubborn, but look at me here. I ignored my mother's words, the holy oracle that people paid thousands of dollars to see, and kept Cass by my side.
I straightened my back and prepared to enter the house. Mom was right, I wouldn't be able to erase two years of scents from this house. It would be better to give it to Cass and build another one with Aiden.
I was blind, but now I see. The ache in my chest is growing.
I feel that when Abby wakes up. Her confusion and distrust in the house. I need to thank Austin for marking her, otherwise I would not even have a chance to feel this small amount from our mate.
I can no longer procrastinate. I turned the door knob and entered the house, the smell of ham thick in the air.
I can still smell myself on Cass's body, making me feel even more guilt.
My mate may be human, but we have the old laws for a reason. I see Bree's beautiful smile, her face a perfect reflection of me and Cass. I love this child so much, but now I have to tell my mate that not only did I not wait for her, but I also had a child with another female.
I don't know what will come of Cass and me, nor Abby and me. My stomach is tied in knots imagining every situation but a good one.