Page 32 of Chased Bear

Not a gender reveal like the humans did, but like a fun way to get the den involved. There weren’t many omegas and births weren’tcommon. I discovered early on that the alphas didn’t really know what to do with me now that I was pregnant. It was almost as if they thought I was fragile and needed to be guarded from all things. I half hoped that this would help them feel more a part of things and less overprotective—no, that wasn’t the word, but they were that, too.

“We’re well into the fall season, and there’s a lot of fun to be had on our gathering nights.” I loved how many events my mate planned for the den. He might’ve been organized, but he knew how to have a good time.

Aydan leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’m just so happy.”

“Well, good. It’d be real awkward if you were miserable.” I stuck out my tongue.

“Hush you. I mean, it’s just great, isn’t it? The den is doing well. You’re doing well. It’s really great.”

Better than great. The den was thriving, new omegas petitioning to come for a visit pretty regularly now. I was about to have the love of my life’s child, and my bestie was blissed out with his mating and family.

“I’m getting one of everything,” I said as the case of baked goods filled my vision. “Or two. Maybe two is better.”

“For the den? Is that enough?”

“Oh, crap.” I’d forgotten we were picking up treats for everyone. “No, that was for us. Let’s get a dozen of each cookie and a couple dozen cannoli, and all the cupcakes in the case except the ones with the clowns on them. Nobody wants that.” At least no one I knew. But they were in the case, so someone must be buying them.

“That sounds like plenty.”

I shook my head. “It’s deceiving. We should also get those brownies, yes, all of them, and those muffins. That should do.”

The poor women behind the counter spent the next forty-five minutes boxing everything up, and the display case looked like it had been looted by sugar bandits. It took us three trips to get it all in the car, and if we’d had another person with us, there wouldn’t have been any room.

“Thank you for inviting me into your den.” I kissed him and slid into my seat. Slid being an exaggeration. There were no smooth motions with this belly.

My mate walked around to the driver’s side and climbed into his seat. He took my hand and brought it up to his cheek. “Thank you for coming and showing me what good disorder could do for me.”

“If you hurry up, we can get these unloaded and still have an hour to ourselves.”

“An hour. Whatever shall we do with that time?”

“Oh, my sexy alpha, I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

He got us home within an hour and a half, and I showed him exactly where my mind had been going.

Epilogue

Aydan

“Okay, so you understand what to do and how to prioritize the to-do list each morning?” I held my pen, going over my notes with my Betas. Did everything have to be done the way I did it? Of course not. These guys had other jobs. They didn’t have the time for that. I still laid it out there for them in detail, though. It made me feel like I was doing all I needed to now, allowing me to not need to worry about it later.

At least that was the plan. I had no idea if it would work or not. We’d find out soon enough. It was almost go time.

In addition to Zane and Patrick, I now had Olen joining the ranks. The den had grown considerably in the past few months, and we needed more Betas—more of everything, really. We currently had three houses in the middle of being built, as well as one multi-unit complex.

I wasn’t just letting everyone in who requested. Being a gatekeeper wasn’t my goal, but it was important to pick people who would fit in here. More than one person went through the process and realized we didn’t have what they needed. It wasn’t simply a matter of what we wanted.

“Yes, Alpha, we all understand how to prioritize and get things done. This isn’t our first rodeo.” Zane meant his words, but there was no disguising his amusement at my nerves.

I grimaced. “I know, but I just want to make sure you have everything you need and that you won’t need to reach out to me. Not that I won’t be available, of course. I’ll be available. I’m not officially stepping down or anything like that—”

Patrick let out a growl and clamped a hand over his mouth. “Apologies, Alpha. It’s just… we’ve been talking for two hours, and we know what we’re doing, right?”

He was right. I was overdoing it. And not by a little, either. I was overdoing it by a lot. I needed to pull back and let things fall where they may. These alphas were just as invested in this pack as I was. They’d do fine. Better than.

“You’re just worried about Jayce and the baby. I get that—but we can do this.” Zane grabbed my shoulder. “Once you leave this office, try not to think about it again. Family comes first… always. How many times did you tell me that when my son was born.”

Stupid best friend going around being right… again.

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