Page 58 of The Alpha's Mates

“We did it,” Hayden said as their house surrounded them. “Told you we’d win.”

Being told and it actually happening were two entirely different things. She was confident in their ability, obviously, yet there was still a chance Laney would still wiggle herself free from the consequences. The fact Dean Ames was going to wait to have a conduct hearing for her left Bell excited but edgy. It was giving Laney a chance to clear up her missteps. “You did. Now, we have to wait and see what the Conduct hearing says.”

Hayden frowned. “True, but I have a good feeling about it.”

Moments later, Jackson and Christoph joined them at the table. She pushed through her housemates and went straight to her mates. Excitement, love, and relief filled her. Everyone was safe. “We won!” She kissed both men. “It’s all over.”

“Congratulations, kitten.” Christoph gathered her into his arms. “You should know Isaac and Aislinn are settling in. You father just texted me.”

Bell sagged in his arms. “Perfect.”

“Way to put Laney in her place, blondie.” Jackson grinned.

“We should celebrate.” Hayden joined them. “Pool party at our place.”

Bell laughed. “Sure, but not today. I feel like celebrating with my mates.” She glanced up at her men. “Take me home, boys.”

Christoph chuckled. “Your wish is our command.”

“I love you both.” She pressed her palm to their chests. “Forever.”

“We love you, too, blondie.” Jackson reached down and tipped her chin up to press a kiss to her lips. “Forever.”

The tepid autumn air whipped around her as she stepped out of the building. Everything was brighter now, not so dull around the edges. Even though they still had a way to go where their new family was concerned, after all the stuff she’d been through, she’d face it head on. She was a Dryer after all.

Epilogue

Three years later,Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dalco Estate...

Christoph woke to the sound of his phone ringing. They’d only been at Jackson’s estate for a couple of days after graduation. Because of the Co-Ed house, Bell was still transferring over everything to the newest President and Vice-President, so they could begin the recruiting process. It was a bittersweet moment for his mate. She’d spent the last few years cultivating the house, making it a place where everyone, no matter their gender, orientation, shifter or human, could call home. He was so fucking proud of her and honored to be her mate. The phone rang again, drawing him out of his thoughts. He grabbed the device as he slipped out of bed, hoping not to wake her or Jackson. His gaze clashing with that of Jackson’s iridescent eyes as he answered. “Hello?”

“Is this Mr. Christoph St. John?” the man said in greeting.

“Yes, this is he.” Christoph continued to stare at Jackson, who’d gathered a still sleeping Bell in his embrace, concern etched on his face. “What can I do for you?”

“My name is Detective Richard Hopkins of El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with Denver County Sheriff’s. I’m calling you regarding an unaccompanied minor, named Alexia, no last name.”

Christoph knew Jackson could hear the entire conversation without trying. His mate perked up at the mention of the girl’s name. Three years ago, when his father had showed up with a little boy—Isaac St. John, his son, demanding he mate Aislinn Makino, daughter of Reyku Makino, Alpha of the Osaka Pride, Christoph refused. She was sixteen. Abused and scared. She’d been locked in a fucking box because she hadn’t bedded Christoph or mated him. It was at that moment, after he’d sent Aislinn to Window Rock, that he knew his parents were repugnant, depraved degenerates. As much as he hoped to become the son they always wanted, he knew he could never be that sinister or vile.

“I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand why you’re calling me about this child.” His mind spun. His stomach clenched. After everything they’d had to deal with because of his father and the Osaka Pride. Had his father decided to test Christoph, to see how far he could push his son until Christoph attacked? He wouldn’t put it past the old man.

“Sorry, I should have explained this better. I’m a little confused as well,” the Detective said. “I have a letter with your name on it along with your address at Turnskin University, but we were advised you’ve graduated. Are you still in the area so we can speak face to face?”

He swallowed hard. He couldn’t say no. Even if the child wasn’t his, someone knew where to find him and how. He racked his brain trying to figure out who the girl belonged to and why she was sent to Christoph. “Yes, I can meet you at the Sheriff’s Department if that’s okay with you?” He ran his fingers through his hair while pacing a small strip across their room.

“Sure. How long do you believe it will take you?” the Detective pressed.

Jackson roused Bell, and Christoph mentally kicked himself. He hated waking his little mate. They’d been so busy since graduation that any sleep she got was needed. Plus, they’d been through one of the harshest estruses they’d ever had. Nothing calmed the ardor racing through his veins. Nothing stilled the lion within him. He’d only experienced the sensation once, when he was seventeen. Bile bit at the back of his throat and he swallowed hard. “I can be there within the hour.”

“Perfect. We’ll keep Alexia occupied until you arrive,” Detective Hopkins said.

“Thank you.” Christoph hit end on his phone while he stared at his mates. Bell rubbed her eyes and stretched, while Jackson watched him closely.

“Who is Alexia?” Jackson said, sitting up.

“I don’t know. Maybe a sibling?” His father had relations with all the females within the Pride. He wouldn’t put it past his father to do something so dastardly as impregnant a female, then rip the kid away from her mother. Christoph rubbed the back of his neck, worried about what fresh hell his father brought upon him. “I’m not sure what’s going on, though I have a sneaky suspicion my father is behind it.” He placed the phone on the dresser, then turned to the closet to grab some clothes. “We have to be at the Sheriff’s department in an hour. We should all get ready.”

“In an hour?” Bell stifled a yawn before lifting her arms in the air, exposing her soft belly and porcelain skin. She was his everything, along with Jackson.

---