Mated to the Alpha and His Beta

Chapter 274

Xander

I watched our mate and pups, busy with a few learning games my mother had been teaching them. Counting, alphabet, stuff like that. It was hard to believe the three pups had gone from infants to toddlers in what felt like a few hours. But, in the way of our kind, they’d continue growing and maturing at an even faster pace now.

“If they’re getting older, what does that mean about us?” I laughed as Zane brought me a mug of black coffee

“You’re o

old,” my mother shot over to me with a wry grin. “And I’m even older.”

“Well,” my mate said as she got up to greet us both with a kiss, “I’m not old yet. Morning, my loves.”

Zane gave her a mug, too, along with a kiss. Watching the two of them together lifted my heart in ways I’d never known it could feel. For a second, I shot back to the Mating Day when we’d found out she’d been given us. Hot shame washed through me at the memory of how st upid we’d been. How arrogant and…yes, even

cruel.

“All forgiven,” Lanie thought-whispered.

to

“But not forgotten,” I replied firmly. “I will never allow myself to forget how badly I behaved. I never want to be that way again.”

up on her toes to her mouth. The sensation of feeling her emotions faded, and I gave her a

this morning. Unformed thoughts, like hints of ideas or stream-of-consciousness

could tell it bothered her, but I was careful not to

anything about it. I wasn’t sure I was sending the way she was, but I didn’t want her to know that

or fe

out how to work with, though. I thought of it as a gift, something unique to us because of our unique relationship, but I guess being so connected to Lanie also

all a puzzle still missing some pieces,”

best way to

the small, child-sized table to show me the blocks

this morning,” my mom said proudly. “She’s sorted all the

1/2

did it, too,” Stella said with a

each twin’s head, then Stella’s. “Good job,

so bright.” She beamed at me, but there was a hint of worry

been stalking around the house all morning, getting ready to go into town and meet up with Asher. We’d all been letting him know we were there for him

on his mind,” I

short time. But I have faith in the Moon Goddess that her plans are all meant to come

than to argue with her. I watched the kids playing with the blocks for a few minutes more, really

and Isaac I thought to Lanie. “She’s speaking in full sentences. She’s sorting the blocks

sound worried,” Lanie

eye from across the room and gave my head a