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.”

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

before, I’d gotten a few wisps this morning. Unformed thoughts, like hints of ideas or stream-of-consciousness pictures. Not like when she communicated with purpose through the

was careful not to say anything and tried my

was, but I didn’t want her to know that I was receiving her. Not if it was going

or fe

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,” Zane thought to

the best

to the small, child-sized table to

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

1/2

it, too,”

Stella’s. “Good job, all of you. And thanks, Ma, for teaching

there was a hint of worry in her eyes. She lowered her voice.

up with Asher. We’d all been letting him know we were there for him but also giving

lot on his mind,” I told

But I have faith in the Moon Goddess that her plans are all meant to come to fruition. Whatever she has in store

better than to argue with her. I watched the kids playing with the

Alaina and Isaac I thought to Lanie. “She’s speaking

worried,” Lanie thought

caught her eye from across the room and gave