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.”

wound through me. She was touched. Lanie pushed up on her toes to her mouth. The sensation of

wisps this morning. Unformed thoughts, like hints of ideas or

it bothered her, but I was careful not to

it. I wasn’t sure I was sending the way she was, but I didn’t

or fe

we were going to have to figure 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 let me understand how she could feel like it

puzzle still missing some pieces,” Zane thought

the best way

waved me over to the small, child-sized table to show

my mom said proudly. “She’s sorted

1/2

too,” Stella said with

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

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

getting ready to go into town and meet up with Asher. We’d all been letting him know we were there for him but also giving him

a lot on

There’ve been a lot of changes around here in a very short time. But I have faith in the Moon Goddess that her plans are all meant to come to fruition. Whatever

but I knew better than to argue with her. I watched the kids playing with the blocks for a few minutes

a lot more advanced than Alaina and Isaac I thought to Lanie. “She’s speaking in full sentences. She’s sorting the blocks like she’s been

sound worried,” Lanie thought

gave