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.”

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

before, I’d gotten a few wisps this morning. Unformed thoughts, like hints of ideas or stream-of-consciousness

her, but I was careful not to say anything and

way she was, but I didn’t want her to know that I

or fe

unique to us because of our unique relationship, but I guess being so connected to Lanie also let

missing some pieces,” Zane

was the best way to describe

over to the small, child-sized table to show me the blocks she’d been sorting.

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

1/2

too,” Stella

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

there was a hint of worry in her eyes. She lowered her voice. “How’s your brother

getting ready to go into town and meet up with Asher. We’d all been letting him

a lot on his mind,” I

have faith in the Moon Goddess that her plans are

did not have my mother’s faith, but I knew better than to argue with her. I watched the kids playing with the blocks for a few minutes

Lanie. “She’s speaking in full sentences. She’s sorting the

sound worried,” Lanie thought in

from across the room and gave my head a