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 curious

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

was careful not to say anything and

sure I was sending the way she was, but I didn’t want her

or fe

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 was an invasion of her

still missing some

best way

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

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

1/2

Izzy did it, too,” Stella said with

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

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

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

lot on

You all do. There’ve been a lot of changes around here in a very short time. But I have faith in the

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

“She’s speaking in full

sound worried,” Lanie

the room and gave my head a subtle shake. “Proud.