The Beta - 7. Chapter 6-Home

The Beta

Chapter 6-Home

The two-and-half hour ride home from Dallas was mostly quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the whispers from Gary and Toby in the third-row seats. Chris was driving, while Xak was staring out the passenger side window. Jacob and Xena were both asleep in the middle seats. Mostly they thought about Richard and Nicolas. Nobody could mourn for either one’s death, since in the end both were happier than they had been most of their lives. Once Xak had realized that it was acceptable to not be upset, his mind turned to other thoughts. This is when his attitude suddenly changed. When Xak heard Chris’ voice on the phone Monday night, he felt that nothing could have made him happier. When Chris finally came through the door and was standing in front of him, he was proven wrong however. He knew that he loved Chris more than anything in the world, and that Chris loved him just as much. However, the silent ride, combined with Xak’s over-active mind set him on a path that eventually led to Xak being fucking pissed-the-fuck-off.

He was going over the events that took place after Nicholas was taken away. That’s when he started thinking of what Chris had said to him. Four words in particular repeated over and over in his head, “Your Alpha commands it.” In the rational part of his mind, Xak knew it was meant as a joke and nothing more. However, once that irrational thinking starts, those thoughts tend to drown out all others. The more he heard those words in his head, the angrier he became.

Chris could immediately tell when Xak’s mood changed. Normally on the ride back to East Texas from Dallas, Xak would either sleep or read. This time, he was staring out the window, arms crossed across his chest, with his knee bouncing up and down. Finally, Xak uncrossed his arms. Chris tried to reach over and grab his hand only to have it jerked away, and immediately go across his chest again. Xak didn’t even look over at Chris when that happened. Chris tried to ask Xak what was wrong, only to have Xak place earbuds in his ears. Chris then decided to try the mental link and ask again. The only thing he heard was Xak yelling at him to stay the fuck out of his head. Chris decided to let it go, Xak often threw these temper-tantrums. Most of the time, after an hour or so, Xak would be calm again and come and sit on Chris’ lap and beg forgiveness. Chris figured that by the time they arrived back at the pack lands, everything would be fine.

Finally, at about 1:30 am, they pulled through the gate in the fence that ran perimeter of the pack lands. Chris parked the SUV in front of their house, then turned to ask Xak a question, only to see the passenger-side door being slammed. He took a deep steadying breath and went to get Jacob out of the back seat, only to discover Xak was already carrying him towards the front door. Chris ran over to them, and when he reached out to try to take Jacob from Xak, his boyfriend started growling at him and the look in his eyes almost broke Chris’ heart. He knew then that Xak was mad and it was directed towards him. Chris knew that in the past, he had gotten on Xak’s nerves some. Annoyed him to no extent. But never in the eighteen years of being together, had Xak ever been angry with Chris. At least not to the extreme he was now. Chris unlocked the front door and allowed Xak to brush past him, literally giving him the cold shoulder. Xena looked at Chris with a WTF was that all about expression. Gary and Toby were too wrapped up in their conversation to notice that anything was wrong.

By the time Chris entered the house, Xak had put Jacob down in their bedroom, Xena was already in her room, and he thought he heard Gary and Toby saying that there were going to day-proof their room so that Toby wouldn’t have to go anywhere else in the morning. Xak was walking out of the bedroom holding a blanket and Chris’ pillow. Chris cautiously asked, “Hey babe, is everything alright?”

In response, he got a fake smile and the words, “Yes dear, everything is peachy-fucking-keen. You’re sleeping on the couch; I can’t even stand to look at you right now.”

Chris looked at the pillow and blanket and said, “Okay, ummm why? Are you honestly that mad at me? Will you at least tell me what I did?”

Xak starred daggers at Chris and replied, “I know this hard for you, given that you’re not the brightest crayon in the box, but think about what all you said to me last night. You do remember what thinking is correct? I know that you don’t do it that often, but you’re going to have to try really hard this time, and if you get it right, I’ll give you gold-fucking-star.” Xak then dropped the pillow and blanket on the floor.

Chris never knew how much words could hurt, until Xak basically called him dumb. He refused to let the tears that suddenly filled his eyes fall. He started thinking about what all he had said. He remembered telling Trystan that he and Xak would take care of Jacob, and adopt him once they were married. Then, Xak told him that didn’t count as a proposal, that if he expected the answer to be yes he better not smirk and ask, “So, will you marry me?” Then he remembered him making a joke about not asking he would just say……….

That’s when the first tear drop fell. He looked at his mate and said, “Xak, that was just a lame joke, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think it would upset you like this. Please know that I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Xak hissed, “You’re goddammed right, it was a lame-ass-fucking joke. I know you didn’t think, you never do. Everyone knows that I’m the fucking brains of this operation. You do good to be able to get up and dress yourself most mornings. How could you fucking say THAT to me? Does it give you some sort of power trip? Do you fucking get off on reminding me that you hold that fucking power over me?”

Chris picked up his pillow and blanket and turned to walk to the couch. He said, “Babe, you know better than that. I didn’t say that as a power play. I said it because, in my head, it was funny at the time. Pawpaw laughed. You even chuckled a little. I’m sorry you’re upset about this, but I’m not going to fight with you.”

Next thing Chris heard was Xak screaming at him, “Do not fucking walk away from me Chris, fucking answer me! I swear, I don’t know how someone can be as thick as you are sometimes. Were you fucking tackled too many times while playing football? Too many concussions, is that why you can’t fucking think before you say something? You would think being a shifter would actually help you heal better, but I guess you can’t fucking heal what was never there to begin with.”

Chris said, “I know that you don’t really mean anything you’re saying right now. I’m not going to argue with you. You’re right, I fucked up and said something stupid. I apologized for that. I will get down on my fucking knees right now and beg you for forgiveness if that would help. But, I’m not going to fight with you.” This is when the tears started rolling down Chris’ cheeks. “I just got you back. Sunday night when you were taken, the only thoughts I had were ‘How am I supposed to make it if something happens to Xak? How can I make it through one day without him?’ The answer was, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t be able to function if I were to ever lose you Xak. You can be as mad as you want at me. I won’t say it doesn’t hurt, because it’s fucking killing me right now. You can be mad at me for a day, a week, a month, hell, take all fucking year if you need to. I’ll be on the couch whenever you’re finally able to forgive and let me back in the bed, so that I can sleep holding you. That’s all want. Sleep with you wrapped safely in my arms, so that I know nothing will happen to you, without it happening to me too. I don’t want to live without you by my side all the time. So, please forgive me.”

Between the tears on Chris’ face and the words he was hearing, Xak knew that he had not been thinking rationally. He realized that he had allowed false-logic to steer his thoughts. In the silence that stretched out between them, they heard what sounded like a hammer hitting the wall coming from Gary’s room. Xak tried to ignore it, thinking that Gary and Toby were day-proofing the room. Chris crossed the room and drew him into a hug. “I’m so sorry Chris, I don’t know why I let myself get so upset. In the car, all I could hear over and over in my head was ‘Your Alpha commands it.’ Every time it repeated, I got angrier and angrier. I couldn’t stop myself.”

Chris put on his signature-irresistible-shit-eating-smirk and said, “Thank the gods you forgave me, I’m kinda tall and when I lay on the couch either my head or my feet hang over the sides, it’s really uncomfortable.”

Xak said, “I’ll forgive you, but you have to promise to make it up to me.” He then pulled Chris’ head down and began kissing him hard.

While they were lost in a kiss that was getting hotter by the second, they heard from Gary’s room, “Oh god, yes Toby. Fuck me harder, fuck yeah. Don’t hold back baby. Fuck me. Come on faster.” That’s when the pounding gained in volume and intensity.

Before he could stop himself, Xak asked, “Gary’s a bottom?”

This caused both to begin laughing and Chris yelled towards Gary’s room, “Fucking keep it down Gary, Xena’s trying to sleep. Toby, either kiss him or pull your dick out and stick it in his mouth to shut him up.”

Next, from Xena’s room, they heard, “Gary I swear to the gods, if you don’t shut the fuck up right now, I’ll get my strap-on out and give you a reason to scream.”

By this time, Xak and Chris had moved to right in front of the door and Xak added, “Only if I can watch. Seriously, Gary, I’m not even that loud when I take Kielbasa here.”

About thirty seconds later, the door swung open and a very naked, erect Gary stood in the doorway. He said, “Chris, if you don’t leave me the fuck alone, I’ll tell Xak about the times you let me watch you jack off. Xak, if you don’t back the fuck off, I’ll tell Chris exactly how many times you fucked him last week, because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut.” He then yelled towards Xena’s room, “Bitch don’t threaten me with the strap-on again, I’ve told you before to bring it on. But, good luck doing a better job than Toby’s doing right now.”

Chris looked shocked, while Xak couldn’t contain his laughter as he said to the pale figure behind Gary, “Will you please take care of your mate, I need to take care of mine.”

Toby came up behind Gary, wrapped his arms around his waist from behind and with a wink at Xak and Chris and a flash of fangs, proceeded to make Gary’s eyes roll back into his head by sinking his fangs in his throat and sinking his dick balls deep into his ass. He didn’t bite the jugular. It was just a small nip that drew a little blood, enough to make his lip red. He licked the blood from his lips and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him. You two go take care of each other.” He then softly closed the door and about thirty seconds later, the pounding began again, this time though, it was slower but harder.

Chris looked at Xak and asked, “So, will you please let me make this up to you? Like right now?”
Xak frowned and said, “There’s a five-year-old in our bed, I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that kind of thing with him present.”

Xena opened her door just then, looked at them and said, “Y’all go on over to the Alpha’s house, it’s y’alls now after all. I’ll keep my ears open for Jacob, though I’m sure he’ll be fine. Plus, I really don’t want to hear banging on both sides of my room, some of us have to work tomorrow.”

Next thing Xak knew, he was swept up in Chris’ arms, one arm around shoulders and the other under his knees. Chris then walked to the front door, and said, “Shit fuck goddammit, Xena, please come open the door and lock up after us.”

When she arrived, she said, “And how, pray tell, do you plan on opening the door over there? Hmmm?”

Chris mumbled, “I didn’t think that far ahead, but now that I have him, I don’t want to let him go.”

Xena dramatically rolled her eyes and said, “Goddammit, the things I wouldn’t do for my family. Where are your keys?”

After glancing at his front right pocket, she thrust her hand in there and spent, what Xak thought, a little too much time digging around. He glared at her and said, “Bitch, stop fishing and get the fucking keys.”

She smiled sweetly at her little brother as she removed her hand from Chris’ pocket with the keys and said, “Bitch, don’t be a bitch. I was just messing with y’all. It’s bad enough I have to live vicariously through my baby brother and my best friends for any semblance of a sex life. I’ll go unlock the Alpha house, y’all have fun.” She took off out the door running the short distance across the parking area to what up until yesterday was their Pawpaw’s house. She was there and back before Chris even took a step outside the door.

As Chris was carrying Xak towards what he figured was their new house he said, “I hope you’re not tired, I’m going to fuck you into the mattress so hard, you’ll be walking funny all week.”

Xak looked him dead in the eye and said, “When I said you can make it up to, I meant, you on the bed, on all fours. Or if you prefer, on your back with your legs in the air. Either way, your ass is mine tonight.”

For a split second, Chris almost lost his balance and got a look of horror on his face, which quickly morphed into a huge smile. Last week, after Mike’s death and Xak blaming himself, Chris wanted to prove to Xak how much he truly loved his mate. The only thing he could think of was giving Xak something that would only ever belong to him. He gave him his anal cherry. To say he was nervous as hell would be the understatement of the century. He knew that Xak absolutely loved it when Chris would fuck him. He loved it when Xak would rim him. He even liked it when Xak would play with his hole and slip a finger inside and find his prostate. But one finger is all that it had been since the beginning.

In their minds, since Chris was going to the next Alpha, then he would be the top. They had discussed it before and Xak agreed that it probably wouldn’t look good if anyone found out the Alpha was taking dick from his Beta. So, last week Xak was shocked almost to silence when he entered their bedroom to find Chris laying buck naked on their bed, on his stomach. He had told Xak to go shower and come back to the room and however Xak found him, that’s the position that Chris wanted that night. Xak had figured either Chris would be standing by the edge of the bed or on his back so that Xak could ride.

When he walked in the bedroom, he said, “Chris, babe, I think you fell asleep while I was in the shower. Wake up.”

To his surprise he barely heard Chris respond, “I’m not asleep babe, I want you to…ummm…well what I mean is….you can……ummm….I want to feel you inside me.”

At first Xak thought he was joking and almost laughed. That was until he smelt the air and could smell Chris anxiety and nervousness. He said, “You don’t have to do this you know. I’m perfectly happy the way things are. I don’t need anything more.”

Chris took in a deep breath to calm his nerves and steady his voice, and said, “Xak, we are partners. I want to give you what is yours.” When he continued though, he couldn’t hide the fear, and asked, “Just promise me, will you please be gentle?”

Xak removed the towel from his waist and laid straddled Chris’ tall muscular body. He sat down just below the perfectly shaped mounds of flesh the made Chris’ ass. His already stiff member nestled in the crack, causing Chris to jump a little. Xak leaned over and kissed his mate’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, I promise I won’t hurt you. If at any time you want me to stop, you tell me. I want you to enjoy yourself. Just relax and I’ll walk you through everything.”

Xak then kissed his way down Chris’ back while he kneaded the fleshy mounds. When he reached Chris’ waist he spread the ass cheeks apart and immediately went to town eating his mate’s ass like a starving man attacking his dinner. He ran his tongue all around the hole, savoring the flavor of pure Chris. He thrust his tongue past the entrance, causing Chris to push his ass back into Xak’s face. Xak ate his dinner for about 30 minutes till Chris was thrashing on the bed and gripping the sheets below him, nearly stripping the bed.

He then reached over to the night stand and grabbed the bottle of silicone lube they kept there. He applied a generous amount to his hand and then even more to Chris exposed hole. He started tapping the opening softly, then with each tap increased the pressure. Eventually his finger slipped into the eagerly awaiting hole. He moved his finger around and when he felt he has Chris as loose as he could get him with one finger he said, “Okay, you’re going to feel a bit more pressure. I’m about to add another finger. If it hurts too much, let me know.”

He then removed the one finger he already had in there. He placed his middle finger over his index finger, like he was crossing them, only not all the way. He placed them at Chris’ entrance and applied a little pressure. Chris let out a soft moan when they breached him. Xak kept his fingers together for a bit then moved them so they were next to each other. When he them side-by-side, Chris whimpered into the pillow, but pushed his ass back towards Xak. He worked the two fingers in and out of Chris for a few minutes. He grabbed the lube bottle and applied more to his hand and Chris’ ass at the same time. “Okay, here you go,” is all the warning he gave as he suddenly slipped his ring finger into Chris, causing him to arch his back and moan.

In breathless, raspy voice that Xak almost didn’t recognize, Chris said, “Fuck babe. I have to have you inside me now. Please fuck me. I need you now.”

Xak was not ashamed of his cock. It was actually a decent length at 6.5” and a little thicker than average. However, compared to Chris, he looked like a Vienna Sausage. He had been taking Chris’ kielbasa for years now, but he would never forget that first time. He knew to use A LOT of lube and stop once he had breached the opening. He applied a generous amount of lube to his already leaking cock, removed his fingers from Chris, applied more lube at Chris’ entrance and lined his head up with hole. With gentle but steady pressure, he pushed his head through the entrance. Chris’ hiss told him that he needed to stop here, which took every ounce of willpower he had. He said to his mate, “Okay, I want you push out like you’re taking a shit, causing Chris to laugh a little.

Chris asked, “You want me to do what? Won’t that push you out?”

He was still slightly laughing, until he felt the hand slap his right ass cheek, leaving behind a sting. Xak said, “I’m being serious. I want you to enjoy this, and I don’t want to hurt you. So, to ease the rest of me in, you need to push out while I push in. Trust me, that’s the only way I’m ever able to take you in one thrust. Now start pushing out.”

Chris did as he was told and Xak slowly pushed his hips forward. He slid into his lover ball-deep, which made Chris cry out. Xak didn’t move a muscle and asked, “Oh my gods baby, are you alright? Do you want me to pull out?”

Chris growled out, “If you fucking pull out right now, I’ll throw your ass on this bed and straddle that cock and ride you. Now fuck me please, you feel fucking amazing.” Chris surprised even himself with those words. He never knew his body could feel this amazing. When Xak was fully inside of him, it sent an electric charge straight through his dick. Said appendage was currently leaking like Niagara Falls. He finally understood how Xak was always able to cum without ever touching his dick.

He wasn’t sure how he pulled off his next stunt but suddenly he had the need to see Xak’s face while he fucked him. So, without either of them missing a beat, he threw his leg out and flipped over onto his back. The look on Xak’s face when he did this was priceless. Xak chuckled and said, “Aren’t you the limber one? You’re going to feel that tomorrow I promise.” He then slowly pulled his cock out until only the head was still in, and then thrust as hard as he could back into Chris’ eager hole. Chris reach for his dick to try to stroke himself, but his hand was swatted away and Xak said, “Uh uh, that’s mine and I’ll take care of it.”

It only took about 10 strokes till Chris gripped the sheets as hard as he could and said, “Oh fuck Xak, I’m cumming!” The eruption caused his ass to clamp down on Xak’s dick, which in turn cause Xak to begin his own eruption. Chris could literally feel Xak’s cum filling him up and warming him from the inside out. The force behind Chris’ first shot splattered the wall with cum. The second shot landed on Chris’ face. From there, the rest landed on his chest and stomach.

Xak leaned down and licked the cum from Chris’ face, then he proceeded to kiss his mate.

These were the thoughts that Xak sent to Chris through the mental link that caused the frown and stumble. The smile that spread from ear to ear was from when Chris heard Xak’s voice in his head saying, “Stop. I know Alpha’s cannot submit to another wolf. You didn’t submit to me; you gave yourself to me. Remember, we are partners. You are the Alpha, the head of the pack, the face everyone sees. I am your Beta. Think of me as your neck. What supports a head? What forces the head to look in a certain direction? The neck. I’m here to support you and give you direction. We work together. I am yours and you are mine.”

Chris then said, aloud, “Gods I fucking love you. I can’t wait to give myself to you again.” And that’s exactly what he did once they were inside the Alpha house. Twice. Well, maybe three times.

The next morning, Xak woke up being held tightly by Chris. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand and yelled, “Fuck, Chris, wake-up baby. We were supposed to be in the office fifteen minutes ago. We have a lot of shit to do today. Come on, we need to go get dressed, make sure Jacob’s okay, call Pawpaw’s lawyers, get ahold of Trystan’s will, find a new secretary, figure out a way to tell everyone about Pawpaw at tonight’s pack meeting, figure out a way to tell the pack about Toby! Shit, how are we supposed to introduce Toby to the pack?”

Chris grabbed ahold of Xak and covered his mouth with his own. After about a minute of kissing his mate, Chris pulled back and said, “Calm down, we’ll figure everything out, I promise. Why don’t you hop in the shower while I go over and check on Jacob?”

Xak finally relaxed a little and said, “I think we should both go over and check on Jacob. Hopefully Xena is still there and we can discuss custody arrangements. I hope he’s going to be okay. You also need to run up to Jacksonville and let them know that you’re not going to be able to coach this year and drop all of your classes.”

Chris looked at Xak and asked, “Why would I need to stop going to school and coaching?”

Xak responded, “You do realize that you’re now the Alpha, right? That means that Pack Inc. is now under your control. Actually, Pawpaw told me on Friday he was going to step down as Alpha and started putting everything in both of our names. We own the company, all the pack lands, the land in Beaumont, the investment properties, everything. That’s going to be a full-time job for both of us. You’re not going to have time for school and football. Plus, we’re going to have a five-year-old to take care of.”

“What do you mean Pawpaw was going to step down and started putting everything in our names on Friday? Did he know something was going to happen to him?”

Xak shook his head, “No, he asked me if, as his Beta, I felt he was leading the pack to the best of his abilities. I asked him some questions, and once I got the answers, I told him I thought it was best if he stepped down. He told me that’s what he had pretty much already decided, but wanted my answer to make sure we would lead the pack well. He basically told me that he was and always will be in love with Nicolas. He didn’t want to put the pack in danger by making decisions totally based on his feelings for Nicolas. He had no clue what was going to happen. He wanted to know if I thought you would allow him to live on the pack lands still. He just wanted to step down to allow you to become what you’re supposed to be. He said he was going to call the lawyers to put everything in both of our names.”

Chris thought that over for a bit and asked, “Is it wrong that we’re not sad about Pawpaw dying? I mean, yeah I miss him and am going to continue to miss him. But, in my head, he’s not gone because I know he’s part of Queen Mab’s court now and happily married to Nicolas. They’re going to be together forever, just like us.”

Xak said, “I don’t think it’s wrong we’re not upset. How could we be upset for someone who suddenly got everything he ever wanted? He’s living his ‘Happily Ever After’ and nobody can take it away this time. Now, let’s go get dressed, and figure out the rest of the day.”

Xena had left a note for them saying that she and Jacob went into the office to begin the paperwork making sure that Chris and Xak were his legal guardians, and to call her as soon as they had a chance. They both took separate showers, knowing that if they had taken one together they probably wouldn’t make it to the office anytime soon.

When they arrived at the office, they noticed that Richard’s office door was open and when they looked in, they noticed that all his personal things had been removed, and that on the desk was a framed picture of Chris and Xak. Next to the photo was an envelope addressed to Chris and Xak. They recognized the handwriting as Richard’s. Chris sat down behind the desk, opened the letter and read aloud,

“Chris and Xak:

First off, I want to apologize for my past actions. I jeopardized the safety of the pack chasing a personal vendetta. I called the lawyers on Friday and had everything transferred over to both of your names. You each own 50% of everything. I also wanted to let y’all know how proud I am of both of you. Chris, I know that you’re going to be a great Alpha. Listen to everything Xak has to say. He has a great head on his shoulders. Xak, help Chris make the best decisions for the pack. Hopefully, I’ll be around to give y’all advise when needed. If you ever need anything, just ask.

Love,

Pawpaw”

They both wiped the tears away after reading the note. They then decided to begin their day of phone calls. Xak moved to sit across from Chris on the other side of the desk; however, before he could take two steps he felt Chris’ arms wrap around his waist and he was pulled back onto his mate’s lap. Chris told him, “Just because we have to work, doesn’t mean I don’t get hold you. Remember, I told you I’m never letting you out of my sight again. Well, I decided that if I can hold you, I’m going to. I don’t want to ever go through Sunday night again.”

“Fine, I guess I’ll let you hold me if you really want to. Did you know that I love you?”

“I thought that might be the case, at least I hope it is because I love you too. Let’s call Xena and see what she has to say.” Chris hit the speaker phone button on the phone, and dialed a phone number.

“Cherokee County Family Services, how may I help you?” asked a female voice with a deep East Texas accent.

“Ellie Johnson, please.”

The phone rang twice and then they heard, “This is Ellie Johnson, may I help you?”

Xak responded, “Hey girl, what do you know?”

There was one aspect about living in a shifter community in modern times that both Chris and Xak knew about, and although completely necessary, both viewed with contempt. That was the “bribing” of local officials, sheriffs, and coroners to look the other way or falsify records whenever needed. This came in handy whenever Xena called on Tuesday night and let the local authorities know that Trystan had died in a car wreck driving back from Dallas late Monday night. Xena had driven Trystan’s body back to the pack lands and left her body to be prepared for a traditional funeral pyre as Richard had commanded. She returned Monday afternoon with two pack members following her in another car. One of the pack members drove Trystan’s car and then staged an accident on one of the bridges crossing the Neches River just outside of Jacksonville. Trystan’s car was recovered but no body was ever found. The death certificate was issued without question. That made her job a lot easier.

“I went out on a limb this morning and contacted Pawpaw’s lawyers thinking maybe Trystan had a will or something filed with them. Thank the goddess she did. Pawpaw was named guardian if something happened to her. If for some reason he wasn’t around, then Xak is to take guardianship along with, and I quote, ‘whomever he is with or Christopher Robertson, whichever applies.’ So, I guess everyone knew about y’all. Y’all suck at keeping secrets. Anyway, Jacob is here with me, playing in the other room. I’ll bring him by the offices around lunchtime.”

Chris responded, “Good, is he holding up okay?”

“Yeah, he seems alright. He knew what was going on.”

“Alright, see you in few hours. Oh, do you know anyone that could come work for us as an assistant?” Xak asked.

“Why don’t you try and ask Gary? He’s going to need something to do during the day, other than watch Toby sleep.”

“Do you think he would go for that? I mean, yeah he’s my cousin, but do you really think he’ll want to work for me and Xak?”

“You know how much he loves being around y’all. Since you’re not going back to school, and now that he has Toby, he’ll jump at the opportunity. But he won’t ask for it, you know that. Just trust me and ask him if he’ll do it. I gotta go now. See y’all later.”

She then hung up and Xak sighed and said, “One down, too many to go. Call the county and get a death certificate issued for Pawpaw. He died in his sleep, that’s all they need to know. We’ll need that to take ownership of everything now. Then call the lawyers and make sure everything is in your name now.”

“You mean our names, right? He left everything to both of us, remember?” Chris corrected Xak.

“Wow, we’re multibillionaires, and now we also have a son. Trystan left Jacob to us. This is too much good fortune from too much tragedy.”

“Well we might own billions of dollars’ worth of land and assets, but it’s really the pack’s. Speaking of the pack, tonight is the pack meeting. I guess I’ll announce myself as Alpha, we’ll light the funeral pyre for Trystan and Pawpaw, then I’ll introduce Gary’s true mate, Toby, a vampire, as the newest member of the pack. Do you think they’ll accept him?”

“If they don’t like it, they’re free to leave. Most of the members were questioning the war with the vampires anyways. I think you’ll be surprised by our pack. They did accept us after all.”

“Alright, let’s get started.” They then spent the next three hours listening to lawyers, financial advisors, and more lawyers. Finally, they heard the front door open and knew Jacob had arrived.

They sat there waiting for the shaggy-haired boy to run into the office, only he never showed. After about a minute, they heard a heart-wrenching sob from the lobby area. Before anyone could even blink, both young men were running out of the office to find Jacob standing in front of his mom’s desk, bawling. He turned a tear stained face to the pair and said, “She’s gone. Pawpaw’s gone.”

Xak crossed the room and gathered the sobbing five-year-old up in a hug and said, “I’m sorry, little man. I’m here for you. Chris is here for you. We’re not going anywhere right now. We’ll take care of you, I promise.”

Jacob looked up at Xak and asked, “Where am I going to live now?”

Chris said, “You’re going to live with us, in Pawpaw’s old house. You know there are plenty of rooms, we’ll let you choose whichever one you want. We’ll paint it whatever color you want, and we’ll decorate it however you like. You’re now part of our family, and I won’t let anything happen to you or Xak. I promise.”

Jacob looked at the pair and almost smiled and said, “Are we really going to be a family? I don’t have anyone else and I love you guys.”

Xak said, “We’ve always been family little man. You know how much Chris and I love you right?”

Jacob nodded and asked, “Can I tell people y’all are my dads?”

Chris beamed and said, “Nothing would make us prouder. But if both of us are Dad won’t that get confusing?”

Jacob thought for a second before nodding. He then said, “Well I guess I could call Xak mom hehehe.”

Xak pulled the boy into a tight hug and said, “I am not going to allow you to call me mom. You can call me Pop or Papa and you can call Chris Dad. It’s totally up to you little man.”

“Hmmmm I guess I’ll call you Pop and yeah Chris can be Dad. Please promise me y’all aren’t going to leave me like my Mom had to. I don’t want to lose y’all.”

Chris said, “I can only promise that neither of us are planning on going anywhere anytime soon, except to get lunch. I’m starving. What do you want to eat?”

“Can we order pizza? Please?”

Xak said “That’s speaking my language right there. Pizza it is. Where is Xena?”

Jacob looked back at the door and said, “She let me out and said she was going to park and come in.”

Just then, Xena approached the doors and when she entered she deadpanned, “Well, isn’t that the All-American Family portrait right there? Congratulations, it’s a boy!”

They all laughed, then went into Chris’ office and ordered enough pizza to feed a small army. They then called Gary and asked him to come over to the offices so they could speak with him. About ten minutes later, Gary walked in looking like he was on cloud nine.

Xak chuckled and said, “I think he’s in love. Dude, you let him bite you? Oh, and you’re a bottom?”

Jacob asked, “Papa, what does that mean? Gary’s a bottom? That doesn’t make sense.”

Gary turned bright red while Chris busted out laughing. Xak couldn’t help but smile and said, “Ummm, little man, umm, well you see….ask me again in about eight to ten years please. Better yet, ask your Dad in eight to ten years.”

Chris replied, “No no no, you’re not pawning that off on me. You said it in front of little ears, you explain. Good luck. Oh, pizza’s here. I gotta go pay.”

If looks could kill, Chris was dying a very painful and agonizing death from the look Xak threw at him. He then turned to Jacob and said, “Okay, you know how babies are made right?”

Jacob giggled and said, “Mom said that babies come from when a man and woman love each other a lot and sleep together. But that doesn’t make sense because I don’t think sleeping in the same bed as someone would magically make a baby.”

Xak then said, “Well, they don’t really sleep. You know you have a penis, right? Well, shit this is complicated.”

Jacob said, “You know you’re not supposed to say shit around me Xak, I mean Papa.”

“Dammit, you’re right. Hey, you’re not supposed to say shit at all little man.”

Jacob giggled and said, “I was just pointing out that you said a bad word. I was learning from your example.”

“You little smart aleck. You’re too fracking clever for your own good.”

“Focus Papa, you were explaining how somehow the fact the boys have a penis and sleep with girls to have babies has anything to do with Gary being a bottom.” He knew he wasn’t going to get an explanation, he was just having fun making Xak a little uncomfortable. He knew what sex was, his mom had explained it to him. He was still a little confused about how any of that had anything to do with Gary.

Gary finally took pity on Xak and said, “You know how Toby is my true mate, right?” Jacob nodded, so Gary continued, “Well, he and I did some grown up things last night and bottom means that I was laying down while he was on top of me while we were kissing.”

Jacob giggled and said, “You kissed Toby? Awww Gary and Toby sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love then comes marriage then comes Gary in a baby carriage. Sucking his thumb and wetting his pants trying to do the pee-pee dance.”

Gary laughed and said, “Well, I do love him and he loves me. There might a marriage, probably no baby carriage though. And I don’t suck my thumb anymore, and I haven’t wet my pants yet this year.”

Jacob laughed and said, “This year? You’re too big to wet your pants. I don’t even do that anymore.”

Gary tried to keep a straight face and said, “Well, I had an accident last year. I wasn’t paying attention and thought I was done peeing and zipped up my pants. I wasn’t done peeing.” He then busted out laughing unable to contain it anymore.

Jacob said, “You’re making that up. If that really happened, Papa or Dad would’ve told me to make fun of you about it., and you know it.”

“Okay, you caught me. I made that up.” He then picked Jacob up and threw him over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and said, “But I’m still bigger than you squirt and stronger and now I’ve got you and not letting you go.”

Chris walked back into the office with the pizzas and said, “Gary, put Jacob down and get to work. Oh yeah, you work for us now. You’re our new assistant. If you can’t behave, then go sit at your desk.”

Gary looked at his cousin and said, “Really? Your assistant? Nope, gotta have a better title than that. Hmm, call me your lifesaver. That sounds like you need me more.”

“You’re lucky I said assistant and not secretary.”

“Ouch. That hurt. How much do get paid?”

“$150,000 a year, no vacation, unless we’re not here, minimum benefits. You’ll get paid what we decide to give you and you’ll like it. Basically, you get to hang out with your two best friends while your mate is asleep.”

“Okay, that sounds like fun. Can I bring the X-box over?”

Xak spoke up finally, “This is a job, not a party. No X-box. We actually have a corporation to run you know.”

Both Chris and Gary pouted and Chris said, “You’re no fun.”

Xak raised one eyebrow and stared Chris straight in the eye and said, “That’s not what you said last night.”

Gary smirked and asked, “Really? What happened between y’all last night?”

Xak replied, “Let’s just say, you and Chris were in similar positions last night.”

Of course, Xena thought Xak was joking at first. That was until she noticed the blush on Chris’ face and that Xak wasn’t laughing. Her jaw dropped and she stood there looking dumbfounded. Finally, she started to speak, “Seriously? Chris? You…”

“If you finish that thought, I will kick your ass. What happens between my mate and me is nobody’s business but ours. I’m serious. Do. Not. Joke,” Chris interrupted her. He then softly said, “Please.”

Jacob said, “Dad you said a bad word. You’re not supposed to say ass in front of me. You know that.”

Xak looked at Jacob and said, “Jacob, you know that you’re not supposed to use adult words. I let you get away with it earlier, but if you keep it up I’ll have to ground you.”

Jacob realized then that Chris and Xak were not his fun big brothers anymore. They could, and would, ground him. He would have to do what they said now for two reasons. First, they were his parents now. Secondly, Chris was the Alpha and Xak was the Beta, it was in his nature to obey what they told him to do. He looked down and said, “I’m sorry Papa. I won’t do it anymore.” But, having been raised around Xak and his wit, quickly added, “Today,” with a smile.

Chris laughed and said, “Xak, are you sure Jacob isn’t really your son? He’s got your sense of humor.”

Xak didn’t even bother to respond to Chris, he just picked up his new son and said, “Just don’t push your luck, little man. I don’t want to have to punish you, but I will let Chris do it.”

Jacob giggled and whispered, “Chris is pushover and you know it.”

Chris of coarse heard what the boy said and felt a pang of sadness knowing that he was the one that had delivered Trystan’s punishment, taking this boy’s mother from him forever. That’s something he would have to live with and he hoped when Jacob eventually found out, he would forgive him and understand. It was pack law, if a member puts any other member in harm’s way, the penalty is death. Chris had to blink away the tears. Xak immediately picked up on Chris’ mood. He crossed to his mate and whispered in his ear, “He won’t blame you. We’ll make sure he knows that it was unavoidable and necessary because of the choices that she made. He’ll be fine. He loves you.”

Chis pulled Xak into a hug and whispered back, “I hope so. It pains me that I caused him any kind of harm. I would do anything to protect him from being hurt. Same with you.”

When he kissed his mate, they heard Gary say, “Jacob, they’re the ones that are K-I-S-S-I-N-Ging, not Toby and me.”

Jacob giggled and said, “Eww, I don’t want to see my dads making out.”

Xak chuckled and said, “One day, you’ll meet a someone that you’ll want to kiss all the time and the first time you do it in front of me, I’m going to say, ‘Eww, I don’t want to see my son making out,’ and embarrass you. Then I’ll bring out the embarrassing pictures and show her.”

Jacob asked, “What if it’s a him?”

Xak smiled and said, “If it is, that will be fine with me obviously. But, you have plenty of time to figure that out for yourself.”

Chris then sighed and said, “I guess we should get back to work. Is there any paperwork or anything that we need to fill out to legally take custody of Jacob?”

Xena nodded and said, “I filled out most of it for y’all already. I’ll bring it home with me tonight for y’all to sign, and then I’ll file it with the courts tomorrow. I’ll see y’all later. I gotta get back to work. See y’all at the pack meeting. Gary, keep Toby by your side at all times until Chris introduces him. I’ll keep an eye on the room. I hope everyone takes it okay. I think someone should tell Ben before the meeting. Y’all know how is about vampires. Plus, he deserves to know about Pawpaw before anyone else. He was his best friend for the past 147 years.”

“I’ll go talk to him in a little bit. That’s if y’all don’t need me to do anything else, bosses,” Gary responded.

Xak and Chris exchanged a look and then Chris said, “No, I think we’re good here for the day. We made all of the phone calls that we needed to get out of the way this morning. Now, I think we’re going to head home and spend some time with our son. I have a son!”

Xak looked at Chris and said, “Technically, I think I was named Jacob’s guardian, and whomever I happen to be with.”

Chris replied, “Or Christopher Robertson, whichever applies. Last time I checked, you had my heart, which by the way, is not returnable.”

Xak smiled and said, “I would never try to return it. I own you. I have you exactly where I want you. I don’t think it will take Jacob very long till you are eating out the palm of his too, don’t you agree little man?”

Chris pulled the auburn-haired shorter man into his embrace and said with a laugh, “You could always just say ‘I love you too.’ Would that be too hard to do”

The moment was spoiled when they heard Jacob ask, “Are they like this all the time?”

Gary laughed and said, “Normally, they’re ten times worse. They are always cuddled up together on the couch. Even before they admitted to everyone that they were together, they would still be cuddled up together on the couch.”

“That’s not true, we never cuddled in front of anyone. Maybe we sat close together all the time, leaving hardly any room between us. And yeah we shared a bed almost every night since before any of us can remember. Wow, Dad must have been blind or completely clueless. How did he never figure out that we were together?”

Chris said, “He only saw what he wanted to see nothing more. In his head, I was the star quarterback and you were my nerdy, short, best friend. Good thing I have a thing for short nerdy guys huh?”

Xak slapped his mate on the chest feigning outrage and said, “I’m not short. 5’8” is perfectly average height for men. It’s not my fault you’re freakishly tall and built.”

They went their separate ways, Chris and Xak going to their new house, Xena going to work, and Gary heading to Ben’s. Ben still lived on pack land, but after Gerald died, he became somewhat of a hermit. He built himself a small one room cabin in the woods away from everyone else. Gary steeled himself, not anticipating telling Ben either piece of news he was about to deliver.

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