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Phoenix stood at the railing, looking out over the bow of the ship and the open ocean.

"Phoenix," Griffin said. "It's time. What are you doing?"

It was a question he already knew the answer to. He knew his brother as well as he knew himself.

Phoenix didn't reply. He stared off at the horizon, his expression narrowed into an intense glare.

"Phoenix," Griffin repeated.

"I've looked death in the face and laughed," Phoenix said. "Killed without hesitation. Done things that would break a normal man. And yet... This has me terrified."

Griffin went to his brother's side and leaned against the railing. "I'm frightened as well," Griffin admitted.

Phoenix looked over at him, surprised.

"Don't look at me like that," Griffin said. "It's not that shocking."

"You've always had a much better handle on things than I."

"Our plans have come to fruition and I could see every step of the path along the way. But this is different. Raising children? It's a mystery."

Phoenix smirked. "I don't suppose any of the old traditions explained how to be a father."

"I'm afraid not," Griffin said. "I'm afraid we're on our own."

"We've got him." Phoenix straightened. "Our Omega."

Griffin nodded and smiled.

Phoenix looked over at him, and a shit-eating grin spread across his face. "You smile more now, Brother. Don't think I haven't noticed."

"There are many things to smile about." He punched Phoenix on the shoulder. "We do this together. Just like we always have. We won't fail."

Phoenix nodded slowly. "Yeah."

"Let's not keep him waiting any longer. Let's welcome our son and daughter into this world."

When they returned back to the cabin, Lars had shifted into wolf form. He was in the final stages of labor, groaning and growling and crying. The Alphas rushed to his side.

"Shift," the healer told them. "Your presence will comfort him."

They surrounded him with their bodies and encouraged him with whatever few gentle words they were able to muster. It wasn't long before the room was filled with the wailing cry of a baby boy, followed by his twin sister. Lars chose the names Lionel and Anthy in honor of his parents.

Back in human form, Lars nestled into the fur of his Alphas. They peered down at the tiny faces of their children, licking them clean and nuzzling them with their noses.

In that moment, all doubts had faded and a new era had begun.