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His omega dad was Alnitak, and this father was Rigel. They were dark and light, seriousness and laughter, sky and earth. He loved them so much.

“I am glad, and I meant no insult. You have so many children.”

“We do, my son, but you were special. You stayed with us so long, and you brought so much magick and joy with you.” His father turned on his heel, robes swishing, and led him back around the house to the gardens.

“Orion!” His omega father rose, holding out a pair of dirty hands. “Come give your da a hug!”

He was a beam of light where Father was a stroke of lightning and a burst of thunder. He moved to take the hug, soaking up the grounded, earthy love his da offered.

“Look how handsome you are, my lad,” Da said. “I’m so pleased to see you.”

He breathed in the scents of loam and greenery. “I missed you both.”

“Hmm.” Father stared at them. “You have not used your door in a very long time.”

“I know how much you have to do here. I didn’t want to intrude.”

Da’s bright green eyes widened. “Orion! How could you think we would be too busy for you?”

“He told me he worried we would forget him,” Father said.

His da jerked. “Son! You are beloved. I carried you—and you alone under my heart! How could I have forgotten you, even for a second?”

“Sorry. Sorry. I’m just being an ass.” Tears stung his eyes for a moment. “I had to come see you.”

“What is wrong?” Father asked, frowning deeply.

“Has someone hurt you?” Da glanced to his mate. “Rigel. One of those humans have hurt him!”

Orion? Mate? What’s wrong? Are you having a nightmare? Do you need me?

No, love. I’m fine. I promise, I’ll tell you what’s going on soon, but you just hang out with El, okay?

Okay. As long as you’re fine.

I am.“No one hurt me, Da. I promise. I mean, the closest anyone has come lately is Yarrow, who felled a small tree that almost landed on me.”

“Yarrow?”

“A beaver shifter. Look, we need to talk. It’s serious, yes, but it’s not bad. Can we please go inside?”

“Of course.” Father arched one eyebrow. “Seriously, do you need some assistance? We have no little ones right now. We can come and speak harshly on your behalf.”

Da rolled his eyes. “With our hooves.”

“Oh, I thought there was a fox…”

“Ah, yes, well, he is with others, at the foundling meadow.” Da blinked at him. “We’re taking a bit to rest. Regroup.”

Orion nodded as if he knew what that even meant. “Um, I have news.”

“Come inside. I have honey cakes and tea.” Father opened the door, and they went to the rough-hewn table, the heavy wood gleaming from a million washings.

“What news?” Da took his hand, held it tight.

“My mate is pregnant.” The words just fell from his lips and both of his parents stared at him as if a serpent had leapt from his lips.

“You have a mate!” Da shrieked.