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Chapter Twenty-Four

Sorcha

S orcha woke up to unfamiliar surroundings.

The soft sheets and fluffy pillow under his chin were foreign.

His eyes fluttered open to see a brightly lit room decorated in shades of beige, white, and sage green.

Gauzy curtains shook a little with the mellow breeze coming in the window.

He hugged the cozy blanket on top of him to his chest.

His body felt fatigued and worn, but in a satisfying way, like he’d had a good workout. And with that thought, he remembered.

The pieces came back slowly.

His uncles locking him in his room. The terrifying knowledge that he was probably going to die. Teal’s voice, reaching into his soul to soothe him. Ronan, rescuing him with his strength and his kindness.

With his body.

Sorcha stretched his arms above his head, the blanket falling to his waist. Again, his muscles twinged with an agreeable soreness. And it wasn’t just having his heat properly tended to by an alpha that made his body sing. It was also being off the suppressants for the first time in years.

Images flashed through his mind. Ronan behind him.

Above him. Stars, that had been amazing!

Being fucked was the greatest feeling in the world.

He recalled Ronan’s initial state of out-of-control lust, taking pride that he’d caused the big alpha to become that aroused.

He thought of Teal caressing his face, staying with them, and sucking his cock.

He’d gone into a delirium. And then there’d been the third day.

Teal had fucked him, and he’d liked it. No.

He’d loved it. He’d loved having another omega fuck him.

His entire world, everything he thought he’d known, had been turned upside down. And the upside-down world was the one he wanted to live in.

The couple had brought him to their home to recover. And before he’d fallen asleep, they’d spoken briefly about his uncles. There was no doubt in his mind that Ronan and Teal would keep their word. Sorcha would never have to see Dale or Abe again.

He knew the husbands would keep him safe. That he was a part of them. But what would that look like today? And in the future?

It would certainly muddle things if he were pregnant.

As much as he saw himself having babies one day, it was difficult to imagine a worse time for it to happen, especially with an alpha he’d be sharing with another omega, being part of a polyamorous relationship.

He knew he wanted Ronan and Teal, but didn’t fool himself that it would be easy.

Before he’d fallen asleep, he tried to bring it up with them. They’d told him not to worry. But he could see it in their faces. They thought pregnancy was likely. Sorcha didn’t remember his delirium, couldn’t recall taking Ronan bare or the breeding itself. But the couple clearly remembered.

A gentle tapping on the door preceded its opening. Sorcha was surprised when Niall appeared on the other side.

“Hello,” the beta said. “I heard movement and wondered if you were awake. Ronan and Teal took the twins to school to speak with their teachers about getting their work in advance for the next few weeks. They’ve decided to keep them at home with me while their daddy argues in High Court.”

Niall made a motion to a chair next to Sorcha’s bed, asking without words if he could sit. Sorcha nodded.

“Are you feeling okay?” Niall asked. “I can bring you some water, or tea if you’d rather.”

Sorcha looked down shyly, grateful for his T-shirt and briefs after spending three days naked. He vaguely recalled Teal speaking with Niall on the phone while he’d been in heat. The nanny probably knew everything .

“I’m okay. A little sore, but not bad.”

“Good. Ronan and Teal will be glad to hear it.” Niall raised a perceptive eyebrow before smiling. “Sorcha, just so we’re clear, you have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Sorcha glanced away. “You can tell?”

“Your cheeks are like ripe strawberries.” Niall chuckled.

Sorcha let out a groan and pulled the blanket over his face before dropping it back into his lap. “So you know what happened with…um…with…my heat?”

“Teal and Ronan covered the basics. They left me on my own to imagine the details.” The beta winked playfully.

A laugh escaped Sorcha’s throat. “So, you think it’s okay?”

“Okay that you were with them during your heat?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Of course. I think you’re very lucky they found you when they did.

We’re all grateful for that, including me and Jax.

But they didn’t help only out of necessity.

It’s been obvious to me for a while that Ronan and Teal feel more for you than neighborly affection.

This situation may have sped things along, but I’ve seen the signs.

At the barbeque, and even before then. I know what it looks like when Ronan and Teal want you in their bed. ”

“Because they were that way with you?” Sorcha blurted before covering his mouth with his hand. “Niall! I’m sorry! I know it’s none of my business.”

Niall reached out to pat the omega’s leg over the blanket. “Sorcha, it’s fine. That’s exactly how I knew. And my past relationship with Ronan and Teal shouldn’t be a secret from you. Just like it’s not a secret from Jax.”

Sorcha's brows drew together. “Jax doesn't mind?” The big beta had implied as much at the barbeque, but Sorcha still had trouble believing it.

“There was a time when I worried it might. But Jax knows there are many ways to love someone. And sometimes that love evolves or fades into friendship. Sometimes it takes you to places you never expected. I think Jax trusts that no matter where our journey leads us, we’ll always have each other.”

“I’m glad you know about my heat.” Sorcha squeezed Niall’s hand, feeling a comforting closeness with the gorgeous beta.

“I hope you don’t mind that Jax is also aware of the basics. He’s going to be sticking around for the next few weeks to help with Garin, Kino, and Zayne during Teal’s tribunal. To make sure everyone is safe.”

“Safe?”

“Not a big deal, but we had a minor incident at the aquarium the other day. It was a reminder that there are a lot of pro-alpha folks out there who don’t like what Teal is doing.

Jax is staying because the five of us, including you, are closing ranks around the boys to make sure we all come through this okay.

Within that circle, you don’t have to hide anything, ever. ”

A lump formed in Sorcha’s throat. He had people now. Ronan and Teal. Their sons. Niall. Even Jax. “It’s like we’re a team,” he said.

“No, Sorcha. It’s like we’re a family.”

Niall got up and headed toward the hallway. “I’m going to bring you some water and tea and a sandwich. If you’re feeling up to it, you can come into the kitchen to eat.”

Sorcha tried to move, but the heaviness in his limbs held him to the mattress. “Sorry,” he said.

“Don’t be sorry. Take your time to recover. I’m sure you have lots more questions, too, now that you’re awake. I promised Ronan and Teal I’d wait until they got back before telling you anything about your uncles or their talk with the kids. But they’ll be home soon to fill you in.”

“I can wait.” Sorcha leaned back harder into the pillows. “Niall?”

“Yes?”

“I’m glad we talked. I know my…relationship…with Ronan and Teal is going to be complicated, but I can’t help wanting it. Adding in your friendship, and Jax’s, feels like a dream. I haven’t had many people who’ve cared for me, and now it’s like I’m greedy for it.”

Niall sighed and walked back toward the bed, leaning down to kiss Sorcha’s forehead.

“Beautiful omega, it’s not greedy to want what you absolutely deserve.

I’m honored to be someone who’s going to help you feel loved.

Your uncles were evil sacks of shit who didn’t appreciate your goodness. But all that’s over now.”

***

Sorcha felt well enough to come downstairs that night, but dinner began awkwardly.

Ronan and Teal had told Sorcha about their talk with the boys.

Sorcha stared across the table at Garin, Kino, and Zayne as they ate their chili without commentary.

He was grateful for the presence of Niall and Jax, who sat at opposite ends of the table.

Sorcha wanted to offer the boys some type of reassurance, but since this would be a massive adjustment, he also wanted to take it at their pace.

He and Ronan and Teal had decided earlier that Sorcha’s presence in their home was enough of a change for the time being.

They could let the boys get used to that and take things slowly.

Even if Sorcha turned out to be pregnant, they had time before he started showing.

Niall and Jax eyed one another across the table. Sorcha guessed the subject of their wordless communication. Should they continue to endure the silence, punctuated only by the clanking of spoons against bowls, or attempt to initiate conversation?

Finally, Teal said, “Dayson Bannon is supposed to drop by tonight to pick up some last-minute notes for tomorrow. He won’t testify until later in the week, but I want him to be prepared for what he might hear from others.”

As if on cue, Teal’s cell phone rang. He lifted a finger apologetically at the table before excusing himself to take the call in his home office.

Ronan eyed the children. “You all are very quiet tonight. Any particular reason?”

Kino shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

He glanced at Garin on his right and Zayne on his left before replying.

“Papa, we’re worried about Daddy. We saw what happened to Mr. Bannon.

How he got beat up. Then there were those horrible men at the aquarium.

” Niall and Jax winced. “And now you’ve taken us out of school.

We know Daddy does very important work, but we don’t want anything to happen to him. ”

“Yeah,” Garin agreed, voice wavering, clearly trying very hard not to cry.

His omega brother had no such hesitation. Zayne hiccupped once before tears began streaming down his face. “I don’t w-w-want nuttin bad to happen to Daddy!” he wailed.

Sorcha’s own tears threatened. These precious little boys!

He’d been so afraid that their reticence during dinner was because of his presence, but of course their first concern was Teal’s tribunal tomorrow.

Sorcha didn’t know them well enough yet to pull them into his arms, but the urge to do so coursed through him like a river.

He remembered when his family died. He’d been desperate for Dale or Abe to hug him and comfort him.

Exactly the opposite happened. They’d blamed him and kept him at arm’s length.

That’s why it was gratifying to see all three kids get up and hurl themselves into Ronan’s arms. The big alpha scooted his chair away from the table, making room for them in his lap.

He rubbed their backs and cooed at them, “It’s okay, my loves, my beautiful boys.

It’s okay. We’re going to keep Daddy safe.

I promise. Daddy’s going to do his very important job, but he’s never going to do anything that would keep him away from you.

But you can cry. That’s okay. Cry it out.

And you can always tell me when you’re feeling scared. It’s okay, my loves.”

On and on Ronan’s endearments went as the boys snuggled and burrowed into his wide chest, also with arms around one another.

Ronan was such a strong, fine alpha father.

Niall got up from his seat and went over to rub Garin’s shoulder, keeping a loving hand on him, giving him permission without words to cry all he needed to.

After a moment, Jax got up and did the same thing with Kino.

Finally, with a nod from Ronan, Sorcha came over to run gentle fingers through Zayne’s curls, letting him feel their omega bond.

Zayne released a soft puff of air at the touch.

Ronan, Niall, and Jax looked at Sorcha with approval.

“What’s all this?” Teal walked in to find them all huddled around Ronan’s chair.

“The boys were feeling a little nervous about High Court,” Niall said. “But I think we’re okay now.”

Garin snuffled against Ronan’s shirt. “Yes, Daddy. We’re okay. We were just a little scared, but we know you and Papa and Niall will take care of us.” Garin peered sideways and paused before declaring, “Jax and Sorcha too.”

“Of course Sorcha and I will help,” Jax said, still running a hand over Kino. “We’ll all take care of each other.”

Sorcha had woken up happy after his post-heat sleep, feeling the physical evidence of the way Ronan and Teal had claimed him. Speaking with Niall earlier solidified his sense of belonging. And just now, he’d felt a kinship with Jax, the other new member of this clan.

But it was a snotty, red-eyed Garin gazing at him with such faith that reinforced the point in his mind. He was home. He was part of this family. And he’d do anything in his power to protect every person in the room.