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M ael dragged him into another hug, one Echo never wanted to be let loose from. After all the worry, their world felt like it was finally falling into place.

“Um, Echo? I hate to interrupt you, but can I have a moment?”

Echo turned to see his neighbor Tatum standing on the other side of the gate.

“Sure,” he said, curious why Tatum looked on the verge of tears. He walked closer.

“Both of you,” Tatum said, eyeing Mael.

Echo frowned at Mael. He shared the same expression but joined them at the gate.

“I want to apologize. It’s my fault the officers came to arrest you,” Tatum said, tears shining in his eyes.

Echo’s smile fell. “What?”

“They came to me a few weeks ago, asking questions about a man on a motorcycle and what I’d seen. I remember hearing a motorcycle nearby on a few occasions, but I hadn’t really seen anything. They asked me to watch your house and the minute I saw a large dark-haired man on a black motorcycle to call them because you were in danger.” Tatum’s brows knitted together. “They told me the man on the motorcycle had sexually assaulted you and they feared he’d be back.” Tatum eyed Mael. “I saw you, so I called. I was trying to be a good neighbor and protect Echo from harm.” He looked back at Echo. “I should’ve come to talk to you about it. I’ve stood at the edge of our properties so many times, wondering if I should knock and check on you—but we’ve never done more than wave hello and say a few words in passing.” He shook his head. “I’m a terrible neighbor. If I’d only asked you, I could’ve prevented them from terrorizing you both. I hope you can forgive me.”

“You’re not a terrible neighbor,” Echo said. “You did what you thought you needed to do to protect me, and for that, I’m grateful. How were you to know that the police lied to you?” Echo glared at their ringleader.

“I will get his name before we leave,” Mael said. “I don’t know if you noticed, but he had it covered when he was inside your house.”

“Oh,” Tatum said, digging into his pocket. He pulled out a wallet and rifled through. After drawing out a business card, he handed it to Mael. “This is what he gave me when he came to the house.”

Mael took it and smiled. “Thank you, Tatum. You’ve been very helpful.” He lifted the card. “May I keep this?”

“Absolutely,” Tatum said.

“And as Echo said, this is not your fault. They lied to you. You tried to help Echo and had the lies been true, you might’ve saved him from harm. I thank you for that,” Mael said.

Tatum smiled wryly. “I appreciate that, though I still feel awful. Pushing a pregnant omega down the stairs? It’s unconscionable.”

“The next time you want to knock on my door and talk, feel free. We’re neighbors and omegas. We should be looking out for one another,” Echo said. “The only real crime either of us have committed is not talking sooner.”

Tatum smiled. “I agree.”

“Thank you for telling us what happened,” Echo said. “I’m glad we know who?—”

Echo suddenly gasped.

“You just remembered Joanna?” Mael murmured.

Echo nodded. “I owe my mother an apology.”

Mael sighed. “Well, you had just been assaulted by a police officer. You weren’t clearheaded at that moment—hopefully she’ll offer a little grace.”

“I didn’t offer her much before assuming she’d committed that sin.”

Tatum’s eyes widened. “Did my call cause even more pain?”

“This one’s fully my fault,” Echo said.

“Well, if you need my help, let me know,” Tatum said. He grinned. “I’m just next door.”

“Will do and the same goes for you,” Echo said.

Tatum offered a little wave and left the hall just as Mael’s mother walked over to them.

“I think an apology for my actions are due,” she said to Echo.

“I heard what you said. That was enough apology for me,” Echo replied.

She smiled. “What I say in private is a bit more in-depth.” She took Echo’s hand. “With a little help from my daughter, I realized my error in thinking. I can now see how Mael looks at you and the happiness in his eyes. You’ve given my son back to me, not the empty shell I’ve had the last eighteen years. Thank you for that.”

Echo smiled sliding his arm through Mael’s. “You gave him to me. I’d say we’re square.”

She smiled. Slowly, she turned her gaze. “Maelstrom…” She paused, trying to control herself, it seemed. Tempest’s words about her mask were either an utter lie, or Echo had only seen her at her most extreme. “You saved my life two decades ago and how did I repay you? I tried to stand between you and your happiness. I’m so sorry for that. I hope you can forgive me, my darling.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy to learn a dolphin was joining the family,” Mael said. “I expected pushback. I'm just glad we got to acceptance sooner than later."

“I love you, Mael,” she murmured.

Mael let go of Echo to hug his mother. “I love you, too.”

When they let go, she let out a sigh. “Well, there are a few other odds and ends we need to clear up.” She smiled at Mael. “You’re fired. Effective immediately.”

“Excuse me?” Mael asked, brows knitting together.

“Your sister is our new sheriff,” the matriarch continued. “You’re no longer needed.”

Mael’s jaw opened, his frown deepening. “Mom? I’m soon to have two children to support.”

She chuckled. “I’d like to offer you a position on a new orca council. One of your roles will be to assist me in the discussions with the dolphins and helping to craft a new treaty if we reach that point. I also think you moving here to Dolphin Bay in the near future might not be a bad idea. From what I hear you spend most of your time at Echo’s these days anyway. You can help be a liaison of sorts and have a presence here. Mix with the natives.” She grinned. “I was also hoping you might lead the study and preservation of our new historical landmark that currently resides in our waters.”

“I know nothing about studying and preserving a landmark,” Mael argued.

“I just need you to oversee things and ensure our lands and waters are respected. We have an archeological team consisting of a mix of marine shifters coming to work the site. You’ll be their point of contact here in the pod, oversee larger work, and regularly check in on them. Ensure they’re working diligently to preserve this treasure.” She turned to Echo. “We’d love to have you on the team, as well.”

“Me?” Echo asked.

“You’re a marine scientist, are you not? Lab trained with a doctorate?”

“I’m a marine biologist,” Echo argued. “Not a marine archeologist.”

“You’re the one who found this magical place. Do you not want to play a role in its analysis?”

Echo grinned. “Of course I do.” He turned to Mael. “Maybe I can get a sample of that blue material and get it under a microscope. I was so out of it from my heat, I didn’t even think about it—though, I don’t know if I had anything on me to collect a proper sample even if I’d been coherent.”

“Out of it from your heat?” she asked.

“The treasure you want us to help preserve?” Mael asked. He rubbed Echo’s belly. “Might also be where your grandchildren were conceived.”

She lifted her hand. “I know we’ve always been close and can talk about many things, but I do not need to know the intimate details of your mate’s impregnation.” She shivered. “I will not see my little boy in that way. My grandchildren were conceived via immaculate conception, and there’s nothing you can tell me that will change my mind.”

“I now see where Tempest gets her charm,” Echo said to Mael.

“Did someone call me?” Tempest asked, wrapping an arm around her mother’s shoulder.

“No one ever calls you. You simply show up and worm your way in. That’s your superpower,” the Matriarch said.

“Harsh,” Tempest said.

“What did you think of Mom’s speech? I wrote most of it,” Tempest said.

“You did not,” their mother said.

“Did, too,” Tempest said. “And I’m the one who suggested bringing the photos to save the day.”

“You did do that,” their mother said. She turned to Echo. “Are you really sure you want to join this chaotic family?”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice now,” Echo replied, grinning.

“Well then… Welcome to our family, Echo.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Marino. Or am I to call you Matriarch?”

“Call me Amiria.” She smiled down at Echo. “Or better yet, Mom.”

“Alright then,” Echo replied. “Mom.”

She chuckled. “You fell into my trap.”

Echo frowned. “What?”

“If I’m Mom, I get to rub the belly.”

Echo shook his head and lifted his shirt.

“Awwww.” Amiria nearly squealed, her smile broad. She pressed both palms to Echo’s swell. “My first grandbabies.”

“That you know of,” Tempest said, one corner of her lips rising into a lopsided grin.

“Keep it up and I’ll pick another matriarch to follow in my footsteps,” Amiria said.

“Please do,” Tempest said. “If I knew it was that easy to get out of, I’d have been a bigger pain in the ass a long time ago.” She did a fist pump. “Nothing better than sloughing off a major responsibility and dumping it on someone else.”

Amiria shook her head. “You’re not dumping anything, Princess.”

Tempest’s smile evaporated. “Way to get a girl’s hopes up.”

“Well, we should get back to the island,” Amiria said. She searched the handful of people left in the hall. “Where has Havoc disappeared to?”

Echo looked around. “Hmm… I wonder where Diego has disappeared to?”

Tempest and Maelstrom fought laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Amiria asked, searching all three of their faces. “What am I missing?”

Echo shrugged when she pegged him with her gaze.

“Let’s just say that it’s a good thing you accepted Echo… because you might be getting another dolphin son-in-law,” Tempest said.

“Who?”

“Find Havoc and you just might find out,” Tempest replied.

Amiria shook her head. “I’m done with this place today. If you’re not in the car in five, find another way home.” She kissed Mael’s cheek and then Echo’s. “Take good care of my grandbabies.”

“I plan to,” Mael said. “Them and my mate.”

Echo leaned against Mael.

“Ready to go home? Or back to the boat? Wherever you feel safer,” Mael said.

“How about the boat tonight? I’d like some peace and quiet with my mate.”

“Sounds good,” Mael murmured.

“You just want to be able to scream your ass off when Mael dicks you down dirty,” Tempest said.

“Go home,” Mael said to his sister. “Sheriff.”

Tempest cackled.

“Okay, wait a minute,” Echo said. “I know dick you down, but what’s dick you down dirty?”

“Up the fudge packer,” Tempest said before booping Echo on the nose. “Have fun not being able to walk tomorrow, babes!”

Tempest waved and wandered out.

“That is our new sheriff,” Mael murmured. “What in the hell is Mom thinking?”

“I was kind of shocked that your mom wasn’t putting her on this new council given that she’s next in line to be matriarch, but now I think I know why.”

“Tempest doesn’t want it. Mom’s not pushing her. Not hard anyway. She figures Tempy will eventually mature and be ready.”

“Is she the youngest?” Echo asked.

“She’s the next oldest after me,” Mael replied. “The twins are the youngest.”

“Oh,” Echo said, pursing his lips.

“Yeah.” Mael sighed. “Do you need to stop by the house and pick anything up before we head to the boat?”

“My parents, then home, then boat.”

Mael nodded and led Echo out. “Good plan.”

* * *

Echo approached the front door of his parents’ home, a deep sense of dread filling him. His relationship with his mother had already been tenuous. If she didn’t forgive him, there might not be much more left for them. He had to make it count. Glancing over his shoulder at where Mael sat stuffed into his Mini, he smiled at his mate, wishing his orca had come with him.

He stopped in front of the door, gathering courage. Before he could knock, the door whipped open, and his mother stood facing him.

“What are you doing here? Come to blame something else that I didn’t do on me?”

“No,” Echo replied. “I’m here to apologize.”

His mother crossed her arms over her chest and pinched her lips. “Oh?”

Echo could already see her fighting hard not to cry. He let out a rough breath. “Someone approached me a little while ago and apologized because they were the one who called the police. I’m sorry I blamed you. It was unfair.”

His mother’s bottom lips quivered. “I can’t believe you would think I would do that to you.”

“You’ve been quite clear in your dislike of my relationship,” Echo said. “And you cross boundaries all the time. It wasn’t hard to make a hop, skip, and a ju—” He paused, shaking his head. “I came here to apologize. Not get into another argument.”

“I don’t want to argue with you either.” She lowered her arms. “I don’t want to lose you in my life. You or my grandchildren.”

“Your half orca grandchildren?”

His mother sighed. “Daddy and I were in the back of the meeting hall.”

“I didn’t see you there.”

“We stood in the back. I wasn’t sure if you’d want me there, but I needed to know you were going to be okay.”

Echo’s chest tightened.

“As clear as my dislike has been for Maelstrom—his affection for you is just as clear.”

Echo’s gaze whipped to his mother’s.

“I know you told me his brother’s death had been an accident, but I didn’t believe you. I thought he’d likely lied to you. Then I saw the pain on his face when you stood up for him.” She shook her head. “No one’s that good an actor. I could feel his pain coming off of him in waves all the way in the back of the auditorium.” She clicked her tongue. “I might even have teared up a little.”

Echo let out a light snort of laughter.

“Since yesterday, I’ve been sitting with the fact that you hop, skipped, and jumped so easily to that accusation. I had a talk with Daddy about it and… I’m going to try and make a few changes. Compliment you more. Work on boundaries. Stop picking on you about stuff that worries me. He says I’m projecting my fears and that’s unfair to you, so I’ll work on that.”

Echo smiled. “All I ask is that you try. Even if you mess up, don’t give up. Keep trying. If you can do that, maybe we can figure this whole mother-son thing out eventually. And it would mean a lot to me if we could figure it out.”

“Me, too,” she whispered. “Because even if I’m not the best at this, I really, really do love you, Echo. You’re my baby.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

“Can I get a hug?”

Echo nodded.

She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. When she backed away, she rubbed his belly a little. “I think you’re going to be a really good papa.”

“I hope so, but I could always use a pointer or two.”

“I’ll do what I can,” she murmured.

“Well, Mael’s stuffed in my car, waiting. I should get going.”

His mother looked past him at where Mael waited. “He looks like he’s going to need a can opener to get out of that thing.”

Echo chuckled. “It was that or his motorcycle.”

“Oh, gosh no. You two need a bigger car for my grandbabies.”

“We’ll sort it all out soon enough,” Echo said. “We’re going to need a lot of things.” He backed away. “Tell Dad I said hello.”

His father peeked out from behind the door. “Dad heard.” He winked at Echo.

Echo spun and marched back to the car.

“Hi, Maelstrom,” his mother called from the front step.

Mael peeked through the window and waved in her direction with a smile.

As soon as he slipped into the passenger seat, Mael eyed him. “Sounds like that might’ve gone well.”

“Well enough. It’s a start.”

Mael grinned before trying to move his long legs and get comfortable. “I’m going to go buy the biggest SUV I can find at the first possible moment.”

Echo grinned. “Mom said you looked like you’d need a can opener to get out.”

“She might be right,” Mael said before leaning over to steal a kiss. “Home?”

Echo nodded, suddenly exhausted. “Then boat… and a nap.”

“It’s barely noon, and it feels like we’ve been through the ringer. I just might join you for that nap.”

“I hope you will,” Echo said, leaning his head on his mate’s shoulder.

His mate.

He smiled to himself, finally able to publicly claim Maelstrom was his. All the doubts and worries were gone. They were going to get their happily ever after and then some.