Page 15

Ersa

“I hope the room is to your liking,” Xander’s mother said, her gaze darting anxiously around as if searching for imperfections.

“It’s perfect,” Ersa reassured her, hoping to ease her nerves. And it truly was. The room was bathed in soft white tones, exuding a crisp elegance. Delicate vases held fresh-cut flowers, their petals adding a touch of color to the pristine space. An air purifier released gentle wisps of lavender-scented mist, the soothing aroma curling through the air.

Ersa walked over to the cushioned crib, lowering Benjn into its embrace. The cub yawned, his tiny fists curling against his chest as his breathing slowed into the steady rhythm of sleep.

“He’s grown so much,” Xander’s mother murmured, gazing down at Benjn with a tender expression. “The last time I saw him, he was just a tiny little thing.” Her voice wavered slightly as she looked up at Ersa with a watery smile. “I can tell you’ve been taking good care of him.”

Ersa returned her smile, brushing a gentle hand over Benjn’s back. “Yes,” he said softly. “He’s a sweetheart.”

“Yes,” she said, her voice laced with nostalgia. “Xander was the same. He puts on this stern, aloof front, but underneath it all, he’s soft—more sensitive than any of my sons.” Her gaze sharpened with an unreadable emotion as she studied Ersa. “I hope he’s been good to you.”

“Xand… Master Quin has been treating me well,” Ersa replied, hoping she hadn’t noticed his slip.

“Good… good,” she murmured, nodding as if reassuring herself. She hesitated, lips parting as though she wanted to say something more, but after a brief pause, she shook her head and turned toward the door. “I’ll leave you to get settled.”

“Thank you, Mistress—”

“Oh no, call me Kora,” she corrected with a warm smile as she stepped out, just as a maid entered carrying his and Benjn’s luggage.

“You can put them over there,” Ersa directed, motioning to the side of the room. The maid obeyed without a word, setting the bags down before quietly excusing herself.

Now alone, Ersa wandered toward the massive window, resting his hands on the cool glass as he took in the breathtaking view. The estate stretched out before him, bathed in the golden glow of the late-afternoon sun.

Strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a firm embrace. The warmth of Xander’s body seeped through Ersa’s clothes, and his eyes fluttered shut as the alpha’s scent surrounded him—dark spice and crisp cedarwood, laced with something deeper, something uniquely him.

Ersa leaned into him without hesitation, soaking up the quiet strength and comfort Xander offered.

“You have Lazo pollen in your hair,” he murmured, brushing his fingers through the pink-streaked strands.

“You too,” Ersa murmured, his fingers slipping into the thick braid of fiery red hair, twisting the silken strands between his fingertips. “We should wash this off.”

“Later,” Xander rumbled, his voice low and warm. “I need to tell you something first.” Without warning, he scooped Ersa up effortlessly, cradling him against his chest as he crossed the room.

“Xander!” Ersa gasped, but his laughter bubbled up as the alpha carried him to the bed.

Xander sat down, keeping Ersa settled in his lap. “My parents and Fury saw us kiss at the Lazo festival,” he said, his grey eyes flicking up to gauge Ersa’s reaction.

Ersa’s breath caught. “What? How?”

“The film crew got some footage of us. That’s why they were acting so weird earlier,” Xander explained, his thumb tracing soothing circles against Ersa’s hip. “I just… wanted to warn you. They can get a little too enthusiastic when they’re excited. So, if they start acting crazy, don’t take it too seriously, okay?”

For a heartbeat, Ersa just stared at him—and then he burst into laughter, the sound light and easy. “I think I can handle a little crazy,” he teased, brushing his fingers along Xander’s jaw. “I mean… I’m with you, aren’t I?”

Xander growled playfully, nipping at his fingers, and Ersa’s laughter only grew. “I’m sure everything will be fine,” he added, his eyes shining with warmth.

“I don’t want anything to scare you away. You’re everything to me,” Xander said, tightening his hold on Ersa.

Ersa gazed at Xander, his heart twisting at the vulnerability etched into the alpha’s face. Nath, you fucking bastard . Ersa silently fumed, his blood boiling. He could almost see himself tracking Nath down, storming up to him without a word, and delivering a slap that would echo through every bad decision that omega had ever made. Maybe two. Maybe more. The thought was satisfying—far too satisfying—and it took everything in him not to let that anger consume him.

Slowly, gently, Ersa cupped Xander’s face, his thumbs brushing over the sharp lines of his jaw. “I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, his voice soft but sure. “I promise.” Then he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to Xander’s lips.

When they pulled apart, Xander’s arms tightened around him as if afraid to let go. “Let’s get bonded,” he murmured.

Ersa’s breath caught, his heart skipping a beat before a soft, teasing smile curved his lips. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?” he said, his voice light, but his eyes shone with affection.

But before Xander could respond, a sharp chime split the air, shattering the quiet intimacy of the moment. Both of them flinched, the sound dragging them back to reality far too soon.

“I’ll get that,” Ersa said softly, reluctantly slipping off Xander’s lap. He padded across the room, rifling through his bag until he found his connector. The screen lit up, and his breath hitched when he saw the name flashing across it— Erle . He froze, his stomach twisting. If Erle was trying to connect with him, it meant there was something wrong.

Ersa’s gaze lifted to Xander as he answered. “Hi, Erle,” he said.

“Mother wants to talk to you,” Erle said without preamble.

Ersa’s throat tightened. “Why?” The word came out more wary than he intended. He already knew where this was going—and he was dreading every second of it. “If this is another lecture about getting bonded—”

“It’s not about that,” Erle cut in with a weary sigh. “She saw the news, Ersa. We all did.”

Ersa silently groaned.

“The Lazo Pollen Festival is broadcast live, Ersa. Did you forget that?”

Ersa rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Xander. “My family saw us too,” he said.

“She… she thinks you’re pregnant,” Erle said, his voice lowering as if the very words were dangerous. “Is it true? Ersa—what’s going on? Mom’s convinced something foul is happening between you and the alpha. She thinks he—”

“No!” Ersa’s heart pounded. “Xan—Master Quin isn’t like that. He’d never… he wouldn’t hurt me. Why would she even think—”

“Because she’s worried about you!” Erle snapped, his frustration bleeding through the line. “Put yourself in her shoes, Ersa. You avoid her calls, refuse to visit, and then the next thing she sees is you on a live broadcast—kissing an alpha. And not just any alpha—your boss. An aggressive alpha at that.”

The words landed like a punch.

“You were terrified of aggressive alphas three years ago, remember? You begged her not to bond you with one. So what’s she supposed to think now? She’s threatening to go to the authorities, Ersa. Dad and I barely talked her down.”

The blood drained from his face. “Shit,” he whispered.

“She’s concerned about you,” Erle said, his voice softening. “And honestly? So am I.”

“Where is she?” Ersa asked quickly, his anxiety bubbling to the surface. “I’ll talk to her—”

“You might have to do more than talk,” Erle interrupted grimly. “You need to fix this, Ersa. And you need to do it fast. A meeting with Quin might help. He needs to explain himself—he can’t just… get you pregnant and—”

“It’s a false pregnancy, Erle!” Ersa blurted out, his desperation peaking. “It’s not real.”

There was a long, stunned silence. Then: “What… do you mean it’s not real? Mom showed me old images of when you were pregnant. You look the same.”

Ersa closed his eyes, his grip on the connector tightening. “Where’s Mom?” he asked again, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let me talk to her.”

The connector went silent for a few beats before his mother’s voice finally crackled through.

“Mom?” Ersa said, his heart giving a small, guilty flutter.

“What’s going on over there? Are you okay?” Her voice was sharp with worry.

“I’m fine, Mother. Please stop overreacting,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You don’t talk to me. I didn’t even know where you were until Erle told me! And now you’re pregnant… but you’re not? How am I supposed to react to that?” His mother’s voice wavered between confusion and frustration.

“I’m sorry,” Ersa said softly, rubbing his temple. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Ersa, you don’t have to shut us out,” she pressed, her voice gentling but still laced with concern. “We’re your family. Whatever happened with that alpha… we can fix it. If you’re pregnant, we’ll talk about it. We’ll find a solution together.”

“I’m not pregnant, Mother,” Ersa said, forcing his voice to stay calm even as the tension coiled tighter in his chest. “I promise, I’ll explain everything when I come visit.”

“When?” she shot back, her words sharp and quick. “You could’ve visited the moment you got that job—but you didn’t. You stayed away. Why, Ersa? What’s going on with you?”

Ersa sighed, his eyes flicking toward Xander, who was watching him with quiet curiosity. “I was going to visit soon,” he said, his voice softening. “And I was going to bring my alpha so you could meet him. He asked me to bond with him, and I said yes.”

The words hung in the air like a spark before a fire, and across the room, Xander visibly jerked, his eyes widening and then darkening with emotion. The storm of surprise, disbelief, and sheer joy that crossed his face made Ersa’s smile spread wider. He hadn’t planned to accept the proposal like this, but seeing Xander’s stunned, radiant expression made the spontaneous moment so worth it.

In an instant, Xander was on his feet, striding across the room. He swept Ersa up with effortless strength and settled him back into his lap, his arms circling him tightly.

“I have to go, Mom,” Ersa said, struggling not to laugh at the way Xander buried his face against his neck, breathing him in like he couldn’t get close enough.

“No… no! You can’t just drop a bomb like that and hang up! We need to talk about this!” his mother protested, her voice rising.

“Later, Mom. My alpha needs me,” Ersa teased, his eyes twinkling as he ended the connection and tossed the connector onto the bed.

Xander pulled back just enough to look at him, his expression a mix of wonder and euphoria. “I… I can’t believe you said yes. Are you sure about this?” His voice was rough with emotion, his hands cradling Ersa’s face like he was something precious.

Ersa tilted his head, his lips curving. “Are you sure? You’re the one who asked me, remember?” The laughter bubbling inside him spilled out when Xander’s eyes softened, filling with something fierce and unguarded.

“Fuck, I love you,” Xander whispered, his voice thick.

“I love you too,” Ersa whispered back, and then there were no more words—only the heat of their kiss, the press of their bodies, and the promise of everything still to come.

A soft knock at the door finally broke the spell. “Excuse me, Master Xander. Dinner is ready,” a muffled voice called through the wood.

Xander exhaled heavily, tilting his head back with a groan. “Alright,” he called back, his arms still tight around Ersa. “We’ll be right there.”

But his lips found Ersa’s one more time before he made any move to let him go.

Then his gaze settled back on him, intense and filled with something unspoken. “We’ll continue this later.”

“Okay,” Ersa murmured.

Xander groaned dramatically, running a hand down his face.

Ersa blinked, then laughed. “What?”

“You drive me crazy when you submit to me so easily,” Xander admitted, his voice husky with a mixture of frustration and desire. Before Ersa could react, Xander closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a searing, possessive kiss. The heat of it left Ersa dizzy, clinging to the alpha for support.

With reluctance, Xander finally pulled away and got to his feet, tugging Ersa up with him. Their fingers intertwined naturally as they walked toward the door.

Ersa hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the small crib. A pang of reluctance settled in his chest. “Benjn…” he murmured, torn between staying and following Xander.

Xander gently squeezed his hand. “I’ll hear him if he wakes up,” he reassured, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Ersa didn’t doubt it. The alpha had an uncanny ability to hear Benjn’s cries, even when the cub had been sleeping on the far side of the house.

As they made their way down the hallway and descended the grand staircase, Ersa took in the sheer opulence surrounding them. The Quin estate was breathtaking, a seamless blend of elegance and wealth. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished wood floors, intricate wall carvings hinted at generations of history, and tall windows framed the sprawling landscape beyond. Everything about the home whispered of power and legacy.

As they entered the dining area, a hush fell over the table. The quiet chattering from Xander’s family ceased instantly, replaced by knowing glances and unreadable expressions. Ersa swallowed hard, a flicker of unease tightening his throat. He didn’t have to ask what they’d been talking about. He could guess.

The memory of Xander’s lips on his, warm and claiming, flashed through his mind, and heat crept up his neck. Of course, everyone had seen it. And judging by the expectant hush hanging in the air, they were all waiting for some kind of confirmation.

“Let’s eat,” Xander’s dad said awkwardly. “Your mother had the chef prepare your favorite, Xander.”

“She did?” Xander perked up, his excitement evident as he reached for the covered dishes. The moment he lifted a lid, the rich aroma of slow-roasted meat filled the air, making Ersa’s mouth water.

A sharp slap landed on Xander’s hand. “Wait for the maids to serve us,” Kora chided, giving him a disapproving look. “Where are your manners? We have a guest.”

A guest? Ersa’s stomach twisted as he realized everyone was looking at him. His throat went dry. “I…”

“Here,” Kora said, carefully selecting a few tender cuts and placing them onto Ersa’s plate. “The meat is perfectly cooked—soft enough to melt in your mouth.”

“Thank you,” Ersa murmured, picking up his fork, but his movements slowed under Kora’s expectant gaze. He took a bite, the rich, seasoned flavors bursting across his tongue. “It’s delicious,” he said, swallowing quickly.

Kora’s face lit up with a beaming smile. “I’m so glad you like it.” She clapped her hands lightly. “Alright, everyone, let’s eat.”

At Kora’s words, the tension in the room melted away, and everyone eagerly dove into their meals as if they hadn’t eaten in days. Conversation flowed naturally around mundane topics—harmless family gossip, recent news, and lighthearted jokes. Whenever the discussion veered toward business, Kora swiftly shushed them, keeping the atmosphere warm and relaxed.

Though sitting with Xander’s family wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, Ersa couldn’t shake the awkwardness. Everyone seemed to be catering to him, their attention so focused it was almost overwhelming. They made sure his plate was always full, asked if he was comfortable a dozen times, and watched him with the kind of care usually reserved for someone fragile and precious. Xander had warned him they’d act a little weird—and he hadn’t been wrong.

When the plates were finally cleared, the maids brought out spirits and tea, the warm, fragrant scent filling the room. Kora stood gracefully, a warm smile on her face as she reached for the teapot. “I prepared this tea especially for you,” she said, pouring the amber liquid into a delicate cup and offering it to him. “Binla root tea helped me so much when I was pregnant with all my boys. Carrying a Quin is no joke—you’re going to need all your strength.” She laughed lightly, the sound rich and affectionate.

Ersa froze, his fingers brushing against the cup but not taking it. His heart stumbled in his chest, and he turned wide eyes toward Xander. They should have told them sooner—they should have said something the moment they arrived. But now, the misunderstanding had grown into this awkward moment, and there was no easy way out of it.

“All the cubs come out as aggressive alphas,” Kora continued cheerfully, oblivious to the sudden tension thickening the air. “Did Xander tell you? It runs in the family. They’re from—” She stopped abruptly, her laughter dying as her gaze flicked around the suddenly silent table. “What?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“He’s not pregnant. It’s… a false pregnancy,” Xander said softly.

The room seemed to hold its breath. Kora’s face fell, disappointment flashing across her features. “What?” she whispered, looking between them. “Are you sure?” Her eyes scanned Ersa, assessing him as though she could somehow see the truth just by looking.

“Yes,” Xander said gently. “We did it for Benjn’s sake. After Nath left… he wasn’t doing well. He refused formula, and Ersa was the only nanny he responded to, so we…”

Kora raised a hand, stopping him from explaining further. “I get it,” she murmured, though the sadness in her eyes lingered. “I guess I was just hopeful… I wanted to experience everything this time. Nath wasn’t exactly welcoming. I could barely get close to him. I should have known that was a bad match right from the start.”

Xander’s dad stood then, crossing the room to wrap his arms around his mate. “Stop blaming yourself, Kora. Xander’s fine. Can’t you see? He’s happy. And I’m sure they’ll have a cub of their own once they’re bonded, right?” His eyes twinkled as he looked at the two of them, clearly hopeful.

Kora pulled away from her mate, her focus snapping back to Xander and Ersa. “Bonded?” she echoed, her eyes lighting up. “Are you two getting bonded?”

Xander held up his hands in mock surrender. “Promise you won’t go crazy—”

But Kora was already swatting at him, her face breaking into an ecstatic smile. “Oh, hush!” she said, her joy barely contained. She turned back to Ersa, her eyes soft and warm as she pressed the cup of binla root tea into his hands. “You still need your strength,” she teased. “Handling an aggressive alpha can be… a challenge.”

Before Ersa could even think of a response, Kora dragged her chair closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. “You can ask me anything. I’ve lived with four of them—trust me, I know all their peculiar behavior.”

Ersa’s lips twitched despite himself, his nerves melting under Kora’s warmth.

“I think that’s our cue,” Fury muttered, already rising from his chair with his glass in hand. Xander and his dad exchanged amused glances and followed him out, leaving the two of them deep in conversation.

Later that evening, as Ersa lay nestled in Xander’s arms, warmth and contentment washing over him, a strange thought slipped into his mind. His fingers drifted over his stomach, brushing against the slight curve of the false pregnancy bump. A soft ache bloomed in his chest—a quiet, unexpected longing. He wished it were real. That there was a cub growing inside him— their cub.

“Will you put a cub in me… after the false pregnancy’s gone?” His voice was barely above a whisper, but the words hung heavy in the air.

Xander’s breath hitched, his body going still for a heartbeat before a low, rough groan escaped him. His arms tightened around Ersa, pulling him closer as if the very idea set his blood on fire. “ Fuck ,” he murmured, his voice full of want. “I’ll put two in there. Will that satisfy you?”

Ersa smiled, his heart thudding against his ribs. “No,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He rolled onto his back, tugging Xander with him until their bodies aligned. “I want more. A whole house full of cubs with your blazing eyes and that wild, flaming hair.”

Xander’s mouth crashed against his, his kiss hot and desperate, and Ersa knew—he’d never stop wanting him.

***

Their visit to Xander’s family stretched over two warm and surprisingly peaceful days. In that time, Kora proved to be an incredible host—attentive, warm, and far more nurturing than Ersa had expected. She took him on long strolls through the sprawling gardens, where the air was fragrant with blooming flowers and the soft hum of insects. She helped him care for Benjn, patient even when the cub was hesitant and shy around his grandmother. But slowly, Benjn warmed to her, giggling as she played peekaboo or tickled his tiny feet.

Kora also offered Ersa gentle advice, sharing tips on how to stay healthy and strong despite the challenges of his false pregnancy. Even when Ersa felt drained or out of sorts, her quiet wisdom and soothing presence made everything a little easier.

“Make sure you drink that tea every day,” she reminded him as they stood by the waiting pod, her eyes soft with affection. “I’ll miss you both so much.” She brushed her fingers over Benjn’s cheek, earning a bright, bubbly giggle. “Yes, I will, little one. You’ve stolen your grandmother’s heart.”

Ersa smiled at the tender moment. “Maybe you could come and stay with us for a little while. I’m sure Xander wouldn’t mind.”

Kora rolled her eyes with a fond huff. “That one? He likes his space. I’m shocked he even let you in.”

“He didn’t have much of a choice,” Ersa teased with a grin. “Benjn chose me.”

“And he’s a good little boy,” Kora cooed, waving to the cub, her face lighting up as Benjn giggled again.

“We should get going before it gets dark,” Xander said, his hand settling on Ersa’s lower back in that possessive, comforting way he always did.

Ersa climbed into the pod and settled into the seat by the window, waving as Kora grew smaller in the distance. A quiet ache settled in his chest—he hadn’t realized how much he’d grown to love her company.

“I think they miss you already,” Ersa said softly, his fingers brushing against Xander’s.

“Don’t you mean you miss them?” Xander teased, his tone warm and amused.

Ersa smiled. “I do. Maybe we should consider moving here. It’s a nice place—the air is fresh, and your mother’s garden is amazing.”

Xander groaned, leaning his head back against the seat. “What about your family?”

Ersa shrugged. “They can visit.”

Xander snorted. “My family can visit too.”

“I guess,” Ersa murmured, resting his head on Xander’s shoulder as the pod sped down the airway.

Benjn, thankfully, seemed more at ease with the pod this time. He didn’t cry or fuss, just stared wide-eyed at the landscape rushing past them. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of deep violet and gold, they turned onto the residential airway leading home.

But something was wrong.

As they neared the massive gates of the estate, the flashing lights of an authority hover pod filled the dusk, yellow and green spiraling in frantic, dizzying whirls. The sight of them made Ersa’s stomach twist, a cold, familiar fear clawing its way up his throat.

“What’s going on?” Hicks asked from the front, slowing the pod to a stop.

Before anyone could answer, Xander was already climbing out, his jaw tight as he strode toward the waiting officers. Ersa’s eyes tracked him, his heart pounding. When the doors of the hover pod opened, his breath caught in his throat.

A figure stepped out—thin, fragile, and worn down in a way that made Ersa’s chest ache. The omega looked like he’d been through hell and barely crawled back from it. His clothes hung off his frame, his eyes sunken and shadowed, but there was still a spark of something fierce in them.

“Oh, shit,” Hicks muttered under his breath, and Ersa didn’t even need to ask. He knew.

Nath.

Xander’s ex-bond mate. The one who had abandoned them.

Ersa’s body went rigid as Nath’s eyes locked onto the pod—and then on him. There was a wildness there, a desperation that made the hair on the back of Ersa’s neck rise.

Before anyone could react, Nath was moving, his frail form marching toward the pod with alarming speed. In a flash, he yanked the door open and reached inside, snatching Benjn out of Ersa’s arms.

“He’s mine !” Nath’s voice cracked with rage and desperation, his arms clutching the wailing cub so tightly that Benjn’s cries grew more frantic.

“N o ! Give him back!” Ersa’s voice broke as he surged forward, reaching for Benjn—but the firm grip of an officer held him back.

“I’m sorry,” the officer said, his tone regretful but firm. “But he’s the biological father. He has a right to his cub.”

Ersa’s world tilted. His heart slammed against his ribs as Benjn’s screams filled the night, and the sight of Nath—pale, trembling, and clutching his son with such desperate possessiveness—made his blood run cold.

“No,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “No, you don’t understand—”

But no one was listening. And the nightmare was only just beginning.