Page 13 of Whole in His Arms

“You have to work,” Ro said. “And I know my brother, and I can assure you that he would not give you his blessing if he wasn’t totally on board with this.” Ronin squeezed his shoulder again. “Trust me, I know why you’re feeling the need to be here, but River confided in me about why you have to do this. Go and lock down the past, then come home to your future.”

He was right. For some reason, he felt like he needed to know more. Maybe it was because they were having a baby. “I love your brother so much,” Nix told Ronin.

“And he loves you too, trust me,” Ronin replied.

Nix smiled. “Thanks, bro.” He hugged Ronin quickly. A part of him had worried that River’s family would have the most cause for concern now that he was leaving, but Ro had just reassured him. He’d helped Nix see he needn’t worry. And he appreciated that more than Ro would ever know. “Now, we better get this food out there before the savages descend on us.”

Ro laughed. “Truth.” They grabbed the trays and left the kitchen.

When they got into the living room, they walked the trays around to the various guests.

“Would you like something to eat?” he asked, holding the tray out in front of Ryder and Jax. When he met Ryder’s gaze, the alpha blushed.

“Thanks,” Ryder said, then grabbed a small plate of cheese and crackers that were already made up. He nodded and Nix turned to Jax.

“How about you?” he asked.

Jax shook his head. “Not now, maybe a little bit later. Thank you.”

Nix left the two to talk to one another. He walked over to River and held out the tray. River grabbed a plate. “Thanks, babe.”

Nix put the tray down on the coffee table before returning to his mate. “Did you notice Ryder and Jax?” he asked. “Do you think those two are a thing?” He nodded to the two of them. Jax held onto his newborn pup while he sat on the couch, and Ryder sat on the arm of the couch, looking at Jax in a way that Nix knew all too well.

“Well, there’s a pairing I hadn’t seen coming,” he mused. “But maybe Ryder’s exactly what he needs,” Nix whispered to his mate. “I just hope he knows he’ll have to take it slow.”

River laughed. “Yeah. I’ve already talked to Ryder about it. I think Jax is his mate.”

Nix nodded. “I’d bet on it.” He cuddled his mate, breathing in his scent. “Looks like love is in the air.”

River turned in his arms and kissed him. “It certainly is,” he murmured.

Devon walked over, and he smiled at the other man, but Roman’s mate ducked his head as he asked if he could speak to River. Nix kissed his mate and gave them some privacy. Even though Roman’s mate was doing better, he knew the omega still wasn’t comfortable around alphas.

Nix took a moment to just take in their guests. Ro was talking to Zander, and his mate was chatting with Devon. Jax had moved seats and now sat next to Ollie, even as he continued to steal glances at Ryder. There and then, a feeling of serenity washed over Nix. They would all be here when he came back, welcoming him. His mate would be safe because Nix knew everyone would keep an eye on River.

The party went on for nearly two hours, longer than planned, but apparently, he wasn’t the only one not in a hurry to leave.

Dax finally came up to the center of the room. “Thank you, everyone, for coming out here to see us off. This party has been a nice send-off. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to get on the road.

There was a collective sigh from the group, and the mood definitely shifted. Nix looked over at River. He had his arm around his stomach like he was protecting their pup. Nix walked over to him and River looked up. He smiled, but Nix could see the concern in his eyes. His mate had done his best to be strong.

“Baby, are you okay? Is the little one okay?” Nix asked.

River smiled bravely at him. “I’m fine. Our pup is fine.” He brushed a small kiss over Nix’s lips. “Go, I’ll be waiting for you when you get back home.” River looked around the room. “I have family that will be there for me.”

Nix smiled. River did have a family to care for him, and so did he. Nix would come home to all of this, his mate, his baby, his pack. He decided to keep his worries way down so he didn’t stress his mate. Everything was going to be just fine.

Maddox turned the van into the woods where they had decided to make camp once they reached Rose Hills. Dax sat in the passenger seat, with Zander and Nix taking up the backseat. After driving a little less than two hours to reach their destination, they were all ready to set up camp and try to get some rest in. They all were ready, especially Nix. He could feel his blood start to pump the minute they’d reached Rose Hills. He was anxious to get things started.

Maddox stopped the van after driving through a wooded path so they could all set up their tents and try to get some sleep. Dax finished first when it came to pitching their tents. “While y’all finish up, I’m going to see if I can do some scouting,” he said. “I’ll be back in a few.” He disappeared from the woods, and Nix finished setting up his tent.

After Nix’s tent was taken care of, he grabbed his phone from his pocket and stepped away from the camp. He needed to call up River and let him know they’d arrived safely and that he missed and loved him. He dialed River’s number and waited for him to answer.

“Hello?” At the sound of his mate’s voice, Nix closed his eyes.

“Hey babe, it’s me. So, we’re here, and we just set up camp. How are you? How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

River laughed on the other end of the line. “First off, I’m glad you made it. Secondly, I’m fine. You’ve been gone less than six hours, and we’ve managed well so far.” He chuckled and that brought a smile to Nix’s face.