Page 38 of Whole in His Arms

Cal glanced at Nix. “You’re right. He is very nice.” He looked back at River, “Thank you.”

He winked at River and mouthed thank you. How could his mate doubt for a second that his family would be welcome? All River cared about was Nix’s happiness, and there was a look of peace in his eyes that hadn’t been there when they’d first mated. He knew it had never been about him, .but about the questions Phoenix had about his past, and River was glad he finally had some answers. He just wished he could take away the accompanying pain.

His thoughts were open to Nix, and his mate slipped his hand in his and squeezed. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

That happiness and gratitude hit him once again. Phoenix was home.

“Come on. Let’s get you all inside.” As much as he wanted to hold Nix, he linked arms with Cal. “I’ll show you the room I set up, and you can get washed up, Cal.” Nix took his free hand, and they walked toward the house together. It felt right that they were finally back together, even with the new additions to their family.

Nix had to drop his hand so they could get in the house. He dropped the luggage he had in his hands, and River realized there was nothing there for Cal and Jacobi. He would have to lend Cal some clothes. River was a little taller, but they were the same size. And Jacobi, River was sure some of Devon’s babygrows would fit till they could get stuff for him. Luckily, Ollie had brought over some baby food.

Nix followed behind them as River led Cal up the stairs.

“You can stay here.” River opened the door to the guest room that was two doors down from them and had its own ensuite. “I washed the bedsheets and bought a baby bed for Jacobi.”

Nix looked at River and their eyes met. “You did all that just for us?” Cal’s voice was whispersoft.

River smiled. “ I want you guys to feel at home here. Okay?” He moved towards the cupboard. “There’s towels in the bathroom and shower things for both you and Jacobi. Now that I know we’re close in size, I’ll grab some things from my closet till you can go shopping. Okay?”

Cal simply stared at him.

River looked over at Nix then back at Cal. “I figured you might not have much. But if you like, we can go into town now.” He pulled his phone out. “Yeah, the Walmart just outside Wildwood should be open for a while longer.”

Cal looked around the room and then turned to River. “This is so nice. Thank you so much. We can never repay you.”

“Like I told you before … we’re family.” River pulled the omega in for a hug. “No repayment necessary.”

Cal sniffed and pulled back, he leaned back into Nix, and they both watched Cal walk over and put Jacobi into the baby bed. Jacobi moved around, and they moved forward to stand around the crib and take in the little guy. “He’s happy too,” Cal said. “I wish Papa was here.” His voice broke and Nix was by his brother’s side immediately, engulfing him in a hug. His mate whispered, “Me too.”

When they finally pulled back, River smiled gently. “If you want to take a shower and put on a fresh set of clothes, I’ll grab some. Dinner is in the oven, too, for whenever you’re hungry.”

Cal looked around the room and then back to River. “That sounds great. I’m definitely hungry.” His hand went to his belly.

“Whenever you’re ready, we can go and see Ryder for an ultrasound.” Cal froze and River wanted to take it back. He had no idea what the omega’s plans were for his pregnancy.

Nix put his hands on Cal’s shoulder and squeezed. “When you’re ready.” River nodded in agreement, “Until then, early dinner sounds great. Followed by dessert.” Nix said that with his eyes firmly on River, and he knew that his mate wasn’t just hungry for food.

The feeling was completely mutual.

“Okay,” River clapped, but Jacobi mewled, and when he looked down into the crib, the little guy was already sound asleep, and he chuckled. “I think Jacobi was a bit tired.”

Cal laughed. “I can relate, but shower first, then food … sleep later.”

“Sounds like a plan,” River said. They left the room but stopped to remind Cal of where they’d be. “We’re in the room down the hall, the last door on the right,” River said. “Please, let us know if you need anything. Anything at all.”

River and Nix hurriedly moved down the hall and to their bedroom. Nix closed the door behind them and then pushed River against the door. They kissed and Nix pressed his body against River’s. River laughed, pulling back slightly. “Are you sure?” he asked breathlessly. “You look pretty beat up, and I don’t want to hurt you. Besides, Cal’s shower won’t take that long.”

“Trust me, baby, the only thing that’ll hurt me is if we don’t get in that bed right now.” Nix stole a kiss. “And I’m sure I can make you come before he gets out of the shower.”

River laughed as he hurriedly undressed. Nix locked the door behind him and then started to tug at his clothes, shedding them in a trail to their bed. River winced when he saw the gash on his mate’s side. River traced the long scar. Until Nix covered his hand. He looked up and met Nix’s gaze.

“I’m fine,” Nix said. “Once I shift, you’ll barely see a scar.”

River forced a smile and nodded. Nix was right. He was fine.

What about next time?River shook that thought off. He wasn’t going to go there.

His mate took his lips in a tender kiss, and River sighed into it. Since Nix seemed determined to ignore his wound and make love. He would go along with it. He needed to feel Phoenix inside him. Remind himself that he was here. He was home. Safe.