Page 5 of Whole in His Arms

They headed out to their car in silence until Nix finally spoke up, “I’m sure your brother is fine.”

River couldn’t help his lips from curving into a smile. There was something to be said for a mate who knew what you were feeling.

They stopped at their car, and he turned to face his mate. “I know he will, but I just worry. I think with Rome, Ronin, and me finding our mates, Ryder …” His voice trailed off. “We’re lucky.” River hugged Nix. “I’m so glad I found you, babe.”

“Me too,” Nix said. “Hopefully, he’ll find his person soon because it’s the most amazing feeling.” Nix leaned down and kissed him, his hand slipping behind River’s neck to tilt his head and deepen the kiss.

“This feeling takes my breath away.” Nix held his gaze as he spoke. “You take my breath away.”

“Ditto, babe.” River’s tone was teasing, but he made sure Nix knew he meant every word.

Nix led him to the passenger side and opened the door for him, and he made sure River was comfortable before closing the door and walking behind the car to get in himself. River sat there and looked down at his stomach. He cupped his still flat belly, and an overwhelming feeling hit him. He was excited, terrified, and happier than he’d ever been.

All he could think about was Nix and their little family.

When Nix got into the car, he looked over at River. “Everything okay, love?”

River looked up and smiled so wide he was worried his face would stay like that forever. “Just daydreaming of the life we’re going to have together.” He reached out and stroked Nix’s cheek. “You, me, and our little pup.”

Nix’s eyes softened, and he leaned over for a quick kiss.

His mate pulled back and held his gaze. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, River.”

Yeah, his life was every dream of his come true.

Still, a niggling voice at the back of his mind whispered,But isn’t that when things start going wrong? When you’re really happy?

He couldn’t stop the shiver that went down his spine, and for some reason, he felt like maybe the other shoe would drop.

Chapter Two

Nix

Nix looked over to River, who was holding Ollie and Ro’s daughter in his arms. It was a sight he knew he could definitely get used to.

“She’s so precious,” River said, lovingly looking down at his niece.

“I think River is in love,” Nix teased his mate, smiling. He looked down at the baby boy that was nestled in his own arms. “Okay, so maybe I’m in love too.”

Ollie threw his head back and laughed. “I definitely know what you mean. Even though I’ve barely gotten any sleep, I love the little monsters.”

Ollie’s eyes lowered to his son in Nix’s arms. “There’s nothing like a parent’s love when they see their baby for the first time.”

At least there shouldn’t be, Nix couldn’t help thinking. But he shook it off, this was a happy day. He wasn’t going to let the past intrude.

“Or, when they realize their daughter was hiding their son in the womb and so there’s two.” Ronin’s voice shook him out of that place he tried not to go to, and he watched as his friend touched the top of his son’s head, a large smile on his face.

Ro must have felt his eyes on him because he looked up and shrugged, not in the least self-conscious. “I guess it happens to everyone.” He playfully punched Nix’s arm. “But I can still kick your ass.”

Nix snort-chuckled and flexed his free arm. “Bring it on.”

“You’ll see when you have yours. Makes you a big ole softie.” Ronin said it with a smile on his face that told Nix he was very happy with his lot in life.

River looked up and shot him a look, and Nix smiled back at him. They hadn’t told Ro and Ollie that they were expecting a baby of their own. They had every intention of making the announcement before they left, however. Still, for the time being, they were enjoying just sitting there and taking in the sweetness of the little ones in the family.

Nix stood up and walked over to where River sat. “Let’s trade,” he said. “My turn to hold our niece.”

“It’s only fair.” River lifted the little girl so he could sniff her head. His mate let out a sound that was very close to a moan before adding, “There’s the good stuff. Baby smell should be bottled and sold as happy pills or something.”