“We’re going to have real Christmases in this house again, hopefully I’ll be invited.” Lachlan winked.
“Of course you’re invited,” Sebastian said, kissing the tops of Liam and Kent’s heads before walking back to the stove.
“When is the boy coming here?” Liam asked, turning to Kent.
“Not until next year. His uncle, Pierce Johansen, will be dropping him off here before heading up to Arkadiatown in Massachusetts. They aren’t able to come sooner since Pierce is under contract designing a city center down there. They have moved out of the pride and they are staying with the local wolf pack. The wolves don’t seem to have problems with their pack members being gay.” Kent said.
“Do you think he’ll want a race car bed or a Batman bed?” Liam asked, rubbing his hands together.
“Maybe he’ll like books instead. We could get him a Kindle or an iPad,” Kent said, smiling.
“We should start shopping now… I said the ‘S’ word and Rian didn’t jump me. Now that I think about it, it’s been really quiet, where is he?” Liam asked, looking around.
“I think he was afraid you would rescind your offer for a new phone. He and Damian were up at the crack of dawn heading to Johnny’s,” Sebastian said, walking over with platter for the table.
“It’s just crepes, some are sweet and some are savory. I didn’t know what everyone would want.” Sebastian twisted the kitchen towel in his hands.
“I’m sure it’s perfect,” Liam said and lifted the fork to his lips. The next second Kent put his fork on the table and was out of his chair. Chewing and laughing, he swung their mate around.
“It’s ’elicious. My mate is a genius.” Kent kissed him and set him back down before returning to his breakfast. Liam hurried up and took his bite. He had gotten a strawberry and cream cheese one, and the flavors exploded across his taste buds.
“Amazing, right?” Kent said, inhaling his.
“What did you get?” Liam asked, digging into his plate.
“Feta and spinach,” Kent said with a mouthful.
“I’m glad you like them. After breakfast we can go shopping. What was his name, Kent?” Sebastian asked.
“Brendan Walters. You guys go ahead into town. I’m going to stay up here and finish up Brendan’s transfer paperwork,” Kent said between mouthfuls. Liam frowned.
“Maybe I should do that, being Alpha and all,” Liam offered. Kent looked up at him and raised a dark eyebrow.
“I’d like to get the poor child to Arkadia before he turns eighteen, Liam.” Kent finished his plate and Lachlan chuckled.
“He knows you so well already.” Liam eyed his mate.
“I know that it requires my signature,” Liam grumbled.
“That’s okay, my love, I’ve been forging your signature since the day I took over finances. I sign your name better than you do.” Kent stood and leaned over to kiss Liam, then Sebastian, before picking up his folder and returning to the office.
“That young man will go far.” Lachlan smiled into his juice, and Liam grunted.
“I’m going to go up and change, then we can go.” Sebastian finished drying the frying pan he had washed and wiped his hands on a dish towel.
“I’m the Alpha around here,” Liam said under his breath.
“And yet I noticed you only said that when both of your mates were out of ear shot,” Lachlan pointed out.
“I’m the Alpha, not stupid.” Liam grinned and finished up his breakfast.
* * * *
Sebastian had put more items on the counter than he could carry out of the store. It was a good thing his mate was arranging for a delivery.
“Having fun, baby?” Liam asked, walking up behind him and nuzzling his neck. He sighed happily. He loved whenever his mates touched him.
“Kids need a lot, you know. Plus we don’t know how much he had to leave behind. If we start now we can have his room ready by the time he gets here,” Sebastian pointed out.
“Getting hungry?” Liam asked. Now that he said something Sebastian could feel the emptiness of his stomach.
“Starved. I wonder if Ma still has that chicken mac and cheese. I had some last week and it was amazing.” Sebastian licked his lips.
“Let’s head over.” Liam pulled Sebastian close. They waved good-bye to Miranda as they left the clothing store. Unsure what sizes to get, they had bought a huge assortment of sizes. If they didn’t fit Brendan, they could be used later for another child. Sebastian liked the idea that the pride would be taking in children who had nowhere to go.
Sebastian enjoyed the short but leisurely walk from the store to the diner. The man at his side made something so everyday and normal seem special. When they pulled open the diner door, a cacophony of noise assailed their ears.
“Why? We’re all shifters,” a sassy voice demanded. Sebastian’s ears perked up. He knew that voice. He rushed past Liam into the diner and stopped. He couldn’t help the smile stretching across his face if he tried. There in the middle of the diner, butt naked, was none other than his best friend Felix Kilpatrick.
“Because you’re shocking people,” Emmett said, grinning from ear to ear as he pointed across the diner to a scandalized, standoffish Eliza Pruitt. Felix looked over to where the women sat frowning. Felix swung his hips making everything flop around.
“Sorry honey, I’m gay.” He blew air kisses at her.
“First vampires and now this. This town is going downhill,” she squeaked, picked up her purse pushing past Sebastian. Felix, sticking his tongue out, followed her as she walked out and came face-to-face with Sebastian.
“Bastian! I found you!” Felix ran and wrapped himself around Sebastian.
“You’re here! Are you okay?” Sebastian hugged his friend fiercely. Felix pulled back and shook his head.
“Look at you, you were always the waterworks of the group.” Felix leaned past Kate and pulled a napkin out of the dispenser and proceeded to wipe Sebastian’s cheeks. A loud throat-clearing had Sebastian and Felix turning around. Sebastian could see that muscle working double-time in Liam’s jaw.
“Now this is what I’m talking about. Hello, sexy,” Felix purred up at Liam. Sebastian cuffed him on the back of the head.
“Ow! What was that for? Cock blocker!” Felix complained.
“Damn right, cock blocking! That cock belongs to me.” Sebastian growled. Felix’s eyes brightened.
“You’re mated? I knew this town would be perfect. Any other hotties available for me?” Felix asked, instantly losing interest in Liam.
“Boys, language! And Felix dear, please put on the sweats we gave you,” Ma yelled from behind the counter.
“Sorry, Ma. Felix, get dressed. I think I may know a few you would love. But first, meet my mate Liam. Liam, this is my bestest friend in the whole world. We met in captivity. If it weren’t for Felix I don’t think I would have made it out of there sane or alive,” Sebastian admitted.
“In that case, you’re forgiven for hugging my mate naked and not spending more time grieving over the fact that I’m unavailable,” Liam winked.
“Sorry, there are too many other men for me to pine away.” Felix sauntered up to the counter and took the clothes from Emmett. He blew kisses at the large bear, who shook his head, laughing.
“Sorry, little guy, I bat for the other team.”
“That’s okay, no one’s perfect.” Felix sighed.
“Come sit with us. I can introduce you,” Sebastian said, sitting at the table with Rebecca and Kate. Sebastian watched as Felix sat down, he and Rebecca eyeing each other carefully. The bells on the door chimed as it swung open and Rian and Damian walked in.
“Eight feet, six feet…two feet. Oh. Damn, it’s just Sebastian.” Rian sighed and dramatically flopped into the empty chair. Damian was shaking his head and joined them.
Sebastian couldn’t help but stare at Kate’s face. He could almost see every thought racing across her features. Felix, Rian and Rebecca looked at each other and the sil
ence grew.
“That’s what happens when tornado meets a volcano,” Kate hummed.
Caleb and Bran nodded.
“Isn’t that Eminem?” Liam asked. Sebastian couldn’t help but agree.
“Tornado, volcano and hurricane,” Sebastian added, nodding at Felix.
Caleb, Bran, Aleks and Liam stared at the three. Tension grew in the diner as Rebecca, Felix and Rian stared at each other.
“What were you saying when you came in the door, Rian?” Kate asked, unable to take the silence. Rian looked over and held up his brand new phone, beaming.
“It’s a dating app,” Rebecca said.
“And how would you know that?” Aleks growled. She pointed to Rian.
“It’s an app to find gay shifters in your area. It lets you know how far away they are for a hook up,” Sebastian added.
“And why do you have that app?” Liam demanded. Sebastian pointed to Rian.
“Do you have the app that shoots lube out of your phone for quickies?” Felix asked. Rian’s head snapped around so fast, Sebastian winced.
“There’s an app for that?” Rian asked, wide eyed, staring at his phone in wonder. Felix broke out into a fit of giggles. Rebecca joined in. Rian groaned and rolled his eyes, but had to smile.
“He is so going to fit in here.” Rebecca chuckled.
Felix looked around the table. “Do you guys know of a place where I can stay? I need a place to crash until I can find a job and get my stuff sent here. That is if my friends didn’t throw it all away when I disappeared.”
Sebastian looked at Liam with large, pleading eyes.
“Of course he’s welcome. He’s your best friend.” Liam leaned forward and kissed Sebastian’s temple.
“Thanks! You really are a good guy. You may deserve my Sebastian after all,” Felix said.
“Mine!” Liam rumbled and pulled Sebastian onto his lap. Sebastian rolled his eyes, and Rebecca laughed and pointed.
“See! Now you know what I have to deal with. ‘Mine, my woman.’ Pound chest.” Rebecca yelped when Aleks picked her up and sat her in his lap.
“The only way I know you’re not getting into trouble is to keep you on my lap,” Aleks said, nipping at her ears playfully.
Suddenly someone’s phone went off, and the Bloodhound Gang’s “The Bad Touch” lyrics were filling the diner.
Sebastian realized that everyone was staring at him and Rian was cracking up.
“That’s me?” He patted his pants down until he found his phone and pulled it out. It was Kent calling. “Not funny.” He glared at Rian. “Hey, sweetheart, miss us?” Sebastian asked.
“Listen carefully. Lachlan and I are bringing a lawyer into town to meet with Liam. Lachlan thought it would be best if the meeting took place with Ma and Rebecca there. He’s here to investigate how Liam is running the pride and current complaints sent in to the council about Rebecca as Alpha Mother. Depending on how we respond, he could take these complaints to the council to get Liam unseated as Alpha. You don’t have a lot of time. Get Liam to bond with Rebecca. We’ll be there in less than thirty minutes. Love you both.” Then the line went dead. Everyone was staring at the phone. Aleks and Liam were growling loudly, their canines descended. Rebecca looked from person to person, being the only one who didn’t hear the phone call.
“What! What is it? Is everyone okay?” she yelled, struggling to get out of Aleks’s lap.
“Becca, baby, you need to calm down. Remember what the doctor said about staying calm,” Aleks said in a steady voice which belied his enraged state.
“Fuck calm! What in the hell is going on?”
“It sounds like the council has agreed to let a representative come to Arkadia to investigate how things are being run and if they are in the best interests of the town,” Ma said in a tight voice.
“Call Gabriel, he should be here, too,” Pa said, hopping off his normal barstool and taking a seat next to his son. Ma sat in a chair behind Liam, both older Arkadions showing their solidarity by supporting Liam and Rebecca.
“But we haven’t done anything wrong!” Rebecca looked around, confused.
“I don’t think that is really why they are here. I think they are here because of Lachlan’s announcement naming Liam as heir. There are still a lot of conservative animal group leaders that do not support Liam’s Law, which not only makes it easier for gay men and women to get to safety, but it also helps abused wives, mates and children escape their abusers,” Ma said.
“Aleks, take her gun,” Connor said as he took a seat strategically by the door.
“Becca, hand it over,” Aleks said, holding out his hand. She shook her head and pulled her purse to her chest.
“I need it!”
“Not in a room full of shifters. Now please. You should be focusing on creating a bond with Liam,” Aleks said through clenched teeth. Sighing, she handed him her purse, and he handed it off to Emmett, who put it behind the counter. Emmett walked between the tables and took a seat next to Connor by the door.
Sebastian caught Felix looking at him, and knew what he was probably thinking.
“I thought Arkadia would be safe.”
“This is our home now. We have to keep it safe,” Sebastian said out loud. Felix nodded, and Ma smiled at Sebastian.
“You’re starting to sound like an Arkadian now, Sebastian,” she said.
“What in the ham sandwich is going on now?” Ashby cried as he barreled through the door.
“Mon ange, what have I told you about letting our security detail enter a building first?” Gabriel said, walking quickly behind him.
“Then they better keep up!” Ashby said, and immediately went to Rebecca, who looked close to tears.
“We didn’t do anything wrong,” she whispered. Ashby nodded.
“I’m here, too.” Nic pushed past Gabriel and Baptista to get to Rebecca and Ashby. Kate changed her seat, allowing the four of them to sit as close together as possible.
“Look, I’m new here and everything, but just point me in the direction of the bad guy,” Felix said, flexing his small but lean arms.
“Thanks squirt, but us bigger guys have this covered.” Emmett winked at Felix.
“I knew you lurved me,” Felix teased, garnering a weak smile from Rebecca.
“Rebecca, Kent said we didn’t have a lot of time. We need to establish a bond. If my grandfather suggested it then the pride is in danger,” Liam said, standing. Rebecca nodded but continued to frown. Sebastian looked at the shifters she had next to her and in an epiphany he knew that the bonding with Liam would never work. He pulled Liam’s hand until Liam sat down again abruptly.
“It won’t work with you,” Sebastian said.
“Why not? I love Rebecca,” Liam announced and blushed. Rebecca smiled and Aleks glared at Liam.
“I love you too, but I think he’s right. You’re too dominant. Even as laid back as you are, I think you are Alpha enough to subconsciously try to take over the bond,” Rebecca said. “That and I don’t have the fuzzy feeling thinking about bonding with you,” she said, rubbing her chest.
“The lions need a tie to the Alpha Mother,” Liam said, frustrated.
“Guys, no pressure, but we have about five minutes,” Connor said, watching the door.
“The wolves have a tie to Rebecca, but not through Bran,” Sebastian said, looking at Rebecca. She smiled widely and nodded.
“I have that fuzzy feeling now. Come here, Sebastian.” She opened her arms wide, giving him the warm smile that he had seen nearly every day for the past couple months. Sebastian was unable to stop the change as he shifted from man to cat. It was as natural as breathing. He looked up and saw Liam looking down at him with love in his eyes. He butted his head against Liam’s side and rubbed his face against his mate, marking his territory. Satisfied that his mate had his mark and carried his scent, he jumped up on the table and into Rebecca’s waiting arms. She sighed heavily and buried her face in his fur.
“I’ve missed yo
u so much, Sebastian.” She squeezed him close, just like she used to do when she was stressed and he was living with her as a cat.
“Sebastian can bond with Rebecca as Liam’s mate. It should be easy since they’re so close,” Nic said, reaching forward to pet Sebastian. Sebastian soaked up every scrap of attention. He had to be honest with himself, he did miss this. Being a cat made people drop their guards. He got to see their real personalities and worries as he eased their spirits with his soft fur and purring. Looking up at Rebecca, he tilted his head, exposing his furry neck. She leaned forward and she touched her lips to the downy fur right below his ear, her favorite place to pet him.
They both sighed as a warm cascade of love seemed to envelop them. First it was Rebecca, then Ashby, followed by Nic and finally Kate. The circle seemed to expand past them, and through Rebecca they felt the bears. Strong, indomitable pillars that guarded every shifter in Arkadia. Through Ashby, they felt the dark, terrible and beautiful power of the vampires, patient and waiting as time marched around them. Through Nic they felt the solitary shifters as they reached towards the warmth promised by Arkadia, their souls searching for a place to call home. Through Kate they felt the thrill of the hunt from the wolves, true to their animals. They were the sentries of the night who patrolled the woods keeping their borders safe. And through him and his mating bond with Liam, they felt the lions, noble and bold. Their simple joys and bone-deep devotion to their Alpha. An unwavering steadfast loyalty as consistent as the sun. The circle searched on and found prisms of colors dancing in the dark, scattered, lost. They were desperately trying to find a way to safety. It was the other hybrids searching for Arkadia. Together, the five of them became Arkadia.
When the waves of power receded, Sebastian was in human form. He, Rebecca, Ashby, Nic and Kate were huddled together on the floor beside the table where they had been sitting.
Rebecca sat up and yawned opening her mouth wide.
“That was freaking awesome,” she said, looking around the room. Everyone was smiling down at the group, which in the shifter world should have represented the small, weak, beaten and abused. But here in Arkadia they were the ones holding everyone together.