| J O S H

Pretending like it was just a normal day and I hadn't killed my abuser just a little over 24 hours ago was disturbingly easy. On the outside, at least. On the inside, I was doing my best to push all thoughts about it down.

I didn't want to remember the taste of his blood in my mouth or any other part of him, for that matter. I know eventually I'm going to have to sit down and face the dark parts of my mind, but I have more important things to and only a limited amount of time to do them.

Specifically, I had a runt to annoy and two nephews to spoil before the striped kitty-cat made good on his promise and took Kaleb to their own territory.

I was happy for him, both of them actually...but I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a lot different without Kaleb here 24/7. Which is fine. I just wish I hadn't wasted so much time being an asshole to him when he's turned out to be the closest person to me second to Darren.

Since time was short nowadays, I was on my way to visit Kaleb and the babies for the first time since they were born. The only reason I was risking a visit-and possible decapitation-was because Zev and Darren were in the Alpha's office talking business.

I may have mentioned out loud that I was going to see Kaleb simply out of precaution and definitely not in a manner that would suggest I was asking for permission to do so. When I wasn't growled at or, you know, killed, I figured that was my go-ahead. I left the two overbearing knuckle-heads to their bonding over murder.

Under different circumstances, like if I was still just Darren's beta, I'd have stayed and been a part of the discussion. Since Zev was there I had full confidence they could handle it without me. The man was kind of an alpha in his own right. I will never say that to his face, pretty sure if I did he'd rip my face off with his giant murder-mittens.

It wasn't long before I was outside the runt's room. I knocked, and then let myself in. Surprise. I couldn't help but grin, seeing as Kaleb was standing near his bed, fully clothed and looking more than content. I fought back a massive sigh of relief. My whole family was really okay.

"Runt," I smirked Kaleb beamed back, black curls bouncing as he shook his head at me. He climbed onto the mattress, settling against the headboard. As soon as he was settled the tiger cub let a small mewling whine. Kaleb quickly placed them on his lap, along with the little pup who'd yet to make a sound.

"Damn, Kaleb!" I knelt next to them. "They're like miniature versions of you and Zev!" The runt matched my grin with an exuberant one of his own. "I'm glad you guys are okay," I say after a moment, gently petting cub's head.

"Me too." Kaleb responded.

"What're their names?" I asked.

"The wolf is Nox and the tiger is Nolan." He said proudly.

"Why Nox?" I pet the little cub, curiously. Of course the runt would give the kids weird names.

"It means night and his fur reminds me of the night," Kaleb said, smiling at his pup. I just nodded. I won't lie, they're both pretty cute.

"It definitely suits him. They're both boys?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yeah." he laughed lightly. "I wasn't expecting them to be though."

"Look at the size of them!" I held the mini-murder-kitten's paw. "They're going to be huge, Kaleb."

"I think so too." He agreed.

"They definitely got that from Zev. Speaking of your mate, when is he supposed to be spiriting you and the little ones away?" I kept my gaze on the little one in front of me, trying to keep the sudden emotion from my voice. Kaleb looked at his lap, almost guilty.

"After a month or so, after they've opened their eyes and can shift," was his soft reply. My chest felt heavy.

"Oh." I swallowed thickly, looking away to hide the burning in my eyes. I felt a hand on my shoulder and leaned into the omega's touch.

"We'll visit," Kaleb promised gently, sounding as hurt as I was inside. I just didn't want to loose my friend.

"Promise?" I asked thickly, finally getting it together enough to meet his grey gaze. Kaleb nodded.

"Promise," He said, smiling as he held out his pinkie. I scoffed, but linked our fingers. We shook on it.

"Good. It's already bad enough your leaving me here with Darren." I complained jokingly, placing a hand on my head as if I felt faint.. "At least I'll have something to look forward to. To get me through the dark days."

Kaleb laughed, shaking his head.

"Whatever, you won't even notice I'm gone," He waved me off.

"What makes you say that?" I raised my eyebrows with a scoff.

"Your mate is going to be taking up all of your time, that's why." The runt teased, wiggling his eyebrows. "I wouldn't be surprised if you guys had little Gigantors running around soon." I ignored the heat rising in my face.

"Shut it, Runt," I grumbled, focusing on the little ones in his lap, fighting my blooming smile. After a moment of silence, I moved a chair over so I didn't have to crouch.

"Just so you know, I'm looking at really tiny carbon copied versions of the runt and his house kitten right now.' I sent the thought to my mate.

I felt Darren's amusement as his response came. "They're all okay I take it, Lunos? "He teased.

'You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the one trait that rubbed off on me after ten odd years was your overbearing, overprotective bs I wouldn't be surprised.' I snarled in response.

'It's arguably one of my best attributes, so you're welcome, pup.' He shot back.

'I'm well acquainted with your best attribute. In fact, you can use it to rub off on me whenever you want.' I rumbled.

'It's a date.' My mate growled. I couldn't help but laugh down our bond. A grin on my face as he shot a load of love right back at me.

"Where are Darren and Zev?" Kaleb asked as if he could sense me talking to one of the bastards.

"In the study. They're tracking down the remaining rogues and coming up with ways to secure the borders to the territory." I answered with a sympathetic smile, understanding just how much he probably wanted his mate right now.

Nolan began whining impatiently, waking his brother. They squirmed unhappily, probably looking for food.

"I need to feed them. Their formula is in the kitchen, do you mind helping me down there?" Kaleb asked, moving to get up. I put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. I know I was an asshole in the past but I thought we moved past that. Atleast to point of him not trying to get me murdered.

"Zev would kill me if he found out I let you out of this room, Runt," I told him. "I'll go get the formula."

Kaleb sighed, but settled back down. Thank goddess.

"There are some premade bottles in the fridge. All you have to do is heat them up until they are a little warm." The runt instructed.

"You've only had them for half a day and yet you sound like you've been doing this for years," I grinned trying not to laugh as I stood. Kaleb giggled, looking up.

"I have. I used to help the pack mothers watch the pups all the time." Okay I guess that's a valid point. "I've had plenty of practice."

Again, valid. Most of my childhood was spent learning to fit a role I probably wasn't meant for. I'm glad things worked out to though, even though I wish the bullshit from the past few months were a really bad dream.

"Do you want anything to eat, Kaleb?" I asked, offering the stew that the pack cook had made. Kaleb nodded enthusiastically. Everyone loves Devin's food.

"That sounds good. I'd like some please."

"Okay. Two warm bottles of formula and one beef stew got it." I ranted off, halfway to the door. "I'll be back. Try not to miss me too much." I winked.

"I won't!" The runt grinned right as I was closing the door. I couldn't help but grin.

Going down stairs, I followed Kaleb's directions to the T. After the bottles were made, I went about getting Kaleb's food ready. With everything heated, I held the two bottles in one hand and the bowl of stew in the other.

On the way back up I had to curb around the pups the pack mothers had set loose as they dashed toward the front door. With a low, stern growl I stopped the scuttling little wolves in their tracks. Over twenty pairs of eyes looked at me abashed.

"Don't, run inside, pups. Make it out the door before you start trampling each other," I said.

"Yes, Lunos!" They chorused. The pup closest to the door turned the knob, freeing his friends. They didn't run but as soon as their feet hit the wooden steps they were leaping into the front lawn, shifting mid air. Some tumbled a bit on impact but got up immediately, shaking their fur out.

A few enforcers trotted over, seeing that no adult immediately followed out after them. They proceeded to get bum-rushed and tackled to the ground by ferocious growling beasts known as children. It might have been cute.

"Thanks, Lunos." A young she-wolf gasped. Her hands were on her knees as she gulped a breath. "There's a lot of them and they moves fast."

Sami was no older than 16, she had short, black, coily hair and dark skin. Sweat beaded her brow but she seemed otherwise okay, just out of breath. Old Josh would have walked away, but I wouldn't move until I knew without a doubt that she was actually okay.

I could smell the pain radiating off her. "Just you with the pups today?" My frown, seemed to rattle her, I tried to soften my expression. Key word tried. I'm not really good with the whole, gentle nurturing thing.

"The pack mother's needed a break so I offered to look after the pups for a bit. First mistake was suggesting we all go outside." She righted herself but still clutched her side in obvious discomfort.

"Are you okay, Sami?" I asked, moving a step closer.

"Yeah," she smiled weakly, almost uncomfortable. I moved back. Yeah, maybe not everybody was ready to accept 'new Josh' yet. "I-It's just during the attack at the other pack house when..." she grinned awkwardly.

When Kaleb was taken. The thought made my hackles raise. I should have been there. I should have-

We can't change it. My wolf cut me off. But we can be there for our pack now.

Mentally, shaking myself I diverted my attention back to Sami. My wolf was right, and I could do this, even if ripping off heads was astronomically easier than handling emotional shit.

"A-Anyway, during the attack, I got hurt. A rogue bit pretty deep into my side, and as luck would have it the house was already on fire. A beam fell and killed him but also did some damage to me too. I'm almost healed though!" She explained quickly, the words pouring from her mouth like an apology.

I growled, and her mouth snapped shut, cheeks going rosy. Definitely one of the more submissive wolves. I didn't mean to growl at her. Jared...was dead, but hearing about the result of his actions from that night, seeing it with my own eyes... What he did to my pack. It made me want to rip his heart out all over again.

"I'm sorry, Sami, I won't ever let that happen again." I held her gaze in mine, trying to radiate the same feeling of sunny comfort Darren did but it probably came off a little more cold than intended. "You don't need to feel weird about coming to me for anything. If I can help, I will." I crooked my lips in a gentle smile. "Even if it means we split pup duty."

The young wolf looked me over, taking in the baby bottles and the gently steaming bowl in my hands, the timidness slowly fading. She blinked, smiling.

"Thank you, Lunos." And then she was hugging me. A quick one armed hug that had me raising the items I was holding because I didn't know what to to do with my arms. Then she was gone, closing the door after herself before-from what I could hear-she joined the pups and enforcers playing.

See, we got this. My wolf said with a whole lot of fake confidence.

Yeah, whatever you say. I lowered my arms slowly, my eyes still wide from the shock of the contact. I took a breath, closing my eyes before opening them with a smile.

Well, maybe we do got this. I took one last look at the door, before walking up stairs again.

I could practically hear the runt's stomach growling as I placed his bowl on his night stand and handed him the bottles. He took them and I settled back into my chair as he fed the kids first. It didn't take long before they were full and tuckered out. The tiger managed to use his brother as a body rest and the wolf didn't seem to care.

Kaleb had taken them off his lap. I reached over and handed him his bowl.

"Thank you," Kaleb smiled. I just nodded once and let him eat his stew. More like inhaling it. He placed his finished bowl back on his nightstand. I leaned back in my chair, laughing. Kaleb glared at me questioningly, reaching up to wipe at his face.

"Did you even taste it? It looked like you were going to eat the spoon, too, for a second there." I smirked.

Kaleb just rolled his eyes, leaning back the pillows. "You are an ass," The runt growled, not even fighting his smile.

"Yeah, and you love me."

The door opened and in came Mr. Murder Mittens Sr. making a beeline for Kaleb. Darren was right behind. My mate walked over to my side as I stood and moved me and the chair out of the way.

"How have they been?" Zev asked, voice gentle as he gently pet his children.

"Fine, although I'm beginning to think Nolan is going to be the troublemaker of the two," Kaleb laughed. Zev chuffed softly, staring at his sons lovingly.

"Wow, Josh wasn't kidding, they really do look like miniaturized versions of you and Zev. Kinda freaky." Darren piped up. I rolled my eyes, bumping my shoulder against his.

"How are you feeling? You scared us yesterday."

"Much better than I was." Kaleb shifted higher in his pile of pillows. "I'm just glad that it's all over." "Yeah, it is," Darren said, his eyes flashing gold. I grabbed his hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"Easy, Alpha," I teased.

He looked at me, features softening a bit before he went back to Kaleb. "I hear you plan on leaving in a month," Darren smiled softly. "We're going to miss you, Kaleb. Make sure to visit so that I don't have to deal with Josh all by myself, okay."

"I could say the same about you, old man," I grumbled. Darren chuckled, grabbing my waist in his hands as he tugged me to his chest. I didn't stiffen, letting him pull me where I belonged.

"I was just playing, pup," Darren smirked, my brain fizzled. Then his lips were on mine, swift but sweet.

"I told you to stop calling me that," My whole face felt hot, and I wanted to punch Darren's just to get that smug look off of it.

"You did," Darren said nonchalantly. "I just don't recall caring." Rolling my eyes, I playfully shove out my Alpha's grip, but I don't go far.

Zev had settled on the bed next to his mate and children. Darren and I flopped onto the loveseat content to just hang out before the giant tabby kicked us out.

And...it was fun. Watching Kaleb and Zev interact with each other, with their kids was wholesome. Listening to Zev and Darren go back and forth as funny as it was annoying. Overall, the next few hours were spent with the four of us just embracing the calm after the storm.

Life might not be easy from this point out but, I'll take the bumps along the road as long as the people in this room were with me.

And I guess that includes the overgrown house kitten, too.