Archer looked thoroughly confused by the aspect of people simply handing him presents. I should've let him help me pick out the ones I bought for everyone else. My grandma had spoiled him with new clothes, running shoes, and a gaming system. I'd have to teach him how to play it, but it would be something he could do while I was at school.

Peter took the wrapping off a box for a camera. His face lit up. "Thank you, Karen. That was so nice of you."

"Well, pictures need to be taken," she laughed. "Who knows where the boys will be living once Saigon is done with school."

Rupert picked up the box and seemed confused. "Pictures of what?"

"Archer and Saigon," said Peter.

"We have a camera. A little one. This one is so large." He flipped the box around.

Peter whispered something into his mate's ear.

His mouth fell open and he nodded. "Pups, don't need something this fancy," he muttered.

Archer sighed and sunk lower into the couch. "And it's started..."

I handed him the present from me. "Merry Christmas."

He took it and frowned. "Was I supposed to get you something?"

"You did." I kissed his neck. "This was the best present I've ever gotten," I whispered.

Archer's face blushed red as he removed the paper. A new phone was inside, along with a case to go with it.

"Wow, am I allowed to have one of my own?" He glanced at Darius. The one he had belonged to the pack.

"I didn't ask," I laughed. "The one you have is getting old. I don't think the alpha will mind."

Opening the package, he turned it on. I helped him go through the setup screens and fit the case onto it.

"Will go in later and transfer over your number." I handed the phone to him.

Archer clutched it in both hands. "I still feel like I should have gotten you something."

I smiled at him. "And I told you that you've given me enough already."

***

(Archer)

I sat on a kitchen stool, eating a pie of chocolate pie while Karen explained her plans for the wedding. My dad and Aden had joined the women and were giving their opinions. My father and Titus were in the other room watching one of the new movies Quint got as a present.

Christmas hadn't been too bad. It seemed like a lot of chaos and over the top decorations just to give each other presents. I didn't mind it. The pine tree scent that filled the house was a nice touch.

Saigon finished washing the dishes that wouldn't fit in the dishwasher and dried his hands. "So, how's the wedding coming?"

I shrugged. "I don't really know."

Pressing up behind me, he hugged me. "It could be worse. At least, we don't have to plan it ourselves."

"Very true."

Swallowing hard, I peered up at him. "I thought of something I can give you."

"Archer, I said you didn't have to."

"I want to. Um... tomorrow can we go on a drive? I'd like to see the cave. We could go back to some of the spots we played at when we were pups."

"Sure, that'll be fun." He gave me a squeeze.

"Archer, Saigon." Karen waved us over. "Which do you like better? Storm and Rose prefer the offwhite, but I think maybe the eggshell would look better."

My eyebrows scrunched together. Were they different colors? I glanced at Saigon.

"Um..." he let out a deep breath. "Tough choice, I think either would look alright."

"Hmm..." Karen laid them back out on the table. "Maybe we could go with a slight bluer tone. Where are my swatches?" She dug through a plastic bin.

I finished my pie and slid my plate toward the sink.

Saigon tugged on my arm. "Do you want to escape while we can?"

I nodded. "Let's go."

We hurried off into the other room before we were asked another question about which shade of white we liked better.

***

I knocked on the door to my parents' room and swallowed the lump in my throat. Looking around, I made sure Saigon was busy helping his grandma clean the kitchen before bed.

My father opened the door. "Hey, Archer." He looked me over. "What's wrong?" His eyes snapped to Saigon.

"Nothing," I said firmly. "I want to talk to Dad."

"What about?"

My chest felt tight. "It's personal."

"I'm your father."

"I know," I groaned, covering my face. "It's... it's sub stuff."

"You're not a sub. Did he—" He tensed up with his gaze narrowing in on Saigon.

"Rupert." My dad opened the door the rest of the way. He brought his mate's ear down to his level. "He wants to talk about being a sub in a sexual way."

My father's eyes grew large. "Oh." He cleared his throat. "I'm going to step outside for a bit."

I hurried into the room and closed the door. "My god, he's so embarrassing."

My dad laughed. "You have to be more direct."

"I can't just announce that I want sex tips. Do you know who's in this house? Anyone could overhear." I rubbed my arm.

"Come and sit down, Archer." He went to the bed and patted the spot beside him.

Shuffling over, I sat down beside him and grabbed the camera box, so I had something to keep my hands busy. I flipped it around and read the text.

"Are you nervous?"

"Very," I muttered.

"About Saigon—"

"No," I said firmly. "I love him. I want to be with him."

My dad hugged me and waited for me to continue.

"I'm not nervous about being his mate. I want to be his mate, or I'd never let him mark me. It's the sex part that messing with me." My mouth felt dry. "You can't say anything."

"I never do." He smiled.

"Saigon bottom for me."

His smile grew broader. "See, it's okay to submit to the one you love. If the next beta can do it, then there's nothing wrong with you doing the same for him."

"It won't—" I stared at the floor. "I don't want people to look down on me."

"Saigon will never allow that. You're a dominant. That is your rank and the pack will respect it."

I touched my shoulder. "But I'm the one being marked."

"There's only one alpha, Archer. Everyone submits to someone."

I nodded. "Tell me if it's too soon, but I want to do it tomorrow. We're going on a hike to the peak where we used to play and I'm going to tell him I'm ready."

My dad bubbled with excitement. "I'm so happy for you. If you feel like it's the right time, then I say go for it. You don't need to wait until the wedding."

"Do they expect us to wait?"

He shook his head. "No, and I'm not afraid to stand up to Karen. She can't get her way on everything. Though, I don't think she'll care. It's a reassurance that you two can't break-up," he laughed.

Nodding, I sucked in my lips. "I don't know what to bring."

Patting my leg, he sat up straight. "I'll take care of it. I'll pack everything you need and have it waiting in the garage."

Putting the box to the side, I rested my head on his shoulder. "Thank you. I really appreciate everything you've done for me through the whole Willow mess and even now with Saigon. I know the last few years have been hard on you and Father."

"We love you, Archer." He rocked us back and forth. "We just want you to be happy."

"I am." I smiled to myself. "Saigon makes me happy." I turned to him. "Tell Father that. He still seems skeptical."

My dad chuckled. "To be honest, I thought he was handling it pretty well."