Chapter 18 #2
“So May, it seems like the last time we saw you was before you took over as Army Captain. That was what”—Brenda glanced at her husband—“about four years ago now?”
“Yes, taking over was difficult, but now I am steady and making time for my family.” May sliced into some of the food in front of her, taking small bites.
Focusing on the conversation and food, Dove was a passive observer.
If her father stepped over the line, she would be there for her Alpha, but until then she was happy to see the woman she loved and her parents interacting positively.
“Yes, you have done very well overseeing the troops and coordinating our army. Last time I delivered weapons to the armory, everyone looked well-trained.” Her father offered some commentary.
The Alpha sat with her shoulders straight while chewing his food.
He took each bite with precision as he watched the pair.
While his words were not outwardly threatening, they were upsetting enough. Discomfort grew in their bond.
“May is quite excellent at her work, but I would prefer we discuss happier things. How was your trip to the Trilla port?” Dove reached under the table to grip her mate’s thigh. May flinched slightly before softening into the touch. They had each other, May had nothing to worry about.
Before long, the conversation settled into an easy talk swapping stories about Dove as a pup and May’s own siblings.
May told Dove’s parents about her older sisters who were born as twins and the younger pair of her brothers, none of whom were drafted, which separated her from her family.
May went on to tell them how she stayed in touch with her parents who never felt safe enough to travel out towards the castle.
At one point, Dove’s parents questioned if they were going to try for other pups, which pulled a laugh from the very pregnant Dove. The idea of going through these harsh months again made her giggle, but she would love to have duplicates of her and her mate running around someday.
The sun set just after their dessert. Dove’s parents brought them over in front of the hearth where something lay under a long linen.
There was another box with fancy colored ribbon next to it.
Dove bounced on her toes at the sight of presents.
She was always excited to receive gifts, but she had a slight suspicion as to what these were.
“What is this?” The questioning tone was directed at her parents, who stood with giddy looks. She felt like a child during the holiday equinox—a hearth full of presents and a happy morning with her family. Dove was excited to experience that with her pup one day.
“You are close to birthing your pup and our first grandpup. We have been so excited to see the day that they are brought home, Dovely.” Her mother gathered at one of her sides and her father at the other. “Your father has been working on this for weeks now, and I found something for the pup.”
“It is a present?” May broke in on the moment as the newest addition. Jedediah carefully pulled May closer to the happy family. Both Alphas were stiff, but Dove’s heart leapt at the thought of them trying to get along.
“I think it would only be fair for each parent to open one, and since Alphas are better, May should get to open the bigger one, wouldn’t you agree, Dove?
” Her father shot a playful wink between him and May.
Dove and her mother, the Omegas in the room, gave a little chuckle.
As much as Alphas were the dominant sex, the two in the room were at every whim of their Omegas.
Jedediah would do anything for Brenda, and May…
May would lay down her life for Dove. Every second that she got to feel May through the bond was another reason to breathe for Dove.
“As if. Omegas are the wiser among the two. Who would keep the primal Alphas in check if not for the Omegas who could soothe with one use of our pheromones?” Brenda threw back at her husband.
Dove chimed in. “If it wasn’t for Omegas, there would be no Alphas around at all.
You know, since we are the ones who hold and give birth to your pups.
” While May was an Alpha, she was also the sweetest and most sensitive person Dove had ever met, and she knew that she was better than any Alphas she met.
“Well then. What do you say, May? Would you like to open the big one or let our sweet Omega do it?” Jedediah presented May with the choice, who looked stunned.
Dove made eye contact with her Alpha, who shot a look back with an arched eyebrow.
The playfulness of the situation flowed through their bond.
Dove almost laughed at the hesitance in May’s emotions.
“I would like Dovely to pick which she wants to open.” May gestured towards the gifts, presenting Dove with the choice.
Dove walked towards the two items, grabbing the linen, unable to resist her excitement.
May crowded her space as she took in the gift under it.
A wooden, hand-crafted bassinet stood in front of them.
The soft furs inside would protect the pup from the cold wood, which she was sure was smoothed to ideal exceptions.
The bassinet was curved instead of being rectangular like most. There was a little cover that didn’t fully enclose the space and looked like it could be removed.
The sides were carved with patterns. And both May and Dove’s names were carved near the bottom of the bassinet.
“Father.” Dove’s lower lip trembled as tears filled her eyes. May stood behind her with her arms loosely wrapped around her. Her light blonde hair tickled Dove as she cried softly at the sight in front of her. May screamed happiness internally, in all forms.
“I was worried it wouldn’t be ready in time.” His big burly hand landed on May’s shoulder. “I think it’s time for you to open yours.” He handed her the box which May gently opened.
Inside was an outfit for a newborn pup. It didn’t have a bear like they had discussed earlier, but there was a little fox tucked in the upper right corner. It was a pale cream color that would not wash out the pup’s new skin. May brought it up to her nose and sniffed it cautiously.
“What is the smell?” She brought it close to Dove’s nose, who inhaled a little.
“There is lavender, and chamomile infused in the fabric which helps soothe new pup to sleep.” Brenda joined them in the gifts. “You two are going to be amazing parents. These are just gifts for you two to excel. Once they are born, we can stitch the name in as well. Have you decided on it yet?”
The lovers met eyes, letting out a joint laugh. They would be good parents indeed, if they could come up with a name.