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“Of course, baby. Gently.”

She touches his hand, and Arian's tiny fingers curl around hers. Her eyes widen.

“He's holding me.”

I laugh softly. “He likes you already.”

Damian leans closer. “Hi, Arian. I'm your big brother.”

“And I'm your big sister,” Darlene adds.

“Yes, you are,” Darian tells her.

She looks back at Arian. “I'm going to teach you things.”

Damian nods. “Me too. I’m the oldest after all. ”

I look at Darian, and he smiles at me over our son's head. He leans down and kisses my forehead, then kisses me softly. From the doorway, I hear the faint sound of a camera. Selena lowers her phone.

“Sorry,” she says, smiling. “I couldn't resist.”

Rylan looks at the screen over her shoulder. “That's a good one.”

Darian looks back at me and our pups. “Send it to us, please.”

Selena smiles while Rylan holds her in his arms. “I will.” Selena takes a few more pictures and I am so grateful, because those are going to be memories that my family can keep.

Darlene is still staring at Arian. “Can he come home with us?”

I smile. “Yes, sweetheart. He can come home with us.” Darian's hand tightens gently around mine. I look at him, and for a moment, neither of us says anything. We don't have to.

All of us, my wolf murmurs.

“All of us.”

37

Darian's POV

Afew days later, I'm sitting in our living room feeding Arian while Damian and Darlene play nearby. Arlene is resting upstairs, and for once, the house is peaceful.

The doorbell rings, and Damian looks up from his toys. “Daddy, I'll get it!”

“Wait for me.” I follow him to the door with Arian in my arms. Selena and Rylan are waiting outside, and I step aside to let them in. “Come in.”

Selena smiles when she sees the baby. “How's my little nephew?”

“Hungry and finally settled.” Arian starts blowing bubbles.

She laughs. “And Arlene?”

“Resting upstairs. You can go right on up.”

“Good. I'm going to check on her.” She heads upstairs while Rylan follows me into the living room. I settle back into the chair, and he sits across from me.

“So, are you ready to be my Beta?” he asks.

“Yes, but I'm told that... I'm currently on... paternity leave.”