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“His mate.”

He looks toward the stairs where Selena's voice came from, then back at me. “I don't think I want a mate. They sound scary.”

I laugh.

Rylan closes his eyes.

I look down at Arian, then back at him. “Good luck.”

Rylan frowns. “Wanna come with me... my Beta?”

Definitely not, my wolf murmurs.

“Oh, look, Arian. It's time for a diaper change.” I stand with him in my arms. “I'll come with you if you change this diaper.”

“Hard pass.” Rylan holds his nose.

I kiss the top of Arian's head and start toward the changing room.

“Daddy?” Damian asks.

I turn.

“Why is Uncle Rylan still standing there?”

My gaze shifts to Rylan.

He's staring at my son.

Oh, no.

“Don't even think about it.”

Rylan crouches beside Damian. “Hey, buddy. Want to come upstairs with me?”

Damian grins. “Okay!”

I stare at him. “Using my own pup as a shield? Really?”

Rylan stands and puts his hands on Damian's shoulders. “Desperate times, Darian.”

“Rylan.”

He starts guiding Damian toward the stairs.

“Uncle Rylan?” Damian looks up at him. “Are you hiding behind me?”

“No.”

“Yes, you are.”

I laugh as Rylan continues toward the stairs with my son directly in front of him.

“Good luck, Damian.”

“Thanks, Daddy!”

Rylan looks back at me.