friends. But we still have time and hope, so pray for a swift new heat and lots of luck this time around!
Hyatt wasn’t sure how much of that was honest and how much was bravado, because he wasn’t as close to Frey as some of the others, especially Karson and Layne. He tried to talk to Karson about it, hoping Karson wasn’t feeling guilty for his successful pregnancy, but Karson changed the subject. Fair enough. Rebel was acting particularly possessive, too, probably worried Karson might miscarry, as well.
Hyatt sent a prayer to the goddess every night for his brother-in-law’s safe delivery.
Symon also admitted to having a single phone call with Dustin Fowler. He didn’t tell Hyatt what they’d talked about, only that Symon had no more room in his heart for hatred or thoughts of revenge. No word on forgiveness, only that he wanted to let go and live his life. Hyatt had never been happier for or more proud of his little brother.
Or his big brother and his future child. Hyatt and Layne were already conspiring with Jax and Liam to plan a big baby shower for Karson and Rebel. Karson was the second of their generation of Sansbury-raised friends to have a child of his own and, despite their tragic beginning, this was a reason to rejoice. Every new life was a reason to celebrate.
The next two weeks passed in a blur of work, friends, and Dorian. Lots and lots of Dorian. They mostly spent time at Dorian’s apartment, because it gave them more privacy to fool around, both on the couch and in bed. Hyatt’s boldness grew with each new encounter. He jerked Dorian off for the first time, and watching Dorian fall apart from just Hyatt’s hand had been the ego boost he needed to do more. To rub their bare cocks together until they came. To climb into bed fully naked and do the same beneath the covers.
To truly believe in all the beautiful things their bodies would do together during his upcoming heat, which they spent lots of time planning for. They would stay in Dorian’s apartment, and he’d already begun stocking up on food and supplies, including condoms. He and Hyatt stayed up late many nights discussing the pros and cons of trying for a baby right away and, in the end, agreed to wait until Hyatt’s next heat to intentionally get pregnant. One bare knot to mate them, and then condoms when Hyatt called for Dorian.
In the sweetest gesture Hyatt could have imagined, Dorian put a lock on the inside of the bedroom door, so if Hyatt wanted to go through a surge without help, he’d have privacy and safety. They both trusted Dorian to control himself, but that added bit of security only endeared Dorian to him more.
The night before he expected his heat to start, Hyatt had dinner with Symon and Rebel. An understated dinner at Petrova’s this time, rather than a high-end gorge, and it was fun. It would take time before Dorian was either of his brothers’ favorite person, but they were both thawing toward him. Dorian made Hyatt happy, and they saw it in his voice, words and actions.
“I can’t believe that in a few days, you’ll be mated,” Rebel said over a shared platter of loaded nachos. “Doesn’t seem possible.”
“Hey, in a few months, you’re going to be a dad,” Hyatt retorted.
“True. I guess we’re all growing up. Living the lives we were meant to live.” He eyeballed Symon. “When are you going to get a life, young man?”
Symon just smiled and shoved a dripping nacho chip into his mouth. As far as Hyatt knew, he hadn’t advanced his thought of buying a house for himself or his two best beta friends. But that didn’t mean Symon wasn’t planning something. He was just still so private. And that was okay. As long as Symon was happy, then Hyatt was happy for him.
The next morning, Hyatt woke with a slight fever and a soft ache deep in his gut. Newly familiar symptoms of what was to come. He’d already forewarned his boss about needing to call out, so he sent that text first. He also texted Rebel, Symon and Jax what was up, before calling Dorian.
“Sometime today,” Hyatt said when Dorian answered. “I don’t know when because it’s only my second time, but today.”
“When do you want me to pick you up?” Dorian asked. “I’m ready. You won’t want for anything, I promise.”
“Come soon. I’ll be waiting