Dorian gladly took a cup. Hyatt, whose mood had shot up a thousand percent after the baby news, had another mimosa. The family seemed to break apart with Symon, Jaxson and Jenson heading into the living room to watch television, while the rest lingered at the dining table. Karter and Rebel began cleaning up some of the leftovers. The relationship dynamics between Karter and Jax fascinated Dorian. Jax was omega, taller than his mate, but he also was not subservient in any way. The pair acted like equals, which was what Dorian wanted for himself and Hyatt.
He’s mine to treasure, not to control.
They’d only briefly discussed university for Hyatt, but if he decided to upgrade his education in any way, Dorian would support him. He wanted his mate to reach for his dreams, especially if those dreams extended beyond being an omegin. If Hyatt chose a career, Dorian would be there cheering him on every step of the way.
Dorian left the three chatting omegas to themselves and followed his fellow alphas into the kitchen, where Rebel was helping Karter load the dishwasher. “You have my sincerest congratulations, Rebel,” Dorian said. “Children are a blessing from the goddess. You and Karson deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“I know,” Rebel replied without an ounce of snark. “But I appreciate you saying it. I never expected Karson, but he and our baby are everything to me.”
“As they should be. And if you ever believe one thing I’ve said to you, please believe me when I say all I want is to make Hyatt happy. To give him the life he deserves. I know what he’s suffered, and if I could avenge his pain, I would. All I can do now is treasure him and keep him safe always.”
Rebel held his gaze for a long time before nodding. “Good man. Because you’ll answer to me if you don’t.”
Dorian smiled. “I have a feeling I’d be answering to quite a few people in this house and beyond.” He glanced around but Karter had left the kitchen, giving them a bit of privacy. “I’m grateful Hyatt has a strong support system, and I would genuinely like to get to know the people in it. Maybe we’ll never be friends, Rebel, but I think we can find common ground in our love for Hyatt.”
Rebel quirked an eyebrow, and Dorian realized he’s said love. In some ways, he did love Hyatt. He loved the young omega’s strength, perseverance and loyalty. And he was slowly falling in love with the man himself. Dorian didn’t amend his statement, simply waited, his gaze never breaking from Rebel’s.
“Symon has made it clear he doesn’t expect me to choose sides,” Rebel finally said. “That I can make my own decision about you. If you treat Hyatt like the prince he is and you’re careful with his heart, then we won’t have any problems between us. Maybe one day we could even consider ourselves friends.”
Dorian’s heart soared with relief. “That is more than I hoped for, thank you.”
“You aren’t your sire or your omegin, any more than I am my own rapist sire. Karson has helped me with that a lot recently. Hyatt, too, in his own way.” Rebel glanced around the kitchen, but they were alone. He still leaned in and lowered his voice. “But if you hurt Hyatt in any way, I will rip your balls off and feed them to you. Then I might hurt you.”
“Understood.” Considering Rebel had beaten a man to death in a fit of rage, Dorian had no plans to ever cross the younger alpha. Or to hurt Hyatt.
I’ve got to tell him about the credit transfers.
Not today.
So far, today had been a fantastic day. Maybe Symon was still avoiding him, but Dorian had reached a gentle truce with Rebel, and that was a great first step. A first step toward his brilliant future with Hyatt and any children the goddess saw fit to bless them with.
One day at a time.
Hyatt couldn’t quite believe Dorian and Rebel were having a quiet, civil conversation without witnesses, so he grabbed onto that good luck and asked to speak to Karter in private. They went into the backyard and sat on a bench in the far rear of the lawn near a tree. The day was unseasonably warm but not uncomfortable.
“What’s up, kiddo?” Karter asked.
“I hate to do this, but I need to ask a favor on Dorian’s behalf.” Hyatt explained the young deaths of Dorian’s siblings and their