The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,60

right. I can protect you, but in order for you to truly be pack and bonded to us, I’d need to give you both a sire-claiming scratch. How do you feel? Would it feel weird to be considered my kids if I'm barely old enough to be your father and am technically your brother-in-law? To be clear, you can still call me Matt. I'm not asking to become your parent, but I would assume the rights of one and be able to completely protect you."

I wasn’t surprised when Saul didn't need time to think about it. Saul's gift was more empathic than mine. He couldn't read minds psychically, but he felt their intentions and emotions, and was somehow able to know what people were up to. His gift was growing and would continue to for the next few years, but it was already strong enough to trust when faced with a decision like this.

I wasn't sure Saul was old enough to completely understand how much faith he was giving Matt if he did this. And if it was anyone other than Matt, I would find a way to prevent it. But my mate would never sell or barter my brothers because they happened to be omegas. Claiming them as his own was the ultimate active protection because nobody would ever be able to get away with hurting them unless, like my father, he allowed it to happen.

When Saul pulled off his own shirt as he walked over to stand beside Matt, my heart swelled with pride. And to be honest, I felt a certain amount of relief as well. Now we truly would be one family.

Matt didn't make a big deal out of it or act like he was behaving better than any decent person. Starting with Saul, he extended a single claw and drew an X over the original scar. His sharp claw broke the flesh and removed all traces of my father's mark while claiming Saul as his own pup to protect. Noah leaned out of the way and wrinkled his nose when Matt sealed it by licking the wound. When he was done, Matt stuck his tongue out to show it was clean while tickling Noah under the chin. "I know, little man. It's gross, but we're wolf shifters, and sometimes gross things are part of life." He winked, then turned and held his arms out to Saul.

I don't think there was a dry eye around the table while my gangly brother hugged his new Alpha. As soon as they were done, Noah tugged on Matt's shirtsleeve. "My turn! Me next, remember?"

Chuckling, Matt held up his claw. "Like I could ever forget about you. Are you ready? I don't know if it stings. I was a baby when I got mine."

"Me too!" Noah trembled with excitement and proudly stuck his chest forward. "Don't worry, Matt. I'm no baby. I won't cry."

Matt took a moment to keep from laughing. I could feel how much he loved my brothers, and I knew it would be the same when I gave birth.

Resting a hand on Noah's shoulder, Matt paused before opening the scar. "I need you to hold still, Noah. My claw is very sharp, and I would be sad if I cut you too deep. Even if we got you healed right up, it would make me cry. You don't want to make a grown alpha cry, do you?"

Noah's eyes were wide as he shook his head. "No, Matt. I can behave, see?" His cheeks puffed out as he took a deep breath and struggled to hold his body motionless.

"For the love of God, man. Mark the child before he passes out." Lucian was visibly fighting his own emotions.

When Matt finally broke Noah's scar, Noah's breath came out in a whoosh as he giggled. "That tingles, Matt. It feels like magic."

Fortunately, Matt worked quickly, adjusting for my brother’s wiggling. He was done in a matter of seconds and already licking the scar. Noah scrunched his nose, probably about to point out how nasty the practice was all over again, when a look of wonder passed over his face instead.

"Matt! It is magic! I can feel you in my heart, and I love you too." I couldn't help it—I started crying the moment Matt pulled Noah onto his lap and hugged him.

Lucian ruffled Saul's hair. Sniffling and wiping his nose on the back of his hand, he stepped away, motioning for Tucker and Devon to follow. When he saw me