Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It took six months before Jensen made his final decision regarding his mating to Jeff and Jared. Six months of phone calls between them, needing to talk and work things out before he could decide if things between them could be salvaged. Six months of long-distance dating, with Jeff and Jared driving to be with him, staying at the hotel over the weekends, making the time to be with him, ignoring anything and everything else so they were able to reconnect and slowly rebuild the trust that had been broken. His alphas sometimes drove together and at times separately so he was able to spend some one-on-one time with each, getting to know them again and allowing them to get to know him in a way they hadn’t done before. Six months of finding himself and asking what he wanted. He spoke to Christian regularly, coming to see the beta as more than just someone whose classroom he used to volunteer in. Christian had become his friend and he’d had a chance to meet Steve and Nick, the beta’s mates when they’d come to visit him. He’d been able to talk to them, ask how they’d made it through the tough times in the beginning, and he’d chuckled at Steve’s response.

“What makes you think it’s smooth sailing for us? Have you met Christian? He’s not exactly the warm and fuzzy kind. In fact, he’s downright cantankerous.”

Christian had of course punched Steve in the shoulder, loudly whispering, “You fucker”, which had Nick linking his arm with Jensen.

“Love is what got us through it all. We knew then what we had was worth fighting for, we still do.”

“You gotta ask yourself if it’s worth the fight. If it is, then keep fighting for what you have with Jeff and Jared. If it’s not, then you have your answer,” Christian wisely advised, meeting Jensen’s eyes and never wavering as he spoke to the omega.

“Ultimately, you need to do what’s right for you. You need to make yourself happy before you can make anyone else happy,” Steve added, feigning an injury to his shoulder, rubbing it dramatically which resulted in Nick peppering the alpha’s face with kisses until Christian groaned and proclaimed that they were embarrassing him.

That night as he lay in his childhood bedroom staring up at the ceiling he’d asked himself if his mating to Jeff and Jared was worth the effort. Was he willing to put in the work? Did he still want to be mated to his alphas? At the thought of no longer being mated to Jeff and Jared, his heart ached and he knew he had his answer. The next morning, with his parents’ blessings, he’d packed what little he had and asked his dad to drop him off at the bus station.

“No,” Alan said, shocking everyone.

Jensen stood there as his backpack slipped from his hand to hit the floor with a thud. “No,” he whispered, confused because after discussing things with his parents, he’d thought his dad was fine with him returning home to his alphas.

“I’ll drive you.”

“Dad, that means you’ll have to find someone to cover you at the store. I can’t…”

“How about we hire one of those drivers?” Gail suggested.

“I don’t want to put you out… The cost…” Shaking his head, Jensen chewed on his bottom lip wondering how he was going to make his way back to his alphas. He wanted it to be a surprise but not at the cost of his parents paying for a private car for him. A bus ticket was a reasonable cost as far as he was concerned and he had a little money saved from when he’d helped out at his father’s hardware store so he would be able to pay for the ticket himself.

“Nonsense,” Alan said. “We’re able to pay.” Without waiting for a reply, he pulled out his cell phone, looked up car services, and had made the arrangements. “I hope you’re all set because the car will be here shortly.”

“Thanks, Dad. You really didn’t have to do that. I was happy to take the bus…”

Putting his hands up, Alan stopped Jensen from speaking further. “Listen, I don’t want you worrying about things. We’ve got it covered. All I want is for you to be happy. That’s what any parent would want for their child.”

Before Jensen could say anything he found himself enveloped in a fierce hug by his parents. “Thanks. I really appreciated you letting me stay here while I figured things out.”

“This is your home,” Donna assured Jensen with a kiss on his cheek.

“We were happy to have you here. We got to spend time with you,” Gail interjected as she wiped away her tears.

“You take care of yourself and if you change your mind, for whatever reason, you can always come home,” Alan said as he linked arms with his mates, watching Jensen grab his backpack and make his way out to the waiting car.

After a tearful goodbye, and a stern warning from Donna to the driver to take good care of her pup, Jensen waved at his parents as the car pulled away from the curb. Once his parents were out of sight, he settled back into the seat, letting the movement of the car lull him to sleep, not waking until they were pulling into the driveway. With a thanks to the driver, he made his way to the front door, standing there as he tried to get his breathing under control as he worked up the courage to knock on the door. For a brief moment he feared that Jeff and Jared wouldn’t be happy to see him but that was short-lived when Jared opened the door and pulled him into the younger alpha’s strong embrace.

“You’re home,” Jared breathed into Jensen’s warm skin, hugging the omega to his body. “Jeff!” he called several times until he heard the older alpha grumbling as Jeff made his way into the foyer.

“Why are you bellowing my name?” Jeff complained as he searched for Jared, finding the younger alpha in the foyer. When he saw Jared standing there with Jensen in his arms, it felt as if his heart had stopped beating, his breath catching in his throat, as tears came to his eyes. “Jensen?” he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper, not believing that Jensen was standing in their home. Without waiting for Jensen or Jared to say a word, he joined them, throwing his arms around them as they stood there, not wanting to be the first to pull away for fear of this being a dream until Jensen pulled away from him. Taking a few hesitant steps forward, he reached out for Jensen, waiting, hoping that the omega would willingly come to him.

Pulling away from Jared’s embrace, Jensen closed the distance between himself and Jeff allowing the older alpha to hug him, feeling content to be in Jeff’s arms.

“Are… are you home?” Jeff asked.

“If you… if you still want me,” Jensen choked out and then humphed when he felt Jared pressing his larger body against his back.

“As if there was ever any doubt,” Jared assured Jensen.

“We’ve been waiting for you, hoping that you’d want to come home,” Jeff stated and then buried his nose in the crook of Jensen’s neck, breathing in the familiar and missed scent of their omega. “Whatever you want… However, you want to work things out with us… We’ll do it. Please believe me.”

“I do.”

“Why didn’t you call us?” Jared asked, leading Jensen and Jeff into the living room. “How did you get home?” Jensen’s SUV was still parked in the driveway next to his, a sight that still hurt every day to see, to know that Jensen wasn’t home with them. He had offered to drive it to Jensen but the omega had refused, telling him that Jensen wasn’t at a point of accepting anything from the life he’d left. Jensen wanted to make sense of his world without further complications and he’d respected the omega’s decision.

Tucking his chin to his chest as Jensen sat on the couch he explained, “I wanted it to be a surprise. I was going to take the bus back and then a cab but my parents insisted on hiring a car to take me home.” As soon as he’d said the word home, he knew it was true. He was home. He was where he belonged, and that was with his alphas.

“Well, however, you made it back, I’m happy you’re home,” Jeff said, a wide smile spread across his face as he sat on the coffee table across from Jared who had Jensen tucked up against him. He could tell by the look in the younger alpha’s eyes that Jared was just as afraid of letting Jensen go for fear that the omega would slip away from them again.

Resting his head against Jared’s shoulder, he found himself soothed by the familiar scent of the younger alpha, so much so that he closed his eyes, not wanting to move until he heard Jeff speaking to him.

“Why don’t we get you to bed? You look like you’re about to fall asleep on the couch.” Jeff offered Jensen his hand, not moving until the omega accepted, and then he got to his feet, gently pulling Jensen up with him, leading Jensen who was followed by Jared upstairs. At first, he wasn’t sure if Jensen would want to sleep in their mating bed but to his surprise, the omega made his way into the master bedroom and crawled onto the middle of the bed. He heard Jared’s startled gasp and reached out for the younger alpha, needing to anchor himself to Jared as well as offering the younger alpha assurances that yes, Jensen was lying in their mating bed again.

After kicking off his shoes, Jensen made himself comfortable in bed feeling content to be enveloped in its warmth along with the heavy scents of Jared and Jeff lingering on the sheets and pillows. Closing his eyes, he lay there basking in the feeling of being where he belonged.

“Okay, we’ll let you get some sleep,” Jeff said softly, pulling Jared out of the room in order to give Jensen the space the omega might want.

Opening his eyes, Jensen looked at his alphas. “No, stay.” He motioned for Jeff and Jared to join him. His intention wasn’t to force the alphas out of their mating bed but to have the three of them lying there together. It was the next step in putting their lives back together.

Gingerly, Jared climbed onto the bed, followed by Jeff, the two of them lying on either side of Jensen. He caressed Jensen’s check. “We’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” Jensen admitted, turning to face Jared. Reaching out, he pulled Jared to him, their lips connecting in a chaste kiss that he deepened. Soon, he was grinding against Jared, feeling their hardening lengths pressing against each other. “Want you alpha,” he moaned into Jared’s mouth. Reaching back, he blindly searched for Jeff, pulling the older alpha against him when they made contact. “Want you both.” He moaned softly when he felt Jeff’s lips against his exposed skin.

“You have no idea how badly we’ve missed you, missed being with you,” Jared husked, bringing his hands to work Jensen’s jeans open before slipping one hand down the back of the omega’s jeans and boxer briefs to squeeze at the firm round globes of Jensen’s ass. With Jeff’s help, they worked Jensen’s clothing off and then their own, lying there together naked, their limbs wrapped around each other unable to distinguish where one body ended and another started.

Jeff’s cock was heavy between his legs and all he wanted was to slick his throbbing member and push into Jensen’s tight heat. Just the thought forced a groan from his throat. “Who do you want?” he asked, not willing to take what he wanted without Jensen’s permission. So far, he and Jared had moved at the omega’s pace, giving Jensen the space he needed and while he desperately wanted to knot their omega, he wasn't about to take that decision out of Jensen’s hands, knowing it would only cause them to backslide, something he wasn’t willing to be the cause of.

“Both of you,” was Jensen’s breathy response, followed by a soft moan.

Sensing that Jensen was too far gone with desire to understand what Jeff was asking him, Jared was the one to explain, “Jensen, who do you want to knot you first? You gotta tell us, babe. We’re not gonna do anything without you telling us what you want.”

Since he could feel Jeff’s hard cock against his ass, Jensen’s answer was, “Jeff… Please…” before he kissed Jared, moaning into the younger alpha’s mouth when he felt Jeff’s fingers delving between the globes of his ass.

“Fuck,” Jeff groaned, working Jensen open on his fingers before using the omega’s slick to ease his cock into Jensen’s tight heat. After being separated from Jensen for what felt like forever he knew it wouldn’t take long for his knot to pop.

Jensen moaned at the feeling of taking Jeff’s cock and pressed himself against Jared’s body.

Jared held Jensen in his arms, kissing the omega through being breached by Jeff. “So beautiful,” he murmured and then nuzzled Jensen’s neck.

“Please, Jared,” Jensen begged when he felt the younger alpha’s lips on his neck. Tilting his head he offered his neck to Jared hoping the younger alpha would bite down and give him a claiming mark.

“Jensen,” Jared murmured against the omega’s warm and inviting skin. He looked over at Jeff, their eyes meeting for a moment before his slipped closed, his canines extended and he bit down hard, breaking the tender flesh on Jensen’s neck. He heard Jensen’s pained yelp and quickly ran his tongue over the broken skin, laving at the wound in the hope of soothing the hurt omega. Now, no matter what, he’d laid claim to Jensen, the omega was his.

Following Jared's example, Jeff bit down on the other side of Jensen’s neck, his teeth breaking through the offered skin as he lay claim to his omega. He heard Jensen yelp in pain and did his best to soothe the omega, laving at the broken skin until he felt Jensen relaxing.

“Jeff,” Jensen moaned, feeling the older alpha’s knot pushing past his rim, tying them together. His eyes rolled back in his head when he felt Jared’s fingers wrap around his hard cock, jacking him off to the rhythm Jeff had set as the older alpha rutted into him. He came with a hoarse shout, breathing heavily, and fell back against Jeff who wrapped his arms around him, holding him until the older alpha’s knot had slipped out of him.

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” Jeff rasped and then crushed his lips together with Jensen’s kissing the omega until they were both panting from the lack of oxygen. “So lucky you’re ours.” He offered Jensen his neck, urging the omega to lay claim to him, gasping when he felt Jensen’s teeth breaking through his skin.

With Jeff’s help, Jensen found himself on his back with Jared between his legs. He moaned and then bit down on Jared’s neck when the younger alpha’s cock breached him, breaking the skin and laying claim to Jared as the younger alpha had done to him at hearing Jared saying, ‘Do it’.

“You’re ours,” Jared chanted as he fucked Jensen hard and fast. He felt Jensen’s legs circling his waist, the omega meeting his thrusts until his knot pushed past Jensen’s rim tying them together.

Sliding his hand between Jensen and Jared’s bodies, Jeff wrapped his fingers around Jensen’s cock, working the omega through another orgasm while Jensen was tied with Jared.

With them still tied together and Jensen boneless beneath him, Jared maneuvered them so they were lying on their sides. He felt Jensen relax in his arms and then heard the omega sigh happily when Jeff moved to lie behind Jensen.

Jensen lay in Jared’s arms with Jeff pressed up against him making him feel warm and comforted. He was back in their mating bed, he had mated with Jeff and Jared and his alphas had given him claiming bites, one on either side of his neck which throbbed in the best way possible. He’d been claimed and finally felt connected to his alphas and wanted by them. He felt Jared stirring and then the younger alpha’s hand caressing his cheek.

“Hey,” Jared whispered, hoping not to disturb Jeff who was softly snoring. Waking up to find Jensen in his arms was something he’d never thought would happen after the omega had left him and Jeff. “How are you feeling?” He winced at the thought of the pain he and Jeff had caused Jensen when they had each laid claim to the omega but judging by the lazy smile spreading across Jensen’s face, the omega wasn’t in too much pain.

“I’m good.”

“Are you sure? Do you want something for the pain?”

“Just you.”

Chuckling softly, Jared repeated, “Just me?”

“And Jeff. You’re all I need.”

“Hey, you two,” Jeff groused, having been woken by the sound of his mates’ voices.

“I think we might be in trouble. We woke the old man,” Jared teased, enjoying the sound of Jensen’s laughter.

“Fuck you, Jared. Just ask Jensen, I wasn’t too old to knot our omega pretty damn good last night.” Jeff buried his face in the crook of Jensen’s neck, lightly kissing over the healing claiming bite.

Turning to face Jeff, Jensen kissed the older alpha and then snuggled up against Jeff, enjoying the feeling of Jared’s body pressed against his back. The warmth of his two alphas soon had him drifting off to sleep again as Jeff grumbled about needing to get up and take care of a few things and Jared’s offer to help the older alpha.

When Jensen woke again, it was to find himself alone in their mating bed. Jeff and Jared’s sides were cold indicating they had been gone for a while. With a sigh, wishing he was still in his alphas’ arms, he forced himself up from their bed, wincing at the slight pain the mating bites caused him, and made his way into the bathroom to shower and dress, throwing on a pair of worn yet comfortable jeans and a T-shirt that wouldn’t rub against his healing claiming bites.

Once dressed, Jensen grabbed his phone out of the jeans he’d been wearing the night before and placed a call, waiting for the line to be picked up. “Hi, Momma,” was all he was able to say before he heard his mother calling for Gail and his father to join her.

“Jensen, sweetheart, you’re on speaker. How are you?” Donna asked.

“How did things go?” Gail quickly followed, not giving Jensen a chance to speak.

“Would you two settle down and let our pup speak?”

Jensen laughed at the imagery in his head of his father rolling his eyes at his mothers who were probably clutching each other, anxiously waiting for his answer. “I’m good and things went well,” he admitted.

“How well?” Alan asked.

“So well that I now have two claiming bites and they each have one from me.” Jensen heard his parents’ collective gasp and felt his cheeks begging to burn. While rare for an alpha to allow an omega to place a claiming bite on them, it wasn’t unheard of. His parents loved each other, there was no doubt in his mind about that but not even his father who was an alpha had a claiming bite from his two mates. “It just happened and…” he started to say, hoping to explain things to his parents but was cut off by his father.

“Whoa, there, pup, there’s no need to explain anything to us. The only thing I want to know is if you’re happy?”

“Yes, I’m incredibly happy. I’m happy to be home and back with my alphas.”

“Then that’s all that matters,” Alan assured Jensen.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Of course, if they upset you in any way all bets are off and I will kick their asses and knock some sense into them,” Alan warned, causing Donna and Gail to sputter and Jensen to agree not wanting to dispute his father’s claim.

“Alan, don’t say such things,” Donna admonished playfully.

“Your father doesn’t mean it,” Gail added.

“I most certainly do,” Alan assured his mates and pup. “Those two need to understand that if they hurt our pup again I will hunt them down and kick their asses.”

“Dad, I love you.” Jensen did, he loved his father, as well as his mothers, and he appreciated his father’s words and desire to still protect him even after he’d left home and mated not one but two alphas. He knew he was lucky to have such loving parents, parents who still now offered him support and safety should he ever feel the need to return to them. Just knowing he had them in his corner gave him the confidence he needed to try to work things out with his alphas because he had grown up with the perfect example of what a happy family could be. A happy family he now thought he could have with Jeff and Jared.

“Your father means well,” Donna stated. “We all just want you to be happily mated.”

“Me, too and I think Jeff, Jared, and I are on our way. We’ve worked a lot of things out in the past six months. They gave me the time I needed to figure out what I wanted, whether it was to fix things within our mating or to end things without pushing me to make a decision before I was ready. Jeff listened to me when I told him I was going to finish getting my degree and that I wanted more for myself than being a stay-at-home omega. Jared has encouraged me to follow through with getting what I want for myself. He’s proud of me for not giving up on getting my degree or wanting to work. They’re both proud of me.”

“As are we, we’re so proud of you, sweetheart,” Gail added. “Since the day you entered this world, we have been blessed to have you as our pup.”

“I know you’d hoped to give your alphas pups and that was taken away from you but I want you to know you have so much more to look forward to in life. Being able to whelp a pup should never define you. I never want you to doubt yourself because of that and if you ever do, just remind yourself that you’re loved for who you are and that’s all that matters,” Donna said, feeling the need to remind the omega that he wasn’t broken but perfect the way he was.

“Thanks, Mom,” Jensen sniffed, trying to hold back his tears. He knew where his mother’s words were coming from and he appreciated hearing that from her.

“Well, I think your mothers have said all that needs to be said aside from the fact that we love you and your room will always be yours should you need it.”

Jensen chuckled at his father’s attempt at levity. “Love you all, too,” he said and then ended the call. Placing his phone down on the nightstand, he made his way out of the bedroom in search of his alphas, wondering where Jeff and Jared could be, hoping they hadn’t left for the office without saying goodbye to him.

“Jensen,” Jeff called when he heard movement on the stairs.

Following the sound of Jeff’s voice he found the older alpha and Jared in the dining room along with a beta he’d never met before. “Jeff?”

“Hey, sweetheart.” Jeff motioned for Jensen to join them, pulling the omega close to him, and placing an arm around the omega’s waist. “This is Cyrus.”

“Jensen, it’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well.” Jensen looked at Jeff and then Jared who looked as if he was trying not to smile.

“Cyrus is a jeweler and he was gracious enough to make a trip out here for us.”

“I was happy to,” Cyrus assured Jeff as he placed a black case down on the dining table. Opening the case, he watched as Jensen’s eyes widened at seeing the case’s contents, rows of matching mating rings.

“Jeff?”

“You never had a say in your mating ring, this is my way of righting a wrong.”

“Jeff and I talked while you were still sleeping and we wanted a fresh start for us and that means new mating rings, ones you pick out for us,” Jared explained.

It was then that Jensen noticed that neither Jared nor Jeff wore their mating rings. “Are you… are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely,” Jeff assured Jensen. “And if you don’t see anything here that you like we can always make the drive into the city and see what else Cyrus has in stock, or we can have something custom-made.”

“I have an extensive collection of mating rings. So, if you don’t see anything you like here,” Cyrus waved a hand over the open case, “then you can always stop in. Jeff has already given me the necessary ring sizes, so if you do see something you like then you’ll be able to wear them today. But please don’t feel pressured into picking something out today. As Jeff said, I can always create a custom mating ring.”

With a nod, Jensen took a seat at the dining room table and pulled the case to him looking over the rings.

“We’ll leave you alone so you don’t feel pressured,” Jared murmured and then tenderly kissed over his mating bite before backing away and walking out of the room.

“Take all the time you need,” Cyrus said and then was led from the room by Jeff, leaving Jensen alone to look over the rings.

Jensen sat there, looking from one set of rings to another but his eyes kept going back to the first set of rings. Picking one of them up, he slipped the white gold ring on his finger, noting the perfect fit and the way the three diamonds which were equally set apart by decorative milgrain still looked connected to each other. Bringing his hand closer to his face he smiled at the ring, knowing he’d found their mating rings. Slipping it off his finger he replaced it in the case and then pushed himself away from the table with the intention of searching out his mates.

“Jensen?” Patsy asked in disbelief when she stepped into the room followed closely by Jax and Jasper who danced happily around the omega’s legs.

Jensen offered the beta a shy smile and then tucked his chin to his chest. In the time he’d been separated from Jeff and Jared, he hadn’t thought to call Patsy. “Hi.”

“Don’t you just ‘Hi’ me!” Patsy admonished and then pulled Jensen into her arms, rocking them back and forth. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you… Everyone has missed you! Are you home for good or…”

“I’m home for good.” Jensen wasn’t sure exactly what had been said to the staff to explain his absence and he wasn’t about to get into the details of his private life with his alphas but he was willing to confirm that things had been worked out. “We worked things out. I came home last night.”

“Good,” Patsy said and then noticed the claiming bites on the omega’s neck. Raising her hand she gently took Jensen’s chin and moved his head from side to side as a smile spread across her face. “Well, it’s about damn time those two alphas of yours got their shit together. I thought I was going to have to clunk their heads together in order to knock some sense into them.” She pulled her hand away from Jensen and then hugged him again. “I’m so happy you’re home.”

“Me too.”

Looking over at the table Patsy noticed the case full of mating rings. “Oh… Oh!” She clasped her hands together and smiled, she knew what the rings were for and what they meant. “Well, I’ll leave you to it.” As she passed by the table she stopped and pointed at the first set of rings, the ones Jensen had picked out. “Those are beautiful,” she said and then disappeared into the kitchen, taking the dogs with her.

With a chuckle, Jensen went in search of Jeff and Jared, finding them entertaining Cyrus in the living room. Clearing his throat he waited for their attention and when he had it he nodded. “I made my decision.”

Standing together, Jeff and Jared waited for Jensen to elaborate and then followed the omega into the dining room.

“These.” Jensen pointed to the rings he’d fallen in love with and then sucked his bottom lip in between his teeth waiting for his alphas’ responses.

Jared gave Jensen a dimpled smile and then whacked Jeff on the shoulder. “I told you.”

Jeff tossed his head back and laughed at Jared’s antics. “Yeah, you did.”

Wide-eyed Jensen watched the exchange between the two alphas.

“I told Jeff I had a feeling those would be the rings that caught your eye…”

“And he was right. Before you say anything, we love them.”

“Well, gentleman, if the choice has been made, I’m happy to leave you with the rings and be on my way. Jeff, I’ll send you the invoice for the rings,” Cyrus said, handing the rings to Jeff before closing the case.

“Let me show you out.” Jeff led the beta out of the dining room leaving Jared and Jensen as he thanked the beta for his services. Returning to his mates he found Jensen in Jared’s arms with the omega resting his head against the younger alpha’s shoulder. He could hear Jared crooning softly to Jensen.

“We love them… We love you… Can’t wait to wear them,” Jared assured Jensen.

Placing the rings on the table, Jeff turned to his mates and then picked up Jensen’s ring. Together, he and Jared slipped the mating ring on Jensen’s finger and then waited for Jared and Jensen to do the same to him before he and Jensen placed Jared’s ring on the younger alpha’s finger. “Never doubt my love for you.” He pulled Jensen into his arms and kissed over his claiming bite now understanding how important that had been to his omega.

“Or mine,” Jared added as he threw his arms around his mates standing there together until the dogs joined them, pushing their way between their legs and separating them. “Guess these two want some of your attention.” He noticed how both dogs sat at Jensen’s feet waiting for the omega to acknowledge them.

Crouching down, Jensen began patting the dogs. “Hey boys, I missed you.” He allowed the dogs to sniff him and lick him, only putting a stop to their antics when they started to climb on him in their excitement.

“Okay, you two, give Jensen some breathing room. I’m gonna take them for a walk, work off some of their excitement over seeing you,” Jared said, kissing Jensen before disappearing into the kitchen only to return a few moments later with the dogs’ leashes.

“I’m gonna be in my office for a little while. I have a few things to take care of,” Jeff explained, kissing Jensen and then Jared.

“Wait, don’t you two need to go into the office?” Jensen asked, looking from Jeff to Jared, confused as to why the two alphas were still home.

“Not today. We’ll probably be home the rest of the week.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Jeff repeated and then looked at Jared, saying, “He’s asking us why, as if him returning home and to us isn’t an important enough reason to take off from work.”

“Don’t you get it?” Jared asked, watching the confusion flickering in Jensen’s green eyes. “You’re the most important thing to us, our mating is important to us… We’re not willing to do anything to jeopardize that.”

Jeff pulled Jensen into his arms. “We heard you when you spoke to us, told us how lonely you were, how things had to change. We’re gonna do our best to make sure we never let you think that you’re not wanted, that my business comes before you, or that Jared’s job is more important than our mating. The office knows how to get in touch with either of us if there’s an emergency. Now, Jared’s gonna take those two mutts for a walk…” He heard Jared squawking over his reference to the dogs but continued speaking. “I’m going into my office to take care of a few things that I should have dealt with a long time ago and you’re going to either relax, call your friend Christian, or do whatever it is that makes you happy. If you need either of us, we’re around,” he said and then kissed Jensen before letting go of the omega and disappearing into his office.

“I’ll see you later,” Jared confirmed and then led the dogs outside taking them for a long walk.

At first, Jensen just stood there feeling dazed, looking down at his hand and the mating ring until a smile crossed his lips. There were things to still work on in their mating but he saw the effort Jeff and Jared had put in so far, how they had met him halfway and he was confident that they had a chance at a happy mating. With that thought, he made his way into the living room, grabbed the book Jared had bought him months ago, and settled on the couch to read.

Since the day his parents had shown up unannounced and made their feelings known about Jensen, Jeff now kept his parents at arm’s length. They were no longer welcome in their home and the locks had been changed to ensure that they didn’t stop over and let themselves in whenever they wanted. Jeff still spoke to them, they were his parents, after all, and he loved them despite how they, specifically his mother, had treated Jensen. With a heavy sigh, he sat in his office chair and picked up his phone, dialing his parents’ number, waiting until he heard his mother’s voice. “Mom, how are you?”

“We’re fine, thank you for asking.”

Jeff could hear the coldness in his mother’s voice and as much as it hurt, he knew he needed to stand his ground as he had months ago when he’d kicked his parents out of his home. He’d done it then out of anger but had soon realized he needed to do it in order to save his mating with not just Jensen but also with Jared. Before he could say anything else he heard his mother speaking.

“Have you called to tell me that you’ve come to your senses?”

“Excuse me?” Jeff asked. At first, he was confused by his mother’s question, his confusion quickly ebbing into anger when he heard his mother’s next question.

“Have you come to your senses, ended things with that omega? Actually, now that I think about it, it’s probably best that you end things with Jared. He seemed like a good fit for you but really, Jeff, what were you thinking? Taking up with not only an infertile omega but also another alpha? It’s time you cut them loose. Sure, you’ll probably have to pay them off but then you’ll be able to start fresh…”

“That is enough!” Jeff bellowed, drawing Jensen’s attention.

Hearing Jeff’s raised voice, Jensen saved his page and then placed the book down, getting to his feet to search out the older alpha, finding Jeff in his office. He was about to ask if everything was okay when he heard Jeff speaking.

“You never cease to amaze me. You belittled Jensen and now you’re trying to get me to leave him and Jared? I love both of my mates. Why is that so hard for you to understand? I fell in love with Jensen and Jared the moment I laid eyes on them. You at least gave Jared a chance but with Jensen you never did. I don’t understand why…”

“Because that omega was beneath you. He still is and why you even bothered to try to win him back is beyond me. That omega was never good enough for you…”

“That omega’s name is Jensen and you will do well to remember that!” Jeff growled into the phone.

“And what are you going to do if I don’t bother to acknowledge him?”

“You won’t have to and I don't give a damn if you do or not. I had called, hoping to tell you that Jensen is back and that we are moving in the right direction with reconnecting and mending our mating. I see now this call was useless. Until you can accept that I love Jensen and will never leave him or Jared, you are not welcome here,” he said and then ended the call.

“Jeff…”

Looking up, Jeff saw Jensen standing in the doorway. “Hey, how much did you hear?” he asked, getting up and going to Jensen.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I just heard your voice… It was raised… You sounded angry.”

“I was… Still am. I’m also ashamed that I allowed things to go on, that I never put my parents in their place when it came to you.”

“But I don’t want you to feel that you have to pick me over them. They’re your parents.”

“They are, and at some point, when things have settled down I’ll try talking to them again but right now, what matters is putting things right between us, strengthening our bond, and working on being happily mated. Now, I still have something else to take care of. How about I come find you when I’m done?”

Nodding, Jensen smiled at Jeff. “Okay, find me when you’re done,” he said and then disappeared from Jeff’s office to settle back on the couch with his book.

With a fond smile on his face, Jeff returned to his desk and picked up his phone again, this time placing a call to his lawyer. “Daniel, it’s Jeff. Listen, I had a prenup in place when I mated Jensen. I want it destroyed and in its place I want a will drawn up leaving everything equally to Jensen and Jared. I want to know they’ll be taken care of should something happen to me and I want them to know that I see them as equals in my eyes… When can you make that happen? Sounds good… I’ll sign everything when I’m back in the office… Talk to you then,” he said and then ended the call. Keeping his word, he sought out Jensen, expecting to find the omega curled up on the couch. To his surprise, he found Jensen curled up in their bed with Jared. “Well, look at the two of you.”

“Come join us.” Jared motioned for Jeff to join them. “He may be asleep.”

“I’m not,” Jensen assured Jeff and Jared.

“Sounds like you’re on your way to falling asleep,” Jeff said as he climbed onto the bed, happy to lie there with Jensen and Jared.

“Did you take care of everything?” Jensen asked sleepily.

“Yeah… yeah, I did.” Jeff saw the questioning look on Jared’s face. Deciding to forego filling Jared in on the call to his parents since Jared was already aware of the state of his relationship with them, he said, “I had the prenup destroyed and asked for a will to be drawn up in its place, leaving everything equally to the two of you.”

Jensen’s eyes popped open and he stirred in Jared’s arms. “Jeff, it’s not about your money…”

“I know sweetheart, I know it never was but I want to do this… Need to do it. I should have done it a long time ago.”

“Hey, baby steps, right?” Jared said and kissed the top of Jensen’s head. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jeff agreed.

“Together,” Jensen repeated before falling asleep, lulled into blissfulness by the soothing beat of Jared’s heart and the comfort of being surrounded by his mates. And while he, at first, wasn't happy about the will, he’d finally come around to accepting it, acknowledging that it was the first step in figuring things out together as Jared had stated. And together was how they moved forward, mending what had been broken between them, creating a future together.

Jeff closed and locked the door after himself making sure to be as quiet as possible as he made his way out of the foyer and into the living room where he found Jensen curled up on the couch with Asher soundly asleep in his arms. The sight of his mated omega looking so peaceful stole his breath away. “Hey,” he whispered as he closed the distance between them and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Jensen’s lips. Taking a step backward, he planted himself on the coffee table, content to just be home with his family.

A fond smile came to Jensen’s face after he licked his lips, the lingering taste of his alpha hitting his tongue. “Hey, yourself.”

“How was work?” Jeff asked. Since working things out between them, Jensen had returned home and been offered a part-time job as Kane’s classroom aid. While Kane had wanted Jensen to work full-time, the omega had negotiated his hours so he was able to continue taking his online classes and had achieved his goal of earning his degree, something they were all proud of. Jensen had no current plans to pursue a teaching position but if the omega did, he knew he’d do everything in his power to make sure Jensen was happy and that knew he had both his and Jared’s full support.

“It was good. How was your day?”

“Long, too long away from you, Jared, and our pups. Speaking of pups, where’s Maisey?” Jeff asked, craning his neck, searching out the pup who didn’t seem to be in the room.

Jensen was about to answer Jeff’s question when a high-pitched shriek could be heard coming from outside, causing the pup in his arms to stir and wake with a sniffle. He and Jeff turned in the direction of the sound to see Maisey happily chasing Jax and Jasper followed closely by Jared who easily overtook the small pup, scooping her up in his arms in a tangle of limbs and giggles.

“Daddy,” Asher whispered sleepily, peeking up at the omega whose arms he was in with heavy-lidded eyes.

“Yes, Asher?” Jensen answered, placing a soft kiss on the top of the pup’s head. After returning home to his alphas and returning to work at the school, he’d learned that Maisey’s mother had abandoned her pups, leaving them in the care of her sister who was already dealing with her own pups. Kane had informed him that the aunt was considering placing the pups in foster care and he hadn’t liked the idea of that, knowing a pup like Maisey would get lost in the system and be more apt to be overlooked. He’d gone home that day and called his alphas, asking them to come home as soon as possible. He could still recall the matching worried looks on Jeff and Jared’s faces when they joined him in the living room.

“What’s going on?” Jeff asked as he walked into the living room, his eyes scanning the room and looking over his omega.

“Jensen, is everything okay? Are you okay?” Jared questioned, going to his omega and pulling Jensen into his arms. Since working things out, he and Jeff had made the conscious decision to be more attentive to Jensen and the omega’s needs. If that meant leaving work early to be home with Jensen, then they were both happy to make the accommodation; neither he nor Jeff was willing to allow a breakdown between the three of them in their mating ever again. Sacrifices had to be made and if that meant putting off work for a day in favor of being there for Jensen, then he was more than happy to make them.

“I’m okay,” Jensen assured Jared, letting the younger alpha scent him before resting his head against Jared's chest, listening to the soothing beat of the younger alpha’s heart. He sighed happily at the feeling of Jeff’s body pressing against his back, and the older alpha’s lips against his neck, grazing over Jeff’s claiming bite.

“Tell us what you need,” Jared urged and then set his teeth over his claiming bite, hearing Jensen’s soft gasp and then the hum of approval, knowing how much the omega enjoyed the attention given to him and his claiming bites. He was content to stay like that, the three of them wrapped up in each other, him and Jeff offering themselves to Jensen, letting the omega take from them what Jensen needed.

Gently Jensen pulled himself away from his alphas. While he wanted to stay in their arms, he needed a clear head if he was going to be able to make his proposal to Jeff and Jared. He saw the questioning looks on their faces and he smiled softly at them watching them visibly relax at his silent reassurance that he was indeed fine.

Taking Jeff’s hand in his, Jared led the older alpha to the couch. Once they were seated he looked up at Jensen who was now standing with his back to them as the omega looked out the French doors seemingly deep in thought. He felt Jeff’s eyes on him, sensing that the older alpha was also wondering what was going on with their mated omega. “Jensen, talk to us,” he coaxed softly.

Turning from the window, Jensen closed the distance between himself and his alphas coming to sit on the coffee table across from Jeff and Jared. Reaching out, he took one of their hands in his, meeting their questioning eyes. “I love you both… so much.” Taking a deep breath, he continued speaking. “I want pups with you.” He saw Jeff and Jared’s looks of surprise and he smiled, knowing they hadn’t a clue as to where this conversation was leading since he was infertile and they were both well aware of that fact. “I want to adopt,” he admitted and then waited for the fallout, wondering what Jeff and Jared’s reactions would be, watching as the alphas exchanged looks before looking back at him.

“Adopt?” Jeff repeated, raising his free hand to rub his fingers along his chin as he contemplated what Jensen had just said to them.

A smile came to Jared’s lips. “What do you have in mind?” Knowing Jensen, the omega had to have already thought things through before approaching him and Jeff with the idea of adopting pups. “Tell us more,” he urged, wanting to give Jensen the chance to explain things to them.

At Jared’s urging and not having Jeff refuse to consider his request Jensen opened up to his alphas. “Maisey, the pup I work with, she and her younger brother…” He stopped speaking while he tried to get his emotions under control; he couldn’t understand the idea of abandoning one’s pups but then again, he wasn’t in the mother’s position. He had two alphas, his mates, to lean on. “Their mother left them in the care of her sister who is overwhelmed with taking care of her own three pups. The sister is going to put them into foster care. Maisey… She won’t stand a chance in the system and she’ll be separated from her brother… Please…” he whispered, realizing that his cheeks were wet with his tears.

“Okay… okay,” Jared said soothingly, his heart breaking at seeing Jensen’s distress.

Jeff pulled away from Jensen and fished his cell phone out of his suit coat pocket. Without a word, knowing he was being watched by Jared and Jensen, he dialed a number, waiting until his call was picked up. “Daniel, this is Jeff… Yes, I’m good, thanks for asking… Listen, I have an unusual request… My omega, Jensen… Yes, he’s good, thanks for asking… Jensen, Jared, and I want to adopt two pups… One has Special Needs and the last thing we want is for her and her younger brother to end up in the system… We want them… What do we need to do to make that happen?”

Jensen had sat there frozen in shock at Jeff’s actions, how the older alpha hadn’t questioned a thing. Jeff had just picked up the phone and placed the call, all the while with him sitting there with Jared as the younger alpha reassured him that things would work out and how lucky the pups would be to have Jensen as one of their parents.

Less than a week later two of the empty bedrooms had been remodeled to suit the two pups with Maisey’s room being painted a light shade of her favorite color purple and Asher’s room being painted a cheery shade of blue. Jensen, with Jeff and Jared’s blessings, had delighted in picking out furniture, toys, and clothing for the young pups. He may have gone a little overboard with not only wanting to fill the rooms with everything two young pups could ever want but the idea of being a parent had been one he’d given up on; now Jeff along with Jared were making that dream happen for him. And when Maisey and Asher had been delivered into their care, knowing that this would forever be their home, Jensen felt like his family was finally complete. Their house no longer felt empty, it felt like home.

Soon after, Jensen’s parents had made the trip to visit, wanting a chance to meet their grandpups. Jensen had his suspicions that his father also wanted a chance to speak with Jeff and Jared. While he knew his parents were happy for him that he’d been able to work things out with Jeff and Jared, his father had still harbored anger and resentment toward his alphas.

“Where are my grandpups?” Alan asked as he stepped through the door beaming with pride, his eyes landing on the two pups holding onto Jensen’s hands. Seeing his own pup looking so happy holding his pups’ hands had brought tears to his eyes. It was a sight he’d never thought he’d be able to see.

“Alan, don’t scare the pups,” Donna admonished playfully while she did her best to hold herself back from rushing over and taking the pups into her arms.

“Pup, you look happy. It’s good to see you with these two little ones,” Gail said tearfully as she looked at Jensen’s smiling face. His green eyes sparkled with happiness, something she’d feared had been snuffed out when he’d shown up on their doorstep those many months ago. She’d hoped to see the light behind Jensen’s eyes again but hadn’t been sure her pup would find happiness again. She’d never been so happy to be proven wrong.

“Moms, Dad,” Jensen said as he crouched down to Maisey and Asher’s level, never letting go of their hands. “These are our pups. This little one is Asher and this beautiful one is Maisey.” He could see the pups peeking up at his parents. “You two, these are my parents, your grandparents and they couldn’t wait to meet you.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Asher let go of his hand and made his way over to his father who had crouched down. His father’s smile was blinding when Asher tumbled into the older alpha’s arms.

“Hey there,” Alan said softly. “Well, aren’t you something else? Gail, Donna, would you look at our grandpup…”

“Oh, he’s precious,” Gail cooed.

Sensing that the newest additions to their home were not a threat to her or her brother, Maisey let go of Jensen’s hand and carefully made her way over to Donna, tugging on the hem of the omega’s shirt to get Donna’s attention.

“Hi there, Maisey. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Donna said, crouching down in order to look into the pup’s eyes.

Jensen felt a hand on his left shoulder and another on his right elbow helping him up and he smiled knowing his alphas had joined them. After standing to his full height, he leaned into Jeff and Jared’s comforting bodies, letting them support him while they watched the interaction of their pups with his parents. Seeing how well their pups and his parents took to each other filled his heart with joy.

That night after putting the pups to bed and his parents indulging Maisey and Asher in reading multiple bedtime stories, Jensen watched as Alan, Jeff, and Jared disappeared out onto the patio. At first, he was concerned, ready to break up whatever was going on between his father and his alphas until his mothers stopped him.

“Pup, let them be,” Gail advised, watching as Jensen stiffened but didn’t move away from the French doors.

“Things need to be said by your father before he can let go of his anger,” Donna informed Jensen.

Turning, Jensen looked at his mothers who were sitting on the couch together. “What things?” he asked worriedly.

“That’s between your father and your alphas but don’t worry, you have nothing to fear.”

Jensen wasn’t too sure about that but he’d relented and moved away from the French doors to join his mothers.

“Alan,” Jeff said and then shoved his hands into his jeans pockets looking from Jared to Alan.

“I… That is… Jeff and I…” Jared stammered and then stopped when Alan held up a hand.

“Seeing my pup today… Seeing him so happy… That’s because of the two of you and I’m grateful for that.”

“It’s the least we could do…” Jeff started to say and was cut off by Alan.

“You’re damn right it’s the least you could do,” Alan barked. “The pain Jensen felt… The heartbreak he endured was because of the two of you. Because of your stupidity and lack of understanding for his needs, he was made to feel unwanted by his own alphas.” He shot Jeff and Jared dark looks before continuing to speak. “An omega is the most precious of mates, a mate not every alpha is lucky enough to have, and you treated my pup as if he was unworthy of your love. For that, you’re lucky I didn’t kill you,” he snarled. “It broke our hearts to see him that day when he showed up on our doorstep looking for comfort, support, and love… Something he should have been getting from the two of you…”

When he heard raised voices, Jensen made the decision to step outside. The last thing he wanted was for there to be a fight between his mates and his father. He couldn’t bear the thought of there being animosity between those he loved. “Dad…”

Jeff raised his hands to Jensen, stopping the omega from getting involved, knowing Alan needed to say what was on his mind. Stepping forward he met Alan’s eyes and saw the anger in them and knew that was directed at him. “Alan, we never meant to hurt Jensen…”

“But you did! You did hurt him and for that, I wanted to inflict the same hurt on you. I wanted you to feel what Jensen felt because of you. I wanted to punch you… Not stop until you were a bloody mess, begging for me to stop!”

Seeing that Jensen’s father was seething with rage, Jared stepped in front of the older alpha. “Then do it. We deserve it.” He was willing to take the brunt of Alan’s anger because he knew if the roles were reversed he’d want to exact his revenge. He’d need to rid himself of his rage in order to move on with his life. He watched as Alan curled his hands into fists, bracing himself for the older alphas' blows which never came.

“No,” Alan said with a shake of his head. “No, that won’t solve anything. In fact, it will only cause Jensen more pain… Something I would never do to my pup. He’s been through enough. He deserves to be happy…” He looked up at Jared, meeting the younger alpha’s eyes before glancing over at Jeff and then eventually at Jensen to smile fondly at his pup. “And I can see that the two of you make him happy.”

“We’re trying,” Jeff admitted. “We screwed up… I screwed up. I made a damn mess of things between myself and Jensen. I took him for granted. I never stopped to consider his feelings when I should have and for that, I’m sorry. I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes. I know it took a lot for Jensen to give me a second chance and I’ll always be grateful that he did. I never meant to hurt him. Please believe me when I tell you that I love Jensen.”

“We both do,” Jared added. “And for my part, if I’d known he thought I was his replacement, I would have talked to him… made him understand that was never my intention. I fell in love with him and Jeff.” He turned to Jensen wanting the omega to see the sincerity in his eyes.

“I see that. I can see that you both love him. But for what it’s worth, if either of you ever hurt him again, if he ever doubts that he is your mated omega and that you don’t treasure him, we will be having a different conversation.” Alan motioned for Jensen to join him, hugging his pup when the omega did. “I’ve said what I had to say. It’s over and done with. Let’s put this behind us and enjoy our time together. And just so you know, your mothers and I intend to spoil those grandpups of ours.”

Jensen had just rolled his eyes, returning his father’s hug before the four of them joined his mothers inside.

Jeff’s parents, specifically Joan and Stan, had yet to meet the pups and that had been the older alpha’s decision, one neither Jensen nor Jared had challenged him over. Jeff wasn’t ready to allow them back into their home or in their lives, not until they apologized to Jensen for the way they had treated the omega and were ready to not only accept Jensen as his mated omega but show Jensen the respect the omega was due. John had stopped by a few times wanting to mend what had been broken and had been offered the chance to meet Maisey and Asher who the beta had been instantly taken with and Jeff had to admit, he enjoyed spending time with his father and his pups. He was still protective of their pups and Jensen, never leaving them alone in his father’s presence despite Jared’s attempts to persuade him otherwise. It may have been irrational on his part but he wasn’t willing to take the chance of anything or anyone upsetting the delicate balance he, Jensen, and Jared had managed to create for themselves and their pups.

“See for yourself,” Jensen said with a chuckle, pulling himself out of his thoughts. Turning his attention to the French doors briefly, he watched as Jared lifted Maisey up onto his broad shoulders, the dogs woofing after him indignantly at having their best companion taken away from them.

Pushing to his feet, Jeff placed another kiss against Jensen’s lips and one on Asher’s cheek before shedding his suit jacket and tie. Things had changed since that night he and Jared had returned to find Jensen gone. And the changes had been for the better. He no longer worked long hours at the office, gave up dinner with Jensen and Jared in favor of coming home late, or worked over the weekend. Finding Jensen’s note had been a wake-up call for him and he’d vowed never to repeat the mistakes he’d made. He knew he needed to do better, be a better alpha to his omega, and be a better mate to both Jensen and Jared. And he’d seen firsthand how happy Jensen was since he’d made the decision to put their mating before everything else. He was happier for it as well. Now, he had two loving mates in Jensen and Jared as well as two wonderful pups. Maisey and Asher may not have been sired by him or Jared with Jensen but those pups were theirs and his life was richer for it. “I better go see what trouble I can instigate,” he said over his shoulder before making his way outside to be greeted by Maisey’s giggles and a kiss from Jared.

A few moments later, with Jeff having taken over with entertaining Maisey, Jared breathlessly bounded through the French doors to join Jensen and Asher. “Hey,” he said, blanketing Jensen’s body with his larger one, scenting Jensen and breathing in the warm caramel aroma that the omega gave off. He could never get enough of Jensen’s scent, one that called to him and reminded him of home and mate, and the thought that he’d nearly lost Jensen always seemed to stop him from breathing, causing the air to leave his lungs, and sending him in a panic until he searched out his omega and pulled Jensen into his arms.

“Hey, yourself. Did you get any work done today?” Jensen asked with a smile spreading across his face, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement when he saw the indignant look on Jared’s face.

“Of course I did. You do remember who I work for, don’t you?” Jared glanced over at the French doors to see Jeff chasing after Maisey with the dogs following closely behind. Since working things out between the three of them, he’d made the decision to work from home as much as possible, wanting to be there for Jensen so his omega never wondered again if he mattered because Jensen mattered. He’d taken over Jeff’s office, making it his own, and only went into the office for their weekly meetings. He was happier for it and he knew Jensen was as well since the omega didn’t have to return home after working to an empty house. Jensen had a tendency to join him in the office, sitting quietly in the overstuffed chair by the window he’d moved into the office one day hoping that might lure the omega in. Much to his delight, it had worked and whether Jensen had needed to finish his schoolwork prior to his graduating or the omega just wanted to relax and read before the pitter-patter of tiny feet interrupted them, Jensen had a place to sit and spend time with him. Life had taken on new meaning for him once he, Jeff, and Jensen had worked things out, all realizing their mating was worth saving and with some effort, they’d created a happy mating. Jensen smiled more, the omega was freer knowing that he wasn’t there to replace Jensen. Once he and Jeff had given Jensen a claiming bite things seemed to settle into place for them. With the addition of Maisey and Asher, their life together was something he knew Jensen had only ever dreamed of, a dream the omega had given up on at the age of seventeen when Jensen had been told he was infertile.

With Christian’s help, Jensen had gotten Maisey and Asher settled into a routine and he’d seen both pups flourish, knowing they had stability and a family who would care for them. At first, he’d worried about how Maisey would react to living with him and his alphas, knowing they would be seeing each other in a different setting. Once things had been explained to the pups that this was now their home, that he would now be caring for them, and that they would be a family, Maisey had hugged him, reminding him of how she had offered to be his pup, and then had started calling him daddy without any urging. He’d never expected that, to be called anything other than Jensen and mate. Maisey and Asher had taken to calling Jared Papa and Jeff Pops. At first, the look on Jeff’s face had been priceless, seeing the older alpha lost for words was something he’d never expected, but leave it to Jared to put things into perspective when the younger alpha had made the comment - “It’s only fitting they call you Pops since you're old.” Jeff had growled at Jared, telling the younger alpha to go screw himself and all Jensen could do was laugh and then squeak when Jeff pinned him against the wall, rutting against him and whispering in his ear, “I’m never too old to give my omega what he needs.” That night, once the pups were safely tucked in bed and asleep, Jeff had made good on his promise, knotting him while he lay in Jared’s arms, and once he’d been able to catch his breath, Jared had moved between his legs, offering Jeff the chance to hold him while the younger alpha had knotted him, leaving him sated and boneless lying between his alphas on their mating bed in a tangle of limbs. It was how they now slept, with him lying between them, Jared’s larger body pressed up against his back, an arm slung over his waist and with Jeff blanketing his front, an arm draped over his chest, never making him wonder if he was wanted. He knew just by their soft touches and how one or both of his alphas protested when he slipped out of their arms that he mattered to them.

“Hey, penny for your thoughts,” Jared coaxed, kissing Jensen again and then Asher when the pup squirmed in the omega’s arms.

Placing the squirming pup on the floor, Jensen watched Asher get his footing before the pup was off, running out the open French doors to join his sister and Jeff who were now chasing the dogs. Tilting his head, he listened as laughter filtered in from outside making him smile. “I never thought I’d have this,” he admitted, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude for what he had, two loving alphas and the pups he’d wanted but his body had denied him of ever having, a college degree, a job he enjoyed, and a home filled with love and laughter.

“Yeah, me neither,” Jared agreed, taking Jensen’s hands in his as they sat in comfortable silence which was broken a few minutes later by the sound of Maisey’s giggles. Looking over at the open doors, he saw the pup standing there smiling at them with mischief gleaming in her eyes.

“Daddy, Papa, come on. Come play with us,” Maisey beckoned for them to join her.

Jensen’s breath still caught in his throat when he heard Maisey or Asher call him daddy and he knew he’d never deny either pup anything they asked for. He may not have whelped Maisey and Asher but to him, those two pups were his. Maisey and Asher were their pups, his, Jeff’s, and Jared’s.

“Your wish is my command,” Jared stated as he got to his feet and then helped Jensen to his. “Come on, we can’t keep the pup waiting.

With a shake of his head and a smile on his face, Jensen said, “No, we can’t and I think Jeff might be in need of our help.” He pointed to the older alpha who was on the ground, lying on his back while Asher climbed on him as the two dogs danced around him.

“Trust me, Jeff’s loving every minute,” Jared said and then bounded through the doors after Maisey making her squeal and run to Jeff.

Jensen stood there for a moment watching his family, a family that almost never was because of the hurt that had been caused. He was thankful that he, Jeff, and Jared had been able to work through the hurt that had nearly ripped their mating apart. Now, they were stronger for it and never took each other for granted.

“Jensen, help me…” Jeff called, feigning the need to be saved by his omega as he rolled around on the ground, not caring that his dress shirt and pants were getting covered in grass strains. What mattered the most to him was the happiness of the family he now had, a family he’d never thought possible after Jensen had left. Now, he had Jensen back, and the omega was thriving and happy. Their mating had never been better; he, Jared, and Jensen spent as much time together as possible, strengthening their bond. And with the addition of Maisey and Asher, he’d realized how lucky he was to have everything he’d never realized he’d wanted until Jensen had given that to him.

With a hearty chuckle, Jensen made his way over to Jeff and scooped Asher up, enjoying the pup’s giggles, watching while Jeff got to his feet, brushing off the blades of grass that had clung to him.

“Love you,” Jeff said with a kiss on Jensen’s lips. They were soon joined by Jared who had Maisey hoisted up on his shoulders, the pup giggling with happiness. He marveled for a moment at his happy family, a family he’d never thought possible and one he’d nearly lost, grateful for everything he now had.

“So much, we love you so much,” Jared added with a kiss of his own to Jensen’s cheek, his heart filled with so much love for Jensen and Jeff and the family they had created. A family he’d longed for after the death of his parents and thought he’d never have after Jensen had left. Now he had everything he’d ever wanted and strove to never take it for granted again.

Jensen smiled in return, looking at his two alphas and their pups, his heart filled with so much love that at times it felt as if it would burst. “I love you both so much.” He was finally happy. He was wanted and he was loved. He finally had the life he’d hoped for.

Their life together was chaotic and loud at times but it was filled with love and Jensen, Jeff, and Jared wouldn’t have it any other way.