When June kissed December (Completed)

Bonus chapter 2. Part 2

"And if you catch any snake without skin, dip it in milk and hold it tightly to yourself, will it also become like us?"

When Pete and Vegas hear this from their curious Kai at breakfast the next morning, they just stare at the child and then at each other for a few seconds. Vegas is the first to come to his senses:

"Why do you suddenly have such questions, Kai?"

"I read it in the book…"

"Which one?"

Pete can tell by the tone of his husband's voice that a little storm is starting.

"In one... antique book. I took it from your desk."

"Without asking?" the alpha looks sternly at his son.

"Well, okay, he took it, Vegas,"  Pete hurries to calm his husband, stroking his hand, "Kai is at home. Is the book all right, baby?" Pete speaks affectionately to his son.

"Yes. I didn't crumple or tear anything. I just read it."

Vegas takes a deep breath. Pete knows he's calming himself down because he doesn't want to say too much to the child either.

"Okay, Kai. Have you put it back in place yet?" Vegas asks, relenting.

"Yes... I'm sorry for taking it without permission. You know… It's so big and interesting. Especially the tale of Prince Lindworm."

Vegas taps his knuckles on the table, starting to get nervous again.

"That's it. Thanks for breakfast," he brings Pete's hand to his lips, "I have to go on business," he gets up and kisses Kai on the forehead, "listen carefully to Dad."

The baby nods, and Pete watches his husband with an anxious smile. Oh, Kai... you're as curious as I am.

In the afternoon, while Kai is chatting with his beloved uncle Macao on video chat, Pete finds the book.

A familiar handwritten note that had once alerted Pete. The omega carefully flips through the yellowed pages and faded illustrations. Finally, his gaze stops at that very Scandinavian fairy tale about the enchanted prince in a snake skin.

Oh, Macau, that's why you guarded big brother's book so much... did you think that somehow, after reading this tale, I would start to suspect something?

In fact, it is unlikely that at that time its plot would have aroused Pete's suspicions, but these two tried so hard to keep their dreadful secret.…

Pete wisely decides that he will not stir up the past even in his memory. Vegas taught him to look bravely into the future and appreciate the present. After pattering around the house until the evening, Pete greets his husband with a kiss and hugs. The latter is unusually gloomy and silent today.

"Is something wrong, Vegas?" Pete caresses her husband's face with his cheek.

"It's all right, my dove."

No, Vegas. It's not all right. I know that sideways look of yours well.

"Vegas," Pete gently takes this beloved face in both palms, "look at me, Vegas, and tell me what happened. You'd better tell me right away... you know I won't leave it anyway."

"My Pete," Vegas grins and gently pats the omega on the head, "you always feel me."

"Always," Pete joins their lips with a kiss, "it can't be otherwise. And now," Pete puts his head on his shoulder, "tell me, what's wrong?"

Vegas closes and opens his eyes. The burden of some problem seemed to be imprinted on his forehead.

"Let's leave it until later. Will we talk after dinner?"