BETA

P A R T || E I G H T E E N

| J O S H

Pretending like it was just a normal day and I hadn't killed my abuser just a little over 24 hours ago was disturbingly easy. On the outside, at least. On the inside, I was doing my best to push all thoughts about it down.

I didn't want to remember the taste of his blood in my mouth or any other part of him, for that matter. I know eventually I'm going to have to sit down and face the dark parts of my mind, but I have more important things to and only a limited amount of time to do them.

Specifically, I had a runt to annoy and two nephews to spoil before the striped kitty-cat made good on his promise and took Kaleb to their own territory.

I was happy for him, both of them actually...but I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a lot different without Kaleb here 24/7. Which is fine. I just wish I hadn't wasted so much time being an asshole to him when he's turned out to be the closest person to me second to Darren.

Since time was short nowadays, I was on my way to visit Kaleb and the babies for the first time since they were born. The only reason I was risking a visit-and possible decapitation-was because Zev and Darren were in the Alpha's office talking business.

I may have mentioned out loud that I was going to see Kaleb simply out of precaution and definitely not in a manner that would suggest I was asking for permission to do so. When I wasn't growled at or, you know, killed, I figured that was my go-ahead. I left the two overbearing knuckle-heads to their bonding over murder.

Under different circumstances, like if I was still just Darren's beta, I'd have stayed and been a part of the discussion. Since Zev was there I had full confidence they could handle it without me. The man was kind of an alpha in his own right. I will never say that to his face, pretty sure if I did he'd rip my face off with his giant murder-mittens.

It wasn't long before I was outside the runt's room. I knocked, and then let myself in. Surprise. I couldn't help but grin, seeing as Kaleb was standing near his bed, fully clothed and looking more than content. I fought back a massive sigh of relief. My whole family was really okay.

"Runt," I smirked Kaleb beamed back, black curls bouncing as he shook his head at me. He climbed onto the mattress, settling against the headboard. As soon as he was settled the tiger cub let a small mewling whine. Kaleb quickly placed them on his lap, along with the little pup who'd yet to make a sound.

"Damn, Kaleb!" I knelt next to them. "They're like miniature versions of you and Zev!" The runt matched my grin with an exuberant one of his own. "I'm glad you guys are okay," I say after a moment, gently petting cub's head.

"Me too." Kaleb responded.

"What're their names?" I asked.

"The wolf is Nox and the tiger is Nolan." He said proudly.

"Why Nox?" I pet the little cub, curiously. Of course the runt would give the kids weird names.

"It means night and his fur reminds me of the night," Kaleb said, smiling at his pup. I just nodded. I won't lie, they're both pretty cute.

"It definitely suits him. They're both boys?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yeah." he laughed lightly. "I wasn't expecting them to be though."

"Look at the size of them!" I held the mini-murder-kitten's paw. "They're going to be huge, Kaleb."

"I think so too." He agreed.

"They definitely got that from Zev. Speaking of your mate, when is he supposed to be spiriting you and the little ones away?" I kept my gaze on the little one in front of me, trying to keep the sudden emotion from my voice. Kaleb looked at his lap, almost guilty.