Jeonghan didn’t know what to think when he was invited to brunch the next morning with the other omegas. He left Seungcheol’s side reluctantly, helping Josh shepherd his triplets through the woods.
“Where did you say we were going?”
Josh grinned at him over his shoulder. “Daniel’s place. He offered to host, and he’s a pretty amazing cook.”
“Will his mate be there?”
“Thorn? Nah, he’s working the early shift. Omegas and kids only this morning.”
A pretty cottage came into view, and Jeonghan could hear the sound of children playing.
“Around the back,” Josh said, setting one of his squirming toddlers down and taking his hand.
They found Daniel setting plates and napkins out on the table with the help of a little boy. Two babies were lying on their fronts on a blanket.
“Morning, Daniel. This is Jeonghan. Jeonghan, this is Daniel.”
“Hi,” Jeonghan said shyly, eying the babies.
“Nice to meet you, Jeonghan. That’s Riley and Isabel having tummy time. And this helpful little guy is Sammy.”
“They’re adorable,” Jeonghan offered, the pang of longing surprising him.
Daniel grinned. “Aren’t they? Oliver’s going to join us a little later with the younger kids. The older ones are going on an outing.”
Josh guided his two toddlers over to the blanket to play with the babies, and Jeonghan followed, the little one in his arms squirming, eager to join the others. As he went to set him down, he was surprised when the baby started to shift.
“Josh—”
The omega was quick to act, taking the onesie off to free the little hedgehog that the baby shifted into.
“Oh.”
“I know. Tiny, isn’t he?” Josh smiled at his surprise.
“Does he take after you or his dad?”
“Me, as it happens. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a hedgehog alpha. Cole’s shifter animal is a horse.”
As couples went, it seemed like a bit of a mismatch.
“We make it work,” Josh said, as if he knew what Jeonghan was thinking.
“I thought we’d all eat on blankets,” Daniel said, shaking out a second one. “That way, we can keep a close eye on the kids while we chat, and they can play.”
Jeonghan never had much contact with small children. He’d babysat for a neighbor as a teenager, though his dad had quickly put an end to that, not liking the idea of Jeonghan having any sort of independence. Since then, his life had been lonely outside of Junhui. His dad hadn’t wanted him having friends, or a job, or any sort of life outside taking care of him. Douglas had been the same.
At first, he just listened and watched as the others talked to the toddlers and got everyone fed. He answered any question aimed his way, but mostly tried to soak in the atmosphere.
“So, what brought you and your friends here?” Daniel asked suddenly. “Thorn just said you were visiting.”
Jeonghan blinked. He’d assumed everyone knew the reason that they’d come.
“I’m pregnant.”
“Congratulations!” Daniel said, beaming at him. Josh echoed him.
YOU ARE READING
𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚́𝐧 || 𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐥
FanfictionAn omega without a home. An alpha without a family. They need a pack-they just don't know it yet. Seungcheol put everything he had into fulfilling his father's ambitions, almost dying in the process. After a year spent recovering, he has one thing...
