Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 16: Chosen favorite

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The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, painting the kitchen in a soft golden hue. The house was quiet, the absence of the boys creating a rare pocket of stillness. Santiago sat on the couch with Eli in his lap, the pup nestled against his chest. Will stood nearby, sipping his coffee as he watched his mate stroke the little omega's hair in a soothing rhythm.

Eli hadn't spoken yet. Not a word since he arrived. The silence worried them both, though neither had said it aloud. They spoke with their eyes, shared glances heavy with unspoken fears.

A sharp knock at the door broke the quiet. Will set down his mug and exchanged a glance with Santiago, who instinctively tightened his hold on the pup.

"Who is it?" Santiago called, his voice cautious.

"It's Conall," came the deep, resonant reply. Santiago's shoulders relaxed slightly, though his grip on Eli remained firm.

Will moved to open the door, revealing the towering figure of their alpha. Conall stepped inside, his presence commanding yet calm. His dark hair was slicked back, and his sharp green eyes swept the room before settling on the small bundle in Santiago's arms.

"I hope I'm not intruding," Conall said, his voice low and even.

"Not at all," Will replied, closing the door behind him. "What brings you here?"

Before Conall could answer, Eli stirred in Santiago's arms. The little omega turned his head, his sleepy eyes locking onto the alpha. Something shifted in his small face—recognition, curiosity, a quiet longing. To their surprise, Eli stretched out his tiny arms toward Conall, his little fingers opening and closing in a clear request.

Santiago hesitated, his protective instincts flaring, but Conall raised a hand in reassurance. "It's alright," he said softly, his tone gentle as he stepped closer. "May I?"

With a reluctant nod, Santiago handed the pup over. Conall cradled Eli with a tenderness that seemed at odds with his imposing stature. The little omega immediately burrowed into the alpha's chest, his small frame relaxing as he let out a contented sigh.

"He's started to settle in," Conall remarked, his eyes warm as he looked down at the boy in his arms.

"He is," Santiago said, though his voice carried a note of worry. "But he won't speak. Not even a word. We don't know why..." He trailed off, his gaze dropping.

Will placed a steadying hand on his mate's shoulder. "It's concerning," he admitted, his voice quiet.

Conall shook his head. "He'll come around. He's been through a lot, but omegas are resilient. Patience, Santiago. He's already come further than most would in his place."

Santiago nodded, though the tension in his jaw remained. "What brought you here?" he asked, his tone shifting slightly as he looked up at Conall.

The alpha's expression sobered. "News about Eli has spread," he began, his words slow and deliberate. "There's a lot of attention on the pup right now. I've had requests from packs across the world—leaders, dignitaries, and others who want to meet him."

Santiago's eyes darkened, his arms crossing protectively over his chest. "He's not ready for that," he said firmly.

Will's face mirrored his mate's concern. "He needs time, Conall. He's barely settled in here."

"I know," Conall said, his voice calm but resolute. "I've turned them all down for now. But the attention isn't going to go away. As far as we know Eli is the only omega pup in the world at the moment. People are curious, and curiosity can be dangerous."