Midfield Academy: Book 3

Chapter 4: Fatherhood (10 Months)

Aden reached for an orange off the top of the bowl. Titus was too busy talking with Darius and Rupert to harass him about it. He peeled it in silence. The small group had gathered for a luncheon of sorts. Rupert's mother, Wendy, had arranged it. Something about wanting to light up the long winter months, or something like that. Aden peeled apart his orange and popped a section into his mouth.

His nephew was watching the sub very closely. Aden held out a piece to Daven. The little werewolf wiggled free from his mother and crawled over. His little paw reached out of it. Aden picked him up and set him on his lap. He gave him the orange section to chew on. The pup's teeth were starting to come in.

"Aden," groaned Darius. "What are you teaching my kid?"

The sub shrugged. "He likes it."

The red werewolf shook his head. "Human-born."

Storm tapped her mate's leg. "Be nice. He probably gets his sweet tooth from me."

"They're not even that sweet," Aden combatted. "So I don't see what you're freaking out about."

The pup yelped in agreement with juice dripping from his muzzle.

"Still," muttered Darius, "he'll be a sticky mess when he's done."

"Deal with it," Aden shot back. He fed the pup another piece.

Peter wrung his hands together. He was looking strangely nerve, or excited. Aden couldn't really figure out what was up with him. But the sub had always been a little skittish.

Rupert cleared his throat. "So we have an announcement."

"I knew it!" yelled Storm and Rose together. They both eyed Peter.

"All those questions make sense now." Rose smiled at the sub who's face was blaring red.

Aden swallowed hard, his mouth going dry.

Peter nodded. "We're going to have a pup."

Darius slapped his friend on the back. "Welcome to parenthood. Are we expecting another set of twins?"

"No," breathed Peter, clutching his chest. "It's just one. The doctor said it was only one. Thank god."

The women swarmed in on him, and he seemed to be handling it well.

"That's so exciting, Peter," said Rose.

"Have you seen River's little boy?" asked Storm. "He is so adorable. They sent us a picture the other day. Subs just have a way to combat all those ugly dominant genes." She shot a smirk at Rupert who rolled his eyes.

The men went to congratulate the dominant and give him hard time as well. Titus added a jab here and there, but he stayed on the edges.

Aden peered down at Daven. Titus had kept his promise. Since that day, the dominant hadn't pressured him about starting a family. Not even when his birthday came and went a couple months ago. His mother was sure to mention they beat teen pregnancy at his birthday party. Was he ready for this? He picked up the pup and held him close to his face. Daven reached out for him. A little pup that would be his, it was a scary thought, but the urge to do it was stronger than ever.

***

Aden was finding it hard to concentrate. Titus was doing some paperwork while he tried to work on an older drawing. His mind was elsewhere, though. How was the sub supposed to bring up the topic? Once he said something, that was it. Titus wasn't going to let him back out.

Gathering up his supplies, he put them away. With a deep breath, he stood and walked over to the desk. He leaned against it and gripped the edge. "Titus?"