Chapter 23: Acceptance
The snow fell for the first time on this planet. Pan wasn’t sure what to expect, but the soft white blanket that graced the land reminded her of home. She could remember the deep red trim on the stone buildings being covered as the temperature cooled through her small town. The ornate lamp posts being gently obscured by fog as the heating activated to melt off what may dim their glow and giving the impression of mystic wonder. The serene vistas of lakes being overtaken by young kits that dashed over the frozen water as they excitedly chased one another. The long suns of idly stitching while hoping her young would do the same somesun.
Joseph explained that his world, Earth, also had similar sights. Their world, lacking the domineering red of life outside of a single season, was coated in green that eventually gave way to dull greys and browns as the white accented the landscape. He described large swaths of almost monochromatic visage that captured beauty that was absent or different, the depth of the scenes being unhindered by the cacophony of color.
He also hated shovelling snow, which was something she personally found enjoyable.
She rolled her shoulder, no longer feeling pain when she did so as she stitched together another section of leather together. There were many sets to be made and she had only completed ones for Tel and Harrow so far, those two being the ones who required the least material. Tel’s slim form proved to be the easiest to work with, while Harrow was shapelier but only needed a few tweaks to fit to her figure.
Nalah was thick and muscular for a female, Jax was by far the largest of them, and Sahari had the most well-endowed body, so much material would need to be used for them for it to fit properly. Unfortunately, she had stopped production while her arm was suspended to heal, so they would have to wait.
She pulled the last seam taut, finishing the lower wear for Harrow. She held it up to inspect it, looking for inconsistencies or bits of the treated ‘palm’ wood that had broken during the process. Finding none, she placed it with the top she had finished earlier in the sun and put away her needles.
She gathered the pieces up and left the crafts area, walking past the various rooms in the facilities wing towards Harrow’s room. Tel was preparing their next meal in the kitchen, some of the new hoofed animal that Nalah had retrieved yestersun. Joseph called it ‘a deer with half a head’. It loosely resembled some ungulate species that she had seen before, but the monocular nature and thin horns upon a stocky body was certainly distinctive.
Tel glanced from her chopping, dicing a plant that she would dry and then crush into a powder, and offered a small nod. Pan returned it, smiling to herself that the simple clothes fit her so well even if she was lacking all the tools and measurement devices she had grown used to.
Violet was in the gym, no longer spending an obsessive amount of time in there. Sahari apparently had spent a while talking to her about her time in the military and her work before. Pan wasn’t sure what life lessons the Atmo had gleaned from the conversations, but it had replaced her unhealthy exertion with one of controlled drive. She would have to do something more lavish for Sahari’s clothes once she had the material. Maybe line it with processed healroot to give her a phantasmal glow as she walked, lines of light accenting her naturally beautiful curves. That would be nice, she would look stunning.
Violet took a pause from whatever movement she was trying to master to run up and embrace her. Pan laughed, holding the clothes high on one paw while using the other to return the hug. Both were around the same height, Pan only being taller if she stretched her legs, so she could clearly hear the higher pitch of the purr as she cradled the kit’s head. “Okay, Violet! I love you too! I need to bring this to Harrow. Would you like to spar after dinner?”
Violet broke from her, nodding fervently before doing a spinning dance in excitement. Pan rubbed her head with a laugh before wishing her luck with her training and moving on. She glanced into the now empty med bay, Jax having been moved to his own room to complete the last of his healing. Mama had been cutting some of the healroot into strips that seemed to be sized for various severity of injuries after having seen the need to save time later on by not requiring half of the processing for every wound. She wasn’t there anymore, so Pan simply strolled into the hub area.
Nalah was sat at a table with Sahari, both playing a simple game involving a checkered plane of wood and round pieces that jumped over each other to capture the opponent's piece. Joseph had made it when it became apparent that the entertainment selection was lacking. The rules were very simple and easy to execute. He mentioned that there was a more complex game that used different pieces, but he lacked the fine skill to make each of them and thus was practising in his spare time.
Nalah slumped in her chair while Sahari sported a grin, claiming victory in their latest match. She noticed Pan, flashing a face before politely nodding in acknowledgement of her presence. The expression passed too quickly for her to really register what it was. Pain? Disgust? The emotional discord hurt, but she had grown up with such reactions. Sahari had never put much stock into caring about her disability before, so the change of temperament drew fresh blood. Pan returned the nod as Nalah noticed her with a flicked ear.
“Oh, Pan, do you want to play me? Sahari cheats!” Nalah asked before exploding into raucous laughter when Sahari kicked her under the table.
“You merely continue to throw your pieces into the grinder, Nalah. It is hardly my responsibility to ignore your prerogative so blatantly.” Sahari defended.
Pan shook her head, gesturing to the newly crafted leathers. “I need to bring these to Harrow.”
Nalah tilted her head as she inspected the items at a distance, flashing two claws as a sign of approval while Sahari reset the board. “Looks good! Can’t wait until you get around to doing mine!”
“If you were not such a brute, you might have them already.” Sahari ribbed.
Nalah held her chest, faking injury. “Well i never! I’ll have you know I have devoted this body to you!”
“You would have been better off dedicating the time to your chest.” Sahari cupped her breasts to emphasize her point, the clicking of Nalah playing a move in time with the motion.
Nalah shook her head without breaking her grin. “I’ve no need to fight the war on that front. You have enough for the rest of us.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a complement or if you’re trying to distract me from the piece you moved.”
“Hey! I almost got away with...”
Pan giggled as she walked away from the playful bickering. She was enjoying the lively atmosphere that her old pack had reinforced while they were here. They still haven’t made their intention to stay or leave clear yet, and it was an unfortunate damper on the enjoyment she could glean from their interactions.
She was happy that they were much healthier since they arrived at her new den, but it was sad thinking that any sun now they would break off. She knew Joseph would be heartbroken, he had grown fond of the group and their antics. Occasionally, while he was watching them bicker, she would feel a pang of his sadness. His desire to embrace them as one of his own. It was a gnawing loneliness that persisted until she squeezed his paw or used her tail to hug his waist. He had his family here and made sure each knew how much they meant to him, but his desire for more was still there.
She understood. No male would want just one den-mother, not that he had taken her as such. He had stated that he was beginning to think of them as friends, but the amount of affection behind his words gave her mixed signals. It was likely just the intensity of the bond, but she couldn’t say she disapproved of either outcome.
She had grown up expected to be the lowest of a den and she had fully expected to be receiving little more than a litter to bear. Even if it was just her bond exaggerating, she enjoyed the depth of love he exuded. As Joseph would say; far be it from her to deny someone else the same thing she desired. She could pretend, just for a while, that it was real.
The dormitory wing door closed behind her with a click, the long corridor with entrances of varying degrees of openness stretching to the back. The doors passed by as she ignored the empty rooms and dwellings that had been vacated in favour of participating in other activities, each being temporarily assigned to their guests and populated by little furniture. Joseph had offered them all more than a simple bed to rest upon, but they all politely declined until they had chosen to leave or not. There were whispering between them about what they wanted to do, but she kept her ears to herself so as not to ruin their limited privacy.
She walked into Harrow’s room, finding it empty and without a bed cover. Joseph only had a few spares to paw out until they managed to start producing their own. Knitting was a suggested solution, requiring little more than two quills and some material, but procuring the material required was proving challenging. The pack responded by grouping up when it was time to rest and using their rooms for any individual activities when required. Sahari, Nalah, and Tel would all bundle up in Sahari’s room while Harrow slept with Jax in his. Pan had started sleeping in Joseph’s room to help curb their emotional turmoil, but after they both aired their insecurities, she continued to go there because it felt right to do so. Perhaps it was selfish, but it made her happy.
Pan laid the clothes on Harrow’s bed, deciding to go and inform her of the available wardrobe. She passed two bedrooms, knocking on the closed door of Jax’s room.
“Come in!” Harrow called. Pan opened the door enough to poke her upper body through the gap. Jax was laid on the bed, his bandages all having been removed since the injuries remaining were internal. His arm was still splinted, but apparently the ribs had healed quite quickly thanks to some of the more esoteric medicines that Joseph had. The arm would take a few more suns before it could be tentatively removed from the splints, but the healing time was drastically reduced.
Harrow was sat on a chair she had purloined from the hub and placed next to his bed; one leg was crossed so that she was using it as a cushion for her opposite thigh. Both paws lay on her lap, one over the other. Her tail was dangling off the seat towards the bed, instead of wrapped around herself or gripping her seat for stability. It was an oddity, but not odd enough to warrant any level of dedicated thought.
Jax was on his side, facing Harrow. His right arm was crooked behind his neck for support, his left lay splinted and at rest against his hip. He raised a limp paw in greeting, eyes mildly interested in the nature of the intrusion even though he had to turn his head more to glance at the entrance. He no longer showed any disgust when she was around, having been dulled in his smell after the fight. He had since apologized to her for acting like that towards her, which she appreciated, even if it was only because he now suffered a portion of her affliction.
“Harrow, I've finished your clothes. It’s only a single set, so be sure to wash them frequently while I work on getting everyone more.” Pan informed her. Jax flashed disappointment for a moment before convincing his face to remain stoic. Harrow, however, beamed brightly at the announcement.
“Thanks, Pan. I was getting tired of just having everything exposed all the time. It’s one thing to be naked when it’s your only option, but it’s another when you have the choice. I am not a nudist.” She laughed.
“Shame.” Jax commented dryly, warranting a weak backpawed slap to the chest from Harrow.
“Do you have to be a pervert?” She hissed.
Jax cracked a smirk. “I am simply enjoying the scenery. One cannot fault me for it.”
Pan snorted a laugh as she remembered Joseph trying to avoid looking at her exposed body once he noticed how much her thick coat covered. At the time it had made her insecure. Now, it made her kind of wish he would look again. She shook her head to free the thought from herself.
“See? Even Pan thinks you’re a creep.” Harrow proclaimed, tossing a paw towards her.
“Sorry? No, I wa-” Pan widened her eyes as she tried to explain herself.
“Pan spends more time eyeing Joseph than I do you.” Jax deflected, eyes closed with a disinterested expression that only slightly hid the smirk.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Pan’s cheeks burned red as she opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut off by Harrow.
“Everyone is eyeing Joseph. You eye him because you want to spar with him, Nalah eyes him because Sahari eyes him, Sahari eyes him because she’s conflicted, and Tel just wants to bed him.” She complained.
“Oh? I thought everyone was eyeing him? Does everyone not include you?” Jax teased.
Harrow sputtered for a moment while her train of thought gained traction. “I’m interested in his innovative solutions! The male turned wood into a metal analogue! Who does that!”
“Ah, so you are interested in his wood. I understand now.”
“Jax!”
Pan closed the door with a giggle. They think that no one has figured out that they’re a couple, and likely nobody besides herself and Joseph had. The two of them utilize their vision instead of scent for social cues involving relationships. Not being marked was hardly enough to pretend they were merely keeping a patient company. It was fun to watch their little games as they flirted while pretending that they weren’t.
Everyone paying so much attention to Joseph was a valid point, however. They were all deeply considering waging their entire future on an alien with little more to go on than their ability to bond with him and his penchant for making friends. Tel wanting to bed him was less than subtle, though Joseph seemed to be the only one who wasn’t sure of it. Pan had decided a while ago to wait and see what happens. She hasn’t much experience with Tel, but she has taken the time to assess her more recent behaviour.
Tel was a great addition to the den, all things considered. It was nice to have a dedicated cook and trapper so as to free up Mama for her construction projects. Joseph being able to redirect some of his time to planning out their projects as a whole was paying off as well. Pan hoped that she would either wait until they had decided to stay or he had fully healed before she made any moves, though. She didn’t want Joseph to grow even more attached, only to have it ripped away from him. Nor have him strain an injury during any... Intense activities, should he indulge.
Joseph decided to give Jax all the medicine that was applicable to his biology, which meant that all the Human himself got was some pain killers and a healthy wrapping of healroot, not that he complained. He seemed to find comfort in having it applied to his wounds, as limited a solution as it was. They were lucky that Harrow recognized some of the compounds from processing medical logistic orders. She claimed to be no more than a paper pusher, but the information she stockpiled while approving or denying various requisitions and manifests led her to having a very broad application of knowledge. Apparently, the navigation training she was taking on the ship was purely voluntary since they wouldn’t let her take the system apart to figure out how it worked from the inside. A thought that still made Pan giggle.
Pan, having completed her tasks for the morning, decided to grab a bath to wash out any grime that had built up. She was already near them, so she might as well go into sparring later in the afternoon while clean.
The double door opened quite easily, despite its size. The dust baths to the right of the room remain as barren as they had when Joseph first showed her the facility, the powered glass still as untouched as ever. To her surprise, Mama was indulging in a nap while letting her massive frame float in one of the tubs, her body anchored to the edge by her blades in which her head rested. Four of her legs were tucked under her while two floated listlessly behind. Pan smiled, walking over and activating the privacy field. A quick dip of her toe confirmed the water was slightly warmer than she would have chosen, but not enough to discourage her from using it. She removed her clothes, setting them aside to wash out in the shower, and joined the Atmo in the bath.
Mama shifted her head, her version of opening an eye to lazily inspect something. She clicked a greeting to Pan while the Lilhun scrubbed the water though her fur. Pan returned the greeting once she was thoroughly drenched throughout, taking a seat on the submerged step so the water lay level with her clavicle. Mama tucked a leg that was beginning to float towards her so she didn’t disturb her new guest.
Pan had spent a lot of time with Mama, but the two often worked on different aspects of the den, so she didn’t get many opportunities to engage her in any extended conversation nor develop basic paw signals like she had with Violet. She had never broached the topic of her position in the den, merely delaying the curiosity instead of allowing herself to worry about where on the internal hierarchy Mama sat.
“It seems that Tel is interested in becoming one of Joseph’s mates.” Pan stated, hoping to parse a hint of their relationship from the reaction. The bond told her that Joseph loved her, but it couldn’t differentiate between the love you would show kin and the love you would show a mate. It was all simply love, just one carried other implications.
Mama perked up slightly at the information before simply chittering a short laugh with a rumble that created small waves in the water. It wasn’t a reaction she could really gather much from, other than she found something about it amusing. It was frustrating, but she would have to ask Joseph directly sooner rather than later with all the interest he began generating. She curled on herself a bit, bracing herself to ask a question.
“Mama... Would you mind... if I... If I wanted to...” She pinched her eyes closed in regret as soon as the words left her mouth. She awaited... something. Some rejection or outrage at the implication that a defect could dare desire more than she already had. Anger that she would wish to encroach on the dynamics that were established before her arrival.
Those never came. What did come was the flat of a blade pulling her into the crook of Mama’s neck and a deep and extended purr as Mama gave her a firm embrace. She tried to interpret it as coddling a child that wished to become a mythological beast or dream of being the richest being in the galaxy. A failed painter claiming that their work would be legendary. Some dream that could never become true, but you support them anyway because they may still achieve some aspect of it in a way that makes them happy even if they fall short.
She tried, but couldn’t. The hold was too supportive, the purr too full. It was a genuine and heartfelt support she suspected that mothers everywhere were capable of. One that reminded her of her own mother teaching her to sew with thread and needles when she failed to make clothes for her dolls. Support that was given because they knew it was something you deeply desired and not just some passing fancy.
It didn’t answer her curiosity, but it did ease her anxiety. She would ask Joseph his relationship with the insect when it felt right to. Then, she would ask about their own.
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She unwrapped the leather strips from her paws, placing them on the shelf next to Violet’s sheaths. Their spar had been fruitful, several techniques that Joseph had advised her on were beginning to see actual use as situations they worked in were created by careful management of her footwork. She really enjoyed the flexibility she was allowed with the ‘crescent kick’ that Joseph had used, her legs allowing a faster motion or a variety of ranges as well as a quick recovery or swift retreat. The deep uppercut that he had decided to call out was also very useful with her flexibility, though was much more situational versus the Atmo due to their shape and Violet’s blades pointing downward when at rest. She was more likely to impale herself attempting it than she was to land the strike.
Watching Joseph in action as he fought Jax explained why he refused to spar with them; he would have to hold back too much to avoid injuring them and his style was forged around narrowly dodging attacks to strike when they recovered. The emphasis on maintaining distance against his larger opponent caused them to err towards using their full range, allowing him more time to react until he could close in and abuse the sudden loss in distance. It was a risky fighting style that forgave no mistakes. Every strike would be used to the fullest extent and anything less than that would get him hurt.
She bore no delusions that having someone be able to simply dismantle her attacks would be met with anything other than excess aggression when she felt threatened. That would not have been the case before she joined his den, but now that her body knew how to defend itself, it was very much eager to do so should the situation arise. She didn’t want to mar him with her claws due to an overreaction.
Violet was being trained in his habit to counterattack, while she was being trained in his ability to slip around attacks for better opportunities. Both were very defensive styles, but combined they made use of his dense form to devastating results. Perhaps it was his aggressive positioning combined with his non-verbal taunting that made it so potent. ‘I’m right here, why are you not striking me?’
Her musing was broken when Sahari called out from the doorway.
“Hey, Pan. Are you able to retrieve Joseph? We are of something discuss with him.” She requested with a stiff expression.
“Yes, I can go wake him. What do you need him for?”
Sahari raised a brow. “He is still sleeping?”
“He was up late planning something for future expansions, so he says.” Pan explained, glossing over the unanswered question.
“Mhm.” She hummed, calling out the rest as she left. “Understood, we will be in the hub to await him.”
Pan quickly set away the items and grabbed a bit of water before making her way to the rooms, passing the slowly gathering pack that all seemed to wear a tense face. Her mood fell when she seen them. They were going to leave. Joseph was beginning to really enjoy their company and even started speculating on how much time their help around the den would save. Her heart sunk when she remembered how consuming his sorrow had been when he thought they would all leave. It took every ounce of self-control to stop herself from falling where she stood to curl up into a ball and await the end. He hopefully wouldn’t be so struck when they told him, but she knew he would take some time to recover.
The walk to his room was quiet while the last of the group walked to the hub. Jax was using Harrow as a crutch so that he could be a part of the discussion. Although his leg had healed enough to walk, they were using it as an excuse to spend some time sharing the contact without judgment. Pan doubted anyone would object to the pairing, but both wanted to avoid the lengthy ribbing they would receive once it got out fully.
She opened the door to Joseph’s bedroom quietly, slowly allowing the latch to engage behind her. It would do no good to simply throw the door open and announce that he was losing his friends. She gazed at him as he lay restful. Most of the bandages had been removed, revealing the scarred tissue beneath. One ran from his right nostril through to his ear. Another bisected his eyebrow above the same eye.
Several lay scattered over his bare chest, some circular gouges from the spear, others, claw marks. There were assorted smaller ones from various injuries he must have sustained over the course of his life, but those paled in comparison to the ones attached to his time here. As he rolled to his side, she noticed fresher cuts along his back, each matching the width of her claws. She must have scratched him while she slept and he never mentioned it. She felt guilty that she still had the habit of flexing them in her sleep, but hopefully a bit of practice would mitigate the issue.
She traced the scar on his cheek, watching the skin draw taut as pressure was applied. He wasn’t even upset with Jax that he had been so grievously injured, merely worried that Jax was victim to his wrath. He was a kind soul capable of so much evil, but dedicated himself to enriching the lives of those he holds dear. She leaned over to rest her head on his, allowing her paw to drift its way behind his neck to absorb the heat. She could feel the blood pump through with powerful strokes of his heart. She closed her eyes to memorize the feeling once again. Ingrain his warmth within her. Pretend, for just a moment, that his heart beat for her.
“I overslept, didn’t I?” Joseph’s tired voice drolled out as he fought sleep.
Pan jumped back, releasing him from her paws. He laughed, rolling onto his back and rubbing his eyes.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.” He glanced at the window behind him. “Shit, I really overslept.”
Pan felt relieved that he didn’t question what she was doing. Although it was pure in nature, it was still embarrassing. “Yes, you slept quite a lot. It’s time to get up, Sahari said that they all have something to discuss with you.”
Her chipper mood at his own was curbed by the stroke of concern. It lasted but a moment, but it lingered in the background. “Okay, I'll toss on a shirt and we’ll go see what they need. Can you pass me that one over there?”
She obliged, opening the door for him as he walked and donned the attire. He seemed to consider the crutch, but opted to go without. That was fine, she was there if he needed the help. His gait grew steadier as he walked, his weight shifting onto the leg more and more while he grew comfortable with the full use of the limb.
They entered the hub, the five Lilhuns were sat on the couches and watching them as they entered. The ends of the hushed voices died out as they approached. Joseph stood a few feet away from the group, resting his paw on his hip to counterbalance himself as he rested on his good leg.
Sahari stood, rising to her full height as she approached, her expression hardened. “Joseph, we have come to a decision regarding our stay here.”
Pan felt the anxiety spike within him as he spoke. “Okay. What did you guys want to do? I doubt you gathered everyone here for a simple yay or nay.” He gestured to Jax who was resting a bit heavier on Harrow than he needed to.
Tel rose from her seat, walking past Sahari and standing to Joseph’s side, much to his confusion. “For the male who sees the unseen, expects the unexpected, and sees solutions wherever he looks. I value his wisdom. I recognize Joseph as my Grand Hunter.” He looked to Pan for a translation, to which she provided.
Joseph’s emotions shuffled between confusion, shock, happiness, then straight back to confusion. Nalah walked to his side before he could formulate a coherent thought and spoke in English. “For the male who embodies The Fortress. I value his protection. I recognize Joseph as my Grand Hunter.”
Joseph’s mouth hung slack, wetness appearing in his eyes. Harrow eased Jax off of her, walking to stop in front of Joseph. She stared at him for a long moment. “I’m terrified of what you’re capable of.”
The words struck him blind. Before he had time to process it, she walked to his side. “But, Jax trusts you. That’s good enough for me. For the wrath that can ruin as well as save. I value his strength. I recognize Joseph as my Grand Hunter.”
He reeled from the conflict of emotions and struggled to come to terms with what was happening. He closed his eyes and opened them when Jax rested his right arm on his shoulder as Harrow translated. “You would tear this world asunder for your pack, yet you would build mountains to shelter all who seek to join it. For the one who can guide the pack. I value his leadership. I recognize Joseph as my Grand Hunter.” He limped to join Harrow.
Sahari, never having moved her glare, shifted it to Pan. Pan shook her head. She need not recognize what already is in stone. Sahari nodded. “Can you translate for me?”
“Of course.”
Sahari walked close to Joseph, lowering her stance to its relaxed state so as to match his height. She reached out and cupped his chin in her paw, tracing the scar under his eye. Pan could see something in her eyes as she stared into his, but it was too subtle to identify. Sahari took a deep breath.
“Joseph. You are a terrifying existence. You have the bond of one whom should not be able and the rage of The Guardian at your fingertips. You have proven yourself to be equal parts threat and sanctity. You have won over my subordinates through actions before we could speak and have solidified their loyalty once we could. You have stripped the last of which I lay claim.”
She released her grip on him, stepping back. Expressions of guilt shadowed his face. Sahari lowered herself to one knee, placing the opposite fist to the ground with eyes closed. “I am but an empty vessel before you. I shall be filled by your will, and guided by your command. You shall lead this pack to prosperity with my blessing. I shall be yours in mind and body until I have neither left to give as my faith demands. For the path he will carve for those who follow. I value his future. I recognize Joseph as my Grand Hunter.”
Several shocked expressions appeared as a result. A long silence covered the room until Jax barked a laugh and struggled his way to a knee. “Seriously, always one-upping me. I shall be yours in mind and body, until I have neither left to give.”
One by one the rest mirrored the procedure until they all formed a semi-circle around him, Joseph staring confused as a tear ran down his face as he protested. “I thought I made it clear I don’t want any servants or any-”
Pan walked in front of him, using both paws to cup his face and draw his gaze. “The pack has entrusted you with their everything. You are now responsible for the lives of these five as well as myself. Should you command, they will throw themselves onto the enemy for your grand vision. They will protect you and yours till the last beat of their heart. They will accept everything that you are. They believe their lives will be put to better use at your command than their own. Human Joseph, the pack recognizes you as our Grand Hunter in unanimity.”
She ran her thumbs from his cheeks to his ears as he remained silent at her contact while she recited the speech she had heard many times throughout her life and had memorized in hopes of finding one who would accept her. “Until the Great Hunt takes us from your grasp, we will follow. Does he accept our fealty?” She couldn’t fight the wetness in her own eyes. Her fear of rejection as strong as his own.
She felt a wave of emotions as the tears rolled freely down both their faces. Hesitation... Fear... And finally, acceptance. Like a floodlight illuminating the chasm he lay trapped in, freeing him of the shadows. He stated before that he doesn’t want subordinates, but she hoped he could recognize the level of trust they were placing in him with this ceremony. What they were truly asking of him.
He laughed as best he could. “This is a horrible idea, you know that, right? I’m not fit to run a bath. You guys want me in charge?”
She joined him in his chortle, pulling him into a tight embrace. “It’s all we ask for. We wish to be a part of your family, Joseph.”
She felt his arms wrap around her, one paw cradling the back of her head. “I’ll try not to screw it up.”
The rest rose from their positions, Nalah translating his loose affirmation for Sahari’s benefit.
Harrow interrupted the moment. “Since we got that sorted... Me and Jax are a thing, so I'd like to be left out of the mate selection for now, if possible. At least until Jax and I have...”
Joseph blinked. “What?”