The Alien Prince’s Omega by Lorelei M. Hart
Epilogue
Hanson
“Does this need more garlic?”I asked for the third time. Fair to say I was beyond nervous. It was the first time my mate’s family was coming to Earth, and the first time they would see our home here.
We’d been traveling back and forth, and First Father was getting antsy about it. He never blatantly said we needed to pick a place specifically, but it was time.
I refused to make the decision for Kagin. Did I love my job? Absolutely. Would I be happy staying here until he needed to step into his place as King of Thulnara? Without a doubt. Would I stand in his way if he needed us to move there earlier to prepare? Never.
But it would be hard. I couldn't do what I did here, there. I didn’t know enough about the different species and ecosystem as a whole. There was no way I could be a doctor for their pets.
But I could be a dad and a good mate to Kagin, supporting him as he took his place as ruler of his kind. And really, if I had my rupling and my child, what more could I want? My animals. I had to not think too much about that.
“It is perfect. You are perfect. The house is perfect, and of course—Scott is perfect.” Our sweet son was asleep in Kagin's arms.
“Are you sure they can find the place?” It wasn’t like they could use their GPS.
“They are almost here.” A knock came on the door. “See.”
“You heard them?” I hadn’t thought he had super hearing, but then again, I was constantly discovering new and wonderful things about him.
“Saw them through the window,” he said with a smirk, and I walked around to let them in, only to be greeted by Second Father holding a handful of leaves.
“We read this was customary,” he explained as he handed them to me. I was glad to be at the point where most of the time we could chat without me needing the help of my personal translator, Kagin’s touch.
I still held onto him as often as I could, though… because ruplings.
“Thank you.” I took them graciously and got out of their way so they could come in for the real reason for the visit: to snuggle their grandbaby.
I shut the door behind them, and Herix, my brother-in-law, was already holding Scott and making faces at him. Scott adored his uncle. I got it—he was a big kid himself.
“Maybe it’s time to settle down and have one of your own, brother.” Kagin chuckled.
“I’ll leave that to you and our little heir apparent.” He singsonged the last bit.
“About that.” Kagin came up behind me. “First Father, I have made a decision. I am forfeiting the crown. My place is here with my rupling. This is where he thrives, and I could not be happy denying him that.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, my jaw hanging open.
We had not talked about this. Not. At. All. His parents were going to hate me.
Only they didn’t. Next thing I knew, I was in a four-way hug with them.
“Son, you make us so proud,” First Father said. “A good Thulnaran keeps his responsibilities—a great Thulnaran puts his rupling above all.”
We hugged and some tears were shed, Herix sitting there with Scott the entire time not saying a word.
“Brother.” Kagin stepped over to him. “What is upsetting you?” I hadn’t noticed his distress until that point.
“Not distress. It’s just… king? Me?”
“You,” his entire family said at once.
“I have a lot to learn,” he said after a long pause.
“And a mate to find,” Kagin teased. “Now let us eat the food my rupling prepared with primitive tools. I assure you, it is delicious.”
We ate, talked about the future, laughed, and played with Scott. It was the perfect afternoon with my new family.
“Are you sure?” I asked when they went home.
“The only thing I’m more sure about is my love for you both.” He kissed Scott’s head and then my cheek. “And this—this is where we belong.”
“You are where I belong, my rupling, you are.”