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"What if I drap this sheet this way?" Claire asked, tossing said article over some pillows. She looked up at Ryland, eyes nervous and curious.
Ryland huffed in exasperation as he pulled the sheet so the ends were underneath the pillows. "Unless you want to have the sheet move every time you shift, make sure to secure it."
Claire hummed in acknowledgment before she started fiddling with the nest again.
Leaning back, Ryland crossed his arms over his chest as his daughter explored. Claire hadn't Presented yet at fourteen—which, given the stress her body was usually under, wasn't out of the ordinary—but she should be prepared for how to build a nest when the time came. Based on her biology and behaviour, she would undoubtedly be an Alpha, but knowing this skill would benefit her (and only her; he refused to think about his baby getting involved with anyone).
As the only Omega in the household, it was his duty to teach the different types of nests, with his as a basis (he should have done it before she was fourteen, but he was nervous too! Give him a break!). His Alpha and Beta husbands certainly didn't know how to do it.
Speaking of… Ryland subtly glanced over his shoulder. Yep, said mates were still looking through the small crack in the open door. They had practically been watching since he and Claire went into their bedroom. It would almost be a little funny if it weren't so sad.
He knew Court and Casey had hard lives growing up. It was never said, but Ryland could read it in their actions and body language. The constant vigilance that they kept up for years, the measured words, instantly apologizing with gifts or going above and beyond in chores for something if it angered Claire or Ryland were just a few things that came to mind. Not even years of therapy would get rid of all their quirks.
When they all became partners years ago, Ryland hypothesized that Court and Casey had little experience with Omegas. Their time together only solidified his thinking.
How they interacted with Ryland's nests was the biggest indicator. Whether it was his primary nest that Ryland and Colt made before Colt moved permanently to LA or any secondary nests he made, both of them seemed unsure what to do with them. It took months for Ryland to convince them to join him in his primary nest, with reassurances that "No, you will not ruin the nest if you move something" or "Yes, please interact with it."
Moving in together (and in a bigger house!), Ryland thought it would be the perfect opportunity for him and his mates to build a nest together—make it theirs. But for one reason or another, there was never a time when the three of them had an afternoon or evening free to do it. (Ryland still wasn't 100% sure that it wasn't manufactured; literally, when he finished the nest, Court and Casey suddenly became more available.)
Biting back a heavy sigh and trying not to let some of his disappointment out, he focused back on Claire. He should continue making this a happy memory for her.
They continued experimenting with different styles of nests before Claire was finally satisfied with her exploration.
Clapping, Ryland beamed at her. "Excellent!" He kept his eyes firmly on her as he asked, "Do you want to get Dad and D to show them what you learned?"
Claire gave him an unimpressed expression, even as humor danced in her eyes. "Like they haven't been watching us the entire time?"
Ryland threw his head back, roaring with laughter. Claire joined him with maniacal giggles. Behind him, he heard shuffling and soft curses.
Shuffling on her knees, Claire went to the end of the bed, facing the door. She put her hands on her hips and ordered, "Come on out!"
Slowly, both men emerged from the hallway. Though their faces were impassive, Ryland had the distinct impression that if they had tails, it would be tucked between their legs.
Claire raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were supposed to be good at hiding," she stated, directed at Court.
Raising an eyebrow back, Court folded his arms over his chest. "I can't be comfortable in my own house now?" he challenged.
"Not when you are trying to hide," Claire teased.
Court huffed even as he smiled a little.
Claire then turned her attention to Casey. The man twirled his toothpick in his mouth, eyeing her, bemused.
"And what's your excuse?" she asked. "You're usually better than Dad when you hide."
Casey remained silent, but grinned slightly at Court's affronted growl.
Rolling her eyes, Claire flopped back onto the bed.
Chuckling, Ryland grinned at his lovers. "Well, since you two are here, do you want to see what I taught Claire?"
"Oooorrrrr," Claire interjected, "I can watch you all make your nest." She grinned, clearly proud of herself.
Did Ryland ever mention how much he loved his baby?
Heartbeat erupting in his chest, Ryland turned to his partners. He didn't say anything so as not to pressure them, but gosh, he desperately wanted them to agree. They could make a nest that was finally theirs.
Casey and Court shared a look. Casey's toothpick remained frozen in the corner of his mouth, lips pressed firmly together, the only indication Ryland got that, at least for Casey, he did not want to do anything about nesting.
Ryland tried not to let the rejection sting.
"Please?" Claire asked, breaking the silence. She scooted over to Ryland. "I read it was good for Pups who are going to Present to have a nest they can hide in, right, Papa?" She looked at him with big eyes, encouraging him to speak up. He was impressed she knew that.
Running a hand through her hair, he nodded before looking at his mates. "It's true. When Claire Presents, the safest place she can be is in our nest."
That softened Court's shoulders and face. He looked to Casey. "What do you think?" he asked.
Casey shifted on his feet, toothpick still firmly unmoving in his mouth. He glanced at Claire, the edges around his eyes easing into gentleness. He ducked his head and nodded.
Ryland's breath caught in his lungs. It was happening. It was happening. He was going to build a nest with his mates! Gosh, just when he thought this day couldn't get any better!
Court smiled and stepped forward, unsure but steady.
Casey took a step back.
Alarmed, Ryland whined loudly. "Wait, wait—!" he called, stumbling to stand.
Thank goodness his Alpha was closer to his Beta. Court spun around and snagged Casey's wrist. "Where are you going?" he asked, voice low. Not angry or dangerous, but clearly displeased.
Ryland settled on the bed as Casey startled, wide eyes looking at Court, then Claire and Ryland.
"…Letting you build a nest?" he murmured.
"…Yes, we are," Court emphasized, pulling Casey.
Casey stood still. "It wouldn't make sense for me to help," he argued softly. "A Beta's smell should be outside the nest while the Alpha and Omega's scents are inside—the primary caregivers for Pups."
"Where in the world did you hear that!?" Ryland demanded, just as Court stated, "Only if the Beta became mates after the Pup was born."
Court leveled Casey with a sharp glare. "Conveniently forgot that?"
Casey's cheeks turned pink as he looked off to the side, contrite.
Ryland sighed. "What are you two talking about?" he asked, honestly scared of the answer.
Casey snapped fearful eyes to Court. Court sighed exasperatedly. "Come on, Ace," he encouraged as he tugged the Beta's arm; this time Casey moved. "We can talk to Ryland about this."
With a dubious expression, Casey looked as if he was about to bolt with each step toward the bed. Thankfully, Court's hold on his wrist kept him from doing that.
Ryland shared a look with Claire, who also appeared as confused as he felt.
Court sat Casey down before situating himself behind the Beta. He wrapped his arms around Casey and rested his chin on the other man's shoulder. Casey refused to acknowledge him or look at anyone, his face now red.
Telling himself not to coo at his mates, Ryland folded his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. "So what do you want to talk about?"
Casey remained stubbornly quiet, but Ryland could tell he was building up to saying something. Court beat him to it.
"We would like to know if you would carry either of our Pups."
Casey made a strangled noise as he turned his head toward Court. The other man stared straight ahead at Ryland, cutting through him.
Suddenly, Ryland was very lightheaded. "H-Huh?"
Court grinned. Casey closed his eyes as he turned his head, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else.
Pushing up his glasses to rub and pinch his eyes, Ryland took a moment to process Court's words again. Yep, still didn't make sense.
Rather than spiral, he very calmly (he swore he was!) asked, "Where is this coming from?" If his voice came out a little strangled, it wasn't because he was about to cry.
Lowering his hands, Ryland waited for an explanation from his mates.
"…We've been talking about nests recently," Court explained, licking his lips. His hands tightened on Casey's waist. The other man still refused to look at anyone. "About helping you build another like you wanted to when we moved here."
Ryland's heart fluttered. Oh, OH! He fought back a smile and a yip. He didn't want to ruin this important conversation by throwing himself at his mates.
"And well," Court shrugged, "one thing led to another, and Casey admitted he wanted to have more Pups running around the house."
Huffing, Casey glared at Court. "You forced it out of me," he snipped.
Grinning, Court kissed Casey's cheek. "Semantics."
Warmth licked at Ryland's gut. Gosh, he would love to know what Court did. Wish he had been there to see it. It didn't take much to get Casey to fold when either he, Claire, or Court wanted their way. And if it was just the two of them, Ryland could imagine it must have been… pleasurable.
Ryland swallowed to wet his dry throat. "So—" he coughed, clearing his throat, "—you two." He made sure they all locked eyes. "You two want more Pups?"
Court nodded with a soft smile. The redness on Casey's face deepened, but he didn't break eye contact with Ryland. He slowly nodded too. "…I wouldn't mind if you and Court's Pups were running around the house," he admitted.
Gosh, Casey was going to make him cry— both his husbands were! Ryland gave up on that dream when he reached his late 30s without a mate. Then he found himself involved with two wonderful men who had a precocious daughter, and they filled that emptiness inside Ryland. How could he ask for more?
Now his old dream was practically being served to him on a silver platter.
Before he could say anything, Court frowned sharply. "Or," he added forcibly, "have Pups by you and Casey running around."
Casey turned his head, opening his mouth as if to protest, when Court bit at the marked scent gland on the side of his neck. Casey jolted and threw his shoulder back. Court grunted, but refused to let go.
Growling softly, Casey relaxed, and only then did Court let go of his neck.
Ryland chuckled, heart full, as Claire muttered, "Gross."
He twitched then; oh gosh, he forgot Claire was with them!
Coughing, he caught Claire tilting her head. "Is that why you had the articles about Pups on your tablet?" she asked, looking at Casey.
Instead of answering, Casey raised an eyebrow.
Claire rolled her eyes, ears going red. "Not my fault you don't have a password on it," she muttered in a huff, crossing her arms.
"I don't have one because I don't have anything of value I keep on my electronics," he reminded her. "Not for you to go snooping." A corner of his lips tilted up. "But maybe I should if you are going to keep doing it."
Throwing her arms up, Claire growled. "I was only doing it for homework!" She crawled over to Casey. "And my tablet was too far away in my bedroom!"
"So that gives you permission to use mine?"
"Yes! Because it was important!"
Ryland bit his bottom lip to stop from laughing as he watched his Beta and daughter bicker back and forth. From over Casey's shoulder, Court and his eyes met, and he saw his Alpha also found the whole situation hilarious.
Before the banter got out of hand, Ryland clapped his hands once. They still had some important things to talk about.
With everyone's attention, Ryland focused on Casey. "So you have been reading articles about nesting and Pups?"
Ears pinking, his Beta nodded. "With Court."
When Ryland turned to Court, his Alpha nodded. "Interesting stuff."
Ryland huffed good-naturedly. "Is it peer-reviewed articles, or is it stuff you found on the internet?" he asked.
Court and Casey gave him an unimpressed look.
"Scientific and peer-reviewed," Court answered. "Like you taught us to search for."
"It's because you can't trust the internet!" Ryland argued, scooting across the bed until he was only a few inches away from Casey. "People post all sorts of crazy things! There is so much misinformation about Heats, Ruts, nests, and how to raise Pups! You should have seen what I saw the other day—"
"Ryland."
As Court said his name, Casey hauled Ryland close.
Yelping, Ryland's limbs were an uncoordinated mess, almost hitting a giggling Claire.
When Ryland was finally settled, he sat in Casey's lap, legs draped over one of Beta's legs as Casey braced his back with an arm and rested his free hand on Ryland's knees.
Court stretched his arm around Casey and put his hand on top of the other man's. "So," he switched shoulders so Ryland could see him, "you know what Casey and I want. What do you want, Ryland?" He then glanced at Claire. "And what are your thoughts about having a sibling?"
Before Ryland could respond, Claire grinned cheekily with pure delight in her eyes. "I am 1000% for it!" She belly-flopped into Ryland's lap, making him release a small 'oomph!'. "I always wanted a sibling." Her smile turned teasing. "Plus, maybe having kids in the house will keep Dad from going crazy when I leave for college."
Ryland snickered with Casey as Court let out a large groan. "Claire, honey," Ryland said between giggles, "maybe let your Dad survive you going through high school first before making him think of college."
"It won't be that long~" she replied in a sing-song tone.
"You're not allowed to leave," Court stated, half-heartedly. "I forbid it. You can take classes online."
"No way," she countered, reaching around Casey to poke Court's cheek. "I'm going to have the best college experience. Even if I have to sneak out to go!"
"Spare me," Court groaned.
"No~"
"When did my daughter become so diabolical?"
"I'm being raised by a mad scientist, an ex-assassin, and… whatever D was. How could I not turn out evil?"
Ryland faux-gasped. "I resent that!" he chortled. He grasped either side of Claire's waist, making her gasp and squirm as she tried to wiggle out of his tickling. "I am a teacher!"
"A—science teacher!" Claire gasped between giggles.
"I'm not a mad scientist, though!"
Casey snorted. "Some of those science experiments you have had me help with could count as mad scientist-like," he chuckled.
With another exaggerated gasp, Ryland feigned a betrayed look at Casey. "You like those experiments!"
Casey chuckled again, nodding. "Doesn't mean I am wrong."
By then, Claire flopped out of Ryland's grasp to lie on the bed. She grinned up at Ryland, eyes shining with happiness.
"So what about you, Papa?" she asked. "Do you want to have kids?"
Ryland collapsed against Casey's chest, his heart fluttering in his chest. He glanced at his mates.
Though their faces were relaxed, Casey's eyes were unnaturally nervous, while Court's eyes, though steady, were partially hidden in Casey's shoulder.
Eyes watering, Ryland's grin widened. "Yes," he announced, his voice going thick. "Yes, I would love to have either of your Pups."
Claire squealed excitedly, but Ryland didn't have time to appreciate it as Casey yanked him into a crushing hug. Smushing his face into his Beta's shoulder, Ryland cooed and yipped as Casey started rubbing his scent glands on any piece of available skin, wetness trailing with each swipe. For a Beta, his scent was strong (when he wanted it to be), but Ryland loved it just as much as he loved Court's scent on him. Speaking of, Ryland felt Court's arms wrap around him and Casey, and his Alpha's wrist run eagerly along the back of Ryland's head.
Happy tears fell from Ryland's face as he wiggled in Casey's arms, heart too big in his chest. The smells of delight and excitement filled his nostrils from both his mates, giving him a little high, and he pumped out his own enthusiastic pheromones. He didn't care that he was older than when most Omegas would have their first pregnancy. So what? His mates still wanted him to carry their Pups. And Ryland was more than happy to do so for the men who held his heart. They didn't even know about his old desire, but they were asking him because they wanted Pups with him.
Gosh, he loved his mates more than words could ever say.
Just when he thought this moment could be more perfect, Claire wormed her way back into Ryland's lap. His baby giggled as Casey started scenting her now, and Ryland thought his heart would explode.
Ryland didn't know how long their cuddle pile lasted, but Claire wiggled her way out of it first. Pouting, Ryland opened his eyes and saw his daughter grinning at everyone, kneeling on the bed with her hands on her hips.
"You have to build a nest together now," she announced.
Ryland guffawed as he heard his partners chuckle. Christmas Eve; how their conversation evolved from nearly begging his mates to make a nest with him to having a conversation about Pups! What a wild twist he never saw coming.
Turning to his lovers, Ryland caught the end of Court's nod, the man's eyes wet as he grinned. Casey wiped away his tears, and—even though he still seemed pensive—he nodded too.
Ryland almost howled with joy.
Instead, though, he nearly fell out of Casey's lap as he attempted to kneel on the bed. He never claimed to be graceful, but thankfully he had two wonderful mates who were always there to catch him.
"Come on! Come on!" he excitedly encouraged, grabbing one of Court and Casey's wrists. He pulled them further into the bed.
His mates chuckled as they followed. "He is going to pull our arms off, Ace," Court teased. Casey hummed in agreement. Ryland just rolled his eyes.
In the mess of sheets, shirts, and pillows, Ryland guided his mates on how to build a proper nest. Casey was more hesitant than Court as they worked, but what really mattered to Ryland was that both his mates were with him— making it their nest. Claire offered her insight from time to time, yet ultimately left it all up to the adults.
Ryland never thought he would ever have this kind of happiness. He never thought he would have two mates, let alone have them as his husbands. He never thought he would have such a precious daughter who might not be his by blood, but was his all the same. Never thought he would find someone to have a Pup with.
This made the moment all the more amazing as he watched Court and Casey awkwardly and cautiously— but eagerly—build their nest. He could already see them resting in it all together—then later they would have Pups to join their family! He could see Casey and Court hold their children, and Claire would be an amazing older sister.
The images brought tears to his eyes.
(Of course, his crying caused everyone to worry, but Ryland laughed it away by saying how happy he was.)
When they paused for the day, Ryland sighed happily at the half-finished work. The nest was hardly done, but Ryland assured his mates that, yes, sometimes it could take a couple of days to make the perfect nest. And they would make it perfect; Ryland would make sure of it.
It would be perfect for the three of them—a symbol of their bonds, love, trust, and the safety they found in each other.
It would be perfect for Claire when she Presented.
It would be perfect for their future children.
Ryland wouldn't accept anything less. Not when it came to his family.