Rian's POV
Balancing Alpha duties with fatherhood is harder than any battle I've fought.
"The eastern border needs your attention," Damon says during a meeting.
But Kai is home with Luca, and I haven't seen them in six hours.
"Can it wait until tomorrow?" I ask.
"It's urgent—"
"Then handle it. You're Beta. You have authority." I stand. "My family needs me."
Damon grins. "Soft Alpha."
"Devoted father. There's a difference."
I find Luca in the studio, painting while Kai naps in a bassinet nearby.
"Hey," I say softly. "Missed you both."
His smile is radiant. "We missed you too. How were meetings?"
"Long. Boring. Unnecessary." I wrap my arms around him from behind. "Would rather be here."
"Neglecting Alpha duties for family time?" He teases.
"Prioritizing what matters." I kiss his neck. "The pack can function without me for a few hours. But you two? Need me constantly."
"Cocky Alpha."
"True Alpha." I move to the bassinet, watching Kai sleep. "How was he today?"
"Perfect. Shifted once—stayed calm this time. Played, ate, napped. Easy day."
"Because you're a natural parent." I pull him close again. "You make this look effortless."
"It's not. I'm exhausted and covered in spit-up and haven't showered properly in three days." But he's smiling. "But also happier than I've ever been."
"Same." I turn him to face me. "Thank you. For understanding when I have to work. For managing when I'm gone. For being an incredible papa."
"Thank you for coming home when you can. For prioritizing us. For being an amazing dad."
Kai wakes with a cry. We both move instantly—team effort now.
Luca feeds him while I prepare bottles for later. Domestic, comfortable, perfect.
"We're good at this," Luca observes.
"We're great at this." I kiss the top of his head. "Best team ever."
That evening, after Kai's asleep, we finally have couple time.
"Missed this," I murmur, kissing down Luca's neck. "Just us."
"We had 'just us' this morning."
"Seven hours ago. Too long." I lift him. "Bedroom. Now."
"Insatiable Alpha."
"Your insatiable Alpha."
We make love quietly—aware of sleeping Kai nearby, but still passionate. Reconnecting, reaffirming, remembering we're not just parents.
We're mates. Lovers. Partners.
"Love you," he gasps as we move together.
"Love you more." I kiss him deeply. "Always."
Later, wrapped together, listening to Kai's soft breathing through the monitor, I feel complete.
"Think we're doing okay?" Luca asks quietly. "Balancing everything?"
"We're doing perfect. Kai's happy, healthy, loved. We're together, in love, supporting each other." I pull him closer. "That's all that matters."
"What about pack duties? Your responsibilities?"
"The pack understands. Family comes first." I kiss his forehead. "You and Kai are my priority. Always."