Chapter 23 - Suzie

I swear to the Goddess, if he wasn’t holding my niece and we weren’t in a very public place filled with humans, I’d have knocked my brother to the exit with one punch. First, he not only swears in front of Grace, but he also degrades my mating with Austin by calling it ‘fucking’.

And don’t get me started on him calling Austin by that name he hates. I take offense with anyone that calls him that. I don’t care who they are; I will knock them out. Again my brother is lucky he held Grace, and there were too many humans around.

At least we managed to get him to see reason. And I’ll temporarily excuse his behavior on stress. He did, after all, just have a son and his mate is in the hospital from complications.

“So… when the heck did this happen? And why didn’t anyone say something?” Stephen glanced at the review as he drove the SUV back to Madonie.

“It is a recent development. And you were a tad occupied with the pending birth of Asher.” Dad shrugged in the front passenger seat.

“And those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Let’s not forget, big brother, who didn’t bother to tell us until after taking a mate.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

Stephen grumbled at getting called out. He doesn’t know my mate as the man he is now. And Austin is a good man. I’m not going to let him indirectly shit on my mating with Austin.

‘Who knows how to wake a girl up.’ Kayla snickered.

‘Best breakfast I’ve eaten.’ Austin taunted me in our mate link.

‘I look forward to that being every meal.’ Jax was no better than Austin or Kayla.

I took all my self-control not to blush too noticeable. And I was about to say something back when Grace derailed my thoughts.

Grace turned slightly in her booster seat next to mom and signed to me, “Why does papa not like Zio Austin? He seems funny to me.”

I chuckled at the sweet innocence and accepting nature of my niece. She’s a good kid.

“What did she just say about me?” Austin questioned.

“She asked why Stephen doesn’t like you.” I smiled.

He knows that Amelia communicates with LIS, which is different from ASL. And while he can talk to her in the family link, he asked to learn a little since Grace will use it sometimes. He’s still, of course, learning but knows the alphabet.

“Oh, well, I can’t sign very well… yet.” Austin started to explain, trying to sign as he spoke though he was making mistakes.

Grace nodded, not correcting him, just happy he was even trying to learn.

“But your papa and I have a bad history from when we were young and dumb.” Austin explained.

“But if you are Zia Suzie’s mate, you can’t be that dumb.” Grace shook her head.

I leaned into Austin, chuckling before leaning forward and kissing her cheeks. She’s just so damn cute.

“Exactly, Grace. Just remember, all boys are dumb. They have to grow up into men to be worthwhile.” I snickered as both Stephen and Austin grumbled.

“Just stay away from boys.” Stephen snorted.

Ah, the words of a father. They are all hard-wired to think it’s their job to keep their daughters away from boys.

“But I like playing with the other ranked heirs. And most of them are males.” Grace pouted.

“Well, they are okay. I know their papas, so I know they won’t be mean to you.” Stephen conceded.

I chuckled because, of course, he had to back peddle. He can’t say a word against the other ranked heirs, especially those born to André and Darren.

The rest of the ride was mostly quiet. Mom and dad asked a question here and there about Amelia’s status as we went to the pack’s hospital. I didn’t ask questions. I have a million of them, but I want to see my sister for myself.

Entering the hospital, various staff nodded in polite greeting to Stephen as their Gamma male. He doesn’t have the same power and authority that Amelia carries, but just as Gamma Sybille is respected in Bloodmoon, the Madonie people respect my brother.

I took Austin’s hand in mine, sensing how uncomfortable he was getting the deeper we went into the hospital. I’m not sure if he worried about meeting someone he offended or hurt during the war or if being in a hospital again brings back bad memories. Either way, I’m here to support him.

‘It’s going to be okay. You aren’t the person in the hospital, and if we see anyone who is still angry at you about the war after six years, I’ll get them a bed of their own in this hospital.’ I assured him in our link.

‘I’m not sure being quick to hospitalize people is good. Might be frowned on, but thanks, honey.’ Austin chuckled as we followed my family into a hospital room.

Of course, no one thought to knock, so Amelia let out a startled gasp putting a blanket over herself as we walked in on her nursing Asher.

‘The hell, Stephen!? Knock when you bring company… and what the hell is he doing here?’ Amelia demanded as her eyes locked on Austin at my side.

‘Sorry, I should have remembered. But I was in a hurry to see you and our pup.’ Stephen shrugged.

‘As for why Austin is here, you know the answer. I bet you felt the family link, and you can see our marks.’ I rolled my eyes.

‘I can wait in the hall if I’m making you uncomfortable.’ Austin offered.

“You have some explaining to do later.” Amelia signed.

“I don’t tell you and Stephen everything.” I signed back with a smirk.

“How long have you been hiding this?” Amelia signed her question.

“A week. We only completed the bond the night you had Asher.” I replied, still using sign language.

“Um, I can’t keep up with the signs. I am still entry-level on this stuff. I know my ABCs and a few words.” Austin chimed in, signing what he could, mostly spelling words out.

Amelia blinked, looking at Austin in surprise. I simply grinned because I knew how much he’s changed, and now everyone in my family was getting to see it too.

‘You’ve certainly changed.’ Amelia arched an eyebrow as she spoke in the link.

‘So have you and Stephen. Gammas and two kids. Which congrats on both.’ Austin shrugged.

“Okay, enough of this shock about Austin being in the family. I didn’t come here to discuss Suzie’s mate and your bad blood history. If you’re done nursing, I want to hold my grandson.” Mom interjected, having had enough of waiting.

Amelia chuckled, shaking her head and fiddling under the blanket before lowering it to show my nephew. I couldn’t see his eyes as he was squinting at the lights, but he had Amelia’s dirty blonde hair and a lot of it.

‘Here, Edith. I wouldn’t want to keep you from him longer. Meet Asher Maxton Walterson.’ Amelia smiled as she passed the bundle to my mom’s eager arms.

“Oh, you are so handsome. Hello, Asher. I’m your Nonna Edith. Welcome to our family.” Mom cooed, nuzzling his cheek.

“If his hair was a darker brown and maybe he was a tad smaller, I’d say he was a replica of Stephen.” Dad remarked as mom passed Asher to him.

“Hello, Asher. We share a name. I’m your Nonno Maxton.” Dad looked as deliriously happy as Mom when holding Asher.

“Here, Suzie, why don’t you hold him.” Dad offered me the baby.

I held Grace a few times when we visited after she was adopted, so y know how to hold a baby. Gently dad passed Asher into my arms, and I smiled down at him, seeing he had Stephen’s brown eyes.

“Hey, nephew. I’m your Zia Suzanne. And this…” Turning slightly so Asher could see Austin.

“Is your new Zio Austin. He joined our family the same day you did.” I smiled.

“Hey, pup.” Austin looked a bit unsure but gave a small wave.

“He is so cute, Amelia. He’s so cute it’s almost enough to make me want a pup.” I sighed and kissed his forehead.

“That doesn’t mean we are having a pup anytime soon.” I warned Austin and my parents alike.

I don’t want anyone getting the idea we are straight away going to have a pup. Austin agreed with me as he started to laugh.

“Oh heck no. We aren’t having a pup for a while. I and condoms are good friends. Maybe a visit to the pack’s OB would be a good idea for extra precaution.” Austin was rather adamant.

I rolled my eyes at his comment about being good friends with condoms. While I appreciate that he is on the same page about not having kids yet, the reminder he’s slept around, including that crazy Denise, bothers me.

“Don’t give me that look. I’m allowed a past. And it doesn’t matter given you’re my present and future.” Austin rolled his eyes.

“How can you balance being a jerk and sweet in one breath?” I questioned as I passed Asher to Stephen.

“It’s one of my talents. If you want, I can list the other talents you are well aware of, but only in the link. There are children present.” Austin smirked.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling as I stepped closer, following the pull of the bond. I’d almost forgotten we weren’t alone. Just as I was about to kiss him and someone cleared their throat.

“And that’s enough of that. I don’t want to see that. I doubt your family wants to see that. And you’re in my way of checking on my patient.” A familiar voice sighed.

Stepping out of the way, I rolled my eyes, seeing Alexander. I know how to handle the Madonie Beta, but I noticed how Austin tensed as Alexander looked at him, his eyes narrowing.

“Clement… didn’t think I’d have to see your face again.” Alexander frowned.

“He goes by Austin. Don’t call him that other name if you don’t want trouble.” I growled.

“It’s alright, Suzanne.” Austin tried to reassure me, but I knew that name bothered him.

“And what will you do if I repeat it?” Alexandr challenged.

“I may not be able to hit you because of your rank. But I can and will tell your mate and your Alpha you are being a jerk. I bet money they will put you in your place.” I snorted while standing my ground.

I saw him cave the moment I mentioned his mate. Yep, the man is so whipped it isn’t funny.

His mate is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. And while their relationship started rocky, after learning they were mates, she’s had him wrapped around her pink since the day they initially met.

“You wouldn’t dare.” Alexander hesitantly responded.

“Alexander, you know my sister by now. She would rat you out to your mate and Alpha in a heartbeat.” Stephen shrugged.

I smiled triumphantly as Alexander backed down.

“Who’s going to rat my cousin out? What did he do now? Whoa… a packed room. Can Amelia even breathe with so many visitors?” André entered the room as if he knew he was being talked about.

I heard Austin gulp behind me and felt his heartbeat skyrocket at the arrival of the Madonie Alpha. During his time here for the war, I know they had their share of confrontations. I also know that André’s words helped Austin change into the man I love.

“Oh, ciao Walterson family and ooo… There’s a face I haven’t seen in a while. Grew up to be rather handsome.” André smirked as he gave Austin a once over.

“Now what do we have…ohh.” André whistled as he took notice of our marks and how close we were standing.

“Nice, Suzie, very nice. You’re welcome, by the way.” He winked and blew me a kiss as he laughed.

“You know Darren wouldn’t like you calling someone handsome.” Alexander sighed, shaking his head.

“Oh, I can look, just not touch. Though I am going to hug this one.” André half cackled as he yanked my mate away to hug him.

“Um… I am confused.” Austin furrowed his brow standing perfectly still, not sure how to react.

“Who are you, Austin? Other than doing well since you’re mated with Suzie.” André laughed as he let Austin go.

“I… wait, how did you know I go by Austin now, Alpha André ?” Austin furrowed his brow.

“Oh hun, I am an Alpha. I have an ongoing group chat with the male leaders of our aligned packs and the female leaders. So I talk with your pack leaders often.” André shrugged like that should have been obvious.

“Um, but why would Alpha Logan or Luna Aurelia talk about me?” Austin questioned.

“Because I asked, of course. You were injured in our war. I wanted to be sure you were doing well.” André smiled.

“They told me all about you taking my words to heart and having a wake-up call. I hear congrats are in order about graduating college and becoming a physical therapist. And like the cherry on top, you’re with Suzie.” He explained.

“Oh… um. Still weird, but….” Austin seemed at a loss.

“Thank you, André. We are both grateful to you for your words that pointed him on the path of change.” I smiled, stepping forward to hold his hand.

“Yes, thank you.” Austin bowed his head, deciding to just go with it.

“Any time. Now then, how is Amelia? And where is that baby? I want to get my baby fix.” His attention quickly turned.

“If you are done with your rambling and fawning, you’d have noticed Stephen is holding his son and that I finished the last round of healing. Amelia is clear to leave home and take her family with her.” Alexander sighed.

“Excellent. But not until I hold that pup.” André grinned and snatched Asher from Stephen. I guess Alpha’s can get away with anything.

It was adorable watching him nuzzle Asher so tenderly. It’s no wonder he’s a good papa in his own right. The man does enjoy babies.

He held Grace almost as much as Stephen and Amelia as a baby. He called her his soul baby since, like him and his twin Grace is a hybrid and has unnatural purple streaks in her hair.

With Amelia out of danger, mom and dad said it was okay to move our return flight up. They were going to stay a bit longer to help Amelia and Stephen as they transitioned to a family of four.

We stayed three days in Sicily before returning home. As much as I love visiting my brother, I was thrilled to be home. Even happier when returning home included packing all my things to move in with Austin officially.

Things slowly settled into a routine at the house when Hale returned after Dillon was released, and my heat ended. Alpha Logan assured someone would be monitoring Dillon’s behavior to ensure if he raises a hand against Michele again, it will be handled immediately.

We all felt safer knowing Dillon was being watched. He didn’t change at all over the next few months. He was still an insufferable dick when we would go to visit Michele. But fuck him, we just ignore his ass.

The only gray cloud in my happily ever after is seeing that sad, forlorn look on Hale anytime he saw Austin and me being close, kissing or cuddling on the sofa. He misses Jennifer.

And while I understand that loss is immense, he has mourned for so long. It’s unfair that he should live without companionship and love. Being friends with my parents and spending time doing what old people do doesn’t count. 

I’ve tried to bring it up to him, and he just laughs and waves it off, telling me love is for the young. I say to hell with that. I don’t care if I’m overstepping, but I cannot let this stand as his daughter-in-law.

So with Austin’s help, we signed him up on a dating app called Kindred Spirits. It is a sight unseen type of app.

You have to have at least three days of interactions before you even unlock the picture of the person you are chatting with. They match couples on their answers and then let it go from there. I have a good feeling about this app. I think this is going to change everything for Hale.

THE END….

Stay tuned for two epilogues. And keep an eye out for the upcoming Love After 40 bonus story about Hale’s adventures with the dating app.