7

Dieter's POV

What am I doing?

Oh, I know what I'm doing. I'm standing in front of James' house with snacks trying to summon the courage to knock on the door. I told James I wasn't going, and when he tried to pressure me I flashed my fangs at him and he dropped it.

There would have been no point, especially without Crispin there. I didn't think I'd find myself so infatuated with him so quickly. And though I wanted to see him, I wasn't going to come and bother him. I didn't even know if he wanted to see me. He hadn't responded to my text from earlier when I did try and...flirt.

Goddess, here I am acting like a child. Talking about flirting.

Danielle told me to come and that if I didn't she would skin my foot. And I believed her. She's almost done it twice before when we were younger.

So here I am. Uncharacteristically nervous and hovering my finger over the doorbell. Carlisle growled at me for taking my precious time, and I finally summoned enough courage to press it. The sound reverberated in my ears as I took a step back and waited.

Seconds later the door swung open and there he stood.

A fire in my belly began to brew as I looked over my mate. In gray sweatpants, and a tight Dri-fit T-shirt that hugged his every curve. My eyes flew to every part of his body as I began to drink him in. I thought he was handsome before, but now, seeing him like this, he looked delectable. I wanted nothing more than to rip his clothes off and get on my--

"Dieter?" Crispin pulled me from my very dirty thoughts and my eyes made my way to his.

"Thought you could use the company." I rumbled out. He smirked at me and took a step back and motioned for me to come inside.

"You hungry? I'm cooking." He closed the door and walked in front of me. Which I wish he hadn't done. My eyes were glued to his round ass as I followed him to the living room.

Where Carter sat, watching cars. He turned to me with a big smile on his face and stood up.

"Hi, deder!" He waved and I waved back. "Are you hanging out with us?" His big green us stared up at me as I walked closer and I smiled.

"Yes, is that okay?"

"Yes! Yes! Come sit and watch cars!" I did as told, but first I put the snacks in the kitchen and then joined Carter on the couch. Who's eyes were glued to the TV.

I felt awkward just sitting here, but I didn't want to upset Carter. It was a delicate balance, one I wasn't expecting to make, but one I would happily learn to maintain.

"Are you done yet?" Carter screamed out, his eyes still unmoving from the red car before him.

"Patience, Carter." I turned to see Crispin run his hands down his face and sigh deeply. He seemed...annoyed.

I got up, deciding to risk the wraith of Carter, and walked to the kitchen and joined Crispin. After all, this could be our only night together for some time. Who knows when I'll be able to see him, or he see me again?

He watched as I walked in and he continued to move around the kitchen with ease. I wasn't a great cook myself. I know basics like breakfast. So it was nice to know that he was.

"Are you okay?" He looked stiff and irritation was flooding off of him. I wanted nothing more than to comfort him. Which was a strange feeling for me, seeing as I usually like to keep to myself.

"Carter is just having a rough night, and I'm just overwhelmed---" He scoffed and he stopped himself. "I shouldn't be complaining. He is a good kid." His shoulders slumped and I had to resist the urge to go to him and pull him to me.

Something I've never had to do before.

"It must be--"

"DADDY!" I was interrupted by the screaming of Carter and I saw Crispin's face go tight with annoyance. He gave me an apologetic look and turned away. He started plating his food and walked over to hand it to him.

Carter immediately started bouncing up and down as he was placed in a highchair facing the TV. Crispin set the bowl down and dug in. I took it upon myself to make our plates.

When Crispin walked back into the kitchen and he saw his plate made in my hand, a smile crossed his face. A real authentic smile. And it was towards me.

"Thank you." He sighed and grabbed the plate from me. We sat on the barstools that surrounded the island to give us some illusion of privacy.

"Carter has separation anxiety. I've known for a while, but I just haven't done anything to fix it." He looked embarrassed almost to tell me. He shouldn't. I admired him for being so strong and capable.

"What are the options for fixing that?" I asked, hoping I used the right words.

"That we spend less time together. Which isn't possible much these days."

"Why is that? Does your family not help you?" The question was innocent, or so I thought. Crispin went stiff and he dropped his fork.

"I don't have any family anymore. It's just me and Carter."

I wanted to pry and fully understand what he meant, but there was so much sadness around the topic. I felt it. I didn't want to make Crispin sad. I wanted him to be filled with unexplainable joy when he was with me.

"My parents died a few years ago. It was no tragedy, they just didn't wake up. I'm the only child, or at least I was. Until my dad, met Carter's mom and--"

"Oh, so Carters not?" The words were caught in my throat, he looked so much like him it was almost impossible to wrap my head around.

"Technically, he is my younger brother. But then his mother died right after he was born. Like forty minutes later. And he was left all alone. It was either I raised him myself or got put into the system and I couldn't have that." He sighed again but continued.

"Carter is my son, in every sense of the word. I love that boy more than I love myself some days. And no, he doesn't know about my father, and no I don't want him to ever. And if that makes me a bad guy then so be it. But he is my son." Crispin's voice was stern and defensive, almost as if he was used to people questioning his decisions.

"It doesn't make you a bad guy," I told him truthfully and he looked over at me with his wide green eyes. "It makes you a father."

For a moment, I thought I saw his eyes watering, but it was gone before I could fully understand the emotion.

"Care to elaborate on your father and Carter's mother?" I asked changing the subject.

"In a micro pack, you have to make sacrifices. One of them being population. We needed more bodies in the pack, and they meant children. So my father thought it best is mate wolves, mated with the unmated women, and get them pregnant. Many didn't like that of course, so for the sacrifice of the pack, he offered himself to participate in it too. Hence...Carter."

I always thought smaller packs had it easier. Fewer bodies to worry about, and care for. But I suppose having fewer bodies to worry about and care for, can be a problem.

"Have you--" I cleared my throat and continued. "Have you, done anything like that?"

Carlisle growled at me and my intrusive question. I might as well just ask the man what his body count is. Dumb, Dieter. Though it seemed Crispin didn't mind as he let out a hardy laugh.

"No, no, no. I have not. I was given a different arrangement." I raised my eyebrow and waited for him to continue. "I was told that if I did not meet my mate by my 25th birthday I would have to mate with...Rena."

Rena. The girl he came here with. Danielle's mate. Anger started to bubble up in me at the thought of him and her together. They must be in some sort of relationship then. Do they share a bed? Fuck. I'll kill her. Fuck. I can't. She's my sister's mate.

"Whoa, there cowboy. It's not happening now." I nodded slowly at his words, calming myself down. Crispin had an amused look on his face.

"We should probably discuss the next steps then." Reality came crashing down. The reality in which I lived days away from Crispin. And I hated myself for it.

"We have each other's numbers. We can always call and text in the meantime." I shrugged, knowing that wouldn't be enough for me.

I wouldn't be able to see his body fully through a screen. I wouldn't be able to reach out and touch him. Even though I'm not now, at least I have the option to.

"You let me know when you and Carter can visit. I know my family would love to meet you." Crispin just stared at me, and I had begun to wonder if I had overstepped inviting him.

"I knew it."

"Knew what?"

"That if I got you alone, you'd be a talker," Crispin smirked and I could feel my cheeks heat up from blush. Which is something that my body does now.

"Yes, my best friend Koa says the same thing. I don't see it." I shrugged, and then the thought of having to tell Koa about Crispin crept in. He was going to flip.

"I would love to meet this Koa, one day." It warmed my heart to hear. Koa was an important part of my life, and now was Crispin. I needed them to get along and like each other. Which I think they will.

"Would it be okay to call you some nights? I don't oppose texting, it's just not my favorite." My voice trailed at the end, I don't know why I had become so nervous to ask a simple question.

"You can call me anytime you want. I'll answer."

I felt my cheeks burn up and I had to look away from his gaze. I had never known myself to be a man that gave in so easily. From what I know I assert dominance, and I am dominant in every aspect of the world. But in this space with Crispin, he could bring me to my knees with just a look. It was a new and foreign feeling, but I welcomed it.

"Good. Or I'd blow your phone up." I teased, still keeping my eyes on the table but I could see him in my peripheral. He laughed lightly and he had a gentle smirk on his face as he eyed me up in down. Taking in my body. It sent heat right to my dick. Which I shouldn't be feeling knowing there was a kid in the other room.

"Daddy! I'm done! The movie is done!" Speaking of kids. Carter yelled as he ran and found us in the kitchen. His face had sauce all over, but he looked so cute.

"Alright then kiddo, it's time for bed." Crispin stood and swooped him in his arms. I guess that meant it was time for me to leave as well. "I'm sorry, I would have you stay, but I know he won't sleep unless I'm in bed." He looked pained to say it. Like he didn't want me to leave.

I know I didn't. I knew what was before us, and I was not ready yet to face our reality.

"No, of course, I understand." I stood from the chair and stood before him. Looking down at him. We were close, and I didn't know if I should reach out and touch him or leave.

But I was thankful when Crispin stepped forward and put himself at my side. Wrapping his free arm around my torso he pushed himself and flushed against my side. I wrapped my arm around him and held him close, breathing in his scent. Knowing that the clothes I was wearing now would be covered in them. And I'd never wash them until he was always by my side.

He pulled away too soon for my liking and offered me a smile.

"Night, night Deder," Carter said with a yawn.

"Night, kid." My eyes flickered to Crispins who looked...reluctant to walk away. I as well.

"I'll call you," I told him, and his eyes lit up and he nodded.

"Bye, Dieter."

"Bye, Crispin"

He walked away leaving me to show myself out. Which I didn't mind at all. Carter looked like if he wasn't asleep in the next five seconds he was going to throw a fit. Once I was outside and started walking to the packhouse I pulled out my phone and dialed his number.

The phone rang a few times, but then he answered. "What do you want?" His voice was gravely, indicating he was asleep.

"I found my mate." Koa let out the loudest gasp and I could hear shuffling and then running and then a door closing. I knew he was wide awake now.

"Holy, fuck. Tell me everything."