Part 14

"I think it's time that you invite your brothers and your sister up here for a visit," Aaron suggested.

It was a month after the open house and Penelope was due in just eight weeks.

"I think it's time you at least tried to make amends," Aaron said.

"I suppose," Penelope said. "I should try to make amends with Daffy at least. It might not work out, but then again it might."

"And what about your two brothers Gabriel and Grant I believe you said there names were," Aaron said.

"I should try to forge a closer relationship with them I guess, though we were never close to begin with because of the age difference," Penelope said reluctance in her tone.

"I know you don't want to, but you should at least try as they're your blood," Aaron said somewhat sternly. "You're not a child anymore, you're an adult and you should be the one to hold out a hand. Now, neither of your brothers has to accept the fact that you're trying to forge a closer relationship, but you should at least try."

"I suppose, it is the right thing to do," Penelope said sighing.

"It is, even if I know you really don't want to," Aaron said. "Reforging ties with family is hard, it's meant to be. If life was easy, we wouldn't strive to better ourselves, to create the many marvels that we have over the last few hundred years. No our species and humans would likely have ceased to exist and even if that wasn't the case, we wouldn't have many things we do today, electricity, computers, paintings, art, even things like education. We wouldn't have things like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame in Paris, or the Statue of Liberty, the Twin Towers, the Umpire State and the Chrysler building in New York. We have these things because we strive until we learn how to create them, and they were certainly engineering marvels of their time. Even if you have to force yourself you need to at least try to reconnect with your family, though I realize that might not be possible, but at least you won't feel guilty years later for not at least trying."

"You're right," Penelope sighed. "I should at least invite them up here and it's up to them whether they accept the invitation or not. Daffy's family to, as we certainly have the space."

"Their welcome to stay as long as they like so long as they don't create problems," Aaron added, knowing that his mate was pregnant right now, so she was being just a little unreasonable. Being so of course, was forgivable, in those circumstances. "If all they're coming out here to do is create problems between you and me then I'll throw them out without a qualm I promise you."

"I won't blame you if you have to, because I won't have them try to create a wedge between us either," Penelope agreed. "I don't think that'll happen, but I realize, that I haven't seen them in years, so how do I know? I'll extend the invitation."

"And so long as they don't cause any problems their welcome to stay for the birth of our quints," Aaron said smiling, as he rubbed Penelope's tummy lovingly.

"Well, we'll, see," Penelope said cautiously.

"There's no point in jumping the gun as the humans say," Aaron said calmly, as he continued to stroke Penelope's tummy.

"I can hardly wait until they're born," Penelope said putting her own hand on her very distended belly, "and not just because of the backaches, the feet aches or the swollen ankles either."

"Well, both of us had been wanting children far a long time and we're finally getting our wish," Aaron said.

"Yeah, we are," Penelope smiled. "Of course, right now, I feel like I weigh as much as a baby whale."

"You don't," Aaron said his tone reassuring.

"I know I don't, but considering I can't see my feet and I'm only eight weeks from actually giving birth, I just feel like that right now," Penelope said.

"You know, I was thinking, a few weeks back the night after the party that I'm not going to hold you to your promise to get pregnant four times considering you're carrying five and not just twins or triplets. If you only want to get pregnant once more after this and you have quints again then that'll be more than enough for me."

"Well, when I said that, I had no idea I'd get pregnant with so many," Penelope said. "I was figuring twins, possibly triplets like Emily and Sean had. If I had triplets every time we would've had a dozen in just four pregnancies, but it's quite possible I'll have quintuplets again, even likely really, so if I get pregnant with that many again in two years time then I say that will probably be it."

"You can wait longer because I suspect you will have at least four the next time as you have the body for it," Aaron said. "So you wait three years or even four before you get pregnant again."

"That's possible, as I still won't be quite 40 by the time I go to my second and last pregnancy," Penelope said thinking it was a good idea.

"Even if we only get twins next time I think seven it will be plenty for us to handle," Aaron said.

"You don't think that's likely though," Penelope said, as she eyed her mate's expression.

"No, because if you have quints once, it's a likely possibility that you'll have them again," Aaron said. "That's simple genetics and it is, especially true for our race. So true in fact, it's nearly a sure thing."

"I hadn't thought of that, but you're right," Penelope said. "Alright then, I'll wait at least three years before you get me pregnant again and if we get quads or quints then I won't have anymore after that."

"I think ten will be more than enough for us to handle for the next 25 years or so," Aaron smiled.

"At least our oldest ones won't be so much of a handful by the time I have my youngest, if we really do have them so far apart."

"I think that's best," Aaron said and Penelope nodded.

"I think you're right," Penelope agreed.

"If we stop at 9 or 10 there we'll still have plenty of room for when your family wants to visit or we have guests," Aaron said.

"That's a point," Penelope said. "I've been meaning to ask, do you know how Dave's relationship with Alex is going, because I haven't seen either one in the few weeks, as I've just been much too busy. I just haven't had time to catch up with anyone, except a few dinners we've had with Emily and Sean.

"It's going just fine. Dave always comes into work cheerful," Aaron smirked. "I can't tell you how close Dave is to actually asking her to mate with him, but since they met at our open house I would say it won't be too long. You know Dave isn't usually the cheerful type, where he is actually whistling softly, but I've heard him more than once lately."

"Well, that sounds promising," Penelope said. "I really need to get together with Alex, Emily, Kate and Tara, as I haven't seen any of them since the open house, well except for Emily."

"You've just been busy that's all," Aaron tried to reassure his mate. "It takes a long time to set up a house this size. You'll have more time after the babies are born, especially since we hired Janice and Jessica to look after the babies when they get here."

Janice and Jessica were sisters, twins, who had gone into the same profession, though Jessica or Jess as she liked to be called was the alpha of the relationship. Still, they were eagerly waiting for the birth of Penelope's quints and had been since they had been hired last week, as they adored babies and small children and had yet to find mates of their own.

"Not that they have much to do at the moment, but I'm not that long from giving birth either," Penelope said patting her enormous belly.

"No, just a few more weeks," Aaron grinned. "I know I've said this often but it bears repeating. I can hardly wait."

"I know," Penelope said smiling, "I know. I'm looking forward to their births to and for more than one reason."

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~

"Spencer? What can I do for you?" Alex asked concealing her surprise at seeing him right outside her classroom at the usual time she went for lunch.

"I was hoping we could have lunch together," Spencer explained.

"Of course," Alex agreed knowing that Spencer had another motive. She had sensed that Spencer was rather wary around her, but then, his adoptive father had apparently had several close calls with Omegas who should've known better, so she couldn't blame him.

Alex didn't bother to ask how Spencer had known she usually went to lunch at this time, because it would've been easy to find out just by calling the front office.

"So do you care where we go for lunch?" Alex asked. "I just usually go to this little café that's right close to the university."

"Which will be fine," Spencer said, as he walked beside her.

The two of them walked across the quad side-by-side not saying much and Alex knew that Spencer had a lot on his mind.

Once they had settled in the café where Alex usually had her lunch and both had ordered Spencer simply sat there with no expression on his face at all.

"Alright, I know you want to talk to me about something as you just don't stop by my classroom around lunch time without having an agenda," Alex said and Spencer smiled a little.

"Well, dad did say that you were intelligent," Spencer said and Alex took that as a compliment.

The two chatted until their lunches came.

"I wanted to have lunch with you mostly, because I wanted to warn you that if you do anything to hurt dad then I'll do everything in my power to make you regret it," said Spencer his expression deadly serious. "He's been hurt several times in the past as you know, even though he hasn't said so. Would I like him to settle down again? Of course, I would, but there are so many people out there that try to take advantage of others. I'm not saying you're one of them, as your background and reputation is impeccable, but still, I'm asking that if you have any other agenda that you just break it off with him gently."

"And if I don't?" Alex asked deadly calm. She should have expected this really, because children of their race could be really fierce in protecting those they loved, even omegas. Dave, after all, had raised all his children by himself and done a really good job of it too.

"Then if the two of you want to mate I can't exactly object, as that would be bad to childish of me, don't you think?" Spencer said simply. "I want to see my father happy."

"I don't have any ulterior motives, which I know has you worried," Alex told Spencer honestly. "I can honestly say that I think I'm falling in love with him, but it's too soon to really know. Right now, we're only dating, but if Dave asks me if he can court me then I'll happily accept. I've never been mated before, although I've dated plenty, but those dates either bored me to tears or they had unreasonable demands. So many alphas don't really listen to their Omega when they say something and in that way Dave is totally different. I tell him little stories about my students and he actually pays attention, which is definitely something I can appreciate, as I certainly can't say that about most of the others I dated before. He's also very intelligent, as well as kind and compassionate. I can honestly say that he's everything I could possibly want in a mate. I have no way of knowing how far that your father and I will go in our relationship, as we've only been dating for a short time, but if it ends up with us being mated I'll be very happy."

"So you're saying I don't have to worry that you have any other agenda," Spencer said.

"That's what I'm saying because I don't," Alex said. "I've been looking for someone to be happy with for years now and I believe that your father could be the one. I don't even care that he's close to 50 and I'm in my late 30s, as such things really don't matter. If we do happen to mate we'll be having children, likely right away and that will make me very happy."

"I hadn't thought of that," Spencer said. "I would be happy to have some more siblings, and I know that James, Peter and Carol will to."

"Don't get your hopes up, as it might not work out between Dave and me, though I hope it does," Alex warned him.

"I think it will, as dad is already more than halfway in love with you," Spencer said smiling a little. "He's already told all of us that he thinks you're the one."

Alex felt a surge of such positive emotions, so strong that it nearly showed on her face, but she managed to not let it.

She hoped what Spencer was telling her was right, because she was falling in love with him despite what she had told his son. She hadn't wanted to get her hopes up. Dave was the first alpha she had connected to so well, so she truly hoped something came out of it.

"Well, we'll see," Alex said cautiously.

"You don't want to get your hopes up," Spencer said smiling a little. "I can certainly understand that, if you've been looking for love, but have had a hard time finding it."

"I think you see through me entirely too easily," Alex said in good humor.

"I'm good at reading people," Spencer shrugged nonchalantly.

"So what about you are you dating anyone?" Alex asked.

"No," Spencer flushed in embarrassment. "I haven't dated anyone yet that will accept me as I am. To most people I'm just a know-it-all or boring with all the information I have stored in my head. There's been a few that I frighten with my intelligence."

"Then you've been dating the wrong kind of alphas," Alex said. "I've certainly done that more than I care to admit, but then again, not everyone falls in love by the time they're in their middle twenties, as that was certainly true for me and also my friends Penelope Hotchner, who used to be a Garcia before she finally met the alpha for her not to long ago. And also Emily Prentiss is an alpha who finally met someone that she would be happy to settle down with and they already have several children."

"Ah! You know Aaron then?" Spencer said his face lighting up. "I've always liked him, just as much as I like my father. He's really nice as Alphas go and I can see why my father's friends with him, even though he's considerably older. I've met Penny to and really like her as well and I know she's heavily pregnant right now with her and Aaron's first children."

"Well, I've been friends with Penny for a few years and I met Emily through her and we all became friends. Penny moved here when Emily did, because they'd been best friends since they were children and I think she also wanted to get away from her siblings. I got the impression that they didn't think she could look after herself or at least they came on too strong, to overprotective and she rebelled," Alex said. "I know Penny is looking forward to the birth of her quints."

"Someone moving away from their family happens all the time, for more than one reason," said Spencer. "If Penny moved away, because at least one of her siblings tried to smother her, well, I can certainly understand why she did. Almost nobody likes to be protected as if they're helpless. I'm only glad that dad doesn't act like that with me or Peter since we're both Omegas, as I would hate for our relationship to become strained. Dad knows that me and Peter will come to him if we have any serious problem we can't handle, so he isn't as overprotective as some alphas are. No, he's really good about letting us live our lives. I was really lucky when I was adopted by him and I know it, so I'm glad the judge agreed that my birth father wasn't doing the job he was supposed to."

"Yes, Dave is a good man on that you and I agree. I couldn't find one better I'm sure, though some people have unrealistic expectations," Alex said smiling, making Spencer snort in agreement. His muttered that's the truth made Alex smile.

"In any case, there's no point in speculating about Penny's motives, because neither of us really knows, though she has said things once or twice that made me suspect I'm right. Anyway, it's none of my business or yours, as Penny is more than intelligent enough to handle her own problems," Alex shrugged.

"I really like you and I wasn't sure if I would or not," Spencer said looking at Alex speculatively. "It's clear that you care about your friends and from what dad has said you care about your students to, which is certainly a pretty rare quality. I now believe you would be good for dad if your relationships goes that far. I believe it will, but still, it's not my right to interfere. I've said too much already. I know I've already overstepped my bounds in having this lunch with you, but I wanted to make sure that your intentions were honest," Spencer said.

"I understand," Alex promised. "You love your dad and he's already had a couple of women try to take advantage of him. I'm not one of them I promise."

"I know that now," Spencer said. "I'm asking you not to say anything to anyone about our lunch today, as I don't want dad mad at me for interfering."

"I don't think he would be, as I believe Dave would understand," Alex said, "but I promise I won't say anything to him."

"Thank you," Spencer said, as he finished lunch.

"You're more than welcome and I'm hoping that if I do become part of the family that we can get to know each other better. I'm actually hoping to have a few of my own children," Alex said looking wistful.

"My dad is quite taken with you, so you might get your wish," Spencer said.

Actually, Spencer suspected that Alex and his dad would start courting shortly and that it would be maybe a month or two later when they mated. He was no longer so cautious that Alex was just trying to pull one over on his father and believed her intentions were honest. He would be glad to welcome Alex into the family when, not if it occurred.

The two of them chatted for a few more minutes, but then Alex had another class and so had to leave. Spencer knew all about obligation and so the two of them paid the bill and walked out of the café together.

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~

"This is terrific, Dave," Alex told the man sitting beside her, taking a bite of the exquisite meal that he had prepared.

Alex had been invited over to Dave's place where he had offered to cook her dinner. She had already tasted some of Dave's cooking in the previous couple of months since they had started to tentatively date. They had found however, that they were well matched and had many common areas of interest, so had begun to court more seriously. Alex had to admit that she hadn't been this interested in an Alpha in years. She also had to admit to herself at least, she was in love and she was nearly positive that Dave felt the same. There was still some doubt though and she wasn't about to express her feelings just in case. She knew Dave would let her down gently, if he didn't return her feelings, but it would still hurt and she knew it. Still, all the signs were there. Alex felt though that she might be misreading the situation, as she hadn't dated much in a long time, so her observation skills weren't exactly as sharp as they could be

"I'm glad you think so," Dave's smiled, as he took a sip of his wine hiding his nervousness.

"I know so," Alex said smiling. "You're a terrific cook and could be a professional if you cared to."

"That's never been an interest of mine," Dave said waving away Alex's compliment casually. "I enjoy being manager of Aaron's theater, as it's very challenging. It takes patience and diplomacy since actors can be very temperamental. Of course, I also have to deal with complaints from the stagehands, the dressers, the makeup artists and other problems, which isn't always easy, since everyone has an ego. Still, Aaron runs a clean operation, and he handles a lot of things, so I don't have to, though now of course, he doesn't spend nearly as much time in the theater as he used to, ever since he mated with Penny."

"We tend to work a lot when we're lonely," Alex delicately suggested. "Of course, some of us also work a lot just to make a living."

"That's true," Dave's said.

The two chatted as they ate the meal that Dave had prepared.

Once the meal was complete, Dave put the dishes in the dishwasher, despite Alex's offer to help, Dave led Alex into the living room.

"Have room for dessert?" Dave asked with a slight smile, as he poured her another glass of wine, since he had brought the wine bottle with him for just that purpose.

"Maybe after I have a little time to digest," Alex said smiling right back, patting her very full tummy gently. "It's not often I have such a wonderful meal."

"Here, I have something for you," Dave said removing a box from his pocket and offering it to Alex.

Alex knew what it was immediately and she looked straight into Dave's hopeful face with an expression that shot straight to her heart.

She opened the lid of the ring box and found a beautiful emerald ring, that was surrounded by tiny diamonds.

"Oh, Dave, it's lovely," Alex murmured. "But I can't accept this unless..."

"I want you to be mine," Dave said simply cutting Alex off gently, as he took her face in his hands, kissing her softly. "I never imagined that I would find somebody after Caroline died. I dated a little when my kids were young, but they needed so much of my attention that it was just too much trouble, even though I had a housekeeper that helped look after them when I was busy. As my kids got older I started dating more frequently, but still, I didn't find anybody that I felt I could give my heart to. Then I met you at my friend's open house and I felt my heart just stop for an instant, something that hadn't happened ever since Caroline passed away. I thought here was somebody I could possibly mate with, but while I was attracted to you I didn't know anything about you at the time. Now though, I can't imagine my life without you in it. Please say yes, and you'll make me the happiest man in the world."

"What do your kids think about us?" Alex asked, even though she really wanted to shout yes, as loud as she could. She remembered her lunch with Spencer and knew that he would accept her as his new mother, but as for the others that she didn't know, though they had certainly seemed to approve of her at dinner that one time. "What your kids think is important, even know they're grown up and out on their own now. I don't want to fracture the relationship between you and them."

"You won't, they adore you," Dave promised. "I talked to each of them to let them know that I was going to ask you to mate with me. They were all very enthusiastic about the idea and were glad that I had finally found someone after their mother's death so many years ago. They think I've been alone for too long and that I should've found someone a long time ago. They've met you and fell in love with you. How could they help but do so?"

"Then my answer is yes, I love you. I'm a lot like Emily and never imagined I'd find anyone that wouldn't accept me for myself," Alex said and Dave kissed her passionately before she could say anymore.

"Accept this ring as a token of my love for you," Dave said his tone solemn, but with a wide smile. "I will love you for the rest of my life, always protect you, to treat you as an equal and partner and not as an object or slave and do right by you. I swear on our love for each other that we will make decisions together instead of making ones alone and to never cheat on you. I promise to discuss any problems or concerns with you so that they don't build up due to stress or become bigger due to keeping them to myself. I promise to listen to your concerns and help you with them, even if that's just by giving you advice."

"Yes, I agree on my own free will to be yours only. I swear too bear your children, to never cheat on you, to discuss any problems no matter how minor, before they become larger. I promise to obey you in all things and all ways, so long as you treat me as your equal and partner, not as an object or slave and do not abuse me," Alex swore.

"Upstairs now!" Dave growled his posture changing instantly to that of an Alpha, as did his tone of voice and his expression. "I can wait no longer to claim you completely. To claim you as mine!"

Alex obeyed with alacrity and not because she was frightened of Dave, but because she was very eager. She loved Dave so much and she had never imagined that she would find someone this late in her life.

Dave followed her upstairs and once they were in what was now their bedroom, Dave shut the door with a click, even though there was nobody else in the house, as his housekeeper had already gone home for the night. There wasn't as much to do now that all his children were grown, so she only came a couple of days a week now instead of every day. That would soon change though, because as soon as Alex went into heat he would get her pregnant and he knew that James, Carol and Peter and Spencer would be ecstatic to have some new siblings.

They had let him know that they approved of Alex and that they would have no trouble accepting her as their new mother. Dave knew it had to do a lot with the fact that James, Carol and Peter at least didn't remember their mother, while Spencer had never known her and also because Alex had impressed them when they had met her. Still, he was very proud of his four children and hopefully, he would have some more with Alex. He didn't even care if Alex never got pregnant again after doing so once, as he would still be very happy.

He couldn't say he wouldn't worry about Alex dying in childbirth, like Caroline had, but Spencer had informed him that the chance of it happening a second time were so low that he didn't need to worry. Spencer had believed at the time that was one thing that was holding him back from finding another mate, the fear of his new mate dying in childbirth.

Dave eagerly let his mating teeth extend and after wrapping his arms gently around Alex's slender form, he bit into Alex's mating gland eagerly. Alex groaned, as she felt the skin of her mating gland pierced for the first time ever. And also the last.

"You're mine now!" Dave growled possessively, licking his rough tongue over the newly pierced gland causing a very strong reaction in Alex. "Forever!"

"Yes!" Alex panted, eagerly. "I'm yours! You are my first and last!"

Dave removed Alex's shirt swiftly managing not to rip it since she had no other clothes, then did the same with her slacks and underwear.

"Bed!" Dave ordered in a growl.

Alex excited at being commanded, the omega in her wiggling with anticipation and excitement, immediately obeyed.

Dave removed his own clothes just, as swiftly and it was less than a minute later that he was on top of her with one knee between her legs to stop them from closing.

"This is all for you," Dave growled still in his alpha tone, pointing at his erect cock that was leaking semen onto the clean sheets.

Alex groaned in anticipation at the sight of it.

"I want to have children with you, but it's your decision to," Dave said, as he started to nibble at the side of her neck, causing Alex to tilt it to the side to give her mate better access. "Even if you decide to only get pregnant once then I'll be happy with what I get, since I already have four grown children that I adore, even though they have their own lives now."

"I'll agree to twice," Alex said, even as she whimpered as intense pleasure surged through her body. "After that, we'll have to talk about it."

"Good," Dave growled pleased.

Dave was so eager for his new mate's body that he left several bruises on her thighs and he also wasn't as gentle as he could have been when he entered her. This was what the Omega in Alex craved though and she heard herself urging him on.

Alex participated enthusiastically and left deep scratch marks on his back and outer thighs. Alex could tell even in her current state that Dave was very pleased with her participation and with the deep scratch marks that she left on him with her fingernails.

Their lovemaking became rough, animalistic and neither cared about the scratches or the bruises that were forming on both of their bodies.

It was several hours later, that both were exhausted from their rough sex and drifted off to sleep with Dave laying on top of Alex, since he was still locked inside her.

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~