Jules’ POV

Right when I was starting to think that I was getting really good at this whole sneaking out thing, I was caught. Luckily it wasn’t by my parents, but unluckily it was by Julian.

“The baby bird is not such a baby bird after all. Tired of the nest, little brother?” He mocks me with a small smirk.

“Oh shut it, Julian” I scowled at him.

“Ah ah ah. I would watch what you say. I wouldn’t want mom and dad to find out” He teased me some more, but I didn’t think that Julian would actually tell them, “What are you even sneaking out for? It’s not like you have any friends”

“None of your business, Julian! Now get out of my room!” I tried to push him out of the room, but he didn’t even budge.

I started to get a little squeamish. I’ve never really had to lie or have ever been in this situation before. He sniffed me a little, and his brows shot up to the roof. He tsked at me, “ Wow, I never thought that this would ever happen. Little Jules has himself a boyfriend, and not just any boy, but an Alpha. What were you guys doing that his scent is so stro-...ew nevermind don’t answer that”

“I do not have a boyfriend! He’s just a friend if you must know, and we were not doing anything that you’re filthy mind came up with” I kept trying to shove him out of the room, but on the inside I was mortified. I completely forgot to cover up my scent.

“No need to be so angry, gosh. Well you better hurry up and shower or something because I think that dinner is going to be soon, and you can’t skip it again or Mom will get suspicious” He warns me before finally leaving my room and closing the door behind him.

I took a quick shower, and tried to scrub myself raw with the soap to erase any trace of Duke and Cooper even though it made me sad to do so. I wish I could have stayed with them longer, but I cut it too close as it is. I wonder what Niamh would have done if she had caught me rather than Julian. I don’t think she would tattle on me either, but she would definitely badger me about being safe and who I was hanging out with.

When I entered the dining room I could immediately tell something was wrong by the harsh glare of my mother, “SIt Jules. Your mother wishes to speak with you”

I looked over to Julian in concern, but he just shrugged and looked just as confused as I was so I figured that he didn’t say anything. This must be about something else which calmed my nerves some, but I was still a little wary.

“Yes, I am very upset with the two of you. I have told you time and time again, Julian, that I do not want to take your brother hunting with you yet you refuse to comply. And you, Jules, you failed to inform me that your brother had actually succeeded in sneaking you out. Due to your failure to follow our rules and expectations, your father and I have decided to ground you for the week. You are both to stay in your chambers, and are not allowed outside for anything” My mother spoke to us sternly.

“What! That is so unfair Mother! I’m an adult. How can you ground me?” Julian protested, and I didn’t really care because it was nothing new to me. I was a little upset that I couldn’t sneak out to see Duke and Cooper for a week.

“Well you wanted to defy me like a child would, so I’m going to punish you how I would a child. End of discussion” Julian sunk into his chair with his arms crossed while Jude snickered at him between his bites of food.

“How did you even find out?” Julian asked her with a pout

“That’s for me to know, and for you to never learn” She may have deterred Julian but I saw the slight smile she sent Jude’s way. Wow, what a snitch, but I guess Julian did accidentally kill Jude’s cat last week.

I wish I could send Duke a letter warning him about my absence but I don’t know anyone who could deliver it for me that wouldn’t ask questions, and Julian is also grounded. Ugh this is going to be the longest week of my life.

Duke’s POV

Jules hasn’t come by in a while and I’m starting to get worried. I wonder if I did something to offend him. Maybe he realized that I had more than platonic feelings for him and was disgusted by me. I wouldn’t blame him. Cooper is also getting antsy and keeps asking me when Jules is going to come over again.

It’s been almost a week since we last saw him, and I would go to him, but I have no clue where he lives and I don’t want to seem like a creep to his parents. Imagine if a strange man that you didn’t know came out of nowhere asking for your teenage omega. I would call the guards or beat the bloke up immediately myself.

I couldn’t imagine raising an omega let alone an omega son. I am very upset that Jules’ parents deny him freedom, but the more protective side of me understands where they’re coming from and can’t blame them.

My ears perked up when I heard the sound of footsteps on my front porch. I was about to send them away thinking it was my beta when I heard the familiar, “Alpha Duke, it’s me Jules”

I rushed over to the door, and practically ripped it open, “Hello Jules. Long time no see. I hope everything is alright”

“Yes everything is fine. I’m sorry for worrying you. My idiot brother managed to get us both in trouble with our mother so she grounded us for the week. It wasn’t much different to me, but she heightened security making it impossible for me to sneak out. Once my punishment was lifted I rushed over here as soon as possible” He explained to me rushedly as I guided him into the house.

“There’s no need to apologize., though I’m sure Cooper will be thrilled to see you safe and sound as am I” I admitted and I couldn’t help but feel proud of the blush that graced his cheeks.

“Oh sweet little Cooper. I’m sorry, but I think I’ve missed him the most” He teases me before walking over to my son’s room.

We both watched from the doorway as he dozed into his coloring book, the crayons and paper long forgotten. His blanket that Jules made him covered his small body, and made him appear even smaller than he was. It was truly a cute sight.

I walked over to the young pup, and picked him up, “Cooper, look who came to see you”

He whined and rubbed his eyes trying to wake up, but when he realized who was here he perked up immediately, “Jules!”

He jumped out of my arms and into the arms of the omega. I watched as Cooper shoved his nose into the crook of Jules’ neck and rubbed his cheek all over trying to scent the omega. As much as it warmed my heart, it was considered ill mannered to scent someone who was not part of your immediate family or who you considered family. Before I could scold Cooper, Jules surprised me by cautiously scenting the boy back, and it lit up my insides. My wolf felt overjoyed by the display of affection between his pup and what he feels is his potential mate, but he was also jealous and longing for the same affection.

I shook my head to try and gain control again, “I know it’s sudden, but would you like to accompany Cooper and I for a stroll out in the town?”

“I would love to. I haven’t really had the chance to see anything except my house and the woods” He beamed at me and I could feel his excitement, “Oh, do you think that I’m dressed appropriately. I don’t want to come off as unpolished”

I glanced down at his lovely pink dress, and intricate braids, “What you are wearing is more than fine. If anything you’ll make the townsfolk feel unpolished. Come along then, let’s get started on our way”

As we got closer to the town, Jules was amazed by all of the lights, shops , and people that gave the town life. He seemed shocked that a place like this could exist and it made me feel incredibly spoiled that I tended to take it for granted. The townsfolk seem just as enamoured in Jules when they notice us. They stop and gawk at the sight of not only their Alpha, but the gorgeous Omega that he has attached to his arm. It makes me a little upset to see the young men staring at Jules, so I grab hold of his hand.

“Is this a hot chocolate stand, Duke? May I please have one?” Jules flutters his eyes at me, and I laugh before paying the owner some coins who looks ecstatic to have our business. Jules takes a sip and beams at the owner, “This is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had! It’s much better than the ones that they serve in Graham’s palace, but you didn’t hear it from me”

That shocked the both of us. Just who is Jules’ family that he has ties to other royalty. The owner blushed and thanked Jules profusely and offered him free hot chocolate whenever he would like. Jules shoved a cup in my face and forced me to take a sip, and despite not having a sweet palette, I really enjoyed the taste of the drink. Cooper also demanded a sip and almost drank the whole thing. I guess he really liked it.

There was one place that I knew I wanted to take Jules and that was the tailor. I knew that although forced due to his circumstance, Jules actually preferred women’s clothing and dresses so I thought it would be nice to get a custom dress. We walked into the shop and I was instantly swarmed by Mrs. Adams and her husband who checked me and Cooper over as if they could pinpoint any ailments.

“Mrs. Adams, why don’t you actually let us into the store, so I can introduce you to my newest friend, Jules” At my words she noticed the small omega still holding my hand. She scooted back and let us further into the store before beginning to lecture me.

“Why is this boy so skinny? Have you finally learned how to make other things besides Stew? Also why didn’t you tell me that you have finally found a mate. I was beginning to think that you were going to end up all alone, and poor little Cooper wouldn’t have someone to feed him like he should be” She put her hands on her hips.

“He is not that skinny, Mrs. Adams. I feed him enough for the whole pack, and my stew is pretty good. Unfortunately I don’t have the honor of calling Jules here my mate. We came here to find a dress for hi-...her” I tried to defend myself as I put Cooper down and let him talk to Mr. Adams who also adores him.

“Oh well why didn’t you just say so. What’s the occasion?” Her mood shifted instantly.

“There’s no occasion, I just wanted to treat Jules to something nice” I felt him squeeze my hand.

“Okay, why don’t you come with me, and we’ll figure out something that you’d like. I could tell Jules was a little nervous, but Mrs.Adams was easy to get along with when she wasn’t lecturing you.

I looked around the store and this one gown caught my eye. It wasn’t overly fancy, instead it was rather simple and the perfect thing to wear when wandering around the woods. It was a lovely yellow and I thought it would be great for Jules, though it would need to be hemmed and altered to fit his slight frame. I assumed that Mrs.Adams was taking Jules’ measurements so I left Mr.Adams instructions to alter the dress I picked as well.

When the two returned Jules’ face was a bright shade of red and I could only wonder what kind of things Mrs.Adams was pestering him about. We thanked them after they told us that the dress will be ready in a week's time.

“I’m sorry for whatever she said to you. That woman does not have a filter, but she knows her way around a garment. Although I’m sure that she pricks me much more than necessary when fitting me” I apologize to him as he holds onto Cooper’s other hand that I’m not holding.

“Luckily she didn’t prick me at all, but I have reason to believe that those pricks for you were justified” Now I really wonder what she told him.

“Daddy, can I have a snack. I’m hungry” It’s a good thing we were far enough from the tailor shop because Mrs.Adams would have skinned me alive and accused me of starving him again.

“What are you hungry for, Coop?” I ask him and I don’t like the glint in his eyes.

“Hot chocolate” I regret not looking hard enough for his parents.

“No more hot chocolate, Cooper. That’s not even a snack. That’s a beverage” He frowned at me and pulled his hand out of mine.

“You’re a beverage!” That doesn’t even make sense. I just ignored him while Jules laughed.

“Why don’t we have Jules pick out what snack we get?” He nodded in agreement.

I looked to Jules who smirked at answered, “Hot chocolate”

“You two are terrible. I can feel my blood pressure rising” I complained but led us over to the stand where the owner was more than willing to give us more hot chocolate. He kept his word and tried giving it to us for free, but I insisted on paying him.

“Can we get some neeps, Daddy?” That sounded like a horrible combination, but I wasn’t feeling like arguing with him. So I went over to the stand and bought him some, that he devoured because Cooper was a strange child and was obsessed with turnips.

“Ew. How can he eat them on their own? I despise turnips” Jules scrunched up his nose, and Cooper looked like Jules had just told him that he hated dogs.

“No! Neeps are the best!” Jules raised his arms in innocence and Cooper continued devouring his snack.

The three of us continued to explore the town, and I had formed a new appreciation for the people of my town and the beauty and hard work that goes into it. I especially enjoyed getting to hold the omega close to me, and carry my son with my other arm as we stopped at each stand and store. It was domestic bliss that I never thought I would have.

The night got even more blissful as it ended. Jules had to rush home, but he thanked me for the night out with a sweet kiss on the cheek that had me squealing like a maiden on the inside.