Rise of the Underdogs: (Book 1) COLTON

Chapter 20

After Neil and Kaden returned to Shadow Storm territory, Daisy and I settled quietly back into our normal routine. Life resumed in measured steps, with fewer surprises and a comforting rhythm. My aunt and uncle, however, were now one child short — and that fallout was entirely on them. The Grand Alpha had made it crystal clear that they needed to rethink their position regarding my role as a high-ranked member. He wasn’t exactly known for sugarcoating things, especially not after what happened to his late wife’s niece. He gave me more leeway than he’d typically offer anyone in the pack. That leniency said a lot about where I stood.

Keeping tabs on everything ended up working in my favor as well. I paid attention, learned quickly, and didn’t take opportunities for granted.

A few months after Daisy was discharged from the clinic, I wrapped up my course requirements. I graduated with a master’s degree in architecture and completed my second program — a master’s in building inspection — right behind it. I passed both, with commendations. That milestone lifted a massive weight off my chest. For the first time, I felt like I could actually breathe without bracing for failure.

Six months later, Daisy and I welcomed our twin boys into the world.

Samuel arrived first. The moment he took his first breath, he went full throttle — fists swinging, voice strong, and attitude already dialed to ten. He latched on immediately, the tiny surge of instinct in him so familiar that I knew where he got it. That bottomless appetite? Definitely inherited from me.

Devon followed soon after, calmer in disposition and gentler in every way. He didn’t raise hell over milk like his brother and had a way of looking at us with wide, steady eyes that made the chaos feel manageable.

“Daddy, Sammy needs a diaper change!” Daisy called from the other room, her voice equal parts exhausted and amused.

I sighed with exaggerated drama and rolled my eyes, setting the crib tools aside with a thud. Dust clung to my shirt, and I brushed it off as footsteps approached.

Dad stopped at the doorway, leaning against the frame with that classic grin that hadn’t aged a day. He held out the mug he’d been nursing all morning — fresh coffee, dark roast, strong. “You’ve got this,” he said quietly, with just enough warmth to make me smile. “Go help with the boys. When you’re done, I’ll give you a hand with the setup.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I replied, taking the mug gratefully.

Neither of us talked about Thomas’s death anymore. It lingered in memory, but we had moved past the shouting, past the aftermath. Dad hadn’t needed closure. He’d taken one look at Daisy’s bruised face and had been ready to rip someone apart — but Neil had already taken care of that before Dad could land a single blow.

I stepped into the nursery, the scent of baby powder and fresh laundry hitting me instantly. Daisy sat tucked into the rocking chair, gently feeding Devon. Her eyes lifted when she saw me — tired, yes, but glowing in that soft, quiet way that made her look like home.

Reaching down into the bassinet, I carefully scooped up Samuel, who squirmed with the strength of a pup twice his age.

“Come on, Daddy’s little piggy,” I said playfully, cradling him against my chest. “Let’s get your bottom changed.”

Daisy laughed under her breath, a sound that felt like sunshine breaking through the clouds. The nickname had stuck for good reason. No matter how much milk she gave him, Samuel’s hunger returned within the hour. And we weren’t guessing — he didn’t fuss, didn’t cry, didn’t burp, and never left behind a messy diaper. He just woke up, locked eyes, and silently demanded more.

He was a bottomless pit wrapped in a baby blanket — and he was ours.

I laid Sammy on the changing table, steadying him with one hand while I grabbed a fresh diaper with the other.

“I have no clue how to handle twins, babe.”

“We’ll get through it. When we move back to the pack, I want a separate house so your parents can have a break from all this noise.”

Grinning, I told her I’d get started on that right away. No one needed to know if or when I planned to return to pack land. First thing was sketching the blueprints. I’d work on that later tonight.

“Daisy,” I called, glancing her way. Her eyes were shut, but Devon was still curled in her arms, peacefully nursing like nothing had changed. She’d nodded off mid-feed. I finished with Sammy, tucked both boys into their cradle, then walked over and carefully lifted her from the chair.

She startled, gasping, arms flailing slightly before she realized it was me.

“Calm down, Daisy,” I whispered, settling her against my chest. “You fell asleep feeding Devon. Just take it easy for a while, okay?”

Moaning, she rolled onto her side and curled under the blankets. “Colt, I... can we, um…”

Sitting beside her on the bed, I brushed her hair back gently. I already knew what was on her mind. She’d been browsing random wedding dresses online when she thought I wasn’t looking.

“You want to get married, huh?”

She tried to sit up, but I eased her back against the pillow.

“Daisy, are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Yes,” she said softly, almost like she was testing her own answer.

I sighed. “Honey, I know what happened is still sitting heavy on your chest, but I’m not Thomas. I’d never hurt you. If getting married is really what you want, talk to my mom about setting it up. Dad and I are about to start on the kids’ room, so just let me know what you decide, okay?”

“Neil said that you marking me in the hospital helped me heal faster,” she whispered. “I know we’re young, but yeah—it’s what I want.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. Joy spilled out without asking for permission. I kissed her forehead and tucked the comforter around her like I always did when she looked that tired.

“Get some rest, lil Momma. I’ve got the boys handled. When you’re up, come join me in the study so we can start sketching out our house. Then we’ll pick wedding colors and whatever extra stuff you want. If this is really what you want, then let’s make it happen.”

She breathed a soft laugh and reached out to touch my face.

“I love you, Colton. I know I don’t say it a lot, but I do.”

“Daisy, you’re one of the only people that doesn’t need to say it,” I said, calm and quiet. “You show it, every single day. It’s in the coffee and snacks when I get stuck in work and forget to eat. It’s in the way you curl into me at night. And you carried and delivered two of the cutest little monsters I’ve ever seen. That’s more than enough proof. Now get some sleep. I love you.”

Again, her eyes closed. A few heartbeats later, and her soft snores filled the space of our bedroom. Making sure the twins were good, I headed back to the other room and saw Dad already had the first crib put together. The second was still sitting in the box.

“Bring it back to the store, son. They’re twins, so they should be close to form a solid bond. And they’ll be needing toddler beds before you know it,” he said, frowning at the unopened box.

Wanting to give him a reason to smile, I said, “Daisy wants to get married.”

“Does she? That’s wonderful,” he replied with a softer look. “Your mother’s gonna be all over that news. Any ideas yet?”

“No, but we’re planning to talk later. She’s asleep for now. It’s been hard on her, Dad.”

He shook his head, sighing. “Colt, she carried two pups to term and gave birth without medication. That girl’s strong, reliable, and loving. Your mom and I know that if anything ever happened to us, you two would hold the fort. You had her back the night of the funeral, and that showed me I raised a decent, thoughtful young man who puts his family first. No matter what, I’m proud of you.”

That stung—in a good way. My chest got tight as he stepped past and rested a hand on my shoulder, giving me a quick smile.

“I gave you the tools to build a life, but there’s still plenty left to learn. Keep your mind open, son. The unknown has a funny way of teaching the best lessons.”

I nodded. That wasn’t just advice—it was a handoff. He’d built the foundation. Now it was up to me. And no matter how messy things got, no matter what came our way, I knew I’d give Daisy and the boys the same steady love he gave me and Mom.