Seven Brothers (Lievens)

Richie left his own personal hell behind when he ran away from his abusive boyfriend, or at least, he'd thought so. But even now that he's back home, he's afraid and can't stop seeing his ex everywhere. He doesn't know if he's strong enough to dig Francis's claws out of him, but he's going to try. Meeting his mate wasn't part of his plan. Gilbert's best friend's family has unofficially adopted him. He cares about all seven Long brothers, even Richie, whom he barely knows. Gilbert doesn't understand why he wants to protect Richie and help him heal, but he does, and as long as Richie doesn't push him away, he'll continue. Richie has no idea how to deal with his mate. His last relationship was a disaster, and he doesn't trust himself anymore. He has to deal with his fears if he wants to be happy, but can he? And as if that weren't bad enough, what will happen when Francis decides to step back into his life?

Laurie is only nineteen, and he has no intention of growing up anytime soon. His family still treats him like a child, and as long as that means he can continue having no responsibilities, he has no plans to change. Alexis has everything planned. He's studying in college, working as a babysitter, and enjoying himself while keeping an eye on his goals. Neither of them expected their life to change, but it does. When Laurie finds out he has a daughter, he's tempted to run away and never look back. He would have, if her mother hadn't dumped the baby into his arms for the day and left. Meeting his mate while at the grocery store to buy diapers makes an already terrifying situation even scarier, but Laurie knows he doesn't have a choice. He has to grow up-for Melissa, for Alexis, but also for himself. Hopefully, Alexis will give him time to do that, because now that he's met him, Laurie can't imagine losing him.