by Esme Beal
“Is that what it was like for you?”
“Yes. All of the work. All of the studying. All of the people I had experience with. Nothing was like becoming a father.”
“You seem to be doing a good job so far.”
“So far. All it takes is one mistake to mess it up. Thankfully, Noah is my better half. I wouldn’t be the man I am now without him.”
I took a sip of the alcohol. It stung down my throat but it wasn’t enough to distract me from my thoughts.
“You and Noah,” I said. “You two seem like a good couple.”
“We were meant to be together. There was no other way it could go. But you and Spencer… It’s interesting. Had I known about the pregnancy, I wouldn’t have mentioned the other job offers that are on the table for you. It was only this morning, so I assume you haven’t given them much consideration. There are people out there ready to hire you.”
I shook my head, knowing that I had a decision to make.
“I can’t leave Spencer to go out on an assignment,” I said. “It wouldn’t be fair to him. It wouldn’t be fair to our child. I have to be an Alpha.”
“I would agree with you. But…”
“But what?”
“Spencer… Spencer isn’t like any Omega I’ve ever met before. He’s headstrong. He’s not afraid to speak his mind. He’s a bit reckless at times.”
“I’ve noticed that,” I said, chuckling softly.
“The night we saved Amy, he went running off by himself. Chased down one of the Hearts all alone.”
“Wait… What?”
I gave Ashton a confused look but he looked just as serious as always.
“I imagine it’s because of his Omega instincts, wanting to protect Amy and all. But his disregard for caution was like nothing else. He’s a strong Omega. He’s capable.”
“It appears that way…”
“That’s why you shouldn’t have an issue leaving for another assignment, if that’s what you decide.”
“I don’t understand.”
I blinked my eyes and shook my head, not sure what Ashton was getting at. He took a sip of his drink and sighed through his nose.
“Most Omegas need their Alpha by their side,” he explained. “A young child needs all the support they can get. But with the way Spencer is, I think your child can get all the support he or she needs from Spencer alone. And that’s not even counting the support from here at the shelter. I can promise you that your child will grow up in a loving and caring environment.”
“Are you telling me to leave? Should I take more assignments?”
“I know it’s in your blood for you to want to go out there. That’s just who you are. But I’m not telling you what to do. I would never tell another man how to live his life. I only want you to make the best decision for yourself as well as Spencer and your child.”
Even though Ashton was giving me every reason to walk away, I still had my doubts.
Could I just leave Spencer behind? No… I can’t… Can I?
I shook all of the questions out of my head. The more I thought about it, the more absurd it became.
“No,” I said. “I want to be with Spencer. I want to be here as often as I can with my child. No matter what.”
The corner of Ashton’s lips curled into a smirk. He gave me a nod and sighed.
“I expected as much from you,” he said. “I knew I was hiring the best man for the job but I never imagined you would be this capable.”
“Right…”
“I should let you go on your way. I’m sure Spencer could use some of your help now tending to those children.”
I got up from my seat and turned around. Just before I left, I stopped.
“Was there something else?” Ashton asked.
“I imagine you worked very hard to get where you are. A multi-millionaire with the richest company in Snow Falls. That didn’t happen overnight.”
“You’d be right,” he said with a smile.
“Is it fair to say it took a bit of obsession with success to get where you are?”
That smile still on his lips, Ashton nodded softly in understanding.
“There were nights when I wouldn’t go to sleep until the sun was coming up,” he said. “There were times I had to convince myself to avoid partying with everybody on a Saturday night so I could read a book. It was a sacrifice but not one I regret.”
“Things are different now though. Your business… It’s not the most important thing in the world to you. Not anymore.”
“Being with Noah… There are books on how to be a proper Alpha. There are books on how to love a man. There are books on how to be a good father. But you don’t need any of them to know. Once you’re with someone, just tell them that they matter to you more than anything and prove it through your actions.”
I pondered Ashton’s words for a moment.
I knew that I had a decision to make but listening to him gave me the clarity I needed. It wasn’t a sacrifice as much as it was making the right choice.
“Thanks,” I said.
“Of course.”
He gave me a nod and I left the room. As soon as I made my way down the hallway, I could hear the screams of the children as they were undoubtedly terrorizing their caretakers. I walked over to the playroom where all of the younger ones gather just as Spencer stumbled out of the room.
“There you are,” he sighed, his clothes already disheveled. “Where did you go?”
“I was just having a conversation with Ashton. He wanted to talk to me.”
“Oh… Right… About taking about another assignment?”
I could see a bit of dejection on Spencer’s face. He might not have said anything but he didn’t hide it very well.
“He mentioned that,” I said.
“Have you made a decision?”
“The way my leg is now, I can’t make that decision right now. But I have made another decision.”
“Have you? And what’s that?”
“I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
“You’ve taken me out to dinner every night for the past few days,” he said with a beaming smile on his face.
“Not tonight. I was thinking tonight we could just have dinner at the shelter with everybody else. I want to have dinner somewhere special with you.”
Even though he was smiling, Spencer still had a confused look on his face.
“Every dinner with you is special,” he said.
“I want it to be really special.”
“Marshall—”
“Shh…”
I put an index finger on his lips and quieted him.
“Just trust me, okay?”
His cheeks started to turn red. It didn’t matter what he looked like, even with a face full of embarrassment, Spencer was always the most handsome man I’d ever seen.
“Okay,” he said with a nod.
I kissed him softly on the lips.
“Ooh! Look at ‘em!”
The squeal of children interrupted our moment together. I looked around Spencer and saw the small group of kids gathered around the doorway.
“That’s right,” Spencer said. “And if you misbehave, he’s coming to get you.”
“Ahh!”
The children were giddy as they rushed back into the playroom. Spencer took my hand and led me to them.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s go work up our appetite.”
Chapter 20
SPENCER
One week later…
Marshall sat comfortably in his seat, tall and proud. He looked different than he usually did. It wasn’t the suit. It wasn’t the clean-shaven face. It wasn’t even how noticeably more relaxed he looked than usual. There was something else I couldn’t put my finger on.
Of course, being pregnant, my mind was always distracted by other things. I looked down at the juicy steak and sliced into the tender meat. I sighed in ecstasy from how moist and succulent it was. It was so good that I had to close my e
yes. I savored the bite of steak for as long as I could until I finally opened my eyes. Marshall’s lips curled into a smirk.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“Nothing is funny. I just enjoy watching you eat.”
“This baby inside of me is doing more than just kicking. It’s like all of my senses are heightened, especially when it comes to food. This steak… I would’ve enjoyed it regardless but it smells amazing. The meat is so tender and juicy. The way it feels in my mouth… It’s like butter.”
I couldn’t help myself and took another bite of steak.
“Or perhaps it’s because we’re in the fanciest steakhouse in town,” I said.
“That might have something to do with it. I’m guessing a word from Ashton Webb puts the entire staff on alert so that we get everything we need.”
“That might have something to do with it, too.”
The fancy restaurant was near the Webb Building, the tallest skyscraper in all of Snow Falls. Marshall and I were surrounded by people who looked just as wealthy as they probably were. Old, successful businessmen and women were accompanied by the Omegas they lavished with their riches. The lights were dim with the candlelight to illuminate in front of me. The live, classical music made the atmosphere more peaceful than anything else.
Marshall dug into his own steak though he didn’t eat with the same kind of fervor I did.
“I feel a little guilty,” I said, my mouth half-full.
“Why’s that?”
“Because of this. This steak probably costs enough money to feed the entire shelter for a week. And with the way I’m feeling, I could go through a few more.”
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself every now and then. Ashton did give me a hefty bonus for finishing my assignment.”
“I know you made a lot of money but I can’t imagine something like this will be a regular occurrence.”
“No. This is just another opportunity to enjoy ourselves. Every now and then, we’ll have a little fun. Just like I said.”
“I like the sound of that.”
I smiled at him then went back to work on my buttery steak.
I’d gotten accustomed to having Marshall by my side. His leg was healing nicely but not enough that he could walk without a limp. The thoughts of him getting healthy and leaving for another assignment continued to linger but I pushed them aside. Nothing would stop me from enjoying the time I had with him. Being pregnant helped distract me, considering all of the feelings that were beginning to swell inside of me.
“All right,” I said. “What’s this all about?”
“What’s what all about?”
“We’ve been spending time in Snow Falls and I’ve been showing you around. Tonight is the first time you’ve decided to pick the place we went.”
“I figured I’d give you a break and make the decision for you.”
He gave me such a coy little smile I knew he was hiding something.
“You’re making me nervous,” I said.
“Ha! Why would I make you nervous?”
“You’re up to something…”
“I’m not up to anything except enjoying dinner with you at this fancy restaurant.”
“It’s more than just the restaurant. You shaved. You put on a suit and with the way you’re fidgeting, I know it’s not comfortable.”
“Special occasions call for special attire.”
“A-ha! So it is a special occasion.”
“Don’t go spoiling the surprise now, Spencer…”
“Just because I know you’re up to something doesn’t mean I know what it is. I haven’t spoiled anything.”
“Maybe there’s no surprise at all. Maybe you’re just getting ahead of yourself.”
He raised his eyebrows at me then sliced another piece of steak. He held it up and shrugged.
“Two can play that game,” he said.
He put the steak into his mouth, his smile as cocky as ever. I shook my head but couldn’t fight my own smirk.
“I’ll find out eventually,” I said. “This night is gonna come to an end and then you’ll have to tell me.”
“Maybe. For now, I think you and I should just enjoy our time together, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know if I can enjoy my time with you now, knowing that you’re up to something. But I can enjoy this steak.”
The conversation wasn’t much else. My curiosity was only growing but not enough for me to ignore my hunger. One week pregnant and my body felt like it needed to gobble every bit of food insight to sustain itself.
One steak was followed by another. That steak was followed by yet another. Not to mention the amount of fixings on the side. Scalloped potatoes covered in cheese and oil. Sautéed, creamed spinach. Assorted roasted vegetables. Even a rotisserie chicken that the waiters said was prepared specifically for our table. The candlelights. The music. The friendly patrons surrounding us. The polite staff. That was only a bonus to all of the delicious food I was able to gorge myself on.
I’d just finished my last steak. I chewed on the tender piece of meat, enjoying it like it was my first bite then helped it down with a hunk of potatoes. Marshall was watching me the entire time. I got used to him amusing himself with the way I ate.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. “Should I order you another steak?”
“Another steak…”
I sighed a deep breath. My belly was already starting to bulge because of the baby but it felt a little more swollen underneath my shirt with how much I ate.
“…I think that’s it,” I said. “I think I’m actually full now.”
“You still haven’t had dessert.”
“Oh, there’s always room for dessert.”
“Of course,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve already put in an order with the staff. They’ll be bringing a nice of selection of sweets for you to finish the night off with.”
“It seems like you’ve thought of everything. Now I know you’re definitely up to something.”
“Stop trying to ruin the moment, Spencer.”
“Okay, okay, okay…”
“Before dessert though, there is something I’d like to ask you.”
The smile left his face. My heart stopped in my chest for a moment.
What could he possibly ask me?
My thoughts raced with the possibilities.
“Yes?”
Marshall got up from his seat and held his hand out to me.
“May I have this dance?”
I blinked my eyes and shook my head. But he was still standing there.
“Who are you and what have you done with Marshall?”
“I’m the same Marshall I’ve always been.”
“…I’d love to dance with you.”
I put my hand in his and he led me toward the small dance floor off to the side of the restaurant. There were a few other couples dancing together but I didn’t pay them any attention.
My arms around his neck and my head close to his chest, I slowly moved to the rhythm he led me to. His masculine scent filled my nostrils, a soft whiff of cologne replaced the smoke I was used to.
“This is nice,” I whispered.
“You’re my Omega. I want everybody to see that.”
“I don’t mind… But I’ve gotta admit, this is a bit surprising. You don’t look like a dancer, even if you did shave and put on a suit.”
“Back when I was serving, a couple of guys I was with said that we should take up dancing. Near the place we were stationed, there was this old town hall where the locals would gather. We’d head there on the weekends and have a good time.”
“A good time. I imagine you had a lot of good times. That’s as good a reason as any to learn how to dance.”
“It wasn’t just that,” he said, laughing softly. “Our CO encouraged it. He said it would be a good way for us to build some character.”
I looked up at him.
“Just because I’ve spent most of my life on a
ssignments taking care of bad guys doesn’t mean I’m all about punching people out,” he said.
His brown eyes had never looked so sincere. I saw so much inside of him. Strong and kind. Passionate and intelligent. Dominant but caring. He was everything any man could ever want in an Alpha.
“I’m lucky,” he said. “I’m lucky that I was meant to be with you.”
“I’m the lucky one. You’re like nobody I’ve ever met before, Spencer. I want you in my life for the rest of it. I want our child in my life for the rest of it.”
“Wait… What are you saying?”
“I’m saying—”
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t such a lovely couple.”
That voice…
Marshall and I both turned to look who it was. My heart sank as soon as I spotted him. The last man I wanted to see was looking at us, his smile just as sinister as I remembered it.
“Hudson,” Marshall muttered.
Marshall pulled away from me and walked up toward him. Hudson was flanked by three dirty-looking bikers who were dressed in the same leather vest as him.
“Did you miss me?” Hudson said as he held his arms out.
“What are you doing here?” I said.
“I just wanted to say hello.”
“You’ve got about five seconds before I drop you right where you stand,” Marshall said.
“Oh, I don’t think you’d do that. You wouldn’t start a scene in this place. Not when I’ve got my new men ready to take you down. Not on a romantic evening like this—”
Marshall snatched Hudson by the collar. Hudson’s men took a step forward. The rest of the restaurant gasped when they saw what was happening.
“Marshall,” I said as I put a hand on his shoulder. “You can’t. Not here.”
He ignored me, glaring at the man in his grip. He leaned forward and put his face right up to Hudson’s.
“You’re a criminal,” Marshall said. “You’re going to regret coming back.”
“You shouldn’t be making threats. You remember what happened last time. How’s your leg?”
Marshall suddenly roared and pushed Hudson back. The other three men converged on Marshall.
