by Emma Knox
“Ethan! You’ve mated with an Alpha, you are pregnant! Men would die to be in that position.”
“Then someone else can have it! I never wanted to be mated. I like my life here without complications.”
“Oh, honey,” he said softly. “Sometimes fate has other plans. Are you saying you don’t want this pregnancy? I know that it’s rare among our kind, but this is still your decision.”
“What?” I stammered. I didn’t even need to think about the right answer. “Of course I want my baby. I just don’t know if I want everything else.”
“It’s a lot to take in, but right now you need to focus on getting yourself healthy and taking care of that little pup. Can I get you anything?”
I shook my head. “No. I think I’m okay. I’m just really tired. I guess I thought I could do this by myself.”
His hand slid off his belly and onto mine as a faint smile crossed his lips. “But you don’t have to do it alone. Drake and I are always here for you. You have the pack behind you. Whatever you choose to do with Trevor, we will always be your family.”
“I don’t want to leave Gryther,” I whispered.
“And you never have too, this will always be your home. Just don’t cut out the idea of Trevor just yet. Let yourself rest and think about it when you have a clear head okay?”
“Okay,” I told him. My eyes were growing heavy again.
All I wanted to do was go to sleep and think about my baby. Before sleep could take over my body once again though, Drake appeared in the doorway. I could tell by the look on his face that he was just as worried as I was about the whole situation. He hid it much better than me though, a warm smile quickly replacing the concern when he saw that I was awake.
“How are you feeling, Ethan?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I suppose as good as can be expected.” My cheeks flushed red. “Did Steven tell you?”
He nodded, taking Steven’s spot on my bed. “This is wonderful news, another baby born into the Gryther pack. I have no complaints. This is a great honor, Ethan.”
“It’s an honor that I didn’t want, to be honest.”
He smiled, soft and knowing. “I think that in time, you will see it as a blessing. What will you tell Trevor?”
“It’s none of his business,” I muttered. From behind the curtain I heard a familiar laugh. Steven hadn’t gone very far at all. “I don’t think it’s funny.”
He reappeared, his eyes moist with the tears. “Oh honey, I wasn’t laughing out of malice. I remember the early days though, when it feels like your emotions are the ones in control of you. I promise that it does get better.”
“You have a partner, I don’t,” I said sternly.
A nurse appeared, young and timid as he handed Drake a few sheets of papers. As my Alpha, he could have kept the entire pregnancy a secret. My body was his by our law, including any pup that I might bring into the world. Drake, like many other Alphas, no longer enforced the old ways. He believed each wolf in his pack should have the right to make their own decisions. I smiled at the idea of my child being a Gryther. As quickly as it had come though, the smile faded.
For all I knew, my son could be more like his father, a Reluson Alpha. I shuddered, trying desperately not to start crying again over the situation. I watched as Drake read over the papers he’d been given. Grateful to have my leader there, I laid back and waited for him to share information. As his face paled though, my heart started to race.
“What is it?” I blurted out. “Is my baby okay?”
His eyes shot up to me, the color returning to his cheeks as he grinned. In an instant my mind was put at ease, though it took him some time before he was able to speak again. Already I was plagued by so many new emotions and sensations. Everything around me seemed to be heightened. I could hear the flickering lightbulb three rooms over. The nurse’s soft feet pausing near others as they whispered about our Alpha and his mate with the lodge director.
Instantly my guard was up. How could they not know who I was? There was no question of my importance. My cheeks started to burn, the stinging tears prickling at my eyes. Perhaps I really was nothing more than the ‘lodge director’ to them and everyone else. How could I even be sure that Trevor would want me? Already I’d put on ten pounds, fat shifters weren’t picked to be an Alpha’s mate.
Steven was at my side in a matter of seconds, his own heightened senses picking up on my racing heart. As his hand clasped mine firmly, he smiled and whispered soothing words. I struggled to regain my composure, the fight all but gone from me now.
“This is all so much,” I whispered to him.
“I know, it’s going to be okay though, I promise.”
“You can’t be sure of that. Everyone is already talking about me. Oh god, Trevor is going to find out. What if this changes everything?”
“A baby does change everything, Ethan. But in the most wonderful way.”
“Babies,” Drake said, speaking up for the first time.
I’d all but forgotten about my Alpha when we both turned to look at him.
It was Steven who spoke, “What?”
“Babies,” Drake repeated. “Ethan, it seems there are more congratulations in order. You are carrying the first set of twins born to a shifter in over one-hundred and fifty years.”
My mouth felt dry. If I hadn’t already been lying down there was no doubt in my mind that I would have collapsed in that moment. The room seemed to be spinning around me again in a way that was disconcerting. Twins? How was that possible? I was still reeling from the confirmation that I was pregnant with one child, but now two? It was getting harder to breath as I opened my mouth and struggled to keep air flowing. Steven squeezed my hand a little harder, firmly reminding me that I was surrounded by friends.
“Drake,” he whispered to his mate. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Yes my love. They ran the test four times to be certain. I can’t believe that we are alive to see this. You are going to be treated like royalty, Ethan. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pack likes you more than me now.”
I knew that he was only joking, but it was still terrifying. “I just want to go back to the way things were before that stupid trip.”
As soon as the words were out, I heard how sharp they sounded. To my surprise, Drake looked more amused than offended.
“Drake,” I started to apologize.
He held up his hand for silence and I complied. Shaking his head, he grinned. “Don’t worry, Ethan. If Steven’s pregnancy has taught me anything it’s that emotions become hard to control.”
“I hate being treated differently though,” I pouted.
“But you are different, you are now more unique than any shifter on this island or even in the world I would venture. Twins! My how the gods have blessed us. This is going to bring peace and harmony to the entire island.”
“How do you figure?” I grumbled.
“Because you now carry the fruits of all of our labors. This treaty was rocky, even with the celebrations and ceremonies. Twins, half Gryther and half Reluson will prove that our packs were fated to intermingle. I wouldn’t be surprised if several other successful mating’s come out of this weekend’s festivities.”
“Drake,” Steven scolded. “Can’t you see that you are frightening him?”
Instantly Drake fell silent, his face one of remorse. “Ethan?”
“I just,” I stammered. “I just need a little time alone I think. To collect my thoughts.”
“Of course,” Drake said quickly. “Don’t let me stop you from getting some rest. I have things that will need attending anyways. But, Ethan?”
I looked up at the sound of my name again. “You should tell Trevor. I think you’ll be surprised by his reaction. Stay here and get yourself well. Then I’ll send a few men to get you back to your apartment.”
I shook my head vehemently. “I don’t need any help. I just want to go back to work. Please Drake, I have to be doing something or I’ll lose
my mind.”
He frowned, not liking the idea. “Alright, just be careful and promise you will tell me or Steven if there is anything that you need. You have a very special gift inside of you.”
“I promise I will take it easy,” I lied.
It wasn’t that I wanted to hide things from my Alpha. I knew that if he pressed me I’d have no choice but to follow his command. Still, the independence was a strange thing. It seemed that I was no longer bound to him as intimately as an Alpha and his Omega would normally be. Drake had always been a friend to me yet in a role of authority. It was terrifying that I now felt my allegiance only rested with my children.
He kissed my hand before planting a wet, passionate kiss on his mate. Just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone again. I turned my attention back to Steven who was watching me carefully.
“You’ve felt it too, haven’t you?” he whispered.
I shook my head, my heart thumping. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
He chuckled. “When you become pregnant, your allegiance no longer lies with your Alpha. You are a father now, the only bonds stronger than that of an Alpha, are that of a parent.”
“You mean, I don’t have to follow his orders anymore?”
Steven shrugged. “You know that’s never been Drake’s way, but ultimately, yes. You are free to do as you choose.”
I smiled softly. “I know I was free before, but still.” I sat back and whistled.
Steven laughed as he disappeared into the bathroom briefly. I struggled to process all the new information. I was free to do what I wanted, my only bond now to my children. Protectively, I wrapped my hands around my stomach and smiled. Maybe everything would work out for the best. I knew that I had to tell Trevor though, he had a right to know he was going to be a dad. One thing was certain, with my new freedom; no wolf would ever control me again.
Chapter 10
Trevor
My fingers strummed along to the tune on the radio as I pulled in front of the lodge. Except for Jonathan and his still missing followers, life was going good. The first date with Ethan had gone perfectly, though he’d refused my advances when it ended. Tonight, I was sure that we would work out some kind of arrangement. I knew he was worried about leaving behind his pack. I just had to show him they would be okay if he left.
The second that I jumped out of my truck though, my senses picked up tension in the air. The hair on my arms stood on ends as I quickly scanned the horizon for danger. There was nothing but festive people preparing for the party all around me though. I jogged into the main lobby, my tension still high as I saw Ethan’s empty desk. Rage spilled out. They had to be hiding him from me, it was the only reason he wouldn’t be there during a busy afternoon.
A young wolf in a lodge uniform passed by me, too consumed in his phone to see who I was. Without thinking, I grabbed ahold of him. Instantly his face took on an expression of pure fear. I didn’t blame him, I was a beast of a man compared to the small creature. As a low growl escaped my throat, he shook in fear.
“Where is Ethan?” I seethed.
The kid shook his head, too scared to speak. I shook him once more and repeated myself.
“I don’t know!” he finally blurted out. “I just got here!”
“Don’t make me ask you again, boy. Where the hell is he?”
“I,” he stammered.
“Trevor!” Drake’s voice boomed from behind me. “Would you please let my poor assistant go? Ethan is fine, I’ll take you to him.”
I dropped the kid at once, only feeling slightly guilty for making him run away in tears. Something was going on and treaty or not, I would find out what they’d done to Ethan. I spun on my heels, glaring at Drake and fighting to keep myself under control.
“Where is he?” I hissed again.
“Just take it easy, okay? He’s in the hospital wing.”
My heart raced, I suppressed the desire to lunge for Drake’s throat. “What have you done to him?”
“I haven’t done anything to him,” Drake said with a level tone. “You don’t need to threaten my staff. I’ve assured you that you will be taken to him, but only once you’ve calmed down.”
“I’m calm, what the hell happened? What aren’t you telling me?” I shot back.
“He’s fine, just had a fainting spell earlier today. I brought him to the recovery ward myself. I actually just left there. I was coming to give you a call when I saw you attacking my pack.”
I cringed at his words, the realization that what I had done could be taken as an act of war now donning on me. Drake was a good Alpha, he hadn’t let my unnecessary rage go too far in his mind.
“Can I see him?”
“I knew you would want too,” he said, the incident now behind us.
I followed him silently through the halls of the large building. Word has spread by now of my little outburst as shifters gave me a wide berth in the hallway. Before long, the hotel accommodations faded and gave way to medical sterility and cleanliness. There was a door at the end, the only one I’d come across so far that was locked. Drake pulled out a keycard and instantly they opened for him.
Though it wasn’t uncommon to find medical wards in long-term housing facilities for our kind, this was a hotel. Apartment buildings were often used as war headquarters during times of battle. I had to wonder what other oddities I would find if I stuck around Gryther for much longer. It was quiet within the medical wing. As voice bounced and echoed around me, I realized the whole floor was soundproofed.
“You really know how to make your pack feel safe,” I mumbled.
Drake grinned. “They are more than just my pack; they are my family. I would hope that you would treat yours the same.”
“I do,” I said quickly. “I just don’t live in the same building as most of them.”
He chuckled. “I know it’s strange, but I like to be at the center of the activity. I could have a large estate somewhere. But I want my pack to feel like I am involved in what goes on daily. It was Ethan that pressed me to move here you know. I’ve lived in the penthouse for years now, that’s how I met Steven.”
“I don’t think I realized just how close you were to Ethan,” I muttered. “I’m sorry for my outburst earlier. I could sense that something was wrong. I don’t like not knowing where he is at or what’s going on.”
Drake took a step closer to me as we stopped in front of a discreet door. His hand clapped onto my shoulder. “There is no need to apologize, if nothing else, you’ve proven to me once again that you and Ethan are mates. You knew something was off before any Alpha would.”
“Thank you, your support means a lot. I have a feeling Ethan is still on the fence about me.”
“Be patient, I know that Ethan cares for you. Wait here, I’ll go let him know you are here,” Drake said.
Before I could argue about being left in the hallway like a common pup, he’d disappeared into the room again. I ground my teeth as I waited. My fists balled up and I started to pace. Whatever Drake was doing, he was taking his sweet time. I just wanted to see Ethan, to hold him in my arms and tell him that I would never leave him side again. The hall was silent, but I could hear people whispering softly inside, though the soundproof walls made it difficult to hear anything. It was a clever idea on Drake’s part.
Just as I was about to break down the door, it opened. Drake didn’t seem surprised that I was so angry. He softly closed the door behind himself. I looked past him, trying to catch a glimpse of Ethan.
“Sorry Trevor, he’s sleeping,” Drake muttered.
“Bullshit,” I hissed. “You were talking to someone in there.”
Drake chuckled softly. “It’s strange to have another Alpha around with such good hearing. My mate, Steven, is waiting for his friend to wake up again. I promise you that Ethan is doing just fine.”
“I want to see him, I can sense something,” I growled.
Drake took my arm, pulling me further down the hallway and away
from Ethan. I didn’t want to make a scene in friendly territory, but the longer he kept me away from Ethan, the more I felt myself losing control again.
“Listen, I am only telling you this because we are both Alphas. You cannot tell Ethan you know. He needs time to process this on his own. He’s pregnant!”
I sucked in a sharp breath, “What?”
Drake laughed. “And he is having twins! Congratulations. You are going to make a wonderful father.”
“Twins?” I asked breathlessly.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Twins weren’t heard of among our kind. Children were so rare! I wanted to take Ethan into my arms and drag him back to my home, but I knew that Drake would never let me. Ethan likewise would never forgive me if I did that to him. Drake saw the look in my eyes and tensed at once.
“I don’t care if you are an Alpha or not. Ethan is a beloved member of my pack. No harm will come to him or his offspring while they live under my protection. Mind you, that includes harm from you. He is not your possession to take as you please.”
Hearing the thoughts out loud stunned me. I sounded like a real bastard. Hanging my head in shame, I cleared my throat. “I know, I just wish he would let me into his heart. There is so much love there.”
“You two will find your own path. You are welcome to wait here until he wakes up. However, I have a feeling you’d like the chance to make your home ready should he choose to go there. I promise that Steven will call you as soon as he is awake.”
“Thank you,” I told him earnestly. “I know that Ethan is in good hands, it just kills me that I can’t be with him.”
“All things come to those who wait,” he said confidently.
“I think I will go back home. You are right, there is so much to get ready. I will come back this evening to see him. Hopefully by then he is feeling up to a little company.”
“Need me to show you out or can I trust you not to go after anymore scared cubs?”
I chuckled. “I’m good, just point me toward the nearest exit.”
Drake nodded in the direction behind me and I thanked him. I noticed that he didn’t follow me out. Even as allies his trust only extended so far. If I knew him, I would bet he’d be at Ethan’s side until I was back there. As soon as word got out about his pregnancy, he would no longer be a prize just to me. The entire shifter community would want to know him. Some of them would want to take him for their own.
