This might be the first time I’m watching them behave as bonded alphas. Alex runs his hand along Mason’s waist, giving his ass a swat as he passes behind him. Des presses a kiss to Alex’s shoulder when he sidles up beside him to plate my waffles and bacon.
They’re so affectionate toward one another. It’s obvious to anyone who watches for more than five seconds how close they are, how in love they are.
Are they like this at the office, or do they keep their distance from one another. I suppose they would have to remain professional regardless of their relationship status.
But here, in the quiet hours of the morning, watching them interact…I want to be a part of this more than I knew was possible.
I want someone to look at me the way Mason is looking at Des right now. I want someone to want me here simply because they love me. I want a pack to desire me for me, not because I’m physically able to bring life into the world.
That’sit. I need to actually say something. I need to speak my mind. Tell them how I feel. Tell them they are quickly worming their way into my heart day by day, minute by minute.
When they sit down and the conversation turns to the nursery, décor, baby clothes, and maternity clothes…
I chicken out and decide to wait until the excitement dies down.
And do my best to block my emotions from the alphas as they excitedly discuss what kind of furniture they plan to buy amid speculations of whether I’m carrying a boy or a girl.
CHAPTER 28
Alex
“Idon’t think anything else will fit in the SUV,” Hudson says with a wide grin.
I throw my arm around him as Des pushes an overflowing cart through Nesters. Just because he won’t be experiencing another heat for a while doesn’t mean he won’t want as much comfort as possible.
My eyes dart to his flat abs. Within a few months, a bump will appear as our child grows.
I want that baby to be biologically mine so badly, but it really won’t matter to me. The three of us agreed a decade ago we would never request a paternity test. This child is mine, regardless of who technically fathered it.
Tightening my hold around Hudson, I hug him against my side and lower my cheek to nuzzle it against the top of his head.
Whether they realize it or not, this omega is mine, too. We all fell for him the moment he stepped out of that beat-upsedan. The attraction and affection have only grown during the weekends we’ve been able to spend with him, gotten to know him better.
Pretty sure I’m falling in love with him.
We told him we didn’t expect him to remain in our lives or the child’s life after, but I’d do damn near anything to convince him to be part of Pack Anders.
I don’t think buying him pretty stuff and cars will be enough, though it’s definitely a start. It’s one way to show him we want him permanently.
Oh, there hasn’t been an official discussion, but I can feel the waytheyfeel about him every time they so much as look in his direction.
Can he feel that? Can he feel how deeply he’s digging himself into the very fiber of our being? Can he feel how deeply I’m falling for him, or see the hearts in Desmond’s eyes every time they lock gazes?
Or does he simply think it’s all excitement over being parents?
Don’t get me wrong – there’s a shitload of excitement. Finally. Twelve years later and we’re finally getting the family we’ve always dreamed of and it’s all because this beautiful omega decided to seek an alpha to aid him through his heat cycle.
Mason turns around, his lips parted as though prepared to say something, but kind of slows to a stop. He hides his inner softness well, but Hudson cracks his shell wide open.
Okay, yeah. That sounded gross, but that’s not how I meant it. All I’m saying is I can see the same heart eyes on him I see on Desmond nearly daily as he watches the way I snuggle Hudson closer to my side while we follow Des and the cart.
After a second of simply staring, Mason shakes his head as though getting his thoughts back in order and smiles. “Youhungry? Want to stop for lunch on our way home and give Amy a day off?”
It’s already her day off since it’s Sunday, but she’s been doting on Hudson damn near nonstop since we walked through the door and gave her the news. The fridge and pantry are beyond stocked and there are containers of leftovers from all the food she’s been cooking.
His hand drops to his stomach. “Yeah, I could eat.”
Two sets of alpha eyes drop to his belly. We’re imagining the same future.
