Wes swallowed thickly and tugged his jumper down further. "A-about what?"
His mate quirked a brow. "About the fact that you're pregnant. When were you going to tell me?"
Wes could see the irritation on his alpha’s face, and he immediately felt bad for hiding it. He played with his sleeves and kept his gaze away from Marcellus.
"How did you know?" he whispered.
"Gee, I don't know. It was probably all the burgers you've been cramming down your throat. Or the way you throw up every morning when you think I'm asleep. Or maybe it was the way your belly has been growing at record speed." He uncrossed his arms and laid a hand on Wes' belly. "And you're getting bigger every day. Even though you try to hide it behind the jumpers. Not to mention the fact that your scent has changed."
Wes sighed. "Shit, you know everything."
"I'm good at that." He smiled softly. "Seriously, though. Why didn't you tell me, Wes?"
He shrugged. "I knew that when you found out that would be the end of"—he waved a hand around—"all of this."
Marcellus' arms dropped, and he sighed. "I don't like you lying to me. Let's make that very, very clear."
Wes' swallowed thickly. "Y-yes, I understand. I'm so sorry." He frowned and rubbed his hand up and down his arm. "It won't happen again. I was just... overwhelmed." His shoulders sagged. "So I guess this means we're going back home, and that's it. My dream is over."
The alpha picked up his chin. "Are you kidding me?" He frowned. "If you wanted to stay here all you had to do was tell me. I have the funds. We could get a chateau, have some privacy, and you could have the baby there."
"Y-you're serious."
"Of course I am! Goddess, Wes, you underestimate me. When do I ever do anything that doesn't make you happy?"
Wes' eyes teared up. "I'm sorry," he choked back a sob. "Sorry, these damn hormones." He shook his head as Marcellus held onto his arms. "You would really stay here for me?"
“I know how much you love your job and this place. I would never pull you away from what you love."
That was the final straw for Wes. He felt so guilty. How could he have been so selfish and so idiotic to think that his mate would want him to be miserable? That's what he had been willing to do to Marcellus, though. He'd been so focused on himself and his career that he hadn't given his mate any consideration.
"Let's go home."
Marcellus raised a brow. "What do you mean? I thought you wanted to stay here."
Wes nodded. "I did. I really did, but you know what?" He touched Marcellus' cheek. "I would rather go home and be with you and my family. Just knowing that you were willing to go out of your way to make me happy? I think that's all I needed."
How could Wes have ever doubted him? There would be time for him to do art always. Maybe he could even set something up back home. He was done keeping Marcellus from his family. He wanted a home, a life, and he wanted to be surrounded by the family he loved and who loved them.
"Are you sure?"
Wes took his hand. "Very sure. Thank you." He hugged him tightly. "When can we leave?"
"You're eager now, aren't you?"
Wes laughed. "Truthfully? I could use a little break from work. My feet are tired, my back is killing me, and I could use the time to myself."
"I kinda feel like laughing, but I know you'll hit me." Marcellus chuckled. "I'll make the arrangements, baby."
Fourteen
Marcellus
"Ican't believe you're back!" Malachi pulled Marcellus into his grip and patted him on the back hard. “It feels like it’s been forever.”
“I know.” Marcellus squeezed Wes’ hand. “We’re just happy to be here now.”
They’d gone through all of the introductions and were settled down on the porch talking and laughing. As Marcellus looked around, he couldn’t help but smile. Wes had come clean with his brothers, and they all seemed so much happier now. Marcellus stayed close to his mate’s side, a smile never leaving his lips as Wes talked and laughed with his brothers.
