Ternen looked as confused as I felt, but he grabbed the phone from Rick and read the page. The phone clattered to the table, and I could see his need to protect his mate, warring with his Omega nature. “We just won’t ever have pups.”
“It’s not that simple.” Alannah shook herself. “I’m already pregnant, Tern. And I haven’t been able to see the pack doctor because as soon as Vince finds out, the punishment starts.”
“Punishment?” I looked at Rick, and the man turned green. He grabbed the phone and pulled it back, flicking to another photo, and handed it back to me. The growl that left my throat was vicious. Nix and Megan went from lounging around to ready for Vince’s blood instantly. “Please tell me this isn’t real.”
“Alrighty guys.” The server snuck up on us. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
I took a deep breath and then turned to her with a smile. “Actually yes. It’s our friend’s birthday and we would really like to celebrate with a piece of cake for everyone. Which one do you recommend?”
“We have a fantastic coconut white cake.” I turned to look at Alannah, but she was sinking. I cut a look at Ternen.
“She is allergic to coconut, but if you have carrot cake, it’s her favourite.”
The server brightened. “Our carrot cake is amazing. I just rarely offer it because some people don’t really see it as a cake because there are vegetables in it.” She laughed, and I forced myself to laugh with her. “Perfect four slices coming up. Did you want coffee?”
“No thanks, just the cake and the bill. That would be amazing. Thank you.” I smiled as she turned away, and then I felt my face fall as I turned back to Rick. “I need you to tell me this is fake.” I waved the phone around and I gripped the edge of the table so hard it creaked.
Rick looked away from me, and Alannah sniffled beside me. Ternen tried to grab the phone again, but Alannah grabbed him. “Please don’t look.”
He looked at her before his panicked eyes turned to me. “I need to see what is on that phone.” His words were soft, but I could hear the finality in them. He needed to see for his sanity.
“Please Tern. Please don’t.” Alannah begged, but he turned to her and cupped her face.
“I need to see. I need to know.”
“Why?”
“Because if you randomly go missing, and I have no idea why, it will kill me. If something happens to you and I don’t know, how will I know to go get someone?” He swallowed. “I know I’mnever going to be the mate that will be able to charge in and save you with my own hands. But I will do my best to figure out a way to protect you.” He leaned his head against hers. “Even if I have to give up my life for yours, I will save you.”
Alannah shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “No Ternen.”
But I rubbed her side and slid the phone over to him. “He’s right Alannah. He would be the first person to notice if you disappeared. You are tied and your wolves would feel it. He needs to know so that he can come find me, or Rick.”
She shook her head again as he grabbed the phone. Her hand shot out, and she begged. “Please don’t think less of me.”
I growled softly. “Never say that again.”
She turned to me with confusion in her eyes. “What?”
“Never, ever act like something done to you lessens you.” I nodded to the phone. “What’s there is vile. So vile that it made me want to vomit.” Another tear fell, and I wiped it off and a growl slipped from Tern. “If, and Goddess forbid, it actually happened to you, but if it happened. It would not lessen you. You would be a victim and that disgusting act would have no bearing on your worth as a woman, as a mate, as a mother.”
Rick nodded. “We would help you heal, protect you, and make sure it never happens again.”
Ternen looked up from the phone, and with a soft whisper, he looked up at me. “Is this serious?”
I turned to Rick and lifted a brow. My stomach dropped when he nodded. “If a female Omega becomes pregnant without the permission of the Alpha. Then the Alpha, Beta, and any ranked member that wants to be involved will enact the punishment.” He had to cough into his hand as if he was stopping vomit from coming up. “The punishment is as listed.”
Ternen covered his head with his hands. “Vince and his cronies will force themselves on Alannah until she loses thebaby.” His words were dead, as were his eyes. Alannah let a sob escape, but it was Rick’s sad nod that broke him.
Ternen grabbed Alannah and started crying with her. Tears slowly fell from their eyes silently as they huddled together. “It’s okay. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever change the way I feel about you.” She pulled back, and he wiped her tears and she wiped his. “I love you, now and forever. No one would ever come close to loving you as completely and as pure as I love you. My love doesn’t hinge on anything other than my utter devotion to you.” He kissed her.
I opened my mouth and then bells jingling started around us. “Happy, happy birthday!” The staff sang, and for some reason that broke through the morose feeling at the table. Once they finished, they slid the cakes in front of us and then left the check on the corner of the table, once again leaving us to our bubble.
I lifted my fork and took a bite of cake, groaning at the cream cheese frosting. “It won’t happen.” I waved my fork.
They all turned to me with hopeful eyes. “Really?”
“How far along are you?” I took another bite.
