For almost a week I managed to hide in plain sight by sticking to Bari like glue. Then, his protection was suddenly ripped away from me, ironically by thesameAlpha who had tossed him aside and landed him at ODI in the first place.
He’d left earlier that day for what was supposed to be a run-of-the-mill pre-divorce court hearing. I’d begged off my classes by claiming a headache and was alone in my room, mentally sifting through my ninety-day escape plan when a light knock at the door made me groan. Assuming it was one of the counselors checking on my headache, I cracked the door and then hesitated when I saw the visiting Alpha, Sylas, standing in the hall.
“Um, hi,” I stammered. “What do..can I help you?”
Sylas smiled. “Hi, yourself. I was hoping to have a private conversation with you.”
“You were?” I said, shaking my head. “Why?”
Sylas cocked his head toward the door I was peeking out. “It would be more private if I could come in?”
I hesitated. True, I could honestly tell him that the house rules prohibited me from having an Alpha in my room, but something in me was desperate to get just a little closer to the man. Sighing, I pushed the door open. “I guess.”
The single step I took back didn’t leave quite enough space for Sylas to pass, so his muscular arm brushed over my chest as he entered, sending tingles racing down my arms. I closed the door and leaned back against it, crossing my arms over my chest. “What do you want?”
Instead of becoming annoyed at my abruptness, Sylas smiled and held a square of folded paper out to me. “Bari asked me to give this to you and said you should read it before I leave.”
Unfolding it, I scanned the words.
Paul,
I’m sorry to send bad news, but the council ordered me sent home for the next few months, which will leave me unable to assist you. I took the liberty of telling what little I know of your situation to Alpha Rogers and he has agreed not only to hold your confidence, but also to assist you in the same physical manner he was me. I would advise that you spend as much time as possible in close contact while available as the baby needs the physical presence of an Alpha for optimal growth in the first trimester of the pregnancy.
Best wishes,
Bari
“Fuck.”
I barely noticed when the paper slipped from my fingers or even when my knees buckled. Sylas stepped forward, catching me as I slumped down after the paper. Lifting me in his arms, he carried me to the bed and gently laid me down. Reaching for the water bottle I kept on my nightstand, he raised me high enough to sip from it.
“Drink, Paul,” he instructed, his deep voice firm. “You’re distressed.”
I swallowed the cool water and then collapsed back against his arm. “He told you.”
“That you’re pregnant? Or that you’re trying to conceal it?”
“Both, I guess.”
Sylas shrugged. “I knew you were pregnant the moment that I walked into the solarium the first day,” he said softly. “In fact, I was confused why no one else seemed concerned about your condition. Bari did explain that you are attempting to keep the pregnancy a secret but didn’t say why.”
I stiffened, my mind racing as I searched for a reason that might make him less likely to tell the Director. The hand holding me up to drink began to rub soothing circles on my back.
“You don’t have to tell me, Tiger,” he murmured. “You must have your reasons.” Lowering himself to sit on the mattress, Sylas somehow managed to shift me from lying on the bed to being cradled in his lap with extraordinarily little effort. “Do you know you’re sick?”
I bit down on my lip and turned my face into the soft knit of his t-shirt. “Um, I did some research when I realized I was..you know,” I admitted into the fabric. “I know it’s better to have the father around, but I thought I was doing okay.”
Sylas made a humming noise in his chest. “Well, you’re still upright,” he agreed teasingly as he slipped one hand up the back of my shirt. “Is this okay? Skin on skin contact will help the fastest.”
Leaning slightly away from his strong body, I pulled my shirt off, dropped it to the floor and waited expectantly.
Sylas laughed. “You’re a shy one, hm?” He pulled his shirt off as well, revealing an expanse of tawny skin with only the faintest smattering of blond hair.
“Do you shave?” The question popped out of my mouth before it even registered in my brain, making me blush. “Sorry. None of my business.”
“I don’t mind,” Sylas said with a deep chuckle, gently pulling me back against him and tightening his arms around me when I sighed and melted into the contact. “Mm, that’s nice. To answer your question, Tiger, no. I’m naturally pretty hairless.”
“Oh.” As I snuggled against him, it occurred to me that Sylas was also not as warm as I’d expected, but since he’d been brought in to help a dragon Omega, maybe that made sense? “Are you a dragon, then?”
