7
John
There.
Isaidit.
Now Vincent was free to leave. I’d let this drag on for far too long, but enough was enough. I couldn’t do this to someone for one more second - especially not the man Iloved.
I was already preparing myself for the heartbreak. I didn’t expect Vincent to stick around - not after my deepest confession. What use was an omega who couldn’t bearchildren?
I shut myself down emotionally - that way I could at least hold in my tears until Vincent left. I didn’t want to cry in front of him and look even more pathetic than Ialreadydid.
Why isn’t he saying anything? He’s probably in shock that I lead him on for so long. He’s probably angry. He has a righttobe.
Still, nothinghappened.
I cautiously openedmyeyes.
He was stillthere.
“John,” hemurmured.
Oh, great. This is even worse. He’s going to give me a sympathy spiel before heleaves.
But before my mind could come up with any more scenarios, Vincent grabbed me and pulled me into a tight embrace. My nose was flooded with his warm, familiar scent. I felt his strong hands caressing my back in gentlecircles.
Why is hedoingthis?
Why is hecomfortingme?
He could leave now, be rid of me, and never look back. That’s what heshouldbedoing.
“Why aren’t you leaving!?” Iblurtedout.
Vincent blinked down at me with a baffled expression. “What are you talking about? I’m not goinganywhere.”
“Did you hear me?” I said, my voice loud and cracking with emotion. “Ican’thavekids!”
Vincent’s voice was calm and composed, the polar opposite of mine. “Iheardyou.”
Silence fell. Tears rimmed my eyes. “I don’t understand,” Iadmitted.
“John,” Vincent said, taking my hands in his own. “I loveyou.Why would I care if you can’t bearchildren?”
My mouth stood agape. I didn’t know whattosay.
Vincent continued. “If we want a family, we can start one a different way.” He smiled knowingly. “We can alwaysadopt.”
Relief flooded over me. I couldn’t help myself. I broke out into half-crying laughter and collapsed into his chest. He held me close and pet my hair, soothing me while I rode outmyfit.
When I was finally done and felt stable again, I pulled back and wipedmyeyes.
“I love you so much, Vincent,” I mumbled. “What did I do todeserveyou?”
“You were yourself,” Vincent said with a smile. He caressed my face. “I love you, too, John. I’m so glad you’re my mate.” He leaned forward and kissed my lips. “I wouldn’t trade you for theworld.”
I almost started crying again but I held myself back. “You too.” I let out a deep sigh. “I really do want to have children,though.”
