“Really?”
“Yes. But right now, he’s fresh out of surgery and doesn’t need the strain. Especially since he’s in the middle of a busy hospital.”
Benji nodded. “Yeah, that’s true. Maybe we can talk about it when he moves back into the apartment or something.” He glanced down at his belly. “When the baby comes, I want him to be in my life. He’s the only blood family I have left. I don’t want to lose him.”
“You won’t,” I promised. “We’ll find a solution. Now that Caleb is recovering, you need to focus on your own health - and the baby’s health.”
“Right,” Benji murmured. He sighed and leaned his head on my shoulder, and we sat in silence, enjoying the warmth of the water and relaxing atmosphere of the bath chamber.
But I couldn’t keep my mind off of Caleb and Benji. I was glad to learn of Caleb’s successful surgery, but I knew Benji wouldn’t be completely happy unless he had some kind of physical contact with his brother. I understood the sentiment - even though they weren’t my biological siblings, I would be devastated if I was separated from Adriel and Theo.
Benji made a sacrifice for me. He chose to stay here for nine months and bear my child. He could visit Caleb at their apartment, sure, but would either of them be truly happy that way? Especially after our child was born?
Caleb’s suspicions weren’t lost on me, either. I knew how difficult it must be for him to not know exactly what was going on with Benji. Despite the fact that none of us would harm his brother, Caleb was right to be wary. I couldn’t fault him for that. But keeping our secret was paramount to our safety - at least for now. The last thing we needed was Caleb running off and telling law enforcement that a bunch of vampires were keeping his brother captive. It sounded ridiculous, but we couldn’t be too careful.
The gears turned in my mind. All I wanted was to make Benji happy. Maybe there was a way to fix this that involved sating Caleb’s curiosity while keeping our secret safe at the same time.
As Benji sighed against my skin, I pushed thoughts of Caleb to the side. I could focus on him later. Right now, my omega needed me - and I swore to myself I would do everything I could for him.
13
Benji
Everything had changed for the better, and the next six weeks passed almost like a dream. Caleb was recovering from surgery. I had all my needs and wants fulfilled. Strangest of all, Margaret didn’t hate me any more - in fact, she outrightdotedon me. Even Pierce and his brothers seemed confused by the 180 in her personality, but none of us were complaining. I figured the excitement of being a grandmother brought her a source of joy - especially since her health continued to decline.
And speaking of sickness…
I groaned and threw my head back against the wall. I sat in a miserable pile on the floor in front of the bathroom, since my stomach had decided to disagree with me on-and-off for the past few days straight.
“Benji,” Pierce said gently, “at least let me give you a pillow. You’re going to hurt your neck that way.”
“Fine,” I muttered.
I shut my eyes, trying to block out the world as I waited for the sick feeling to pass. Pierce returned a moment later and carefully arranged a pillow behind my neck and gave me an extra in my lap to squeeze.
“Is it worse this morning?” Pierce asked.
When he saidmorning, I knew he meantevening, since my sleep schedule had adjusted to the vampires’ one. Butevening sicknessdidn’t have the same ring to it.
“It’s the same,” I mumbled with a sigh. “This sucks. When is this supposed to stop happening again?”
“It can vary, but hopefully it should subside in a month or so,” Pierce replied.
I groaned loudly. “Amonth?” I slumped deeper against the wall. “You should have paid me extra for this.”
Pierce smiled sympathetically. He sat next to me and let me rest against him instead of the wall. “You know all you need to do is ask, and I’ll grant any request you have.”
“I know. Geez, I’m just being whiny and complaining, you don’t actually have to go and try to fulfil my requests…”
“I can’t help it.” Pierce brushed his hand through my hair, which had grown damp from sweating. “When I see you feeling unwell, I want to help in any way that I can.”
I almost started crying. That was another thing I was quickly growing to dislike during this whole pregnancy - my emotions and hormones were going haywire. Hell, the other night I’d burst into tears at a diaper ad because it had a cute baby in it, for god’s sake. It was embarrassing.
At least Pierce seemed to think it was cute. I didn’t know what I would do without him. I wouldn’t be able to do this on my own, that was for sure.
A knock at the door drew our attention. Adriel stood at the threshold with a slightly furrowed brow.
“Are you not feeling well, Benji?” he asked.
