Rache was worried. “Why not?”
“We all agreed that a clean break would be better for Cain and for me.”
Rache blinked. “Tell me about it over tea.”
“Yeah, that would be best.” She rubbed the side of her belly. She walked to the small table that had been set aside. A young woman came with two pots of tea and two trays.
Rache chuckled. “You ordered for me?”
Eden looked embarrassed. “I don’t want to waste your time.”
“Eden, what’s wrong?”
“Well, you know how this baby isn’t mine, right?”
“Yeah. You are a surrogate.”
“Not willingly. My brother is selling my surrogate services and has a stack of files lined up. I don’t want to do this anymore. I haven’t even kissed a guy for fuck’s sake.”
“I don’t understand. How can he do that? You are an adult.”
“He had himself appointed my guardian when our parents died. He took my inheritance and started selling the use of my body for surrogacy.”
“But seriously, no reputable clinic would do that.”
Eden sighed. “I have given birth to five Stronghold Elite. This is my first plain alpha-beta baby. Lovely couple. I want them to have this baby, and then the next day, I am running. I have a passport, saved money, and a destination. I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me for an all-expenses-paid trip to Wonder Island.”
“What?”
“I am going to be recovering, and I recover fast, but I think it would be easier to hide if it looked like I was just heading to the islands to party. I have a place rented, and all you have to do is buy your own food.”
“Whoa. How long do I have to think about it?”
“I need to know fast. I have been in labour all day.”
“Ohmygod. Do you need a hospital?”
“No. I have four hours before this little guy emerges. I want to eat, I want to relax, and I need that savings fund that you were keeping for me.”
Rache nodded. “I will have it ready to go. Well, I get a warm holiday. So, tell me more about what is going on.”
“Everything has been done by IVF or, in the case of the Elite, IUI.” She grimaced. “My brother and his omega take me in. They say that I have been generous enough to carry their child. They don’t even want children. They supply the sample, and in it goes, or that is how it worked with the Elite. Now this couple is legit. They are just looking for a surrogate to bring their baby into the world, and he will be here today.”
“So, what is different about this one?”
“My brother wants to gouge the family before signing the documentation. I can’t sign because he has had me declared incompetent. I am going to be completely helpless, and I have told them to bring a lawyer.”
“Wow. That is a lot happening.”
“Yes, so eat fast. We are going to be using the break room to file the paternity and maternity for custody of the baby. That is going to be in place before I let this baby out.”
“Wait. It’s happening now?”
“They just came through the door. You are a witness. My phone is tapped, so sorry for the surprise.” She slowly stood and waved the dark-haired man, the dark-haired woman and two blondes over.
“Grab the sandwiches and follow me.”
Rache blinked and got up with the two trays. She followed her pregnant friend, and the four newcomers followed behind her. The staff room was locked, and Eden pulled the power on the cameras.
