Sandra laughs again, her smile reaching her eyes as her shoulders relax. It pulls a faint grin from Caleb, even as he triesto hide it behind his mug. I swear my heart skips a beat. Based on the others’ expressions, they’re in the same boat as me.
Oli reaches over and nudges my shoulder. “You going to stare all night, or take your turn?”
It takes me a moment to notice she’s already gone. I flush and look down. “Right. Rolling.”
Just as I shake the dice, Oli’s phone rings. He checks the screen. His smile vanishes. “It’s Dr. Ramirez.” He answers, listens, then looks at Sandra and hands her the phone.
Her hand trembles as she takes it. “Hello? Yes, this is Sandra. Hi, Dr. Ramirez.” Relief crosses her face. Then it shifts. Her eyes widen, and she pales as her free hand flies to her stomach.
She nods, then murmurs, “I need time to think. I’ll reach out. Thank you.” She ends the call and passes the phone back to Oli. Tears enter the corner of her eyes. She blinks fast, but can’t keep them at bay. After a moment, she heaves a sigh. “No STIs, thank the gods for that.” She chokes the words out through sobs. “But my IUD failed. I’m pregnant.”
The words hang in the air, the fire’s crackle, the only sound filling the silence.
Oli wraps his arms around her and pulls her into a hug. Jethro stands from the floor and moves closer. Caleb looks stunned. My gut tightens as I try to think of a way to comfort her.
What can I say or do to make this news not hurt?
Nothing comes to mind, and it makes me feel terrible.
After a minute, her sobs slow. She wipes her eyes. “She said it’s up to me on how I want to handle it. She can refer me to a clinic that can...” she trails off. “But I don’t know if I can do that.”
She swallows. “She also said, with Omegas who are attacked, if they find their scent-matched Alphas before the second trimester and fully bond the baby’s genome changes, it’s an evolutionary protection thing. The DNA reflects the bondedAlphas. I’ve heard of that, but I’ve never spoken with an Omega who had the chance to try it. I thought it was a myth.”
Silence falls again, and my mind races more. We’ve always wanted kids, but Oli can’t carry to term. The grief from that has been too raw to consider adoption or surrogacy until now.
Jethro perches on the L of the sectional. “It’s your choice. Whatever you decide, we stand behind you.”
Oli nods. “Always.”
Caleb adjusts his glasses. “We’ll figure it out.”
I meet her eyes. The words finding my mouth. “We’ve got you.”
She looks at each of us. Fear and confusion flicker there, but so does hope. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispers. “I never thought I’d have children. I never thought I would find scent-matched Alphas. I planned on being alone.”
Jethro clears his throat. “You don’t have to decide now, Sandra. Breathe. We’re here.”
She leans into Oli. He runs his hand through her hair. We sit in silence, letting her take in the news. I want to know what the others are thinking, but this isn’t the time or place to talk about it.
After a bit, she sits up. “I just need a bit of time to think. She says I’m about two weeks along.”
Jethro nods at her. “Take it. No matter what you choose, you don’t have to do it alone.”
I know he means it. We all do. We’re staying with her, no matter what.
Lifelong Decisions
Sandra
The next day comes fast. Snow still falls, covering everything. I stand at the window in Jethro’s study, still wrapped in Caleb’s huge hoodie; it makes me feel safe. The guys are giving me space, probably figuring I need time to think. And I do. I haven’t slept much since Dr. Ramirez’s call. The whole thing is just...too much.
A baby. My baby. Made in the worst way possible, but still...a baby. Could I...get rid of it? The thought makes me sick, even though I know it’s an option. A lot of Omegas in my shoes would. But something in me justcan’t.
But keeping it? Having it here with them? Bonding myself to Jethro, Oli, Ross, and Caleb, forever? Terrifying. They barely know me, and my past isn’t the best baggage to have. But my inner Omega feelssafewith them. Peaceful. Like I haven’t felt in, well, maybe ever.
A soft knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. “Come in.” My voice comes out rough.
The door creaks open, and Oli steps inside. He’s holding a mug, and the scent of chamomile tea reaches me. “Thought you might like this,” he says, offering me the mug.
