The woman continues, still assuming she’s speaking to Pace. “Keep in mind, this was the early detection panel. While omegas can have elevated hormones within hours of being impregnated, we still strongly recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment at an Omega clinic for confirmation bloodwork and to begin prenatal care as soon as possible.”
“Yes,” I breathe, fighting the urge to cry fat tears of joy. “Yes, of course.”
“We can forward the referral to your preferred clinic.”
“That would be great.” I thank her again, then she hangs up. But I just stare at the blank phone screen.
I’m pregnant.
A laugh bubbles up out of nowhere, half-hysterical, half-overjoyed. Tears blur my vision before I can stop them.
I’m still sitting there in shock when I hear footsteps behind me.
“Who was that?”
I jump, my stomach practically jumping up into my throat.
Pace is standing in the hallway in nothing but a pair ofblack briefs. His dark hair is messy from sleep, sticking up in different directions. His eyes are still heavy, voice rough and low with exhaustion.
He looks so cozy.
But instead of being excited, I start to panic, terrified I’ll be in trouble for answering his phone and for finding those weird computer parts. “I-I’m sorry,” I clutch the phone to my chest, “I heard your cell ringing, and I didn’t mean to snoop, I just?—”
“Hey.” Pace crosses the room in three strides and cups my face. Then he places a soft kiss on my lips. When he pulls back, his thumb brushes under my eye. “It’s okay, Jude,” he says. “You can answer my phone. I trust you.”
I nod, not sure what to say to that.
“Who called?” he asks again as he channels his long fingers through my hair.
“It was the agency.” I take a shaky breath, a smile spreading across my face despite my nerves. “I’m pregnant.”
The change in his face is instantaneous. His eyes go wide, then a brilliant, blinding smile takes over his entire face. He lets out a laugh of pure joy, then he wraps his arms around my waist. The big alpha lifts me clean off the floor.
“Are you serious?” he asks, grinning like I’ve never seen before.
I nod, tears spilling freely now. “They said the early test came back positive.” I cup his face, laughing as pure joy floods our bond. “I have to go to the clinic for another blood test.”
Pace slowly sets me on my feet, then he presses his forehead to mine. “We’re having a baby,” he whispers like he just can’t believe it. His hands settle on my hips, then slide to my stomach, holding the small curve beneath my belly button.
“You did that,” I whisper.
“Wedid,” he corrects me, before kissing my lips one more time. “Wow.” He wraps his arms about me, holding me to his warm, firm chest. “We have so much to do.” He rests his chin on the top of my head as I press my nose right over his heart.He smells so damn good.“We need to go shopping. You’re going to need maternity clothes, and we’ll need to get you some of those long, donut-shaped pillows.” He releases me, gazing at the clock over the television. “I’ll call the clinic as soon as they open. Maybe they can get you in today.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Maybe we should wait for the clinic to confirm the pregnancy first.”
My mate cups my cheek, then he kisses the tip of my nose. “Sit,” he orders gently, nodding toward the couch. “Get comfy. I’ll make breakfast. My pregnant omega is not lifting a finger.”
I sit down on the couch, grabbing the remote off the coffee table. “Do you want to watch something while we eat?” I call toward the kitchen.
Pace is already moving around in there, pulling out bowls and turning the stove back on. He looks over his shoulder at me, a wide smile plastered on his face. “I’m happy to watch whatever you want, baby.”
I turn on the TV, hoping for something light. A sitcom. Something stupid and funny.
But the news comes on first. I frown as the anchor shifts to a more serious story.
I hate the news. It's always so depressing. But right before I can change the channel, I stop, recognizing the building on the screen. It’s Thorne Enterprises, my father’s company. There are a bunch of police cars blocking off the main road, and police tape is keeping anyone from entering the parking garage.
My hand trembles as I quickly turn up the volume.
