As we pull apart, her smile is blinding. “Come on,” she says, grabbing my hand. “We’ve got a grandbaby to plan for.”
I collapse onto my mother’s plush sofa, my feet aching from hours of shopping and decorating. The living room looks like a party explosion happened. Blue and pink balloons float near the ceiling, streamers in matching colors hang from the doorways, and a banner reading “Congratulations” stretches across the far wall. On the small coffee table sits a beautifully wrapped gift box containing the tiny onesie we bought, aperfect little outfit in soft yellow that reads‘Loved by the Pack’across the front. My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach, unable to believe there’s actually a little person growing inside me.
“It looks perfect,” my mom says, dropping down beside me with a tired sigh. “Those boys are going to lose their minds.”
I grin, leaning my head against her shoulder. “I hope so.”
Through the wide bay window, I can see the ocean stretching to the horizon, waves crashing against the shore just yards from my mother’s front porch. The cottage is tiny but perfect. It sits on a secluded stretch of beach, just a five-minute walk from Ryker’s massive mansion. Ryker didn’t even bat an eyelid, allowing my mother to live here for free for as long as she wanted.
“It’s beautiful here,” I say, watching the sunlight dance on the water. “So peaceful.”
My phone rings, and I smile when I see it’s Ryker.
“Anya?” His voice is tight with concern. “Are you okay? Where are you? Do you need me to come get you?”
“I’m fine,” I say, unable to keep the laughter from my voice. “You don’t have to be on high alert all the time, you know. I’m allowed to leave the house without sending up smoke signals.”
He grunts, the sound equal parts frustration and relief. “After everything that’s happened? Letting you out of my sight is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I’m trying. I promise I’m trying to relax more.”
My heart melts a little at his earnestness. “I know,” I say, my voice softening. “And I appreciate it. Really.” I glance at my mother, who’s watching me with a knowing smile. “Actually, I’m calling because I’m at my mom’s place. And I was wondering if you and the guys could come over tonight?”
“Sure,” he says, though I can hear the confusion in his voice. “We’ll be there. Is everything alright?”
“Everything’s great,” I interrupt, laughing again. “Just be here, okay? All of you.”
I hang up before he can ask any more questions, tossing my phone onto the coffee table with a satisfied sigh.
“He’s so cute when he’s worried,” my mom says, nudging me with her elbow. “All gruff and protective.”
Warmth spreads through my chest at her words. It’s true my alphas treat me like I’m their princess and the center of their universe. After years of being treated as an afterthought, as something to be tolerated rather than loved, their devotion still sometimes feels like too much to believe.
“So,” my mom says, leaning forward to pour us both another glass of strawberry lemonade. “Any thoughts on names yet?”
“Not really,” I admit. “I thought maybe we’d wait until we know if it’s a boy or a girl. And even then...” I shrug. “I have five alphas’ opinions to consider.”
She laughs. “Good luck with that. I had enough trouble agreeing with your father, and he was just one man.”
We’re still laughing when a knock sounds at the door. My heart jumps, anticipation making my skin prickle with excitement.
“That was fast,” I say, already on my feet. “They must have broken every speed limit on the island.”
I hurry to the door, throwing it open to find all five of my alphas crowded on the small porch. Ryker stands front and center, his massive frame nearly blocking the others from view. Behind him, I can see Alaric’s tall form, Lorenzo’s golden skin glowing in the evening light, Rex’s spiky red hair, and Marcus’s broad shoulders.
“Come in,” I say, smiling at the sight of their curious faces.
They file into the cottage, filling the small spacewith their presence. Ryker and Alaric duck slightly to avoid the hanging streamers, both of them shooting curious glances at the decorations. Lorenzo and Marcus exchange puzzled looks, while Rex’s eyes light up with sudden understanding, a wide grin spreading across his face.
“Mrs. Rosewood,” Ryker says, turning to my mother with a respectful nod. “It’s good to see you again.”
She smiles, rising to greet them. “Please, call me Amanda. And it’s good to see you too—all of you.” She gestures to the living room. “Please, sit. Can I get anyone a drink?”
They decline with varying degrees of politeness, settling onto the sofa and chairs with the careful movements of men who are used to breaking furniture if they’re not careful. I perch on the arm of the sofa beside Ryker, unable to contain my excitement any longer.
“So,” I say, watching their faces. “You’re probably wondering why I asked you all here.”
Alaric’s eyes dart to the banner, then to the balloons. “Is there a party we weren’t informed about?” he asks, his tone carefully neutral. He’s the most introverted person I’ve ever met.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Not exactly.” I point to the gift box on the coffee table. “Open that.”
