“Oh yeah,” she said proudly. “Attempting to murder your Alpha will do that.”
“But he didn’t do the same for Eli,” he explained. “Nor did Eli leave the clan on his own and declare his intentions to become a Lone Wolf.”
“But the Alpha is reasonable,” Olivia said, hopeful.
“You can make your case.” Her father sighed. “And I’ll support you, of course.”
“So will I,” Uncle Quinn added. Uncle Connor also nodded in agreement
“It will be fine.” She locked gazes with Eli and sent him a reassuring smile. His face, however, remained impassive.
“And you’ll have our support too,” Jacob said. “And the rest of the family’s.”
“We shouldn’t wait any longer, he has to know,” her father said. “We’ll call the Alpha now.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Olivia said.
“Don’t thank me yet.” He nevertheless gave her shoulder a squeeze, then kissed her on the forehead. “But I promise, I’ll do my best.” Glancing at Eli, he gave one last snort, then headed out, his brothers trailing behind him.
Sloane elbowed Jacob. “We should probably go too.”
“Huh? Why?—”
“Duh, I think Olivia and Eli need some privacy.” Hooking her arm around Jacob, she dragged him away. “Congratulations on the happy news, guys.” With one last wave, they disappeared out the door.
A beat of silence passed before Olivia turned to Eli. The words to even start this conversation escaped her, but she had to at least try, so she said the first thing on her mind.
“So, about what I said … about getting married?—”
“You hardly know me,” he interrupted. “Of course you don’t want to marry me.”
He had seemed genuinely hurt that she hadn’t said yes, so she had wanted to address it. “What I said was we don’thaveto get married, not that I didn’t want to marry you,” she clarified. “But yes, I don’t know you and you don’t know me.”
His lips pressed together. “And I understand … if you … I mean.” He paused, as if gathering his thoughts. “You only found out today. So, whatever you decide to do, I’ll support you. It’s your body.”
Her wolf did not like that implication, and if the rumble coming from his chest were any indication, neither did his.
“I’m keeping it.” The rumbling stopped and his shoulders visibly relaxed. “Besides, it’s not like I can do anything about it now. It’s a True Mate baby, after all.”
He frowned. “What does that have to do with your choice?”
“I couldn’t terminate the pregnancy even if I chose to because I’m invulnerable. So, while I can’t get sick, shot, poisoned or hurt in any way, that means no surgery either.” She paused. “Wait, I thought you said you know about True Mates?”
“Only that they exist.” He hesitated. “My … parents were True Mates, at least that’s what they both told me.”
Olivia couldn’t quite wrap her head around the fact that Garret McCall had a True Mate. Everyone in the Lycan world had heard of him once Ronan Forte’s crimes had been exposed. Apparently, the beta had been Forte’s executioner, carrying out his vilest orders, including murdering Sloane’s parents. It was no wonder Jacob had gone all protective when Eli’s real identity had been revealed.
One thing Olivia couldn’t figure out was what Sloane and Eli meant to each other, because it was obvious the she-wolf didn’t see him as a threat despite what his father did to her family. Infact, she had even embraced him and was relieved that Eli was alive.
A sliver of jealously cut through her, but she recalled Sloane saying he was like a brother to her and they had grown up together, and he had joined later in the clan. “So, did your mother?—”
“What do you want to do?”
The question caught her off guard. “About the baby? I told you, I’m keeping him or her.”
“And what about …” He swallowed audibly. “About me.”
She hadn’t thought about it. There hadn’t been any time. “Do you want to be part of this baby’s life?”
