“Yes, it is amazing. So, I came to ask you a question.” Evelyn took a seat at one of the chairs across from the desk. Seeing the weird look on her friend’s face, Melissa followed suit.
“What is it?”
Evelyn cleared her throat. “I’m going to be planning a baby shower for Nicole in a few weeks, and I wanted to know if you would help me organize it. Sarah’s already agreed to help, but I wanted to ask you, too.”
Melissa stiffened. “Nicole’s pregnant? No one’s mentioned that to me.”
“It’s to stay strictly within pack. But yes, she’s only got another month or so, left.”
“But Ev, I don’t really know anything about babies. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to help. But I’m not sure how much good I’ll do.”
Bubbly laughter filled the room. “You’ll be great. Just think of it as insight for whenever you decide to get pregnant.”
“Me?” Melissa’s brain paused. Fear slammed into her mind, nearly giving her mental whiplash. Pregnant! Shit, how long has it been since she’d had her period?
“Mel, are you okay? You’re extremely pale.”
“Oh shit. Evelyn, I need to go.”
Melissa hadn’t even realized she’d stood until she took a step forward. Thinking proved impossible. It wasn’t seconds before her cell phone rang. Evelyn just continued to stare at her startled and speechless.
“Hello.”
“What’s wrong? You’re upset.”
Melissa looked down at her desk. Damn it. She should have remembered Connor would be the first to pick up on her anxieties. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just sitting here talking to Ev about Nicole’s baby shower. I’ll be home shortly.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll see you at home. I love you.”
Melissa hung up the phone and looked back to Evelyn. “I think I need a test.”
“Oh…shit.” Evelyn stood and smiled brightly. “This is great news, Mel! Give me five minutes. I’ll run across the street and go get you one.”
Her friend was gone before Melissa could blink. She sunk to her chair and began adding up the dates. By the third time, she was sure her eyes were about to pop from her head. Almost two weeks late. How could she have missed that?
“Mel, let’s go.”
Evelyn waved at her furiously from next to the restroom door. Looking around paranoid, she noticed the office was pretty empty except for the receptionist, who was on the phone. Time seemed to slow down as she approached.
“Call me if you need anything. I bought three different ones just in case you didn’t trust the first two. Well, I didn’t anyway. Here.”
Melissa took the bag and slowly walked into the restroom, locking the door. She had to calm herself down before she got another call. Fuck! Was this happening so soon?
Pulling out the first box, she opened it and read the instructions. By the third time, she shook her head and followed everything to the letter. Placing the white plastic test on the flat surface of the sink, she fixed her pantyhose and stared down. One pink line…The color edged slowly across the plastic window. Two…
“Evelyn!” Melissa opened the door and thrust the test forward. “That’s not what I think it is, is it? Do you think maybe I did it wrong?”
“Mel,” Evelyn squealed excitedly. “Not wrong. Congrats! I’m so happy for you.”
“Congrats,” Melissa whispered. The word hit her like a tsunami. Ayden had said congratulations. “Evelyn, this might sound stupid, but do wolves or vampires detect pregnancy?”
“Both. Hell, Stephen knew before anyone. Brandon picked it up almost just as fast. They’re better than tests if you ask me.”
“So Connor and Channing probably already know.”
“Yeah, probably. But I think you need to look at it from their point of view. They’re probably scared to mention it.”
Melissa felt a smile come to her face. “You’re probably right. It’s okay, I have an idea. I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
Running and grabbing her purse, she jogged to her truck and headed toward the first store she could find. This was going to be priceless. Her men, no doubt, were terrified for her to find out. She’d show them just how much she was committed to their life together. Sure, she was scared as hell. But knowing Connor and Channing were there for her one hundred percent made her calm.
Melissa had plenty of time to think over their future. Sure, a few weeks wasn’t a lot of time. But with the unbreakable bond the three of them shared, nothing would separate them. Connor even took her to meet other bonded couples to prove that what he’d told her was the truth. She couldn’t help feeling excited as she rushed through the double doors.
The small grocery store was the best she could do on such short notice. Turning into the small baby section, she sighed. They were all going to have to take a trip to Corpus soon. The island didn’t carry that much of a selection. Melissa looked at the bottles, pacifiers, baby food, and diapers. Then an outfit caught her attention. It was tiny. A little white onesie that read, “If you think I’m cute, you should see my dad.” It was nothing a permanent marker couldn’t take care of.
Throwing a few items in the basket, she grabbed a blue gift bag. As fast as she could, she headed toward the checkout line. But it was all a blur as she paid and made her way back to her truck. Piece by piece, she set the arrangement, and when she drew in the S on the onesie, she couldn’t help but wear the biggest smile.
Connor was outside mowing the grass as she pulled up. Damn, he looked good pushing the mower without his shirt on. And just like so many times since their moment on the beach, time slowed, proving to her their love.
Grabbing the bag, Melissa threw the truck in park and jumped out. He immediately cut off the noise as he waved. “Connor, come inside for a little bit, please.” Melissa pounded up the stairs before he could catch up. Knowing her mate, she knew he would want to see what was in the bag, and she needed both of them to find out at the same time.
“What do you have?”
He raced after her, and Melissa laughed and went faster. Channing walked outside just as she reached the top of the deck. Connor was right behind her.
Placing the bag behind her back she walked backward until she reached the railing.
“What’s she hiding?” Channing looked over at Connor curiously.
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out. Baby, you want to share?”
“If you insist.” Melissa reached inside the bag and then lifted an eyebrow at them as they stepped forward, waiting. “You know, it’s taken me some time to get used to the idea of what we share. But you both know I love you, right?”
“Of course.” Connor lifted his head, trying to peer into the bag.
“Then I have some news. And I’m not sure how you’re both going to take it, but truthfully, I couldn’t be happier.”
Melissa lifted the outfit and held the words for them to see. “You know, I had to make some adjustments with the lettering, but I think it’s perfect.”
Connor and Channing both beamed smiles at her. Connor rushed forward and gathered her in his arms, spinning her around. “I couldn’t wait for you to find out! God, it was killing me having to keep quiet. So, you’re happy? You’re not mad or upset?”
“Of course not.” Melissa laughed.
Channing took her from Connor and kissed her deeply. “You’re going to be a great mother. And I’m going to be the cool dad. Connor can be the enforcer.”
“Hey, now wait a minute.” Connor stepped forward and tilted his head at them. “I may be the enforcer of the pack, but here, I’m the cool one.”
Melissa laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’m the enforcer, or haven’t you both figured that out? Our child will be loved and have a very happy life. That’s all that really matters. Now take me inside, and y’all can both show me again how much you love me. “
Channing lifted her higher in his arms and kissed her stomach. “Nice and slow. I think I’m g
oing to like this.”
Melissa pointed to her chest. “Enforcer, remember? And you both drive me crazy with going slow. I say passionate and fast.”
Channing looked toward Connor, who smiled. “Oh, we got this. Nice and slow, it is. Come on, Connor. I got your back, and her hands.”
Melissa wiggled in Channing’s arms, pretending to pout. She smiled as a kiss was placed on her forehead. As long as she had both of her men, they could make love to her nice and slow, fast and passionate, or any way they wanted. With both of them in her life, she knew things were going to be better than perfect. They were forever hers—Melissa’s mates.
THE END
http://www.alaskaangelini.com/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alaska Angelini is a Bestselling Author of dark, twisted happily-ever-afters. She currently resides in Wisconsin but moves at the drop of a dime. Check back in a few months and she's guaranteed to live somewhere new.
Obsessive, stalking, mega-alpha hero's/anti-heroes are her thing. Throw in some rope, cuffs, and a whip or two, and watch the magic begin.
If you're looking to connect with her to learn more, feel free to email her at [email protected], or find her on Facebook.
WHEN DARK IS WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING... Step into Pitch Black with Alaska's International Bestselling pen, A. A. Dark.
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Reborn in the paranormal world, Julie’s hunt for her killer is only beginning. Will she be able to put a stop to this killer’s agenda or will her past continue to come back to haunt her?
Previously published under Jennifer Salaiz by Siren Publishing.
Melissa's Mates (Blissful Bets #3) Page 13