Page 52 of Ready or Not

Maybe a little.

She snuggles back into my side when he disappears. I’m fairly sure I can succeed at pack life, as long as she occasionally looks at me the way I catch her lusting after my best damn friends.

“Come on, dollface. I’ll help you get into your dress.”

Apparently, dressing someone can be as intimate as undressing them, especially if you have feelings for said person. Everything feels more monumental because she’s carrying my baby.

I do my best to talk her into wearing flats, but she picks a wedge that gives her an extra inch or two in height. I wouldn’t call them high heels, but her feet are swollen. She should be opting for comfort over style.

Still, I keep my mouth shut because it’s clear how important tonight is to her. It takes me five minutes to get into my suit, and that’s because putting on my holster takes two of those five. Both Mercy and I are armed to the teeth, but with Landis and his crew unaccounted for, it’s necessary.

Who the fuck knows where Ranger is?

I haven’t spoken to him since his stunt with Steele and Merrick.

That’s okay, though.

Mercy and I are more than capable of keeping her safe.

The drive into town doesn’t take long. It’s cooling off but nowhere close to as chilly as it’ll be once we get our first snowfall. Mercy keeps Vale company in the back seat of my truck as I drive.

Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind being the one back there, whispering sweet and comforting words to her. I need to get my shit together. I’m a little afraid my jealousy is going to push me over the edge if I’m not careful.

The fact Mercy mutters a quick warning of, “By the way, I’ve just now realized I forgot to warn them of your current condition,” probably speaks to how this entire meal is going to go.

“You didn’t tell them that I’m super pregnant?” Vale stops dead in her tracks. Once Mercy stops, she steps around in front of him, giving him a damn impressive glare.

Mercy offers a chagrined smile. “We talked about this. My plan has been to explain that it’s none of their business and move on.”

“So, this is going to be a shitshow.” I chuckle as Vale’s head swivels to face me. My palms fly up as she gives me a skin-melting look.

“This is a nightmare,” she grumbles, rubbing at the baby belly. “I really wish I could have a glass of wine.”

“Where I grew up, it’s not unusual for mothers to have an occasional half-glass of wine with dinner, but I fully understand the cultural differences.” Mercy pulls her to him with his hands on her hips. “Are you hungry, love? I promise the food will be the highlight of our evening.” He chuckles. “That, or when I strip that dress off you once we get home.”

Vale giggles, stretching up on her tiptoes to kiss him. They pull back, and she says, “You’re very lucky you’re cute, Mr. Mercer. And also that I love you.”

Mercy growls, capturing her mouth again as the hostess waits with an annoyed look on her face.

“Ahh, so you did hear my sleep-deprived confession the other night. I did wonder.” He grins, nuzzling their noses. “I love you too.”

Yeah, that about guarantees it.

My night is going to be shit. The sad part is, I don’t think either of them are purposely trying to hurt me. It would actually be easier to handle if they were.

Motherfucker.

Chapter Seventeen

Vale

It is painfully clear my in-laws were not expecting a very pregnant omega to show up on their son’s arm.

Mercy has three dads, and they’re all very polite, with easy smiles.

His mother is the one who makes my heart race, and not in the good way. Her smiles are cutting, and her questions are direct. Mercy clarifies that the baby biologically belongs to Cooper and that we met when he was on assignment in DC.

I think we all say a prayer that the service moves quickly. We’re in a curved booth, with Cooper on one side of me and Mercy on the other. His family sits in chairs facing us.

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