Page 115 of Pucking the Enemy

“Roman made me breakfast, but I didn’t feel up to eating this morning,” Hazel admitted quietly.

My mother grimaced. “That’s understandable. I had our lovely housekeeper make some things. Let’s get you a little something, so you don’t feel nauseated while meeting with Terry.”

“Terry?” Hazel frowned at my mother.

“The family lawyer,” I explained to her. “He’s already here?”

She nodded. “He’s a wonderfully smart man,” my mother assured Hazel. “He’s here to advise on the current situation. Did you bring the paperwork, Roman?”

I held up the envelope in my hand in confirmation.

“Perfect.” My mother beamed. “Let’s go in and get settled.”

She dragged Hazel into the dining room, where she had laid out a rather impressive spread of breakfast food. I grabbed a pancake and ate it out of my hand, ignoring the disapproving look from my mother as she put together a small plate for Hazel, who was walking around as if on autopilot.

Once my mother was happy with the amount of food on Hazel’s plate, she gently ushered her into the informal sitting room.

Terry had been a regular in my life since I was a child. As well as being the family lawyer, he was also a friend of my parents. Sitting on the sleek, velvet couch, sipping on a cup of tea, he looked the picture of professionalism so early in the morning, with his perfectly pressed suit and tidy graying hair.

His head popped up as we entered, and he was on his feet immediately to embrace me. “It’s damn good seeing you, Roman. I wish it were under better circumstances. I take it this is Hazel?”

My omega nodded.

He held out his hand to her, and she shook it listlessly. “It’s nice to meet you, Hazel, I’m Terry Zimmerman. Please, have a seat.”

“Do you want another drink?” my mother asked him.

“My tea is still hot since the last time you asked,” he said with a smile. “It’s probably best if we get down to business. Shall we?”

Hazel and I sat on the matching couch opposite my mother and Terry, a small coffee table between us.

“I’ve got these,” I said, handing Terry the papers. He took them with a nod, immediately flicking through, skimming the words with quick precision.

While he read, Hazel absentmindedly nibbled on some of the fruit my mother had filled her plate with.

After a few quiet, tense moments, Terry spoke. “Well, these are weak, at best.” He put the papers on the table, looking at Hazel. “May I ask a bit more about your current situation. How this child came to be?”

Hazel’s cheeks flushed. “I… uh.”

“I just need to know for legal reasons. Your parents are claiming in these documents that they should take custody of the child because you’re single and unable to support the child.”

“I spent my heat with Roman’s pack… several weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant. After that, we spent time together, I moved into the pack house, and now we’re together.”

“You’re bonded? Has any official paperwork been filed?”

“No,” I told him.

Terry nodded. “In that case, from a legal standpoint, your paternal rights are minimal, Roman. Marriage, bonding, and paperwork are the important things. One of those would solidify your and your pack’s claims as the fathers.

“We can get married today if that’ll help!” I rushed to say.

The idea of getting married to Hazel pleased me far too much. I wanted the sweet, beautiful omega attached to me in every way.

Getting to call her my wife would also be a huge bonus—at least, until I could call her my mate.

“Today?” Hazel squawked, turning to me.

“Roman, that’s not exactly the most romantic of proposals!” my mother scolded.

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