Page 26 of Desperate Decisions

Amara wrinkled her nose. “Not really worse than most of the things I’ve heard about parenthood.”

“Why are you so okay with having kids with me? You don’t even know me.”

“I mean, I figure I’ll get to know you over time. And we’re bonded so I’m stuck with you regardless unless you die, and I don’t really wanna think about that happening.”

I traced my knuckles over her stomach. She wouldn’t show or have any outward indication of her condition for weeks and it felt strange to know so early. In the old days people found out omegas were pregnant when their scent altered, becoming sweeter, creamier, and taking on even more hints of the scent from the other biological parent. Now they had tests to find out almost immediately with how quickly omega hormones shifted once their heats were over.

I had to keep her safe. The compound was no place to raise a child, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized it wasn’t a good place for me either.

Fucking Bianca. If she could have just accepted the bonding was out of my control and not punished me for it, I could’ve slipped right back into the way things used to be. I had put up with so much bullshit from her over the years, so much pain, spilled so much blood I’d lost count of the lives I had taken…

And now, with my omega at my side and my child in her belly, the burns on my skin had me contemplating what freedom might taste like for the first time in decades. What the fuck would a life without Bianca even look like? Certainly less bloody. I wasn’t built for peace. I was a weapon, honed and polished, used over and over again. What purpose did the blade have in times of peace?

“Are you planning on telling me what’s going on in your head?” Amara asked, tapping a spot on my chest that was free of bandages.

“Nothing important.” A lie, but saying it out loud might make it too real.

I pulled out my phone and messaged Marco and Enzo.

E:

When does she expect me back?

Z:

Couple hours ago

We’re already on our way to haul your ass back

E:

Fuck’s sake

M:

What happened?

E:

Burned the shit out of me

Z sorry in advance if I cost you a mate

Z:

Don’t worry about me

Her plan for me is already in the works

M:

We don’t get to know?

Z:

You’ll meet her soon enough

CHAPTER 10

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