Page 4 of The Alpha's Bullied Pregnant Mate

Chairs flew backwards as men and women leaped to their feet, chanting along to the lyrics of the song. Fannar looked to the side as he heard a thump on the table, and saw Blake, a wild smile on his face, singing along with the rest of the room.

Callahan joined him shortly after, followed by Articus and Rowan. Like Fannar, Xander just watched the scene with a satisfied look on her face. Fannar took another drink from his glass and sighed contentedly.

After the event of the last few months, it was good to have laughter and music again. His friends switched song with the musician effortlessly, and the woman had a brilliant way of keeping everyone involved in her songs.

Fannar imagined the noise could be heard all the way in the mountains. At the rate they were going, they were bound to rip the pub into two with their urgent and persistent stomping. “Thank you!” the musician said, raising her hands over her head, the most beautiful smile on her face.

Cries of protest erupted through the crowd, and Blake added his voice to the ruckus. “Encore!” he yelled. “These people came here for a show, woman! Give them a show!”

The musician smiled at the crowd, then made a sweeping bow, eliciting even more cheers from the room. Callahan managed to tug Blake down into his seat as the musician made her way back stage, much to Blake’s annoyance.

Articus and Rowan laughed, interceding as Blake whirled angrily towards his friend. “Can’t a man enjoy an outstanding performance?” he hissed. Fannar chuckled quietly.

The room settled down a little as the beautiful singer exited the stage, leaving only the gentle hum of conversation in the room and scrapes as people retook their seats.

“Gee, I wonder what Eleanor would say if she saw you enjoying that performance so much tonight,” Callahan teased. “I mean, her brother is right here dammit.”

Xander raised a brow. “What? A man can’t have fun cos he’s married?”

Callahan knocked on the table. “There’s fun, and then there’s wayyyy too much fun.”

“Yeah? I’m pretty sure Josie would have been farting rainbows if she was here too.” Articus grinned. “Right… Forgot you were also married, now, did you?”

Callahan frowned and looked away. “Well good thing we don’t come here with our wives, isn’t it?”

Articus raised a glass. “Too bad I can’t relate fellas.”

Fannar and Xander raised their glasses as well. “Hear, hear,” they said in unison.

“Good thing that whole war with the were-bears is behind us, though,” Rowan said. “For a moment there I thought things were going to get ugly.”

“It very nearly did,” Fannar said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Klaus was… popular. While we had reasonable cause, he still had a lot of friends among the bears, and I think a few of them were going to act.

“Took us weeks of negotiating to finally get the whole thing behind us. There’s tension here and there, but I think it’s safe to say that the worst is now behind us. Thank goodness.”

Blake whistled. “I still can’t wrap my head around how you two waltzed into a mountain stronghold, kill every were-bear in sight, and escape with Josie and your lives intact.” He took a sip from his glass. “That was some cowboy shit.”

“I think I died…” Callahan said quietly. “For a few minutes. I’m certain I died. Good thing Fannar gave Josie the nod with those mana crystal flowers. I don’t know how she did it, but she pulled me back from the jaws of death. It was a scary experience.”

“And they all lived happily ever after,” Xander drawled sarcastically.

“Ignore him,” Rowan said, smiling. “So, Callahan. How are things going with your girl?”

Callahan beamed. “It’s so great, it’s unbelievable. I would say you have no idea, but I think you do. It’s the best freaking feeling in the world. I love you guys, right, but all I can think of is being home with Josie right now. I’m sorry, not sorry.”

“Don’t I know what that feels like,” Blake said, laughing. “I feel the same way every time I have to leave Eleanor and the babies. Looks like you have joined the club of those among us who are obsessed with and in love with their wives. Congratulations.”

Articus rolled his eyes. “These meetings used to be so much more fun,” he said, “before the lot of you went about and started getting married. Now, all I hear is how much you love your wives and kids. I want my friends back. I mean, I’m happy for you all and everything, but goodness. Just one meeting where we can just be boys again.”

“Not happening, sorry,” Rowan said,slapping Articus on the back. “You can’t know just how lovely our lives are now, if you don’t try it out yourself. Trust me, there’s few things better in this world.”

“And when did you become a love guru, Rowan?” Xander asked.

“Oh, it’s always been there.I guess I just had to reach deep within to find it, you see?” Rowan scratched his jaw. “Speaking of, how many of us are yet to fall in love or find a mate?”

Callahan held out a hand. “Well, obviously, there’s Articus. Xander is practically hopeless as far as love is concerned, and then we have our very own Yeti.”

“Don’t forget Asher,” Xander added.

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