Page 68 of The Alpha's Sold Pregnant Mate

“And…” Juniper stared at her in anticipation.

“Sweet, actually. It tasted like honey in my stomach.”

“It's just as I thought.” Juniper smiled.

“What did you think…? Why are you smiling?” Esme stuttered.

“Esme.” She walked up to her and held her hands. “You're pregnant.”

“What?” A mix of shock and surprise flickered in her gaze. “I'm…I'm pregnant?” She placed a palm on her stomach.

Juniper burst out laughing. “Yes. Yes, Esme. You're with child.”

Esme sat down on the bed; her mood had become gloomy all of a sudden.

“Wait. I don't understand. What's with the long face?” Juniper asked, perplexed. “I thought you'd be happy. Isn't this great news for Asher and the Pack?”

“It is, and I am happy,” came the reply, “It's just that…” she paused. “I'm scared, Juniper.”

Juniper sat next to her, ready to listen. “It is okay to be scared. Especially when it's your first time.”

“I'm not talking about child labor,” she said, corrected that notion.

“Uhh…Okay,” Juniper indulged her. “Then what are you scared about?”

Esme sighed heavily. “I'm afraid of becoming Asher's baby-making factory,” she confessed.

“Why would you say that? Asher adores you.”

She rose to her feet. “I know. I know that he does, Juniper, and I adore him too.”

“But…”

“But our relationship is not romantic,” Esme blurted out. “We make a good couple—a great one, actually, but we're not romantically on the same page. We never do anything new, never go out, never have fun outside of this land—and honestly, sometimes, it's suffocating.” She buried her face in her palms, a bit embarrassed. “Of course, you can't relate. Your marriage is perfect.”

Juniper snickered. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

Juniper sighed. “Well, it wasn't always like that at first. Do you want to know what fixed it?”

She was silent, unsure of whether or not the question was rhetorical.

“Communication and comprehension.”

“Is there a difference?” Esme asked.

“Communication is talking to your partner about how you feel about something. Comprehension is the ability of both of you to understand each other and see things from your individual points of view.” Juniper rose to her feet. “If this is how you feel, then talk to Asher about it.”

Esme paced around for a bit, nervously chewing her fingers.

“It's not just about Asher, Juniper,” she confessed. “It's about me.” She sighed deeply.

“Esme,” Juniper called her name in a manner that carried authority. “Sit.”

“Okay, okay.” She did.

“What are you so afraid of?” Juniper's voice was calm and comforting.

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