Page 83 of Bonding the Band

Beckett sighed. “Just take turns until you piss off Meadow and she bans you from the nest.” He gave Arlo a pointed look.

“You’ll never ban me from the nest. Will you, princess?”

“I meeean, I already did last time we were on the bus and never restored your nest privileges.”

Arlo looked horrified, as if he’d conveniently forgotten that fact. “What can I do to earn it back?”

I shrugged. “Prove you can be patient while I take Phin and Beckett upstairs?”

The two alphas in question looked fuckingelated.

“But…” Arlo pouted, giving me prime puppy-dog eyes.

“Patience.” I tapped his nose. “You’ll have Hendrix to keep you company.”

That got my bond mate pouting too. “Why do I have to stay out of the nest?”

“You’ve already got your bite on me. I’m trying to be fair. Now, both of you zip those gorgeous lips while I get my cuddle on.”

Beckett and Phin practically tripped over themselves to follow me upstairs. I couldn’t lie, it was both a power trip and weirdly soothing to my anxieties that they were all so excited to spend time with me. Takethat, doula Barbie.

Chapter 33

Hendrix

September, Baltimore

“Good morning, sunshines.”

I lifted a groggy head to see Ellie at the entrance of the nest, Meadow stiffening in my arms. “Go back downstairs.”

Ellie pouted. “I have your breakfast smoothies ready, though. They’re going to melt if you don’t drink them right away. It’s important to start the day right for the baby.”

Meadow grumbled, burrowing her face against my chest.

“We’ll be down in a minute,” I told Ellie. “Don’t come into the nest.”

With her lips painted bright red, it was impossible to not notice her frown. “Five minutes, and then I’m coming back. Meadow needs to be on a strict schedule if she’s going to thrive.”

Once Ellie was gone, I traced my fingers down Meadow’s spine. “Come on, dream girl. I know you’re comfy, but I would feel much better knowing you’ve got some nutrients in you before we have to head out for the day.”

“I don’t like her being in here.” Meadow pouted, but hers was a million times cuter than Ellie’s, and I loved seeing it on her face. I kissed her perfect lips until she was purring.

“I know. We can look for someone else. Do you want me to get the applications from Gary, so you can look through them?”

“Please.”

“You’ve got it. Want me to pick out some clothes for the day for you, or was there something specific you wanted to wear?”

“Any of the dresses are fine. I’ll have to pick up a few maternity items soon. My leggings are stretchy, but they only have so much give.”

“Buy yourself a whole wardrobe, my treat.” I picked out a little summer dress for her with a stretchy bodice and flowy skirt to easily contain her changing body. Pregnant Meadow in a sundress might be a new favorite. The baby still had a lot of growing to do, but I was pretty confident Meadow was going to look cute as hell through the entire process.

She wiggled her way into a bra and panties, lifting her arms for me to pull the dress over her head. I kissed her again when her face emerged, delighted when she hooked her arms behind my neck to keep me close until she was finished with me.

“You keep kissing me like that, and I’m gonna take you right back to bed.”

“What a tragedy.” Meadow giggled and kissed me again.

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