Page 40 of Origins

“What would you say if we leaned into this a little on Saturday?” I suggested slowly, trying to gauge her reaction.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she motioned for me to keep talking.

“So, this”—I stopped, trying to think of a polite way to say it— “little bump sticks out a little more after you’ve eaten.” Or a lot more, by how she was making it sound. “So, for Saturday, before we go, we’ll make sure you have a good breakfast, dress you in something form-fitting, and give every news outlet a show.”

Callie’s eyes widened. “Sulien, that is so fucking embarrassing.”

“It’d only be embarrassing if you weren’t pregnant.” I shot her a smirk and shrugged. “Remember, Angel, I want the whole world to know that I’ve made you mine.”

Sure, I was convinced I’d have to wait a bit longer, but I’d be dumb not to play into the fantasy.

“It’s not a bump yet.” Her frazzled tone let another minor admission of guilt slip. God, if she was this easily embarrassed, these next few months were going to be fun.

“They don’t know that.” I teased, slipping my fingers below her waistband. “We don’t even need to say it specifically. But if we show up like that, and I spend the better part of the morning doting on you, we’re going to get a lot of attention.”

I leaned a little closer, letting my lips graze her ear as I continued.

“You’re the daughter of the most prolific hero of our time, and well, everyone knows who my dad is. Every single news outlet is going to want to talk to us. It’s like we’re a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.” I dropped my voice to a gruff whisper. “Plus, I want the whole world to know exactly what I’ve done to you. And the idea of the embarrassment making you squirm… that just makes it even better.”

Chapter 13

Sulien

Walking onto the Vanguard University campus with Callie Voltaris tucked under my arm felt so good it was almost criminal. I had taken yesterday off to care for her; she needed to be in top shape for today. I had to show the world she was mine, and I’d never escape the villain allegations if she looked sick.

She still wasn’t feeling great, and realistically, she wouldn’t for the next few months. But with her clinging to my side, I could reduce her fever as it started to build. I knew that wasn’t the point, but damn, we looked good together.

As we got closer to the area where the showcase would take place, I caught a glimpse of us in the reflection of a tall window. It was only right to stop and admire how far we’d come in such a short amount of time.

“Look at how beautiful you are,” I said with a grin, holding onto Callie.

I felt more giddy than possessive.

Having her walk around like this sent my mind to less-than-heroic places, but I also needed to make sure she loved her body as much as I did. I knew that right now, it wasn’t exactly the baby making her look like this, but it would be soon.

“I don’t feel beautiful,” she sighed, sweeping her hair into place. “I feel like everyone’s going to stare.”

I frowned slightly, not because I disagreed but because I hated how uncomfortable she felt right now. Myhand dropped to the curve of her stomach, and I rubbed it through the stiff charcoal fabric of her dress. The material hugged her so tightly that I was shocked that we were able to zip it up after breakfast.

Her belly was round and tight, not big enough to scream "pregnant" on its own, but the way my touch lingered made it clear. Anyone paying attention—especially the reporters—would be able to tell by the way I cradled her.

“I told you I was going to turn you into a walking scandal,” I half-joked.

“It feels like you’re enjoying this too much,” she warned.

“Is it so bad if I am?” I lowered my voice to a hushed whisper meant only for her ears. “I want the world to know you’re mine, and right now, what we’ve been doing is pretty undeniable.”

I moved behind her, resting my chin on her shoulder as I used both hands to cradle her stomach. Callie tensed for a moment before her body instinctively melted against mine.

“Don’t worry about a single thing today, okay?” I whispered. “All I need you to do is focus on how much you love me, how excited you are for the future, and I’ll do the rest.”

Callie took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she closed her eyes. The chatter from inside the stadium shattered the beautiful silence between us. As much as I wanted to keep her right here, to worship her like the goddess she was, that wasn’t why we came.

“I trust you.” Her voice was steadier now, but the shake of anxiety still lingered.

I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that once the showcase was done, I’d need to reward my angel for being such a good girl today. I pressed a kiss to the side of her neck before guiding us toward the stadium.

The moment we stepped onto the soft orange dirt, the world seemed to explode around us. Flashes from countless cameras lit up the air like a million fireworks, and the crowd's noise grew louder. I felt Callie’s grip tighten on my arm, and I wondered if this was even worse for her, given that she could literally hear their thoughts.

---