Page 224 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

I watched from a corner of the room as everyone walked inside, noticing the guilty look on Violet and Bells’ faces, as they entered behind Chris. To my surprise, even Bells was staying close to Chris, while Violet was holding onto his hand for dear life, hiding a little bit behind him as they warily regarded Dad’s reaction to whatever was happening.

I couldn’t make sense of what was happening, and I was itching to hug my sisters. When no one said anything for a few minutes, I pulled away from Evie and walked to Bells,unable to wait any longer. I pushed past Chris, who tensed as I approached, and pulled her into a hug.

“I missed you,” I whispered.

“I missed you, too,” she whispered back, hugging me tighter.

The smell of coconut mixed with her apple blossom scent hit my nose, and my eyes went to her neck. There was no mark there, so where was the smell coming from? I looked down at my sister and took a step back, stunned at what my brain suddenly deduced. My eyes went to Violet next, and I put my nose in the air, letting Tenoch forward to verify my theory. Violet’s scent was there, mixed with a new scent of hazelnuts.

I took another step back, bumping into Evie as she wrapped her arm around my waist, seeming to already guess what was happening, and trying to soothe me with the mate bond.

“You’re both pregnant.” I didn’t mean it to come out as harshly as it did. I was just stunned. My eyes flitted from Bells and Violet, wondering which one of them was going to tell me I was wrong, but when neither did, I sat my ass down on a footstool as I battled the feelings of hurt and betrayal.

“Neither of you trusted me enough to tell me.” I didn’t mean to say that part out loud. I only thought it, but was at least mildly comforted to see the way they winced at the words, and the regret that crossed their face.

I looked over at Dad, who had his arms crossed as he stared his daughters down, waiting for an explanation. I took a small bit of solace in knowing Mom and Dad didn’t know either.

“It was my idea. I wanted to tell everyone in person,” Bells spoke up, and I didn’t know if that was supposed to make me feel better or worse.

She was my twin. We promised to tell each other everything when she left, and then reestablished the rule after she told me how life really was under the asshole, Brandon. Why didn’t she trust me anymore?

“Who’s the father?” Dad asked Bells. He wasn’t looking at Violet or Chris. It was clear by the way Chris was standing protectively in front of Violet who the father of her pup was. I didn’t want to think about the fact that my little sister was having sex, so I turned back to Bells.

“No one,” Bells answered, raising her chin.

“You’re trying to play the immaculate conception card, mija?” Mom asked with a small giggle.

She didn’t look as upset as Dad. Although to be honest, Dad didn’t look upset. He looked serious, like he did when he wanted answers, but he didn’t look angry.

Bells huffed out a breath that might have been covering a snort. “No. The dad is not in the picture.”

“Who is it, Bells?” Dad asked again.

“No one, Dad. I had a one-night stand after the wine cellar blew up and everyone had gone.”

I didn’t believe that for a second, but I said nothing. Bells wasn’t the type to sleep around for the sake of it, although, maybe I didn’t know my sister as well as I thought I did.

There was silence as everyone processed her words, and I vaguely noted Chris and his parents were mind-linking while the rest of us had this mini-family showdown.

“So, what’s the plan?” Dad finally asked with a sigh, when he realized Bells wasn’t going to give him any more information on the subject.

“I’m keeping them,” Bells replied, daring anyone to challenge her with her eyes.

As if anyone would oppose.

“Them?” Mom caught on right away.

Bells swallowed and nodded, a small smile appearing on her.

“It’s twins. Violet and I had ultrasounds when we found out.”

“I’m only having one,” Violet reassured everyone, making Chris’ lip twitch as if he wanted to laugh at the relief in her voice.

“When?” I asked. “When did you find out?”

“Two weeks ago or so.” Violet shifted on her feet, focusing on Chris’ hand in hers as she spoke.

“You need to make appointments with the pack doctors. Do you know when you’re due?” Mom asked.

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