Page 92 of Broken Bonds

Halfway through the movie, my cheeks are on fire, and Shelby and Jilly both have been teasing me relentlessly about it.

“Someone in particular on your mind, Ram Bam?” Jilly asks, laughter in her voice as she pokes me in the side.

“Shut up,” I mutter, elbowing her.

She turns the movie down and sits up, turning to face me with an expectant look, and I groan.

“What do you want?”

“Come on. Out with it. We already know what you’re fighting against, so just say it.”

I scowl at her and huff out an annoyed breath.

Nosy damn beta.

“It’s too soon, Jilly, and you know it.”

“It is not. You know damn well those four assholes are up there pulling the strings with some divine intervention. Stop fighting it. I want to see you happy, and Forde makes you happy. I think Link does as well, and if you give him the chance, Rion will, too. Just take a chance, Ramsey.”

I glance over at Shelby, who’s listening intently.

“What’s your opinion?” I ask her.

She thinks for a moment before answering, her eyes thoughtful.

“I think if there’s something there, and the only place your guilt stems from is fromnotfeeling guilty like you said that one day, then you should seize your moment. Not everyone is lucky enough to lose their bonds only to find a match that helps keep them going immediately after,” she says with a sad smile.

I nibble on my lip as I consider what she’s said.

Am I just delaying the inevitable? Will I give in eventually, no matter how hard I fight the pull?

I know how I feel when I’m around them. I know that there’s an attraction there. I know Forde wants me, no holds barred. But am I really ready for more? Can I finally let go and fall head in with three new people after everything I’ve been through?

I want to protect my heart, but my heart wants them, regardless of my reasonings with myself. It hurt when I knew how worried Forde was, and I could feel his pain when I told him to leave. They’ve begun to invade my dreams, chasing away my nightmares and replacing them with a new beginning.

I just want to be happy. I want my children to see me happy and loved. I want them to be happy and loved. And everything inside of me screams that we’ll have that with Forde. With Rion and Link. If I just stop fighting the pull.

“Okay,” I finally say, and Jillian squeals, throwing herself at me and hugging me tight.

Shelby smiles and gives me a nod, settling back in as we tune back into the movie.

Jilly and I lean our heads together and cuddle, and I feel good about my decision.

It’s time to stop letting my fear stop me from seeking the happiness I know my alphas want for me.

ChapterThirty

RAMSEY

“Wanna gofor a walk with me before you head out?” Link asks me as we walk out of the building the support group is held in.

I spoke at this meeting, told the group a bit more about me and my alphas. It was a great feeling to talk about them more with others, to open up a little more. The positive and supportive atmosphere created by understanding people who’ve gone through something similar to me helps. Everyone is so kind, not pushy or nosy, and always willing to lend an ear, which I appreciate.

I look down at my massive belly and then back at Link with a raised brow. At twenty-eight weeks, I. Am. Huge.

My skin feels stretched to its limits, my back is killing me from all the extra weight, and I haven’t seen my feet in months. No matter how much sleep I manage to get, which isn’t much due to the hours it takes to get comfortable, I still feel exhausted, and it seems like the babies have outgrown the confines of my womb. I don’t know how I’m supposed to grow them for another four to six weeks.

That’s the goal, at least. To make it to thirty-two or thirty-three weeks, if we’re lucky. I know multiples typically come early, but I’m hoping mine will stay put until they’re strong enough to be out in the world.

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