My cousins and Scarlett came in next. I went over and said, “Hey guys.” Scarlett hugged me, “Don’t you look beautiful and wow…. this is like stepping inDr. Suess’imagination.” I told her, “That’s Haley for you.”

Allie came in after them. She greeted me, “Lexi, you look stunning.” I smiled, “Thank you so do you!” Haley popped over, grabbed Allie, and popped away. I raised an eyebrow. They popped back and Allie was smiling brightly.

Dylan shrieked, “Did thing one and two just run by me?!” Haley laughed, “Yes, Emmaline didn’t tell you? I taught her how to bring dolls to life.” Dylan chastised his Luna, “EMMALINE! I am shocked and appalled. You HAVE to make my favorite stuffed animal from childhood come alive for me. It’s an adorable penguin. Oh, the memories we could talk about.”

Emmaline laughed, “They don’t talk. At least I don’t think they do.” Haley said, “Technically, we could give them that ability.” Dylan squealed, “YES! Let me talk to my childhood bestie. The pup in me is doing backflips Emmaline. Please... please... please... I can do this all day... Please... please... please…” Emmaline laughed, “Fine. When we get home, I’ll bring your penguin to life.”

Dylan sighed, “But you could conjure it here. I can torment GAP with it. I’ll tell Pengy to sic him!” Emmaline warned him, “I see this ended badly for you.” But conjured it and spoke a chant. The penguin came to life. Dylan grabbed it reverently shouting, “PENGY!!! YOU ARE ALIVE!!!! HE LIVES PEOPLE!” He ran out of the house with Alpha Lucas following him.

I assume they were going to wherever the guys were. I used him as a distraction and grabbed Allie. I took her to the kitchen. I asked, “What was that with Haley?” Allie turned red, “Umm…” I jumped in, “You’re pregnant, right?” Allie turned even more red, “That’s what Haley said. She said I’m glowing.”

I smiled and hugged her, “Are you happy?” She nodded. I told her, “Heath will be thrilled.” Allie whispered, “You don’t think it’s too fast?” I snorted, “Look at who you’re talking to.” Allie laughed, “Point taken.”

I reassured her, “We’re supernatural’s. To humans, it’s fast. To us it’s normal. You and my brother have been dancing around each other for a while now.” Allie hugged me, “I won’t say anything. It’s your day.” I scoffed, “Hey, you tell whoever you want whenever you want.” Allie smiled and we walked back out to the party.

Susie came over to me smiling, “You look really pretty.” She was wearing a blue version of my dress. I smiled, “Well you look beautiful yourself.” She smiled, “Haley asked me if I wanted to dress up, and I told her I wanted to look like you.” I told her, “You look beautiful.”

Nadine came over, “You look amazing, Lexi.” I smiled, “Thank you.” Susanna arrived next. She hugged me, “I’m so happy for you.” I asked, “How are you doing?” She said, “I’m good. I’m really happy, and I’m not letting information get in the way of that. You guys and Robert are my family. His maker is my family too. Family is what you make it. Not the assholes who leave you behind.” I nodded and hugged her.

I asked, “What about the new addition?” She smiled, “I love her. She’s such a cutie. I know Robert was worried about kids. I could feel it in our bond. He wanted them, but he’s felt like he lost his humanity long ago. Little Breanna has proven to him he’s great with kids. She adores him already. He’s been asking when I’ll be ready because Breanna needs a friend.” I laughed, “Little does he know you’ve been ready to be a mom since we were sixteen.” She winked, “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” We hugged again.

Haley had us play games. She must have googled baby shower games because these were ones I’d played before. She had us guess how much different baby items cost then gave me the whole basket those of things. She also had people guess when I’d deliver. We’d just see. I honestly felt like I could deliver now. That’s how big I was.

Everyone had brought presents. We had lots of clothes and diapers. Anne, Denise, and Sally’s mom showed up. I walked over. Anne smiled, “Sorry we are late. Some of us took some convincing about being here.” Denise sighed, “I didn’t know if you’d want me here, Lexi.” I smiled, “I invited you.” She sighed, “I know things are messed up right now.” I agreed, “I know but you’ve been there for me.”

I hugged Sally’s mom. Several other Hood women trickled in behind them. I turned briefly panicked about the Scott’s being here with the Peterson’s, my mother’s maiden name, but my family had left. I wondered when.

I found Haley and asked, “When did my family leave?” Haley answered, “As soon as Anne, the fucking Troll’s mother, and company walked in.” I frowned, “I didn’t even think of that.” Haley said, “I think they should’ve stayed. We could’ve seen who didn’t pass out. Or who was shitting their pants at the sight of them.” I admitted, “That would’ve been interesting.”

Haley shrugged, “No one lets me plan such things. Which is a damn shame that fact is. My way would’ve efficient and fun.” Emmaline laughed, “They should know better. Our plan with the whole Hammond thing was amazing. They even agreed afterwards. Epic plans come from our think tank.” Haley frowned, “We didn’t have a tank, but we did make an awesome plan.”

I smiled, “How are you feeling, Emmaline? I am exhausted with two. I can’t imagine how four is going.” Emmaline said, “It’s been alright. I’ve been emotional though. Dylan throws candy near me all the time. Sometimes I wake up surrounded by candy.” I snorted, “I’ll just bet he does all that in hopes you don’t turn to water.” Slowly everyone trickled out.

Chase came back in as Haley snapped the living room back to normal. He laughed, “That was definitely something.” Haley said, “It was not something. It was thing one and two themed.” Chase snorted, “So I saw.” Haley asked, “Then why did you say something if you knew?” Chase snickered. Eric grabbed Haley nuzzling her ordering, “Pop us home.” She did.

Chase carried me upstairs and I promptly fell asleep. I woke up with Chase in bed. Good. He was learning. I kissed him and rolled so I was sitting on top of him. He growled and I slid onto him. We spent the morning like that.

Afterwards I kissed him and said, “And that’s why you stay in bed in the morning until I get up.” Chase laughed, “I’ll do my best to be here when you wake up.” I smiled, completely seriously, “See that you do. This is more fun than having to use B.O.B. or mini B.O.B.” I got up and took a shower.

Chase came in and said, “I have to go get some work done.” I nodded. I took my time. My back was really sore today. I needed to make another appointment with the pack OB. I wanted to see my babies again. I got out and dressed in Chase’s hoodie and leggings.

I walked downstairs, grabbed some tea from the kitchen, and walked into my office. There sitting on my desk was a beautifully wrapped present. I smiled knowing someone must have put a present in my office by mistake. I opened the package and pulled out a onesie. My heart stopped.

It was pink and said she’s mine. There was a note at the bottom. Under the note was a larger t-shirt that said you are mine. There was a note below that one too. I read the first one.

Lexi,

See how easy it is to get to you? Your little girl is mine. It’s not a debate. I’ll take her, and you’ll never see her again. Unless of course you’re a good girl and you come willingly with Noah. If you resist, I’ll never let you see her. The rules are simple and the choice is yours.

Hanson

With shaking hands I read the second note.

Lexi,

I will punish you for saying you’re not mine. You said it once long ago that you were, and you can’t take it back. You were mine first. He stole you. Your son WILL die. I’ll make sure you watch the life drain from his eyes for your words to me. I’ll make you regret having them until the day you die. I plan for that to be a very long time from now.

Noah