Page 24 of Our Time

Jeremy winces. “I’m really sorry, Ryder. Bryce has always had a really keen nose and he can smell it on you.”

I lean back in my chair, running my fingers through my hair. I stare at the ceiling, trying to get my thoughts in order which proves to be like trying to corral a flock of ducks into a perfect line. I take a steadying breath, focusing. This really shouldn’t be that big of a surprise. I just spent my heat with Ben and we most definitely fucked. Quite frequently. Without any sort of protection.

And yet, I’m still shocked.

“Holy shit,” I whisper, staring down at my stomach like I can somehow see it through my shirt despite everything being so early on. “Are you sure?”

I look up and Bryce nods his head. “Sorry,” he says, finally looking sheepish.

I shake my head. “Don’t be. This is--” I look up at my bosses, finally breaking out into a smile as this news sinks in. “It wasn’t about that, but holy shit. I’m so fucking happy right now. Oh my god, I’m fucking leggo my preggo withBen. I think I’m gonna throw up or cry or maybe both I’m not sure yet.”

Bryce kicks the trash can closer to me and for some reason that makes me start to giggle uncontrollably. Bryce and Jeremy look at each other, sharing a worried glance but I don’t care.

I wasn’t sure I would ever get this. I know Ben’s sperm count must be low, especially compared to other alphas but somehow he still made me catch. Somehow we still made a baby with our time together. Holy shit. This baby was destined to be ours, I can feel that deep down in my bones. Not to be a hopeless romantic but this baby is the manifestation of the love we have for each other and I know I will always cherish that love and this baby.

“Do you need us to call Ben?”

I shake my head, trying to calm my manic giggles. I hastily wipe at my eyes, trying to clear the watery film gathering. “No, no. I’m super good. I’m fucking great. Anyway, back to the topic at hand,” I tell them, overwhelmed with giddy energy. “I’m quitting. I don’t want to be on camera anymore now that I’m mated to Ben. I’m really sorry I can’t give more of a notice but I figured you’d both understand.”

Bryce reaches over, touching Jeremy’s hair. He turns back to me with the tiniest smile. “I do,” he says softly. “We understand, Ryder. I’m really glad you were a part of this family from the start. You really helped us get off the ground.”

“The fans will be upset,” Jeremy says with a smile, “but we can handle that.”

“Are you sure you want to be completely off the payroll though?” Bryce asks, his stern persona back in place now that he’s no longer touching his mate.

“What did you have in mind?”

“We’re looking to step up our marketing to the next level. Neither Jeremy nor I really have time for classes. How would you feel about us sending you to the local college for marketing and then you coming back and using that knowledge for us?”

“Wait,” I say, holding up my hands. “You essentially want to pay for my college and then give me control over your marketing department?”

Bryce raises his brow. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Ryder. You can’t be The Head of Marketing until after you get your certificate.”

I smile so wide my cheeks hurt. I stand up, holding out my hand for Bryce to take. “You sir, have yourself a deal.”

“Hello, my love!”

Ben walks into the kitchen, raising a brow at me. “Is this what it’s like having a house omega? I don’t know, Ryder, an alpha could get used to this,” he says with a grin, wrapping his arm around my waist and tugging me close for a kiss.

“Don’t you dare get used to this,” I say with a chuckle, pulling away so I can finish pulling our dinner off the pan and onto plates. I’ve made burgers with a side of garlic, cheesy fries. My mouth waters at the garlicky scent filling the kitchen.

“Ah,” he murmurs, walking to the sink and washing his hands. “So tonight there’s some sort of special occasion?”

I swallow thickly, nerves playing at my belly. “You could say that, yeah.” I pick up our plates, setting them down at the table.

Ben quickly wipes his hands dry before coming to sit with me. I reach over, taking his hand in my own. He looks at me with a worried wrinkled brow and I do my best to smile.

“I have some news,” I say, bringing his hand to my mouth and kissing his knuckles.

“Okay,” he says slowly. “And can I know this news?”

“Yeah, of course.” I finally let out a chuckle, shaking my head at my own antics. “I quit the studio today. Well, Ikindaquit the studio today.”

“Kinda?”

I lean back in my chair, letting out a deep sigh. “I quit being a performer. That much is for sure said and done. But I might not be quitting all together.”

“You’re a terrible cameraman, Ryder,” Ben says, his brows wrinkled in actual despair. The idea of me being behind a camera is going to make Ben lose his appetite if I don’t stop this right now. I can’t help but let out a giggle at his upset face. “They didn’t seriously hire you as someone behind the scenes, did they?”

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