Page 38 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

“That would be nice,” I admit, nodding toward Deacon. Carefully, Conrad lifts the little one off of me, cradling him as he takes him to bed. Nic comes over next, his eyes full of that quiet understanding, and together we shift Gracie, making sure she’s comfortable before I tilt the recliner back. Maybe I’ll get a few hours of sleep before work in the morning. This stable day job... it’s for the birds, but at least it keeps me close to home.

The recliner clicks into place, and Gracie snuggles into me, pressing her forehead against my throat. The scent of her hair fills my senses, grounding me for a moment. I carefully rest a hand on her swollen stomach, feeling the gentle movements beneath my palm. It’s surreal, knowing that in a matter of weeks, these little lives will be with us, part of our pack.

I can’t stop the small smile that pulls at my lips as I feel one baby shift, a light flutter against my hand. It doesn’t matter whose they are—Nic’s, Conrad’s, mine—I already love them all. Even so, there’s a part of me that prays to whatever gods might be listening, that at least one of them is mine.

The biggest prayer, though, is for their health. I want them all to be born strong, healthy, and ready to take on the world. It’s not just about bloodlines; it’s about the family we’re building, thelove that’s already filling this house to the brim. And as I lie here, with Gracie curled up against me and the weight of her stomach pressing gently into my hand, I can almost convince myself that everything will be okay.

But the anxiety doesn’t fully fade. It lingers, like a shadow, reminding me that this calm won’t last forever. There are storms ahead—there always are. For now, though, I focus on the soft, rhythmic rise and fall of Gracie’s breathing, and I let myself hope that when the storm hits, we’ll be ready.

Morning comes way too soon.I’m not ready for it, but there’s no stopping the day from dragging me into its clutches. Griffin leans over me, whispering, “Ethan, you need to get ready for work.” His voice is soft as he carefully scoops Gracie off of me like she’s the most delicate thing in the world.

“Stupid adulting,” I mutter under my breath as Griffin heads out of the room with her in his arms. I stretch, feeling the stiffness in my back and hearing the satisfying crackle of my joints as I adjust the recliner into a sitting position. Sleeping in that thing was a terrible idea. I should’ve taken Gracie back to my room last night, but now it’s too late for regrets.

Dragging myself up, I shuffle toward the small walk-in closet we built downstairs—just in case one of us crashes in the den and needs to get ready for work without trudging back upstairs. I step into the closet, pulling on my sheriff’s uniform. The badge, the belt—it’s all part of a life I never expected for myself. I roll my eyes as I straighten my shirt.Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

But I can’t deny the results. My reputation has given me one clear advantage—criminals don’t even try to run or fight back. They know better. And I’ll admit, it’s made a difference. Since I accepted the badge, crime in our town has dropped by almost forty percent. I guess there’s some value in the job after all.

As I glance down at my phone, I see the reminder for today. Nicolai’s father is being sworn in as a pack elder, and they’re choosing one more. I know they’ve been in talks with my mom, wanting her to be the first female elder. She’s already told them she’ll accept, as long as it doesn’t interfere with her taking care of her grand pups.Typical of her.

Stepping out of the closet, I make my way to the kitchen. Mom’s already there, like always, with my food packed and a large thermos of coffee waiting on the counter. “Try not to murder anyone today, okay?” she teases, batting my arm playfully.

“As long as they don’t FAFO, they’ll be fine,” I shoot back, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. The playful banter between us is familiar, comforting.

Before I can turn to leave, her hand reaches up to pat my cheek gently, her eyes soft with pride. “Your father would be proud of you, Ethan. You’re an excellent mate and a great father. You make me proud, too.”

Her words hit me square in the chest, and I damn near choke up. I wasn’t expecting that. I nod stiffly, trying to hold it together, and kiss her forehead again. “Thanks, Mom.”

I step outside, the morning light already creeping across the sky. My squad car sits in the driveway, and for a moment, I just stare at it. The cage. I hate being confined, but this one... this one I can actually do some good in.

Chapter 26

Grace

It’s been almostthree weeks since we cut the cakes, and I’m absolutelymammoth. I’ve reached the point where I’m beyond uncomfortable. I can’t sit, lie down, or walk for more than a few minutes without feeling like my body is rebelling against me.Everything hurts. The past week, I’ve been stuck on bed rest since I’m already a week past the usual time for multiples to be born.

A yawn escapes me as I shift, trying to get out of bed. Every movement feels like I’m dragging myself through quicksand. “Where are you going?” Ruby is by my side in an instant, taking my arm to help me.

“I need to pee.” She steadies me, helping me waddle to the bathroom. Once inside, I handle my business, but when I go to stand up, I notice the mucous plug in the toilet. My stomach drops, and a jolt of nervous excitement shoots through me.It’s time.

I wash my hands quickly, grabbing my phone and firing off a text to the family chat.The countdown begins.The responses come in seconds, rapid-fire from all the guys. "Ruby?" I call out.

"Yeah?" She’s at my side again, and just as she grabs my arm, the first contraction hits me like a freight train. I gasp, gripping the counter to steady myself.

"Get Barrett and Lorcan. I need to go to the nest." My voice is strained, fighting through the pain, but before Ruby can even move, Barrett comes skidding into the room, literally bouncing off the doorframe in his rush.

"I’m here... Lorcan’s already in the nest waiting for us." Barrett slips my arm over his shoulder, and with Ruby on my other side, they help me waddle down the hallway.

But halfway there, another contraction hits hard. I double over, curling forward, my breath coming out in short, panting gasps. "Gracie?" I hear Lorcan’s panicked voice echo from the nest, concern heavy in his tone.

"Almost there..." Barrett calls back as we resume our slow, agonizing walk.

Suddenly,splash. My water breaks, drenching us all. I wince, embarrassed. "I’m so sorry..."

"Don’t worry about it, love. Let’s focus on getting you into the nest and comfortable." Ruby kisses my temple, her voice soft and calming.

"Okay, Mom..." We stop again at the doorway as another contraction tears through me. I whine, clutching my stomach. "Oh, this is so much more uncomfortable than last time." My voice cracks as they pass me off to Lorcan, who’s waiting with open arms.

"Shhh... I’ve got ye, lass," he murmurs, resting his hands on my stomach. Almost immediately, the sharp edge of the pain dulls,leaving only a faint ache. "Everything will happen as it needs ta, but without pain."

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