Page 56 of Amaris Rejected

“Yeah,” he’s breathless now.

“I stopped using the Amra when we got back together, because I no longer need it for pain. A month later, when we were intimate, it was still in my system. Heck, it’s still in my system now,” she says hurriedly, then adds quietly, “I tested positive for it.”

“Amra negates birth control?” he whispers. “Does that mean…”

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out. “I'm nearly four months along, but I’m not sure why I haven’t shown any signs yet. There is some spotting, but that’s not unusual for someone taking Amra. I’ve gained weight and felt bloated, but apparently, I’m carrying your pup high and toward the back, so he was hidden.”

“He?” A smile spreads across Devon’s face as he realizes what I’m saying despite my word vomit.

“He,” I repeat softly, smiling. “I had some tests today, and that’s when I discovered our little guy. Since there were no typical symptoms, there was concern about an ectopic pregnancy, so I had an ultrasound right away. His gender was obvious, and he was quite proud of himself.”

“Like father, like son,” he laughs, swinging me around.

“Whoa!” I protest, feeling nausea rise. “Pregnant female here!”

“I’m sorry,” he says quickly.

Around us, a celebration is taking place as Devon and I absorb the fact that the goddess has blessed us with another pup.

He bends down, taking my face between his massive hands, and gently kisses the breath out of me.

“Everyone!” he shouts, then whistles. Amaris and I have an announcement.”

Everyone falls still, and you can hear a leaf drop.

“My lady,” he says, sweeping his hand out and bowing to me.

“We’re pregnant!” I scream.

Everyone breaks into shouts of joy. Zoe, who is in the middle of twirling and dancing, immediately stops and falls onto her behind.

“Am I going to be a big sister?” she asks.

Devon lifts her into his arms and tosses her into the air. “You are going to be the best big sister to your little brother.”

We eventually come together to perform the bonding ceremony. Standing beneath the light of the full moon, which will strengthen our bond, we recite our vows and promises to one another.

As usual, when we make these promises, our wolves also come to the forefront and make them too. One of the most beautiful aspects of a true shifter mate is the devotion we have for our partners. We are perfect for each other, made for one another.

Since we hadn’t bitten each other initially, we had performed this rite during intimacy months ago, as is tradition.

Devon and I stand, hand in hand, before his father, Alpha Wright, who is officiating the ceremony. As the rites progress and the night deepens, a supermoon rises in the sky, hanging so large and low that it feels like you could almost touch it.

At this moment, I feel myself slipping into a vision. Devon and I stand there with Zoe and Zeke, along with other children I know are waiting to join our family. Our extended family and loved ones surround us, and before us stands the goddess.

“Are you seeing this?” I ask Devon.

“Uh-huh,” he murmurs, nodding.

“Okay.”

“Amaris and Devon, I want you to know that you were always meant to be. You chose each other in the time before and were destined to be together, along with these pups. If you hadn't found your way back to each other, these pups would have gone to another family,” she waved her hand across the heads of our children, indicating them.”

My heart aches at the thought, knowing that we had lost Zeke.

“Jeni Quinn interfered in your mate bond when she had no reason to do so. Yet, despite your struggles, your bond is solidified this night, and you will bring forth many descendants who will do much good in this world.”

“Devon, your family is yours to protect. Keep doing so. Let no one come before your mate ever again. You carry shame for having allowed it to happen. I know you were enchanted and manipulated, but you also had free will, which you used to make terrible choices with irreparable consequences. Learn from the past; don’t let it happen again.”

---