Page 98 of Brutal Alpha Beast
I hold my stomach and close my eyes, praying to Mother Nature and the forces that be for making sure my child is still alive.
When I woke, for the first second, I didn’t know where I was, and then I saw Ellis’ distraught face. Looking into hiseyes reminded me of everything. I felt peace—and then came the panic.
I swore I couldn’t feel that second heart beating inside of me. I could have sworn my baby was gone.
I was about to come clean, Ihadto see if I had any chance at saving my child, but then I heard it.
That faint little beating heart, that vibrant energy.
I let out a huge sigh of relief, like the world was finally falling back into its place again.
I have to be more careful, and I know that includes telling Ellis about my pregnancy, but with everything today, I don’t think I can face that conversation just yet.
I change into comfortable clothes—Ellis’ t-shirt and my sweatpants, and as I walk out of the bathroom, I notice Ellis there.
I shake my head, tears forming.
“Everything is so messed up,” I say.
Usually, if I feel like crying, I’m trying to hide it. I don’t want people to think I’m weak, especially not Ellis.
But I don’t have it in me today.
I gravitate toward him like a magnet; I want to be back in his arms—my only safe space.
He holds me, and I weep as I crash into his chest.
His heartbeat is drumming against my ear, my breaths start frantic, but soon smooth as he strokes the back of my head.
“I know,” he says. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”
He leads me into his bedroom, opens up the sheets, and settles me inside. The sheets smell like him; they’re warm and fluffy.
I close my eyes as soon as the marshmallow-like pillow cushions my head.
“Don’t leave me,” I murmur.
Then I feel the side of the bed next to me dip below his weight. I reach out my hand and settle it on his torso, sliding over his shirt where I can feel the tense ridges of his abs.
I open my eyes ever so slightly—my vision is blurred, but I see him leaning against the bed frame, his large body stretched out as he looks down at me with his warm burgundy eyes.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he murmurs, stroking the top of my head. “You can rest.”
I nod, re-closing my eyes, and following the gentle movement of his hand as I eventually drift off into sleep.
***
Lacey holds my hand at the meeting.
I’m glad she’s here, because this is the biggest, most important meeting I’ve ever attended, and I feel both overwhelmed and out of place.
We’re in Ellis’s meeting room, which is packed full to the brim. Jasper is here with some representatives from his pack, as well as Sawyer and Penelope, accompanied by some members from the coven.
Ellis’ usual councilmen are scattered around, some at the table, some, having given up their seats, leaning against the walls, frowning.
The mood is tense and intimidating.
The three Alphas are seated at the long rectangular table, Ellis on one end, Sawyer on the other, and Jasper in between. Penelope sits opposite Jasper.
