Page 33 of The Alpha: Part Three
“Yes.” Seth leans back against his seat. “What have you learned?"
Lopez clucks his tongue and gets rolling. “There will be at least two large shipments of omegas coming through in the next several months. It sounded like they would both be coming from the Northern territory, one around six months and another roughly nine months from now. All three of the betas I spoke with seemed very anxious about these shipments and each one hinted at finishing the job they were currently tasked with before a possible departure from the organization.”
“Wait,” I interrupt, turning onto a side street. “They think you're taking Flores's place and they're just telling you that they're leaving? You don't think that's weird? Shouldn't they be afraid of getting in trouble, or whatever?”
“They should, indeed,” Lopez agrees. “But whatever is happening in the Northern territory has shaken them up enough that it was worth the risk. It is strange. Very strange. I'm looking into it further and will keep you informed. I would like to open the discussion of intercepting the shipments at your earliest convenience, Seth. I have also heard about your dual council seat. Congratulations. I am certain you will accomplish many good things.”
In my peripheral, I see Seth flip up his eye patch and press the heels of his hands into his eyes. “Thank you. Yes. Please let me know what you find out. I'll give it to Minos in the most productive way possible. I would also like to intercept those shipments if at all possible. I have people I can trust to help when we get to that point. I'm glad your pack is doing well. I won't pretend I haven't been worried about you.”
He pauses when I stop in front of the elote stand and gestures at it. “Are you serious? We can't go home with this. Can she even eat it?” Then he slams his palm over his mouth, staring at me with wide eyes.
“Is Miss Romero unwell?” Lopez asks, full of concern. Of course he didn't miss it. And I'm sure he's going to have no trouble figuring out why Seth's concerned.
“She's fine.” I know I sound short, so hopefully he'll drop it.
He doesn't.
“I wasn't aware of any food allergies. Are you sure...ah. I see. It appears congratulations are needed on more than one front. No one will hear it from me, I swear it.”
“Thank you,” Seth breathes. “She really is doing very well. She's perfect.”
“Of course she is. I can't imagine her being anything else. I am genuinely happy for you. I'll be in touch.” Lopez ends the call, leaving Seth shaking his head and rubbing the tops of his thighs.
“He won't say anything. He likes her too much.” Not that I very much like the fact that he likes her too much. “He won't do anything to put her at risk.”
Seth nods. “Yeah, alright. But really, can she eat this? I know she's not been sick much lately, but I don't want to be the reason she does get sick.”
“Desie would never throw up elote,” I laugh. “And we'll get her a mango too. With extra lime and spices.”
Chapter fourteen
Desie
I need new pants. I need new everything, but especially pants. I've been so busy with everything and trying to find time to spend with my boys that I haven't gone shopping for new clothes, but the time has come. It's officially unavoidable. I have three dresses that still fit and today I'll be wearing the pink one. It's made of soft tee-shirt material and the way it stretches across my stomach is cute instead of awkward.
Seth and Michael are in the kitchen and Ben is sprawled across the couch when I come down the hall. I know how they all feel about shopping. Ben is the only one who actually enjoys going with me but the other two don't hate it.
“Who wants to go shopping with me?” I ask, pulling my jacket out of the hall closet.
Ben immediately gets to his feet. “What are we shopping for?”
I gesture at my ever-growing stomach. “I'm out of pants. And I need scrubs for work. I need new lounge clothes too. I can't put it off anymore.”
Ben rubs his hands together. “Do I get to pick some stuff out?”
I smile at him. I'm so glad he still wants to pick things for me. He's always done that. I usually end up getting some of the things he suggests, but half the things he picks for me can't, or shouldn't, be worn in public. I can only imagine how I'd look right now trying on some of the things he'd pick out. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
“Yes, maybe,” I say, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “I can't wear the stuff you usually pick out. If you haven't noticed, Benjamin, I'm huge. And I'm going to get bigger. I can't wear all those skimpy things, not even around here.”
He grins at me. “I think now's the perfect time to put you in some skimpy stuff. But I'm willing to compromise.”
“Where are we going?” Seth asks, sliding his feet into his shoes.
“The mall,” Ben answers with a smirk. “The big one.”
I'm glad it's the middle of the week instead of the weekend. This place would be too overrun for Seth's comfort if it was the weekend. It's also midday, which means there are even fewer people milling around. I feel a little like I'm walking with a security detail as we walk past the stores and kiosks. Michael on one side, Ben on the other, and Seth right behind me. The twins usually walk beside me like this when we're out somewhere, but with Seth watching from behind adding another level of security I feel very much like a celebrity or something. I catch a glimpse of us in one of the windows and smile. I love how we look together. I might feel like I'm surrounded by a team of bodyguards, but we look like any other happy pack enjoying an afternoon together.
