Page 42 of Melissa's Mates (Blissful Bets)

“What is it?”

Evelyn cleared her throat. “I’m going to be planning a baby shower for Nicole in a few weeks, and I wanted to know if you would help me organize it. Sarah’s already agreed to help, but I wanted to ask you, too.”

Melissa stiffened. “Nicole’s pregnant? No one’s mentioned that to me.”

“It’s to stay strictly within pack. But yes, she’s only got another month or so, left.”

“But Ev, I don’t really know anything about babies. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to help. But I’m not sure how much good I’ll do.”

Bubbly laughter filled the room. “You’ll be great. Just think of it as insight for whenever you decide to get pregnant.”

“Me?” Melissa’s brain paused. Fear slammed into her mind, nearly giving her mental whiplash. Pregnant! Shit, how long has it been since she’d had her period?

“Mel, are you okay? You’re extremely pale.”

“Oh shit. Evelyn, I need to go.”

Melissa hadn’t even realized she’d stood until she took a step forward. Thinking proved impossible. It wasn’t seconds before her cell phone rang. Evelyn just continued to stare at her startled and speechless.

“Hello.”

“What’s wrong? You’re upset.”

Melissa looked down at her desk. Damn it. She should have remembered Connor would be the first to pick up on her anxieties. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just sitting here talking to Ev about Nicole’s baby shower. I’ll be home shortly.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll see you at home. I love you.”

Melissa hung up the phone and looked back to Evelyn. “I think I need a test.”

“Oh…shit.” Evelyn stood and smiled brightly. “This is great news, Mel! Give me five minutes. I’ll run across the street and go get you one.”

Her friend was gone before Melissa could blink. She sunk to her chair and began adding up the dates. By the third time, she was sure her eyes were about to pop from her head. Almost two weeks late. How could she have missed that?

“Mel, let’s go.”

Evelyn waved at her furiously from next to the restroom door. Looking around paranoid, she noticed the office was pretty empty except for the receptionist, who was on the phone. Time seemed to slow down as she approached.

“Call me if you need anything. I bought three different ones just in case you didn’t trust the first two. Well, I didn’t anyway. Here.”

Melissa took the bag and slowly walked into the restroom, locking the door. She had to calm herself down before she got another call. Fuck! Was this happening so soon?

Pulling out the first box, she opened it and read the instructions. By the third time, she shook her head and followed everything to the letter. Placing the white plastic test on the flat surface of the sink, she fixed her pantyhose and stared down. One pink line…The color edged slowly across the plastic window. Two…

“Evelyn!” Melissa opened the door and thrust the test forward. “That’s not what I think it is, is it? Do you think maybe I did it wrong?”

“Mel,” Evelyn squealed excitedly. “Not wrong. Congrats! I’m so happy for you.”

“Congrats,” Melissa whispered. The word hit her like a tsunami. Ayden had said congratulations. “Evelyn, this might sound stupid, but do wolves or vampires detect pregnancy?”

“Both. Hell, Stephen knew before anyone. Brandon picked it up almost just as fast. They’re better than tests if you ask me.”

“So Connor and Channing probably already know.”

“Yeah, probably. But I think you need to look at it from their point of view. They’re probably scared to mention it.”

Melissa felt a smile come to her face. “You’re probably right. It’s okay, I have an idea. I have to go. I’ll call you later.”

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