Page 108

Story: Claimed By Four Alphas

Axl whoops, nearly falling off the counter. Leo freezes, spatula in hand, eyes wide with shock. Evan's tablet clatters to the table as he stands abruptly. And Onyx, lets out a sound that's half laugh, half sob.

"You're sure?" Evan asks, moving to my side.

"Completely," I say. "About seven weeks along, which means..."

"It happened during the heat."

I nod. "But it’s not just one baby, we are expecting four! I would guess one for each of you, or all of you, in a way. Omega biology is complicated, especially with multiple bonds."

"OMG! Does it matter?" Axl asks, jumping down from the counter to join us. "These are our babies. All of ours."

"Axl's right," Onyx says. "The babies are pack, regardless."

I hadn't realized how worried I was about their reaction until this moment.

Leo kneels beside my chair, placing a gentle hand on my stomach. "Four babies," he murmurs, awe in his voice. "Our babies. So happy!"

Evan's hand joins Leo's. "How are you feeling about this?" he asks.

"Scared," I admit. "Excited. Overwhelmed. Happy." I look around at their faces, seeing my joy reflected in them. "Very, very happy."

Axl drops to his knees on my other side, pressing a kiss to my temple. "You're going to be an amazing mother, Dr. Baldwin."

"We'll need to increase security," Evan says, already planning. "And convert the largest spare room into a nursery."

"I'll call my cousin," Onyx adds. "There are traditional shifter birthing rituals we should consider."

"And I'll write the best damn lullabies ever heard," Axl promises with a grin.

I laugh, tears of joy spilling down my cheeks. "I love you all so much."

They surround me entirely now, their hands on me, their scents mingling into the familiar comfort of pack and home and safety. I've never felt more protected or more cherished.

"Well, boys," I murmur, placing a hand over my belly. "Looks like we're having pups."