Page 188

He chuckled to himself as he picked the offending garments off the floor, kneeling at my feet to help me slip them on. “Well, if it’s a big,stupidpup, then it’s probably not mine, at least. So hopefully youcan keep me off your shit list.”

I held onto the edge of the bed and snorted. “As far as I’m concerned, this pup is a chimera made of all of you, so you’re all equally to blame.”

Just my luck, one of these alpha fuckers had managed to knock me up on my first heat as their bonded omega. We’d taken all the necessary precautions, but life, well, “found a way.”

Everyone but me had been thrilled by the news at first, while I’d been scared out of my mind. Eventually I’d come around, though, and now felt excited to become a mom, even if I’d originally wanted to wait a few more years.

But that didn’t change the fact that Iabhorredbeing pregnant. Morning sickness had been a 24/7 sickness for me, until about halfway through when my nausea had turned into constant heartburn. The guys were taking the absolute best care of me—from alleviating me of any and all housework, to daily, or sometimeshourly, massages, and finally to smiling patiently through all of my hormonal meltdowns.

Archer gave my foot a light squeeze. “It could have been worse—you could be having twins.”

I shuddered at the thought. Being a fraternal twin myself meant I was more likely to have them, too. Thank the Moon I’d dodged that bullet.

“Just roughly six more weeks to go. Come on, let me get you downstairs. Your guests should be arriving soon, and I think Elias has finished decorating. I’m sure he’ll be wanting all the appropriate praise and approval.” Then he offered me his hand and effortlessly pulled me off the bed.

I gave myself one last look in the mirror. My makeup was still intact despite the crying, and my hair was looking healthy and shiny—one of the few benefits to being pregnant.

I smoothed down the dress Elias had bought me for the occasion. It was a winter white, faux wrap sweater dress, with a V neck and back. He’d taken me to get my nails done yesterday, and the light blue shade I’d chosen matched perfectly with the “Winter Wonderland” theme we’d decided on for the baby shower.

Well, the theme Elias had decided on.

My only requirements for the festivities were in regards to the food, which Nolan happily agreed to take care of, and that we don’t play any games. I just wanted to laugh and talk with my friends, not guess which type of chocolate bar had been melted to look like poop in a diaper.

I rubbed my hand over my large, protruding belly and took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s get this over with.”

Archer lifted an eyebrow, his expression somewhat hurt. “You aren’t looking forward to this?”

“No, I am,” I said, flattening my lips and shrugging. “But you know how I feel about being the center of attention. I’m just not looking forward to getting pawed at all afternoon by people lying to me about how cute I look.”

“They wouldn’t be lying,” Archer replied, cocking his head, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. “You’re stunning, Marlowe.”

Ugh, these males. I rolled my eyes in dismissal and waddled towards the door. “My ankles are swollen and my face is puffy. I know the truth.”

Archer shook his head and sighed, realizing he couldn’t win this argument, and simply followed me out of my room.

I looked out from the upstairs landing and audibly gasped as I took in the sight of the living room, now transformed into a fête for the Moon Goddess herself. Ornate balloon arches framed an egg-shaped rattan chair, surrounded by small, snow-capped Christmas trees. Snowflakes and icicles hung from the windows, and large, white floral arrangements covered every table.

Meanwhile, the kitchen island was covered in finger food, from a charcuterie board to cookies to hummus with veggies to a hot chocolate station.

I was about to gush to Elias and Nolan about how impressed I was when the loud buzz of the vacuum started up, and Cam angrily ran it around the large, real Christmas tree I’d insisted we get for the season, cleaning up the needles that had offended him this morning by daring to fall.

Archer gave me a knowing smile and offered me his elbow, helping me get down the stairs.

Elias stood triumphant in front of his work and beamed, waiting for Cam to finish his rage cleaning. “Do you like it?” he asked, once the vacuum was off.

“I love it,” I whispered, giving him a kiss before heading towards the pastries I’d been smelling. I picked one up and took a big bite before Nolan could warn me.

“Careful, they’re–”

“HOT!” I cried, opening my mouth and fanning my tongue. Nolan bit back a laugh, filling a glass of water and handing it to me.

I swallowed the piece and took a big gulp, smiling through thepain. “Worth it.”

Taking a few more careful bites, I walked around the living room to inspect the rest of the decorations when Julian came in through the front door.

“Got the cake!” he announced, kicking off his boots haphazardly as he headed towards Nolan to hand it off.

Cam’s right eye twitched at the sight of the small, dirty pools of snow now melting at the entryway. I gave him a pointed look before he could yell at Julian, and he gave up, sighing loudly as he grabbed a paper towel to clean up the mess.