Page 34 of Arranged Bullied Mate

Falling onto our side, he pulls me close, laughing. “Is that what you wanted, love?”

I shake my head, grinning, and I feel him tense, “Actually, no, that’s not why I brought you back here. Not that I mind, though.”

I know I’m teasing him, and I can feel him thinking it through behind me. “What did you want, then?” he asks, confused.

I take a deep breath. “To tell you that you got your wish…” I reach around and bring his hand to my belly. “We’re on our way to a house full of pups.”

He immediately shifts behind me, rolling me onto my back and propping himself up on his elbow, searching my eyes.

“Are you—” His voice cracks, and he laughs. “You’re sure?”

I nod. “It’s early, but yes, I’m sure.” My voice trembles, and suddenly I’m overtaken by the urge to cry with joy. “I wanted to tell you after the ceremony. I didn’t want to take away from your day.”

He just stares for a moment. There’s a sort of awe in the way he looks at me, then, and I realize I’ve never seen him look so unguarded, so purely happy. He leans in and kisses me softly, his palm still pressed to my belly, his forehead touching mine. “You didn’t take away from anything,” he says, voice husky. “You made it better. You make everything better.”

His voice is rough with emotion. “I love you. You and Sophie and”—he breaks into a grin—“whoever else you give me.”

I close my eyes and let the promise settle between us.

I’m home.

*****

THE END