Page 174 of Bred

Lily's eyes went wide, and she placed her hands on both sides of my face. "What's wrong? Are you sick? Hurt?"

"No." I kissed her lips. "I think having them check you over might be a good idea."

Her brows pulled together. "I'm not sick, though. I know I've been kind of sleepy lately, but I feel fine."

"You've also been hungry and needy," I paused, hoping I wouldn't offend her, "and a little moody."

Her mouth pulled tight, and her eyes narrowed. "I'm not moody or needy," she said, her usually sweet tone edging sharp. "I've just felt a little off lately. It's not very nice of you to—"

I kissed her to shut her up. Her lips were tight against mine, but she slowly eased as I kissed and nuzzled her. "You're not hearing me," I whispered against her lips. I moved my hand between us, touching her stomach. "You've been feeling a little off?" I gave her a pointed look, smiling as her eyes went wide.

"Do you think…Could I be…" She covered her mouth, tears gathering in her beautiful eyes. Then she laughed. "I might be pregnant?"

"I don't want to get your hopes up, but—"

Lily crashed her mouth to mine. Pure joy flowed through our bond like a river. Tears slipped out the corners of her eyes, falling into her hair and over my fingers.

"Rowan," she squeaked, pressing her cheek to mine and holding me close, "I hope it's true. I want it more than anything."

And so did I.

Despite Lily's promise a few months back about being more open and honest, she had been agitated and closed off. Since that day when she freaked out in the bakery, she rarely left the house unless I was with her.

Thankfully, Mina and Summer were very sweet, taking turns visiting her almost every day. They kept Lily relaxed and distracted while I worked long hours at the packhouse.

I just hoped a pup would help ease her back to normal.

Lily practically floated as we left the infirmary. She walked with a euphoric look on her face. Her small hands stayed firmly over her belly as if trying to cradle the life growing inside her. She looked so happy. I wanted to keep her this way forever.

"I need to tell our parents." She turned her dreamy expression to me. "My mother might die of happiness."

I pulled Lily in front of me, pressing her back to my chest, then wrapped my arms around her. Placing my hands on her flat stomach, I whispered in her ear. "I can't wait for this belly to be big and round."

"Me too." She placed her hands over mine.

"You look happy," Mina said as she strolled toward us. Her little dress bounced up as she walked, Ivor's eyes squarely on her ass. "What are you smiling about?"

Lily looked over her shoulder at me, biting her bottom lip. I whispered, "You tell whoever you want, my mate."

"I'm pregnant!" she blurted out.

Mina's mouth fell open with shock, then flung her arms around Lily, pulling her from me. The two omegas squealed and laughed, fawning over my mate's tiny tummy. Ivor shook my hand, immediately saying he hoped the Moon would curse us with twins. I laughed, silently liking the idea.

We made our way toward the town square. Lily sought out her parents, finding them near the feasting table, setting out baskets filled with rolls. My overly excited mate ran to them, pulling each into a tight hug. The moment she told her mother we were expecting, the beta burst into tears. Which, of course, made Lily cry too. Beta Samuels smiled wide at his mate and daughter as they hugged and cried, and I couldn't help but do the same.

"What's going on?" Summer asked, stepping up next to me. Lily was too wrapped up in her mother's affections to hear anything else.

"They're going to have a pup," Mina said.

Summer laughed, then slapped me on the back. "Good luck with that."

I narrowed my eyes at the small, blonde omega, then glanced around. "Where is your escort? How is no one ever with you?"

"They're over there." She gave a lazy wave in no particular direction.

"Summer," I said, feeling a little fatherly, "you need to be careful. There are lots of alphas that would snatch up an unclaimed omega like yourself."

"Like him?" Summer shot, motioning to the fountain near the temple.