Page 22 of Her Bully Alpha (Honeycomb Valley Alphas #1)

"Sammy, you don't need to open—" I hung up and took a deep breath in as I stared at the door across the entryway. His family stood there looking just as perfect as they had when I first met them.

As much as Jay offered me to just ignore them, I couldn't. It would have been one thing if we were just living together as husband and wife, but I was pregnant, which meant his parents were grandparents, and I would have to talk with them.

There were going to be holidays and days they stopped by in the future, and I needed to be able to handle them without hiding behind Jay or having him come to my rescue. I needed to be able to stand my own ground if this was going to work.

I straightened my back and did a quick check over my outfit. I was wearing a simple blouse with a pair of jeans since it was a day off work. I didn't look professional, but I didn't look sloppy either. My hair was pulled up in a nice bun, and I had a little make-up on.

I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders as I approached the door. I unlocked it and opened the door halfway. I took in his folks. His mother looked as lovely as she had before. She was wearing a deep orange dress that ran a few inches past her knees. She had on a cream cardigan with it and simple cream flats.

His father wore a nicer outfit and looked as stern as I remembered. His eyes scanned me quickly before dropping back to my face.

"You are home," his mother said softly. "I was beginning to think you were out."

"I was upstairs," I say, giving them a smile. "Can I help you guys with something? Jay isn't home right now."

"We're here to speak with you," his father says in a rough tone. "Do you mind if we come inside?"

I swallowed nervously and pulled the door open. "Of course. Come in then."

His parents entered the house, and I wondered if Jay had them over often. They had never visited since I lived here, but that could have been because of me rather than him.

His mother smiled as she entered the room. "I do hope we aren't interrupting anything."

I shook my head. I wanted to visit Katie, but I could go later or another day. I had a feeling that if I said I was, his dad would glare at me. Possibly like me even less.

"Would you guys like some tea or something to drink?" I asked as I herded them towards the kitchen. "I can make something."

I stiffened when I realized I had my work all over the kitchen island. I quickly tried to grab the papers and slammed folders together. "Excuse the mess. I was working on some things this morning."

Ralph grunted as he looked around the space. Lily smiled. "You don't need to apologize. You two are very busy with work and your news about your magic. It's such a gift to have."

I glanced at Ralph, who nodded in agreement. "It makes for a stronger future," Ralph said, offering what I would guess is a smile.

"The entire pack is talking about it and to be able to heal. I can't think of another skill that will be more impressive than that."

I scowled, hating how this information was knowledge to everyone. Of course, I wanted people to be aware of what I could do, but I also didn't want people to want me around just because of it.

But I knew that wasn't everyone. Jay and plenty of other people in the pack spoke to me before the magic started. Jay had tried hard to get me to understand that there were just going to be people like this, no matter where I went.

Lily took a seat at the island and smiled. "Have you thought of how to use your gift in the pack yet? I have some connections with a few clinics. They are always looking for help."

I shook my head. "This is still new to me, and we are still learning the boundaries and limits to my magic. Until we've learned more, Jay and I have decided to keep it useful for emergencies only."

I didn't like how she was so quick to think I would want to work in a clinic. I had a job, and I didn't want to turn my ability into a full-time job.

Lily nodded. "Of course, I forget this is still fresh. I'm just eager to see what you can do."

"And your visions?" Ralph asked, looking annoyed. "Have you managed to get a hold of those?"

I scowled, hating how he said it. Like I had control over when those came and what I could see. "They are not something I control. They just come when they do."

Lily grabbed my hand, pulling my attention back to her. "Either way, this is a blessing. Imagine when you and Jay have children. Oh, the strength they could possess."

I swallowed, almost reaching for my stomach. But I held my hand down and stared at Jay's mother. While she has always been the nicer of the two, I suddenly wondered if she had reservations about me. Had she thought me unworthy of her son until now?

Word had gotten out about the pregnancy, but unless Jay or I flat out came out with it, people couldn't really say anything. I wanted to keep it between us until the first trimester ended.

"Not that I don't mind you coming here, but why are you here?" I asked, glancing between the two of them.

Lily squeezed my hand. "We wanted to apologize for our behavior before. We are extremely thankful to have you join our family, and we were hoping we could invite you and Jay for dinner sometime soon. We would love to hear how things are going for you guys. We're eager to see what you guys accomplish."

I looked at Ralph, and I hated how my heart dipped. Of course, now that they knew I had magic and wasn't just a human, they wanted me to be part of their family. I was suddenly worthy of the name and title.

It hurt a little, and I pulled my hand free from Lily's. "I see."

Just then, I heard the front door open and shut. "Sam," Jay's voice sounded hurt as I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. I spotted him as he rounded the corner, walking into the kitchen. He looked at me for a moment before looking at his parents. He frowned. "You both are aware I don't like it when you drop by. I like to be told ahead of time."

"We weren't dropping by to see you," Ralph said with a shrug. "We came to see her."

Lily nodded her head. "We are glad to see you. You can join the conversation. Tell us all the news that's been going on."

Jay walked towards me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I felt my shoulders sink slightly, but looked back at his parents. His father walked over to his mother, who still gave me a smile.

I scowled, realizing that his folks would never accept me for who I was. If that were the case, some rules and boundaries would be laid out. "Since Jay is here, we might as well tell you. I'm pregnant, actually."

Lily's eyes widened, and then she smiled. She pulled her hand up to her mouth and gasped. "Are you really? Oh my god! You guys! That's amazing news!"

I nodded, trying to think of how far along I had to be. Maybe two and a half months now.

I felt Jay's fingers tighten on my shoulder, but he didn't stop me. "I am, and while you may accept me into your family as of right now, you are not welcome into mine."

Lily's smile fell, and Ralph scowled. "What?"

I stood firm in my decision. If they wanted to be around my child, they would need to start changing their views on humans.

Ralph looked at Jay. "I think you need to have a serious discussion with your wife."

"I stand with my wife," Jay said in response. "She speaks for both of us."

Lily looked at Jay and then back at me. She looked like she could cry. "I don't understand. Sam, we came here wanting to build a relationship."

I nodded. "I am still part human. Yes, I have magic, but what if my child does not? What if my child does not shift? Are they no longer welcome into your home because they are seen as weak?"

Ralph gave his reaction away quickly and scowled while Lily's face fell blank.

"Would you love them regardless?" I tilted my head, placing my hand on my stomach. "I was raised to love someone no matter who or what they are. If you can not do the same, you are not welcome in my child's life."

"Jay," Ralph snapped at his son. "You better talk some sense into your wife."

"That's enough," Lily snapped at Ralph, keeping her eyes on me. She looked defeated, but I could see her understanding in her eyes. A mother should understand. If Jay had been born human, would they still have loved him? I wasn't sure Ralph would. And if that was the case, I wasn't signing my child or any of our children up for a life thinking they weren't worthy. I knew the feeling, and I never wanted my children to feel that way.

"I think you guys need to leave," Jay said, stepping towards his parents. "I will call you when I feel ready to speak with you again."

I watched as Jay walked his folks out, his father sputtering how unacceptable this was and how I couldn't just ask them to leave. His mother was mute.

But I knew this was best. I needed to set boundaries and know my worth. Just because I wasn't entirely human anymore didn't mean I didn't have a past. And I didn't want our children to grow up feeling they weren't worthy if they weren't strong or excelling in life as they wanted.

Jay came back and froze in the doorway. He leaned against the wall and gave me a soft smile. "Have I ever told you just how amazing you are?"

I smirked. "Oh, you think so?"

He nodded. "I was fully prepared to come in here and save you from them, but it wasn't even needed. You stood your ground like your own savior."

I blushed as he walked closer, cupping my face. "You are so strong."

"I mean, you kind of did save me. I certainly wasn't going to throw them out."

Jay laughed as he pulled me tightly against his chest. He kissed my forehead as he laughed. "God, you are just perfect, you know that."

I blushed under his gaze as he leaned closer. His nose brushed against mine. "And I just want you to listen for a moment."

I nodded, staring into his eyes. I could tell he was nervous as he cupped my face, pressing his nose against mine.

"I care for you so much...I ..I ..I love..." And suddenly, I was no longer there. My vision blurred and was quickly filled with a new scene.

I'm suddenly standing over a woman lying in her bed with her husband holding her hand. She's taking her last breath as she slowly dies.

I'm twisted and yanked into another house, watching a mother cough up blood before falling over.

I felt the urge to vomit as I was yanked around, watching woman after woman being violently ill, coughing up blood. I felt utter fear as I watched them wanting to help. I could heal, but I couldn't touch them. There was nothing I could do to save them.

I watched children scream and cry, and my husband fell to the floor. I watched people crying out in fear, begging for someone to help. I watched everything fall apart as woman after woman died.

I felt tears build up and break free as I stood over a young woman just a few years older than me. She stood in a small house by herself and looked into her napkin. She was coughing up blood utterly alone.

"Someone…" she whispered softly to herself. "Help me."

I reached for her, but my hand didn't touch her. God, please, let me help her. Please! She needed my help.

But I was yanked away. I screamed, wanting to stay. I wanted to learn where I was so I could tell someone when I was back in my body, but she was gone. Another person quickly replaced her.