Page 50 of Loving My Omega (The Perfect Designation Trilogy #2)

Chapter

Fifty

I was sitting in my office mulling through my email. There had been six different requests from the board to pick up classes during spring or commit to ones over the summer. Deleting those, I now was filtering through the ones from my students that had either questions or attachments with work. A knock made me look up and the door opened.

My dad stepped in which surprised me completely. Beau had zero issues barging into the college campus but I didn’t think my dad ever showed up except when I graduated for my Doctorate. His face wasn’t happy and that did not bode well.

“Did you need to come here and not home?” I stood up, motioning him to the chair as I sat down on the couch.

He sat down and threw a folder onto the coffee table. “I didn’t think this conversation needed to happen in front of my son-in-law.”

Reaching down, I opened up and read through the top page. “Denied! How the hell did they deny the request? We provided them everything! There was video evidence of her threat!”

Dad shook his head. “I don’t know. If you read through it, they give a myriad of blasé answers. Oh, she isn’t in her right mind. Or that it was made under duress. The excuses are long and none of them take it seriously.”

“Damn it.” I threw the folder on the table. “You’re right. Colton didn’t need to know.”

I leaned forward, my elbows on my knees as my fingers laced together and I tapped my mouth. None of this was right. It should have been a cut and dry acceptance. There was too much video evidence. Not to mention the level of push Ebony, her parents, and the entire pack behind her.

“What are you thinking?” Dad asked.

Shaking my head, I sat back up. “I don’t feel comfortable with this. I don’t like the threat. I don’t like how all of this has played out. They have already lied, tried to submit fake evidence that we agreed to the marking. Then actually getting the Council out in a snowstorm? I want this to be the end of it and now it’s not.”

“You think they are planning something.”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. My dragon is in an uproar over the fact that there is this threat hanging over Colton.”

Dad sighed. “You could move.”

“You mean run?”

He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what you call it. All it would boil down to is keeping Colton safe. If you and your dragon don’t feel that your mate is safe, it might be an option. The problem is that these panthers don’t know the depth of what they are getting into.”

“You mean that he’s an Omega.”

Nodding, Dad frowned. “More than just a normal Omega as well. On top of that, he’s pregnant. So if they tried something, Colton would be incredibly limited. His hands would be tied and he would probably end up choosing between his life and the life of his hatchling.”

I growled, not liking the thought that he would be under duress like that. Dad reached out, rubbing my arm. It did little to settle me but I knew being angry here wouldn’t get me anywhere.

“I think it’s time to look at all the options. Colton is already free to continue classes from anywhere. You would have to give up your current classes but would that really be bad in the face of his safety.”

“It’s not even a question.”

Dad smiled. “Maybe have the conversation with him. Especially since he has family here. Sooner rather than later. I hate to admit it, but I think the Council is being paid off. I think they were paid to sweep this aside. I’m worried they are going to be paid to turn a blind eye for someone far worse.”

“Yeah.” This was not something I wanted to bring up to Colton that I was worried about this.

“You know we will always have your back. If you need anything, we will be there. If I need to talk to your mother about you needing to move over seas, I’ll do it. She will understand. Kinda. Maybe. Not. But still.”

Chuckling, I rubbed my face. “Eva is coming over today and I do not have the mental capacity for this today.”

“How’s he doing?”

“A lot better. The cravings have started to kick in. I don’t know whether to be worried or impressed by them.”

Dad barked out a laugh and shook his head. “Your mother was the same way. I came home one day while she was pregnant with you and she had made six boxes of boxed Mac and cheese. Six, Marcus. She ate all of them in one sitting while pouring her eyes out to the five hour version of Pride and Prejudice.”

“You’re joking.”

“I am not. I thought after that I couldn’t be surprised. Until I found her with a tub of cookies and cream ice cream with the same toppings as a baseball hot dog. I will never unsee that, son. It is scared into my memory for life.”

I laughed and shook my head. “I’ve gotten tofu, zucchini, kimchi, cheese and roasted tomatoes, avocados and balsamic vinegar, and a ridiculous amount of hummus.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not. That’s why I am so confused. Mom’s, while crazy, make sense to me. Colton’s eating like a holistic earth witch.”

Dad shrugged. “You never know. Just make sure he get’s whatever he wants. That poor pup deserves to live a little.”

“Oh, can you have Mom make more of her garlic bread? We are almost done with the loaf she brought by on Sunday.”

“I can do that.”

We were quiet for a moment and finally sighed. “How’s Keith?”

Shaking his head, he pursed his lips together for a moment. “I don’t get much outside of information as Alpha of the flight. He still blames me for not stepping in.”

“You couldn’t! How is that your fault! That’s her fault! She made those laws because she hated us actually caring about their relationship.”

Dad rubbed his palms on his legs. “I know. Nothing I can do now. He knows I’m here when he is ready. We all our. The kids have been by, but only because Mason has been taking the initiative and getting his sisters together. He’s so smart and mature. This is taking a toll on him.”

“Could we…”

“No. Give him time, Marcus. Don’t step in until he asks.”

I stood up and threw up hands up. “And if something happens? To the kids? We just have to wait for that to happen?”

“You’ve got your hands full, Marcus. Focus on your own family. If we need to step in, we can. For now though, we need to support from afar.”

“I hate all of this.”

Dad got up and came over, patting me on the back. “Having a family is never easy. It sucks having to prioritize and make those decisions. You need to though. Your mother and I are retired. We have time and the ability to step in. She’s already been adjusting her schedule to be more local just in case we are needed. We got this, Marcus. We will take care of all of you. You might be in your forties, but you are still our children. We will take care of you.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Yes. Now, make sure you aren’t late again. I don’t know how considerate Colton will be for a second time.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “How did you hear about that? From Colton?”

“Oh gods, no. You think that sweet boy would say anything? No. Eva was talking with Candy. It comes down the grapevine.”

“Great.”

Dad laughed and headed to the door. “Call me if you need me.”

“I will.”

He nodded and shut the door behind him. All of this wasn’t great. Looking up at the clock, I sighed. I had my class in fifteen and then I needed to fly home. Grabbing phone, I called Colton.

“Yes, Professor ?” My little wolf sounded a little tired.

“Anything you want me to pick up after class? I’ll be flying in but if you want me to grab something, I can.”

Colton was quiet for a moment. “Edamame?”

My palm hit my forehead. “Really?”

“Mmhmm.”

Sighing, I grabbed my briefcase and shut the door behind me. “Alright. I’ll pick some up and be home.”

“Okay.”

I stopped for a moment, standing at the door. “Hey, Colt?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

He laughed. “I love you too. Try not to be too late.”

“I won’t. I promise. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you.”

Hanging up, I shoved my phone in my pocket. Looking up, Duke was leaning against the corner, throwing some popcorn in his mouth. He had a smirk on his face and I raised my eyebrow.

“Anything I can help you with, Duke?”

He shook his head. “Nope. Just enjoying watching you be like a little kid.”

Rolling my eyes, I walked past him. “I have a class to teach.”

“Sure, Marcus. Be good to that boy.” I turned around, surprised and Duke shrugged. “I’ve got a soft spot for him. He’s bright and caring. So sue me.”

“Careful, Duke. They might find out you do have a heart.”

He gasped. “Never.”

Laughing, I headed down the stairs to my class. Just a couple hours and I could be back home. I’d been working on my list of questions all week since Eva left. Hopefully, I would be able to ask some of them today.

Landing on the deck, I picked up my bag that I threw down and carried it into the house. Despite me being on time, it looked like Eva still beat me. What I didn’t like was that her arms were crossed over her chest while she spoke to Colton. Closing the door, I quickly dressed and brought my bag over to the kitchen.

Colton smiled, but I could see he was pale. Walking around the island, I pressed the back of my hand to his forehead. He was slightly warm and I took his head in my hands.

“Did you get sick?”

“Kind of?”

Eva scoffed and I looked between the two of them. “Colton?”

“My…PCDHS kicked in today.”

I leaned back and looked at him. “What do you mean it kicked in?”

His lips thinned. “I…had an episode. I’m okay now, it just took a lot out of me.”

“How long were you down?”

I still didn’t completely understand what went on during one of the episodes that he said the pain was bad. He explained it me but I don’t know if I just needed to see it or if I didn’t really want to think of him in such utter pain. Right now, though, I was more upset that he didn’t tell me.

“Five hours.”

Coughing, I stepped back and ran my hand through my hair. “Five! Colton, why didn’t you call me? I could have come home.”

“There wouldn’t have been anything you could have done.” He sounded so sad and I just wanted to make him better.

“I could have helped. I could have…”

His eyes fell. “You can’t even touch me during those episodes, Mar. I’d rather you not be here for them and have you blame yourself for not being able to help.”

I growled and started to step up when Eva put her hand on my chest. Her dragon wasn’t forward but I knew the look. It was the one my mom gave me when she was waiting to beat my ass for a decision I was about to make. Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I closed my eyes.

“Colton…”

“I’m sorry. I should have told you.” The words came out so robotic that it hurt.

Stepping up to him, I wrapped my arms around him and held him. “Are you okay now?”

He nodded into my chest. “Just tired.”

“Can you eat? I brought the edamame.”

Leaning back, Colton gave me the cheesiest smile that I had to laugh. “I can always eat.”

“Alright, well. Let me get your check-in done first and then while we talk, you can snack.”

Eva laughed and pulled a bag that looked like Mary Poppins would carry. Except if Mary Poppins like skull and crossbones. Opening the bag, I realized it was like my dad’s. She pulled out a huge scale and set it on the floor next to the island.

“I want you to start doing and writing down daily weight ins.”

If Colton could get paler, he did. His weight was such an issue for him. Eva did not care though. She snapped her fingers and motioned him to get on. Chuckling, I pulled him off the chair. He started to step up when Eva clicked her tongue. He froze.

“Colton. Sweetheart. Love. Impossibly Omega.” He tried to fight the smile on his face. “I want you down to your boxers.”

His eyes widened. “But…that’s…”

“Do you need help?”

“No! I…” Colton looked at me, panicked and I put my hands up.

Realizing he wasn’t going to win, he slowly unzipped his sweatshirt. He placed it on the counter and then pulled his t-shirt off. I couldn’t help the smile. He was getting so much bigger now. That primal urge raced through me and I had to hold my dragon back. Colton looked up at me, his eyebrow raised, probably feeling my need through the bond.

“Ignore him, sweetie. There will always be something primal that comes out when their mate is pregnant. Trust me. It’s worse in Alphas.” Eva pegged me and I hung my head.

He slipped his pants off and stepped up onto the scale. It was electronic and I couldn’t help but glance down. It settled on a hundred and thirty. Honestly, four pounds in a week was not bad considering. Eva wrote the number down and put the lined paper on the fridge with a magnet of a skull.

“When I come back next week, I want the entire week filled out. You needed to be just like this when you weigh yourself. Is that understood?”

Colton nodded. “Yes, Eva.”

“Good. Now, to the bedroom. I need to see this little girl of yours.”

My heart beat hard in my chest. This was going to be my friend time seeing her, outside the photos that Colton had. I’d be able to hear her heartbeat and I’d been so excited. Letting out a breath, Colton pulled on his pants and shirt but left his sweatshirt off. Reaching out, I held his hand as we walked up the stairs together.

Eva pulled a bunch of equipment out of her magical bag as Colton laid down like she had asked him before. This time, I stood next to the bed. His eyes closed, but he was nervously playing with the edge of his shirt. She set a monitor up on the night stand and even pulled out a stool to sit on next to the bed.

Lifting his shirt up, she did her usual checks and measurements. She did go higher this time, checking around his pectoral muscles. He winced a couple times and my brow furrowed.

“Eva?”

“Soreness is to be expected. They are going to start filling in, especially getting into the third trimester here.” She rubbed the side of his bump. “You’re starting to get some stretch marks here too.”

Colton groaned and covered his eyes with his arm. “Great.”

“Colt, don’t complain. I’ve had Omegas start to get stretch marks at week sixteen. Plus, Omegas have an incredible ability to heal after giving birth. It outpaces any shifter by miles and we have fast healing.”

“Good to know.” He didn’t not sounded enthusiastic about any of that.

I ran my fingers through his hair. “I’m right, Colt.”

“I really am going to be Mrs. Gladly.”

Eva raised her eyebrow as she got out some kind of gel and rubbed it between her hands. I shook my head, not wanting to explain the size of our university’s office administrator. She put the gel on him and he wrinkled his nose.

Grabbing an attachment, Eva pressed the end of it into Colton’s lower abdomen. Immediately, there was a strong and fast beat. My eyes widened and I looked at the monitor. Eva was smiling and she moved it around a little.

“Well, would you look at that.” She moved the monitor to face us a little more. “There is your little girl.”

I stared at the screen, wide-eyed. This was something I’d never been apart of. Not with the kids. My hand had been shaking it and I didn’t realize it until Colton took hold of it. Originally, I told myself I wasn’t going to cry but I didn’t know how I could not.

“She is strong and healthy. Definitely an Alpha. Look at her size! My god. Colton, you might be on track to give birth a few weeks earlier at this rate.”

“Lovely.” Colton’s sarcasm made me laugh.

Leaning down, I kissed his lips. “You are doing this Colt. That is our little girl. She’s ours.”

He smiled and nodded. “And to think I still have three months left.”

I shook my head and kissed his forehead. “Get used to it, Colt. We are going to be here a lot.”

“You’re not getting two hundred.”

Eva laughed. “Is that what he’s asking for?”

“It’s not happening.”

I brushed his cheek. “We’ll talk about it.”

Eva burst out laughing and I joined her. Colton on the other hand rolled over and threw the blankets over him. If anything, it made me laughed more. I loved this little wolf so much. Every so often, I found myself feeling absolute astonishment that he was mine. That he accepted me. Leaning down, I pulled the blankets off his face and kissed his cheek.

“I love you, little wolf.”

He burrowed back into the blankets, refusing to come back out. However, in a quiet voice, I heard him reply.

“I love you too, my Alpha.”