Page 26 of The Baby Contract

"Let's see," Ingrid flicked on the light to the closet, her finger tapping her chin.

I stood in front of the vanity mirror, inspecting my new look. Ingrid had insisted that I have my hair and makeup done to be "presentable for the first meeting."

She worked effortlessly on both, curling the strands of my long chocolate hair before pinning it up in an elegant updo. She applied light makeup, at my request, just enough to make my eyelids sparkle and my lips glossy.

"Ah!" Ingrid clapped, pleased with the choices. She came out with a few dresses, some long and some short.

I didn't have a chance to go shopping for my own clothing given the drama that had unfolded over the last month or so, but Aspen did promise to take me before my belly got bigger and I couldn't fit into these.

"Let's try on this one first, sweetie," Ingrid held up a baby pink dress.

I nodded, taking off my clothes. Ingrid helped me step into the dress, wiggling it over my bump. I surveyed it in the mirror, running my hands down my curves.

"I think this one is a bit tight, right?" I asked, surveying the pink fabric that perfectly clung to my bump, making no attempts to hide it.

Ingrid looked in the mirror, her head cocked in question. "I think it's beautiful! But, we can try on some others if you are not pleased with this one. Perhaps another color?"

Ingrid helped me into another dress, this one bright yellow with flowers on it. The skirt was flowy and long, which I liked better. The bodice clung tightly to my tummy like the last one.

"Do we have to dress up?" I breathed out, my eyes narrowing as I inspected my image. I wanted desperately to jump back in my sweatshirt and leggings.

Ingrid zipped up the back of the dress. "Of course you do! Luna always makes her family dinner special, but now that they know that you are coming- "she squeezed my shoulders, shooting me a smile in the mirror.

"It will be extra special."

The butterflies in my stomach fluttered. Was I nervous to meet Alpha Stormblade's parents?

It felt like how I had seen in movies when the woman gets nervous to meet their mate's parents for the first time. Except, I wasn't his mate or his girlfriend for that matter.

"I know what you are thinking," Ingrid unzipped the dress, helping me peel it off my body, as she prepared another option. "Don't be nervous. The Stormblades are a nice family."

Ingrid picked up a green dress, this one low cut. "If anything, they will be more nervous about impressing you- "she winked in the mirror.

"You are giving them grandchildren, and continuing on their legacy in this pack," she answered my next question. "Trust me, they just want to know you. The woman who decided so selflessly to help their family."

Alpha Stormblade sure didn't seem like I was doing any favors. "Raise your arms, dear," Ingrid said, slipping the dress over my head.

This one didn't seem too form-fitting. I smiled lightly, thankful for the forgiveness in the fabric.

That was until Ingrid moved to the back, lacing together the dress with her, surprising strength, sticking the fabric to fit perfectly on my curves.

"How do you like this one?" Ingrid asked, her eyes dancing in approval.

I sighed, inspecting my belly from the side. "Is there anything less form-fitting?"

"Oh, honey!" Ingrid messaged my shoulders lovingly. "The Alpha and Luna are going to want to see your baby bump. They will love to see how big you have gotten!"

It didn't seem like I had much choice in this. Ingrid's voice was final. To make the previous Alpha and Luna happy, they would like to see my bump.

"Now, which one do you hate less?" Ingrid held up the other two options, her brows raised as she waited for my answer.

"Is there anything less colorful? You know maybe something- "I rubbed my chin. "Less noticeable?"

"The bright colors bring out your pregnancy glow," Ingrid soothed. "And no matter how hard you try, you will be the center of attention."

Great, thanks, Ingrid. "I'll wear the pink one." I decided, liking that it was a bit more modest than the others.

"I was hoping you would pick that one!" Ingrid cheered, shoving it up my body. "That was secretly my favorite, but I didn't want to influence your decision."

Ingrid disappeared back into the closet, leaving me to examine my new appearance in the mirror. This was by far the nicest that I have looked since forever.

It made me want to cry with how, beautiful I felt. I no longer looked like a dirty, nameless maid, but instead, I looked like a woman with a name, with a purpose.

"The sparkly flats will match perfectly and they will be easy on your feet," Ingrid came out, holding the shoes in her hands.

Ingrid stopped in her tracks when we locked eyes. "Oh, Millie, what's wrong dear?"

"I just feel beautiful," I said, trying desperately to blink away my tears. "Thanks to you, Ingrid."

Ingrid gushed, placing her hands over her heart before her eyes became teary. "You deserve to feel that way every day, princess." She smiled. "Now, let's get these shoes on before you ruin your makeup."

Aspen came in a few minutes later, wearing a short dress, her usual wild hair, now in curls. "Oh wow, Millie!" she clasped her hands over her mouth. "Just wow!"

I blushed, squeezing Ingrid's hand in goodbye. Aspen guided me down the steps carefully, holding my hand, as we descended the steps to the family dining room.

When we arrived at the large double doors, Aspen knocked playfully, before opening the door and holding it for me. "Hey, Mom, Dad-"Aspen smiled, "Boris."

My heart thumped as their scents hit me, my butterflies multiplying by the thousands. "Hi, my sweet girl." A woman's voice rang. "Did you bring Millie with you?"

Just be cool and relax, I reminded myself. It's not like you are meeting the Alpha and Luna or anything.

I breathed, stepping around the corner with a small smile. A man and woman sat at a beautifully decorated table, candles and flowers lining the top of the long, emerald green tablecloth.

The plates were made of what looked like pure gold, engraved with a delicate design. The silverware was perfectly polished, wrapped delicately in a napkin that matched the emerald green table runner. The chandelier that hung from the ceiling made the vases that held the flowers sparkle.

It smelt delicious in here too. The table held loads of dishes covered with lids, ready to be eaten. Did Luna prepare all of this herself?

The Alpha and Luna stood from their chairs, their lips rising with sweet smiles. Luna's eyes widened when she saw me, staying put for a moment as she surveyed my appearance.

I locked eyes with Boris, who was at the end of the table, looking up at me with an awe look in her eyes, his eyebrows raised, his mouth slightly open in shock.

The silence thickened the air as all of their eyes landed on me. Say something, Millie. I scolded myself. Introduce yourself to the Alpha and Luna.

I gulped, pushing down my shaky voice. "Alpha and Luna Stormblade-," I bowed, keeping my voice confident.

Luna shook out of her dazed state at the sound of my voice. "Oh, my apologies, dear," she moved towards me, stopping me mid-bow. "Please, do not bow to us."

Then she engulfed me in a hug. "I was taken aback by how gorgeous you are," she admitted, laughing nervously as she rubbed my arms. "I'm so glad you agreed to come."

It was funny to hear her say that. Luna Stormblade had to be one of the prettiest Lunas I had ever seen. Aspen was a spitting image of her.

"Millie," Her mate approached, wrapping his muscular arm around my shoulders, and pulling me into a side hug. "We are so glad to officially meet you."

The former Alpha was built, his aura powerful. His face was fierce, sharp, and fearless. He reminded me of his son, in every way.

"Come, take a seat!" Luna said excitedly, ushering me over to a seat next to Boris. "Just make yourself comfortable."

I mumbled a soft thank you as I sat, smiling at Boris as I scotched my chair up to the table. "You look really nice, Mills." He whispered, his eyes dancing in awe.

I nodded in thanks. I was glad that Boris was here, I felt calmer knowing that I had my friends here.

The Alpha and Luna took their seats across the table. Aspen sat down next to her parents.

"I wasn't sure what you liked. So, I made a bit of everything." Luna beamed, seeming anxious. "If you don't like any of it, I can make you something else." She added quickly.

My heart fluttered, did Luna make all this food because she knew I was coming?

"It smells delicious, thank you, Luna," I said appreciatively, her shoulders relaxing at my words.

"Oh no, dear." She shook her head, reaching her hand across the table, and putting it softly on top of mine. "You can call me Kate."

"And you can call my mate Cassian," she said, Alpha nodding in agreement.

"Oh-"I breathed, surprised by their kindness. "Thank you both for letting me join your family dinner, that is quite generous."

"We are so happy to be meeting you, Millie," she breathed happily. "We have been dying to formally meet you since you arrived from Eclipse, but Boris said it would be a good idea to let you get settled in at Stormblade first."

"Boris said that you had a few rough weeks," she squeezed my hand. "It can be so hard to get adjusted away from home. But we are so grateful you are here."

I smiled, my leg bouncing nervously. "Thank you for your hospitality."

She seemed like she wanted to say something else, but the Alpha spoke up instead. "Why don't we dig in?" He modeled the massive amounts of food in front of us. "Millie please, dig in."

Then, everyone reached out to dish food onto their plates. Boris leaned over, sensing my apprehension, grabbing my plate. "What would you like? Do you want me to grab you a bit of everything?"

"It's okay- "I whispered back before reaching out to make a plate, showing Boris that I could handle myself.

He nodded, before digging into his food. "I hope you like cake and cherry pie for dessert," Luna beamed excitedly. "I made them myself."

"Oh, cake, my favorite!" The Alpha laughed, holding up his fork. "I am only allowed to have that on special occasions." He shot me a wink.

Luna shot him a threatening look. "You've been gaining weight, Cassian- "

I relaxed at their casual talk. It made me feel calmer in their presence. They seemed surprisingly normal.

I moved my fork to pick up a spoonful of mashed potatoes, trying to be delicate as I ate. Just as I went to pick up another bite his scent hit my nose.

"Good evening," the familiar deep voice sounded throughout the room. I kept my eyes frozen on my plate, playing with my food.

Luna stood, wiping her mouth with her napkin. "Oh! Theo!" She exclaimed, surprised at his attendance. "I didn't know you were coming to dinner tonight!"

"I didn't either," Aspen whispered, letting out a big breath as she rolled her eyes. Boris looked between me and Alpha Stormblade wearily.

Oh goddess, please make me disappear.

"Come sit by Dad and I." Luna gestured to the chair beside her sweetly.

"Actually, I would prefer to sit here," his tone final as he approached, slipping his large body into the chair right next to mine.

Kill me now.

I felt his eyes on me, his gaze burning hot. I resisted the urge to meet his eyes, keeping them down on my food, like it was the most interesting thing in the world. "Hello Millie," he greeted.

The unexpected softness in his voice sent shivers down my spine. I recalled him scolding me for not greeting him.

I raised my head, meeting his eyes quickly. His eyes swirled between a shade of forest green and black. They sparkled when our eyes locked, his face lighting up.

I tore my eyes away, bowing quickly before turning back to my plate. "Good evening, Alpha Stormblade."

The tension in the room rose as everyone watched our awkward interaction. "What are you doing here, Theo?" Aspen spat, annoyed. "You never join us."

"This is family dinner night, right?" He spoke, clearing his throat. "And, this is my family."

"Aspen- "Her father growled in warning. "Don't be rude."

Aspen groaned, stabbing her steak angrily. "What are you doing back so early, Theo?" Cassian, his father asked, popping a piece of carrot in his mouth. "I thought the Alpha Summit would at least last until tomorrow."

Alpha Stormblade moved to dish food onto his plate. "I talked to everyone I needed to. So, I came home early."

His eyes inspected my plate as I kept playing with my food. Eat Millie, put food in your mouth.

Cassian grunted in response before returning to his dinner. "I was just about to ask Millie how she has been feeling," Luna perked up, sensing the tense atmosphere.

"Are you feeling morning sickness or any back pain?" She asked.

"Um-" I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the man beside me, who seemed to be more worried about my answers than his food. "Sometimes I get morning sickness, and I can't stand on my feet for long. I get hungry much more often now, too."

"I'm sure, growing two little Alpha pups," Luna chuckled. "I can tell those babies are growing fast, given how big your belly is already."

I felt Alpha Stormblade's hot gaze drop to my tummy as she said that, surveying it. A soft, urgent purr escaped his chest at the sight. I suddenly wished I had pushed Ingrid more into wearing something not so form-fitting.

But, she was right about them liking it, especially Alpha Stormblade.

I forced a smile, before picking up my glass to take a sip of water. "So-" Luna trailed. "Have you both thought of any names for the pups?"

I choked at her question. "Actually, we haven't spoken about it yet." Alpha Stormblade said, never taking his eyes off me and my bump.

"When is the next ultrasound?" Cassian asked, his eyes interpreting the awkward situation in front of him.

"It's scheduled for next month." Boris noted, "Doctor Rowan said we should know the gender of the twins at that appointment."

"I can't wait to know," Luna Kate announced. "We can start decorating the Nursery. I already cleared out the junk that was in the room next to Theo's. It will be perfect for the babies."

My heart sank at the thought of my pups in the nursery, without me. Luna was in tune to my mood. "It's normal to feel nervous when you have a pup. But, I know you both will be great parents."

"Mom!" Aspen scolded the Luna. "Don't say stuff like that!"

Cassian locked eyes with Theo, his eyes glossing over with black. His father must know about that part in The Contract, too.

"Why?" Luna seemed confused.

Aspen opened her mouth, but her father stopped her. "Aspen-"he warned. "Look, I haven't quite gotten around to telling your mother yet."

"Tell me what, Cassian?" she threw her fork down, crossing her arms. "What are you all hiding from me? Millie is going to stay in the pack after she has the babies, right?"

"Look- "Cassian held his hands up. "I've been trying to find the right time to tell you."

"Millie isn't staying because of Theo, is what Dad means Mom," Aspen grunted. "He wanted her to go back home, he put in The Contract between us and Eclipse."

Luna's face turned red in anger and disbelief. Her mate tried to soothe her, but she swatted away his attempts. "Theo Stormblade-"she growled, slapping her hand on the table. "Did I raise you like this?"

Alpha Stormblade took a deep breath, "Mom, I can explain- "

"Cassian, you knew about this?" she yelled at her mate, before turning to Boris, who looked just as shocked as I. "And you too, Boris?"

Boris held his hands up in the air. "I wasn't aware you didn't know, Luna."

The heated interactions and bickering continued, and as time passed, the dining room was shaking by the vibrations of their argument. I kept my head down in my lap, playing with my fingers.

I knew it wasn't a good idea to meet his family. This was too much, too overwhelming.

"Um- "I cleared my throat, making them all stop in their tracks at my voice. "I don't think I'm feeling well. If I could be excused, please." The room fell silent, the sound of the chair as I stood, echoing loudly.

"I'll take you, Millie- "Boris stood, eager to get out of this heated argument.

"Look what you did, Theo!" Aspen scolded, throwing her napkin down on the table. "You made Millie upset."

"No, I-" I started, not wanting to instigate another fight.

"Shut up, Aspen." Theo snarled, standing. "And, stand down Boris, she's my- "he closed his eyes, stopping. "I'm walking her back." He finished, making his command final.

Boris became more heated, angry at Theo's perceived challenge. Say something, Millie. "No. I'm the one who barged in on your family dinner, I can walk myself back if that's okay. I apologize, Alpha, Luna."

Luna's face dropped at my words, her eyes sad. "No, please don't say that-"

"Boris isn't a part of this family either- "Aspen noted. "Technically your more family than Boris is by blood," she motioned to my bump. "You have Stormblade DNA inside of you."

"Hey!" Boris crossed his arms. "Rude."

"What? It's true." Aspen rolled her eyes. "We all know you just come for Mom's cooking."

Luna gasped. "That's not true, Luna," Boris said quickly. "I-"

I held my hands up. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cause all this trouble." I bowed to the Alpha and Luna. "I'll excuse myself to my room. Thank you both for the lovely dinner."

Before they could rebuttal, I slipped out the door, closing it behind me as I walked as fast as I could back up the stairs to the suite, afraid one of them would catch up to me.

That's when his scent floated into my nose, his heat prominent on my tail. His steps grew louder as he caught up to me.

When I arrived at the suite, I gripped the doorknob, hoping to slip in before he caught me.

That's when his large, rough hand covered mine, shivers crawling up my arms and legs in response to his touch.

"Millie-"his voice husky and deep, "Look at me."

His finger danced under my chin, gently urging it up. I didn't have a choice but to meet his eyes, now dancing with dark, midnight swirls, evidence of the beast he was struggling to keep contained inside.

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