Page 29 of The Baby Contract

Dinner was quiet after that.

I couldn't help myself when I saw her little hands prying through my nightstand. Secretly I wanted Millie to snoop around my whole house, claiming the beach house as her nesting spot.

That was any man's dream, responsibility, and even honor, at least in our world, to take care of, to provide for our-

She-wolf.

I loved her sweet little vixen look. Her cheeks burning red with shyness was quite adorable, and I desperately craved more of it.

It made my wolf happy to be playful with Millie. So, I had to tease her a bit.

"What do you want to drink?" I slipped her plate in front of her, eager for her to eat a good meal. "I have coffee, tea, juice- "

Millie avoided my eyes, her cheeks still rosy. "Juice, please."

"Coming right up, "I said, putting two glasses in front of us before slipping into the seat beside her to eat.

Millie picked up her fork and knife. "Oh-"I took her plate. "Let me cut that for you, I should have done it."

Before she could reply, I did so, her cheeks flaming up at my actions. "Thank you."

Millie and I ate in silence after that. It was hard not to say something. I wanted to know more about Millie, about her past, especially given the information from Orion.

I got the feeling she wasn't able to express her feelings to her Alpha at home. My pack members, on the other hand, were more than welcome to bring their concerns or issues to their leaders, in fact, they were encouraged to.

I wonder what Millie was thinking about the condoms. Was she thinking that I was some sort of Alpha who brought girls here all the time to hook up?

My wolf whined at the thought of Millie's disapproval. "The condoms aren't mine by the way," I cleared my throat. "I didn't want you to think that."

Millie looked shocked as she finished her meal. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Alpha. This is your house."

"Well, I thought you would want to know since- "I paused, biting my lips nervously. "we've had sex before. You have a right to know about my past."

Millie's lip curled. "I'm glad to know I didn't get a sexual disease." She joked, biting her lip, almost as if she was unsure if she should have said that or not.

I felt sad when I felt her joking spirit melt away a little too quickly. "Boris used to sleep around quite a bit when we were younger- "I explained, recalling the memories of when we used to hang out at the clubs and parties. That was before we had gotten our royal titles.

We were just two best friends. "Boris?" she sounded confused. "Really?"

"Yes-"I chuckled. "He was a little wild back then. Of course, he didn't find his mate when he came of age, like I did."

"The condoms are his-"I continued, studying her expression. "He used to come back to this house with his partners."

"That doesn't sound like Boris. At least, from what I have experienced."

"He sobered up when he got his Beta title- "I said, grabbing our finished plates and dipping them into the sink. Millie stood to help me, but I held my hand up for her to stop.

"You're pregnant, Millie," I smiled slightly. "You don't need to do any work. Leave that up to me."

Millie nodded, not challenging me. I washed the dishes as I recalled the old times with Boris. "He doesn't abide by that lifestyle anymore. He's more responsible now."

"He's a good Beta," she declared, smiling at the thought. My heart hurt with a pang of jealousy at her kind, positive words towards Boris.

I took a deep breath. "He is, as much as I give him shit." I laughed softly. "He was the only male wolf born from his parents. He has three sisters."

"Three sisters?" Her eyes widened. "That explains a lot. He seems like he has sisters."

"Yeah. He acts like an annoying, overprotective big brother- "I put the plates up the cabinet. "And he is too."

Millie played with her fingers in her lap. "That's sweet. He's a natural Beta then."

"He was the natural pick. He was practically born for the title," I dried my hands off. "I saw him protect you like he does his sisters."

Yes, remind Millie that they are only friends. My wolf pranced eagerly.

I finished up, walking over to her chair. "Do you feel fine to take a little walk on the beach? The sun is setting. If not, we can just stay here."

Or I could carry you. My wolf thought. I can carry you and our pups down the sandy beach as you snuggle in my arms.

I let him indulge in his thoughts. "Yes, Alpha. I feel fine."

I walked to the bedroom to grab Millie's shoes that Ingrid packed. She reached out to grab them. "No- "I said automatically. "I can do it."

Millie blushed sweetly as I grabbed her foot, slipping on her sandals. She nodded in thanks when I stood, following me out of the house, to reveal a gorgeous pink and purple sunset in the sky.

"I was a virgin before my mate," I blurted out, wanting to make it clear. "I've only ever slept with her, and now, you."

Millie pulled at the sleeves of her dress as she walked side by side with me to the beach. "It's okay, Alpha." She reassured me.

I wanted her to take an interest in me like she had Boris.

"I was a virgin before coming here," her voice shocked me, my wolf's ears piping up at the information about herself. "So, you don't have to worry about any diseases from me either."

As much as my wolf liked Millie's playful mood, he felt angry at me for our past. Her flashed images of Millie's face, the bloody sheets, and her tear-stained cheeks from when she lost her virginity.

Millie's eyes lit up as we cut through the clearing to the beach. The water was sparkling blue, calm, and peaceful. She was in awe as she took in the sight. She loved it here.

I wondered if this was Millie's first time seeing the beach.

She took a deep breath of the salty air, her eyes closing as she relaxed a bit. The stray strands of her braid danced in the breeze, along with her long, white dress.

"First time seeing a beach?" I asked, never taking my eyes off of her.

Millie opened her eyes, keeping her eyes on the calming waves as they rushed to shore. "I've only seen it in movies. It's really breathtaking to see it in person."

"It's one of my favorite places," I said, watching Millie closely as she stepped into the sand. I noticed that her eyes sparkled when she saw something that she approved of.

"Would it be okay if I took off my shoes?" She bit her lips anxiously. "I've never felt the sand before."

I smiled, nodding at her request. "Of course- "I bent down, slipping off her shoes and leaving them on the shore.

Millie's face lit up as she ran her feet through the cool sand. I bet it felt good on her swollen feet. She looked relieved at the feeling it gave her.

Anticipation built up inside of me. "Millie?"

"Hm?"

I stopped walking, turning her to look at me gently. She met my eyes for a moment, her eyes dazzling and bright, but also filled with a tint of sadness and sorrow. She didn't hold my gaze for long, before looking back out to the ocean.

"I'm sorry."

Millie's body tensed at my words, surprised to hear them. I was surprised to hear them. I was an Alpha, powerful and all mighty, and here I was, saying sorry to the little she-wolf in front of me.

"I'm sorry about what happened between us when you came to Stormblade," I elaborated. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just caught up in my head, unable to shake the memories that have caused me so much pain over the years."

"I was still grieving the loss of my mate, of my life, of my future with her-"I continued, eager to get it all out in the open. "Everything just came crumbing down that night of the explosion. And, I never thought my life would be normal, that I would experience that mateship in my life again-"

Millie touched me softly. "Alpha- "she said calmly, relaxing my nerves. "You lost your mate, that's the worst thing a wolf could ever go through."

"It was-" I recalled the night of the explosion. "I wasn't always like this, but when Ember passed, I changed. I never thought I could be happy without her. Without my mate."

Millie's face never changed as I told her this. She looked out at the waves, engrossed in them. I couldn't read her emotions, which was odd.

"I'm sorry for bringing her up," I added, afraid of her reaction. "I won't-"

"It's okay, Alpha- "she finally looked at me. "You can talk about her as much as you would like. It doesn't bother me. I understand."

In a way, my wolf liked that he could be so open with Millie, especially about his late mate. He loved that he could be truthful and honest with her about his past relationship.

But, he also was a little disappointed at her nonchalant reaction. He wanted her to claim him, to declare that we were hers. And, she didn't do any of that.

"You do?" Was Millie going to tell me about what happened to her mate? I hoped that she would be honest with me. "You understand?"

"Yeah-"She scratched her nose nervously, sitting down in the sand. "I mean, I know what it's like to lose someone you love and care about deeply."

"I still think about my parents every day, missing them. Wondering how life would have been different if they were here."

I sat beside her, admiring the way the setting sun made her skin glow. Say it, Theo. She's being open with you. "Do you hope to find your mate one day?"

My wolf lowered his head as he waited for her words. He knew she knew who he was, and somehow lost him, given how she couldn't shift that night in the woods. My wolf grieved that side of Millie. He wanted to connect with her wolf.

Silence fell around us as Millie seemed to ponder about what to say. Was she going to tell me the truth, and was thinking about the best way to tell me? Or was she thinking of some elaborate lie so she didn't have to answer the question?

"No."

Her eyes fell heavily to the sand. "I hope he never finds me. I know a lot of werewolves look forward to that bond, but I don't want any part of it."

"I'd rather be alone."

Shivers went down my spine as my wolf reacted to her words. He felt like she was telling the truth. And, that didn't make any sense.

"Werewolves aren't meant to be alone, Millie." I let her words soak in. "They live and breathe for their mates. Both male and she-wolves look forward to the best day of their life, the day they finally meet the one who they were destined to be with."

"My sister only has about a month left before she can meet her mate," I said, thinking of Aspen. "I swear since she was ten years old, she's been planning, everything she wants for her official mating ceremony."

Millie shifted awkwardly. "I'm different I guess."

Her eyes filled with a flicker of rage. "I rather not be bonded for life to someone who's a narcissistic, low-life, asshole." She cleared her throat, letting go of the sand she was gripping. "I'm better by myself."

I watched in shock as Millie's hand got white as she strong-armed the sand. "You rejected him?"

Millie's face was red with pure anger. "Why did you assume that?"

"The way you talk about him." I soothed, staying calm. "I didn't mean it in a bad way. He sounds like a dick."

"No-"she furrowed her brows. "I mean, how did you know I had a mate?"

Fuck. "Your wolf- "I answered honestly. "She is not present, just like mine when I lost my late mate. I knew that evening in the woods."

Millie looked uncomfortable. Maybe I should stop the conversation and talk about something more light-hearted. She seemed to be getting irritated, and I was making good progress with Millie.

Before I could open my mouth, she replied. "Of course, you would know, you're an Alpha." She nodded in understanding. "How could you not?"

"I'm sorry I lashed out at you; I think that was my hormones talking," She rubbed her round tummy sweetly. My eyes danced at the sight of Millie rubbing our babies, of her nurturing nature.

I wanted too to soothe our babies and Millie in this moment, right here, with the sun setting over us. Millie looked cold, her arms covered in small goosebumps.

"Millie-"I gently touched her arm. "Come here."

My wolf was practically haywire at this point, jumping in absolute excitement at our contact. Millie looked confused but followed my orders.

I pat the place between my legs, directing her to sit between them. "Lay back on my chest," I let out soft purrs, calming her rapid heartbeat.

Millie laid her head on my chest as she lay on her side with her legs bent. She felt better wrapped in my warm arms, and that feeling was definitely mutual.

I slipped both my hands around her growing tummy, lowering my lips to the top of her head to catch her sweet rose scent as the final bit of sun set over us.

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