28. River

Why cant I just go to my office for a few hours? I whine as Devon moves around the living room and tucks a blanket around my shoulders. Theres so much to do.

And your dad said he can handle it for now. Devon sits on the floor and begins to gently massage my feet. You need to relax.

I dont want to relax. I huff, frowning at him. I want to work.

I know, baby. He smiles, always indulgent of me. But youre in no condition to be working right now. You cant even tie your own shoes.

Thats not true. It totally is, but I’m not willing to admit it yet. Or ever. “Besides, I’ve been wearing slip-ons for the past month.

Devon chuckles. But you cant reach them to put them on.

I just need to slip my feet into them, hence the name. I blow out another annoyed breath and then hold my middle. It’s just cuz my belly is in the way.

I know, baby. But thats why were here. To take care of you.

Im being childish, and I know I need to relax for the sake of the baby. Just a few more weeks left until the birth, but until then, it’s not easy being a huge, waddling mess.

Devon looks smug when I don’t have a good rebuttal. Pregnancy brain, I guess. Now, sit back and relax. Im gonna make you some tea.

Fine. I sigh, sinking back into the couch. But Im not happy about it.

Duly noted.” Devon smiles at me before dropping a kiss on my cheek. But Im gonna make you feel better.

Whatever. I close my eyes, resting them for just a moment.

Devon returns a few minutes later with a cup of tea and a plate of cookies. Here you go. Drink up.

Thank you. I grab the cup of tea and sip it slowly, feeling a little sheepish as I look up at him. Sorry for being a brat.

Its okay. He cuddles up beside me and puts an arm around my shoulders. I know youre just stressed.

Yeah. I lean against him and sigh. I am. Theres so much to do. So many decisions to make. And Im so fucking tired all the time.

He rubs my shoulder and presses his lips to my temple. I know, sweetheart, but youre doing great. And you’re gonna be a great dad.

I hope so.

He holds me tightly against his strong chest. I know so.

I love you. I look up at him, so damn grateful that I found my mates.

I love you too, baby. His gaze is as intense and loving as always. Now, drink your tea and eat your cookies. Im gonna get a nice warm bath ready for you.

I sigh softly as I enjoy my snack. Im not used to being taken care of or being pampered, but I have to admit, its kinda nice.

A few minutes later, Devon emerges from the bathroom. Your bath is ready. Do you need help getting up? He offers his hand.

I stubbornly try to get up without help, but my center of balance is so fucked up that I end up rocking back onto the couch. Okay, yes. I need help.

Devon grins and scoops me up into his strong arms. Dont worry, sweetheart. Ive got you.

I know. I rest my head on his shoulder and sigh. I trust you.

Once we’re in the bathroom, he helps me undress, letting his gaze linger on my belly. Youre so beautiful, omega.”

I roll my eyes and smile. I didn’t realize you had a whale kink.

I have a you kink. He winks and kisses my belly before kissing my lips. And youre gorgeous.

Whatever. I rest my hand on the wall to steady myself so I can climb into the warm water. Im just glad this is almost over.

Stop your whining and get in the tub.

Yes, sir. I mimic his expression, grinning at him.

I sink into the warm water with a sigh of contentment. The heat feels amazing on my sore muscles.

Better? Devon looks smug as he raises an eyebrow.

Much. I can’t lie. It’s amazing. Thank you.

Youre welcome. He leans down and kisses my forehead. Now, just relax and enjoy your bath. Im gonna go get something.

Okay, thank you.

He slips out of the room, and I close my eyes, letting the warmth of the water soothe my aching body. I cant believe I only have a few more weeks left until the baby arrives. Im excited but also a little nervous.

How can I be a good parent when mine weren’t so great?

Im pulled from my thoughts by the sound of Devon returning to the bathroom. Whats that? I open my eyes and look at him curiously.

Something to help you relax. He puts a small speaker on the counter by the sink and presses play. Soft, soothing music fills the air. But Devons not finished yet. He produces two scented candles and sets them up carefully before lighting them.

Oh, wow. That’s so nice. I sink a little lower, smiling as the scent of lavender fills the steamy air.

He drops onto the floor beside the tub. I thought you might like it.

Thank you. I reach out to take his hand. Youre too good to me.

Nonsense. You deserve all this and more.

I dont know about that. My eyes drift shut as I zone out again. But Im glad youre here with me.

Always. He squeezes my hand and sighs.

We sit in silence for a while, enjoying the music and the scent of the candles before Devon methodically washes my hair and massages my scalp.

Theres a sound from the other room and familiar voices fill the air.

Hey, guys. Frankie smiles as he enters the bathroom. Hows it going?

Amazing. Devons been taking good care of me.

Of course he has. Frankie leans down to give Devon a kiss and then places one on my forehead. Because he loves you.

Smiling, I appreciate my men so much. Hows Kyle doing?

Really good. In fact, hes got something he wants you to see.” He leans over the tub and rubs my belly. “Hes just setting it up in the bedroom now.

What is it? I love surprises, and he has my curiosity piqued.

Youll see. Frankie winks and grabs a towel. “You almost done?”

Yes, you tease. I chuckle as Devon rinses the soap from my hair. Then, he and Frankie help me out of the tub and wrap me in a soft, fluffy towel.

They lead me into the bedroom where Kyle is waiting for us. Hey, baby. How are you feeling?

Good. I lean in for a kiss and wrap my arms around his neck. Whats my surprise?

He gestures to the bed with bated breath. Ive been working on something for you. Well, for our pup.

I look toward the bed, and my eyes widen as I see a wooden crib sitting alongside it. Its beautifully crafted with intricate details and a smooth finish.

Oh my god. I cover my open mouth as my eyes fill with tears. My emotions have been running rampant lately, and Im always on the verge of crying. Its so beautiful.

Kyle exhales and holds me from behind, kissing the back of my neck. Ive been learning how to do stuff like this from one of the gray-muzzled wolves. It took a while, but I’m happy with the finished product.

Its perfect. I wipe my eyes as I approach the crib, rubbing my hand along the smooth railing. You did such a good job. Thank you.

Youre welcome. Kyle swallows back his own emotion. Emotion we rarely see from our big, tough alpha.

Its almost time for dinner. Frankie puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side. Are you hungry?

Starving. It’s true, but I cant tear my eyes away from the crib. My fingers trace the beautifully finished woodwork, and a sense of calm washes over me.

Then lets go get you fed. Devon takes my hand and nudges me out of the room.

My mates are all so gentle with me, drying me off, dressing me, giving me such care and attention that I feel like my heart is about to burst.

I love you. I look at each of them in turn. All of you. I cant imagine how my life mightve turned out if you guys hadnt given me a ride in your station wagon that day.

Im so glad we did, baby. Kyle wraps his hand around the back of my neck and leans forward for a kiss. We’re lucky we found you. We’d been searching for a long time.

The four of us head to the dining hall together, chatting and laughing as we go. My heart is full of love and joy. And I know that no matter what happens, Ill always have my mates by my side.