Chapter Eleven

I hadn't scented a change in the omega because there hadn't been one. Oh, it might have intensified, that floral essence, but wasn't different per se because he'd been pregnant when he arrived to take over the shop. But while I waited for Cicek to come out of the bathroom, I recognized that he had always scented pregnant. It wasn't the same as when I'd been around couples where the omega was pregnant. This was very specifically him. And he was probably darn close to showing.

He'd been so vulnerable, carrying that bag into the bathroom, and I wanted to help him in every way I could, but this part he had to do himself. I didn't know a lot about his former alpha, mostly just that he didn't want to discuss him, which had been fine with me. But I hoped he would feel comfortable enough to talk now because that male was the baby's biological father and would have to be at least informed if not involved. My bear already wanted to take care of his mate and our cub, but we had no right to step in unless we were asked.

Sure, he'd wanted us to stay while he took the test, but I could not allow that to make me think he meant more. He needed a friend, and I would be that friend. Whatever he needed.

"I'll be right out," he said, and the door creaked open. I had something to help with that…but maybe not tonight. Cicek appeared in the doorway, a stick in each hand. "I peed on them both."

"That's good, omega. How much time do we have to wait?"

"A few minutes, but you'll have to look. I can't."

"All right." I pulled some paper towels from the roll in the kitchen area and folded them then set them on the coffee table. "Put them down here."

"Okay." He reached over and set them on the toweling. "Now I'm closing my eyes."

"Maybe sit down first?" His eyes were already firmly closed, so it wouldn't be first, but I assisted him onto the couch. "What are you hoping to see?" I had a pretty good idea…

"I can't be pregnant." He sank into the cushions, crossing his arms across his chest.

I didn't understand what he was talking about. A baby equaled a blessing and even though it wasn't mine, I was happy for my friend. That was, if it came back positive, but between his scent and my bear's assertions inside me, there was no question.

Still, we'd wait for the sticks.

"How much longer?" he asked.

"I didn't notice what time you brought them out, did you?"

"Yes." He groaned. "But I've forgotten."

"It's okay, we needed three minutes, right? Gonna say we're pretty close to that time, now. I'll give it one more minute then check."

"Please tell me they're negative." He flung his head back. "I don't want to have his hoglet."

Ah. The ex. This was why he was so negative about the baby and probably about having another alpha. "I'll tell you the truth, okay?"

"I'd prefer you lie if it's not the answer I want."

"Omega, it's time."

His eyes popped open. "I have to look."

"How about we check them together?"

"Deal." Poor guy. It was one thing for a couple to plan for a baby or even for a single, but when there was a parent out of the picture, it was bound to lead to difficulties. He bent over the sticks, as did I, and then we looked at each other. "What should we be seeing?"

"I've never done this before," I pointed out. "Let's get the inserts."

Of course, when we consulted them, they confirmed what I expected. But I let him say it first. "They're both positive." His face had such strain, I reached out for him. I couldn't do anything else. He ducked away. "I left him because I didn't want him to have control over my life. All he wanted to was to ‘put hoglets in me,' and I didn't want to be a stay-at-home omega with him ‘putting' babies in me every year. I don't want him in my life in any way, shape, or form, but this baby gives him the right to step right on in and try to run me again.

"I don't want him around my child. He'll be the worst possible influence, but he knows where I am, and if he shows up and sees me pregnant, he'll…oh my gods. What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything but be in a relationship that resulted in a pregnancy," I soothed, reaching for him again, but he shrugged my hand away.

"I should have left long before this happened. I'm not a child. I know what causes pregnancy. He didn't want to use protection, and I went along with it. Even when I was sure I did not want a family with him.

"When I got here, I thought I was free, but I am not free at all. He can show up and want equal time with our child, try to make me come back to him. He'll try to prove that I'm an incompetent parent. He'll get full custody." His hands flattened on his belly. "He's never taking my baby away from me. I will raise them alone, and he can never, ever find out. Maybe I'll sell the shop and go as far as I can. Canada? Mexico? England? Anywhere he won't be able to find us." His voice rose higher and higher until it broke and he flung himself on the bed. "What have I done?" Shoulders shaking with sobs, he moaned it again and again, and, finally, he allowed me to hold him while he cried.

He'd be glad for the baby when he calmed down, and we'd figure out the ex thing later. But, for now, I just patted his back and told him it would be okay.