28. ELLIE

ELLIE

The next day passes slowly, my anxiety rising with each passing moment. Savin and Macon send me several sweet messages, the warm fuzzy feelings growing with every word I read. Well, Macon’s messages are sweet. Savin’s are a mixture of missing me and telling me all the fun things he’s going to do to me the moment I step through the door. In some ways, I envision Savin as a mini-Alpha, whispering dirty words in my ear as he takes me apart.

I know why I’m drawn to Savin so fiercely but it’s still a little strange, that it’s this insatiable need I can’t squash on my own. Dr. Kelly confirmed my suspicions this afternoon—that I’m pregnant with Savin’s twins—while assuring me that everything was normal and the babies were healthy. My sweetened scent is reminiscent of carrying an Omega’s children and the heightened emotions and craving for Savin sealed the deal.

Carleen squealed over the ultrasound pictures for several minutes when I exited the office, demanding an entire rundown of absolutely everything while also researching the best foods during pregnancy. I absolutely love her support and the way she continues to tell me that whatever my choice is, she’s going to be there for me. By the time we got back to the apartment, I gathered the ultrasound pictures and retired to my bedroom with a pint of mint and dragon fruit ice cream.

With every bite, I’d gently run my fingers over the blurry photo, losing the rest of my day staring at my future.

Babies.

Two of them.

I chew on my tongue ring, caressing my bloated belly with one hand and holding the picture in the other once I”ve finished my ice cream. My phone buzzes at my side and I grab it, smiling at Tati’s frantic texts. I haven’t spoken with anyone since the appointment this afternoon—aside from my sister—and I’ve been relatively subdued at work and classes.

Bitch, pick up the phone! I want baby details!

I snort and do so, Tati not even giving me a chance to say hello. “So? I know that damn appointment was hours ago and now it’s nearly midnight.”

“Twins,” I say confidently, falling in love with the idea of two little babies running around at some point. My heart is falling for kids that don’t even exist, already trying to pick names for the little ones in my belly. “And they’re Savin’s.” Should I be telling Tati? Probably not but I need her and my sister to keep me sane. Carleen already knew and burst out laughing when I told her. She mentioned something like ‘You smell like a damn Omega’ so I guess no one is really surprised.

Tati giggles and I grunt when my gaze falls on the empty ice cream container so I make my way into the kitchen for more. “Now what? You telling them?”

“I think I have to,” I push out as I grab the rose-infused chocolate flavor from the freezer, Carleen raising an eyebrow from the couch. She’s not a big fan of these strange flavors but this is the second serving I’ve had today so I understand her concern. I shrug it off as I snatch a clean spoon and escape back to my room, climbing onto the mattress. “Dr. Kelly said the symptoms might get harder to navigate without my mates, especially since I’ve already been around them.” The top of the pint comes off and I dig in, swallowing a moan of appreciation.

Tati sighs. “You’re also starting to show which is weird as fuck. I definitely thought I’d be the one getting accidentally pregnant first. They’re going to notice the next time ya’ll have an orgy. Oh, don’t make that face. I know you’re making one. I know being in bed with them must be sexy as fuck. Anywho, you keeping your shift tomorrow night? I told Lewis we’re doing a routine because fuck if I”m letting anyone touch you while you’re pregnant while you wait tables.”

With another spoonful of cream halfway to my mouth, I freeze. “It’s never been that bad.” Nothing I can’t handle, anyway. There are a few regular sleazeballs but I”ve never been groped like some of the other girls.

“Oh, Ellie. Are you stupid? I’m not worried for you. I’m worried for that poor guy. Packs are usually really protective of their pregnant mates. Pretty sure Macon will find that fucking guy and rip his arm off. Savin will probably try or just ruin the guy’s career. Astors to the rescue!” Tati starts cackling.

My face heats in shame at the idea of Macon stomping into Euphoria and throwing some poor bastard across the room. Unfortunately, the shame quickly switches with desire as I imagine the Alpha roughly grabbing my throat as he demands me to tell him who I belong to. Just the thought has a moan slipping from my lips. “Fuck.”

“You just imagined them coming to save you, didn’t you? You horny bitch. I fucking love you. Now, get some sleep and I’ll terrorize you when I pick you up for school.” I’m about to contest that when she adds, “Neither Carleen nor I are going to let you ride your beautiful death trap. We have babies to think about. Fuck, I’m going to be an auntie. Godmother? Both. Definitely both. Goodnight! Oh, send me a picture!”

I laugh at her craziness, pulling up my camera while she’s still on the line. A few clicks later, I swipe up a couple of apps to send her the photos, staring in horror as the message I’ve sent appears in an entirely different chat.

My heart falls into my stomach as I scramble off the bed, Tati yelling into the phone and asking what happened. Fuck.

This can’t be happening. Instead of sending them to Tati, they’re saying ‘sent’ to Savin Astor. “Tati, I have to go. I just…” I hang up on her, my emotions out of whack as I search for acceptable clothing. Stuffing myself into a pair of leggings and an oversized shirt, I run out of the room, Carleen hopping off the couch to block my mad dash.

“Hey, hey, what is going on?” Carleen catches me by the arms, frantically searching my expression before her gaze drops to my stomach. “Is it the babies? Ellie, talk to me!”

My energy disappears, my body shaking with a mixture of shock and panic, and I crumple to my knees, Carleen following me to the floor. “They weren’t supposed to know yet. I have to go. I need to…”

Carleen isn’t understanding as she reaches for the phone tightly gripped in my hand. Goddess, I’m a mess. She stares at the screen for a few moments. “You sent him your ultrasound? Ellie-”

“I didn’t mean to! His message popped up from a few hours ago and I—Tati… fuck! I need to go and explain. I just…”

“You’re not driving. It’s dark outside and I’m not letting you on that road in this emotional condition. Grab some shoes before they think I’m robbing you of simple human accessories.”

I’m torn between being relieved that they’ll know without me having to explain and terrified that they’ll turn me away when I show up. Carleen helps me to my feet and pulls me into a fierce, long hug. When she lets me go, it’s the words she leaves me with that give me enough strength to find shoes.

“If they truly love you, then it won’t matter in the end.”