48. ELLIE

ELLIE

Six Months Later

Clapping erupts through the theater as the credits roll and I can’t help the tears that fall down my cheeks at the masterpiece Macon put together. I had never really watched one of his movies before we had met but I’ve scoured through every last one, laughing through the terrible firsts and squealing at the masterpieces he’s created in the last few years. This action romance movie, however, was definitely my favorite of them all.

The love story between Phil and Van tugged at my heartstrings, and his co-star Lily switched out for Julie who has been nothing less than perfect. Even now, I can’t imagine Lily putting on the performance that Julie did and the badassery she displayed in those obnoxiously tight leather pants.

I shift in my seat and then groan as the cushion flattens more than I was planning. I’m the size of a house at this point, with three babies growing in my belly—two boys and one girl just like I predicted. It’s going to be absolutely impossible to get out of this chair without help. Savin is giggling on my left, Carleen throwing me a warm smile from my right. “Hey sis, how are you doing?”

“I feel like I’m going to pop.” Which isn’t far off. Dr. Kelly mentioned that I might deliver early, and that we have to be very careful with extracurricular activities until I give birth. Which also means that I have had to suffer watching my Alpha fuck Savin into oblivion many a nights. I was awarded a few moments myself so long as I stayed still, both of them learning to edge me until I was squirming for relief.

It also meant that my last activities outside were graduating and walking the stage with my MS in public health. We couldn’t even visit my parents after I finally dropped the ball that I was both mated and pregnant. They were a lot happier than I expected, gushing over the few video calls we’ve had. It feels like me finding my happiness has pulled us closer together, although not everything has been sunshine and roses.

These past few months haven’t been all that easy, weathering the gossip, his mother reacting terribly to the restraining order, and finding herself behind bars more than once. For a woman who held such a fierce aura, she truly has fallen. Savin’s health has been on the mend and the medication works most days. There’s still a bad day every now and then but it consists of a lot of cat naps. The pain hasn’t returned and I cross my fingers every fucking day that it never does.

Bailey, their doctor, is hopeful although the dosage might have to be raised in the next few months. I don’t care. I’ve never seen Savin so happy and alert. And now, nearly eight months after I met my mates, I’m sitting here with my family, about to watch Macon receive praise for his new action romance. He’s on stage with the costars and many of the cast and crew, thanking everyone for their part in it.

My attention turns back to my sister, her expression full of regret. She’s been reserved lately, not with me or my mates, but more so when I catch her alone. A lot of sighs and staring into the distance. I know why but I hate to push. A few weeks after I found out my sister had a crush on Tati, the Beta left on a long vacation to visit family and take a few classes on running a clothing business. Carleen won’t talk about it, though Tati’s pining texts lighting up my phone every so often tell me that it’s not all lost.

I pull out my phone, scrolling through the conversation we had today. Tati promised to return when the babies were born and she’s hoping that Carleen will say something about their few weeks together, brief as it was.

Has she said anything?

No.

Fuck. I wouldn’t ask this. It’s weird. But like… tell her I’m okay with everything.

You tell her that.

I’ve tried! She doesn’t believe me. She keeps telling me that she can’t give me what I want.

Really?

I told you the day before I left she didn’t even hug me goodbye.

That doesn’t sound like my sister. She’s usually so strong and forthcoming in her desires. She stood up to Macon and she’s definitely had a thing or two to say about Aayla. My brows furrow with confusion as I set my phone in my lap and turn to look at my sister.

“Carleen…”

“Don’t, Ellie. It’s fine.”

I struggle to sit up, Carleen immediately focusing on helping me. It’s that nurturing part of her personality that Tati loves, that Tati wants to bask in. “Leenie, just for one moment, please listen. I’m probably the last person to tell you this but Tati needs to hear your words. She’s kind of… she doesn’t understand gestures. She needs it blunt. You never really told her, did you?” I search her eyes for the answer and sigh. Tati nearly moved in just before she left to stay with her parents for a little while. I personally think that it was more a distraction for a broken heart rather than part of Tati’s future.

“Leenie, you need to tell her.”

“I can’t give her what she wants, Ellie. Tati… is like you in many respects and I, I’m not sure I could satisfy her in any capacity. She’s vibrant and beautiful but do you know how many times I had to tell her no? She says she understands but-” Carleen bites her lip, shaking her head, refusing to continue.

“And how many times was she content to just sit with you? Cuddle with you? Cook with you?” My friend doesn’t know the extent of Carleen’s preferences but I feel like it’s not for lack of trying. Carleen is very private and letting someone in is more terrifying than it was for me. Letting Tati go, however, I know will crush my sister. They might not be a scent match but they’re fucking perfect for each other. “She’s coming back in a few weeks, maybe sooner. Call her, Leenie. You’ve been regretting every fucking moment you don’t talk to her. Call her.”

My words seem to stir something up as she pulls out her phone and stares at the screen for several seconds before dialing Tati. Carleen presses the phone against her ear and then it’s like all the tension from the past several months washes away when my sister hears Tati’s voice. “Hey sunshine,” Carleen mumbles and I swear my heart explodes into happiness as I try not to cry. Fucking hormones.

I twist around to focus on Savin who’s grinning at me like he’s won the lottery. “Finally got her to call Tati? Thank fuck. She’s been meaner than usual and she keeps making those yummy sandwiches spicy.”

“Baby, you realize that getting her back together with Tati will mean she won’t have time for sandwiches, right?” I laugh at his shock before leaning in for a kiss. Savin moans into my mouth as he draws me closer, one hand going to massage my belly. He pulls away suddenly when one of the babies kicks. They do it almost every time Savin touches me as if reaching out to their father.

“Goddess, I can’t wait to hold my babies.”

“Likewise. Then I can get my body back.”

“I wouldn’t hope too hard, sweetheart.”

We both look up to see Macon in all of his glory—the man fills out a suit so nicely—as he helps me to my feet. I struggle and wobble forward before letting out a sigh and narrowing my eyes at him. He snorts at my silent anger as he places a sweet kiss on my lips. “Stop threatening me with babies. Like we can get past the first three first?” I’m not entirely turned off by the idea like I was a few months ago. I’m in love with the way Savin worships my belly and the way Macon does everything in his power to make sure I’m comfortable. Although, goddess, I hate the waddling and trying to get up from chairs.

“Let’s get you home, eh?” Macon purrs against my lips, reaching out for Savin to take his hand. I’m more than happy to leave the venue and pass out but just by my mates’ scents, I know that’s not what is on the agenda.

If only I could turn off my own desire so that my body wouldn’t betray my mind. Fucking traitorous pussy. “There will be no fucking unless you want babies tomorrow.” It’s only a month early but Dr. Kelly did say at any moment.

A deviant grin spreads across my Alpha’s face as Savin pinches my chin to meet his mischievous expression. “The sooner you have them, the sooner I get to hold my babies and the sooner our Alpha gets his turn.”

“Fuck you both.”

“Yes, that is my plan.”