Chapter Nineteen

Heath

I had to drag myself out of bed most mornings now. I didn’t like how my body was constantly sluggish.

But this morning, I vaulted over Oren and sprinted to the bathroom just in time to release…not very much into the toilet. The heaving continued until my abs were sore and I released my hold on the porcelain seat to sit against the wall, trying like hell to breathe normally again.

“Again?” Oren came to kneel next to me. I let out a laugh but covered my mouth, not wanting to offend him with my morning-plus-throw-up breath. “What are you laughing at?”

“You never hesitate to get on your knees to help me. To tell me you love me. To…other things.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re changing the subject and not so smoothly. Third time this week, Heath. Talk to me.”

“Does Archer know?” I asked, not wanting to worry him. Archer had started his new job, hummed around happy as a lark every day. He jumped up out of bed in the mornings, early, to get started. I’d never seen him happier.

“We talked about it last night while you were outside. You’ve become fond of your nighttime strolls.”

I had. Walking at night reminded me of the days when I lived in my bus. Not that I would trade this for another night in the bus, but it was nice to be under the starry sky.

“Yes. The fresh air helps with the nausea.”

He got up and ran a washcloth under some warm water. He sighed as he cleaned up my face. I hated to worry them, but something was going on with me.

“Archer and I have noticed that your scent has changed. Would you be willing to go to the healer, or should I ask if he can come to the house?”

I’d caused enough trouble to my mates. No need to add a stranger to the mix. “I’ll go to them. I’m worn out and sick of this.”

Oren leaned forward and kissed my temple. Another loving thing he did often. “How about you take a shower since you’ve been sweating all night.”

I pulled out my shirt and sure enough, the fabric had been sticking to me. “You can shower with me,” I purred.

“Not this morning, you adorable thing. I’m going to tell Archer and then the healer to make sure he’s in office. I’ll start the water for you.”

“Do you have to tell Archer?” I asked. “He’s so happy lately.”

“Taking care of our mate isn’t going to make him unhappy, Heath. But letting you be sick and not doing something about it will. In the shower with you, little fox.”

When I went into the living room, freshly showered and dressed—most importantly after brushing my teeth—I saw Archer and Oren hugging and whispering. “No one died. I’m just tired and nauseated. And apparently snappy. Sorry.”

They included me in their hug, of course, and we took off toward the healer, which meant walking a few blocks after going down the road from the cabin.

The healer met us at the door and invited us in.

“Let’s get you seen. Fill this out, alphas, for the patient, while I ask you some questions.” He handed Oren and Archer a clipboard and sat next to me. “Tell me what’s been going on.”

I told the healer about the tiredness, the lack of energy, plus the nausea. My alphas interjected about the way my scent had changed and how my temper was short—something I hadn’t realized about myself until that morning.

“I think there’s a simple explanation about these symptoms. I’ve seen it plenty of times before but we won’t know until you take a test.”

“What kind of test?” Archer asked, his tone worried.

“A pregnancy test.” No one spoke. “Are you willing to take one, Heath?”

“I am.”

Neither of my mates spoke as I was given the test and told to go into the bathroom to pee on the stick. We waited until the timer on the healer’s phone went off and he went to retrieve it.

“Well?” Oren asked. Good to know he could actually talk again.

“Congratulations, you three. You’re pregnant.”

For some reason, I looked down at my belly. Stunned didn’t even cover it.

“Pregnant?”