Annie
“Vivienne, can I borrow you for a moment?” Annie didn’t want all her friends to hear about her problems. She knew they would’ve been there for her, they’d support her in any way possible. But, with her emotions still running high, Annie was nervous she’d say something she’d later regret. Besides, Ella was busying helping Mason get Corey’s truck into place.
Lani had James making little gummy smiles at Gene, while Grace and Carter played tag with Stella. Pulling Vivienne away from Grams was easy enough, even if Grams’ cunning eyes seemed to peer into her soul. “What is it dear?” Vivienne’s voice had a soothing quality to it. At least to Annie it did.
Others, like Alex for example, said it was more haunting than soothing. Although, he had issues with witches. “The tests came back negative.”
“Oh honey, I’m sorry. I was sure that combination of herbs would do the trick.” Her white-blonde brows pulled together as she frowned. “Did you test too soon?”
“Maybe. I don’t have a regular cycle, so it’s possible.” The idea hadn’t dawned on Annie before. Holy shit, had she been testing early this whole time?
Stressing herself out for nothing? She wanted to kick herself in the ass. “Try again in a week. All the dreams I’ve seen of you, there are children involved.”
“Children, not child?”
“Yes dear, children.” Vivienne smiled, patting her on the shoulder like Annie’s mother or grandmother would’ve of. “And if it truly is negative, come back and see me next month. I have a few other tricks up my sleeve.
“Ah, here comes your mate. If you excuse me, I’m going to find my bear.” By the time Nathan made it to her side, Corey came around the side of the house. Everyone yelled, “Surprise!” when he saw the gleaming silver truck. Instead of being excited, he looked disappointed.
And Annie wasn’t the only one who noticed. “You don’t like it?” Ella’s voice cracked at the end. Even from across the clearing, Annie saw the tears gathering in her eyes.
“He’s just shocked, little wolf. Don’t fret. Right, Corey?” Mason had been tender with his mate, like always. While for the first time, he snarled at the pup.
“Shit, sorry. Ma, I think it’s great, just what I wanted.”
“No you don’t.” The sniffles coming from Ella turned into full on sobs. Corey’s human friends, except for Sophia, scattered to their cars. Hell, even some of the shifters took off. A sobbing Ella only meant one thing.
They were about to have a very pissed off alpha on their paws. “Goddess help me.” His growl echoed through the silent yard. It made her eyes shoot to the ground. She grabbed onto Nathan’s hand for strength.
Annie was a submissive bear through and through. An irritated alpha wasn’t something she wanted to encounter. “Apologize before I say or do something I regret.” Without looking up, she knew Mason had spoken to Corey.
“He didn’t do anything wrong.” A small voice spoke up. Goddess that tiny human has some balls. Annie secretly smiled to herself. Maybe the meek girl was more than she looked like.
Mason growled at being talked back to, but a fiercer snarl cut him off. The sound made Annie bare her neck, submit herself to an alpha. “Holy fucking shit.” Isaiah sounded excited. “This- fuck you, Alexander.”
She didn’t need her sight to know Alex had just smacked Isaiah on the back of his head. It was Alex’s go to move when his middle brother got mouthy. “Keep your damn mouth shut.” A light giggle sounded, then Ella too, started laughing.
“Your family, other than the crying stuff, is amazing.” Finally, some of the alpha dominance lifted enough for Annie to look up. Sophia smiled at the Wilson brothers first, then Mason and Ella, finishing with Corey.
“I’m sorry about all the crying, I’m just emotional.” Mason had Ella’s face in his hands, wiping her tears away.
“You haven’t been like this since…” He trailed off, a strange look on his face. “You’re pregnant.” Before Ella could confirm or deny Mason’s declaration, he swept her up into his arms. Twirling her around with a smile stretching his face.
“You idiot. Of course she’s pregnant. When are your paws not all over my little sister?” Isaiah gave Mason a ‘come on’ look.
“Isaiah, brother. Really? Maybe for like two seconds, you can be quiet?” Alex had to know that would be a long shot.
“Oh, big brother. Do you honestly think that’s every going to happen?” He rolled his eyes, smirking.
“See, they’re hilarious. Are they always like this?” Sophia bounced around while giggling. Her and Corey were so adorable together, Annie barely held her squeal in.
“Unfortunately.” But Corey smiled at his brothers. “So, I guess I’m gonna be a big brother again?” Mason sat Ella on the ground lightly, the overprotectiveness already starting.
“Yes. Sorry about the outburst-”
“It’s fine Ella. You’re carrying our young, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Oh Goddess,” Ella groaned. “Not again.” Annie leaned against Nathan laughing. Instead of feeling jealous, she felt happy for her friends. The bone-deep sadness wasn’t there anymore.
Spending the other day with Nathan had made Annie feel like herself again. She didn’t have to pretend anymore. Annie could just enjoy the moment, knowing someday it would be her and Nathan’s turn.