I slipped out of bed early the next morning, careful not to wake a peacefully sleeping Jason. The sun hadn’t even risen yet but there was a blush starting on the horizon. I felt my way to the bathroom and eased the door shut before I turned on the light.

Ugh. I felt… odd. My stomach was churning slightly, like I was about to be sick, and my head was a little fuzzy. I splashed cold water over my face and tried to fight down the feeling of nausea. It didn’t work. I ran for the toilet and hung my head over it, retching into the bowl.

After, I closed the lid and sat, my hands wandering over my stomach. It was too early for this, wasn’t it? There was no way I could be pregnant yet, but…

I pushed off the seat and washed my face again before I snuck back into the bedroom and found my clothes in the half-dark. With a glance over my shoulder at Jason’s sleeping back, I eased out of the bedroom and down the hall to the elevator. I thanked the gods for the almost-silent doors as I pushed the button marked ‘lobby’ and the doors glided shut. The elevator rushed me silently to the ground floor and deposited me into the lobby of Jason’s building.

It was as luxurious as you’d expect, with black marble floors and abstract lighting fixtures tipped with what I was sure were real gems. It was empty this early in the morning, except for the security guard sitting at a long counter tucked against one wall.

I made my way over and cleared my throat to get his attention.

“Excuse me,” I said.

“Hmm?” He looked up from his digital magazine and I spied the naked ass of a very buff man. He flipped the tablet over with a blush. “Can I help you?”

“Is there a pharmacy or something near here?”

“There’s a convenience store around the corner. You visiting someone here?” He eyed my disheveled clothes suspiciously and I realized I’d only ever entered the building through Jason’s elevator from the garage.

“Um, yes. Jason Marks?”

His eyebrows met as he looked me over. Then he shoved a scanner across the counter at me. “You mind?”

I wanted to tell him to go to hell, that I belonged here just as much as anyone, that my mate would have his job if he harassed me, but instead I shrugged and slapped my hand down onto the scanner.

Mr. Security Guard’s face suddenly cleared as he looked at his screen. “All right then. You’re all cleared, Mr. Larson. Mr. Marks has had you in the system for ages. The store is just a block and a half away. Out the front to the left. Just use your handprint to get back in.” I swore he almost gave me a salute as I headed for the doors.

The city was quiet. The only sound was the early morning bus as it headed down the block. I found the store quickly, its windows fogged and steamy in the filtered morning light.

I headed to the back and searched the shelves until I found what I was looking for. I snatched one of the tests from the shelf and hurried to the front of the store. The smell of coffee wafting across the store was making my stomach roil again. The girl at the cash register gave me a smirk when she saw what I dropped onto the counter. I ignored her and pulled my blue card out of my pocket, offering it to her as she rang up my purchase. She dropped it into a brown paper bag and I rolled it up discreetly, tucking it under my shirt as I headed back down the block to Jason's building. I pressed my hand against the digital plate and gave the security guard a wave as I passed him. He tipped one finger in my direction and I hurried on to the elevators, my stomach rolling again as the elevator shot me to the top of the building. I tried to sneak back in without waking up Jason, but when the doors opened, he was standing at the kitchen counter, his phone in his hand and a scowl on his face.

“Rudy, where have you been? I was terrified when I woke up and you weren't here.” His voice was sharp with worry. He dropped his face and pinned me with a look.

“I just went for a walk.” I shrugged.

“At five-thirty in the morning?” I heard the disbelief in his voice.

“I'm here now. I’m fine. Don’t blow a fuse.” I walked reluctantly to the kitchen, slightly annoyed at his attitude and hoping that the bag under my shirt wouldn’t crinkle.

It did.

“What do you have there?” he asked.

 “Nothing,” I said, and took a step back.

He walked over, his eyes somewhere between annoyed and amused, and tugged up my shirt. He pulled the crinkly paper bag from underneath my shirt and emptied it out onto the counter. He didn't say a word for a few minutes as he stared from the box to me, from me to the box.

Well,” he finally asked, “are you going to go and take this?”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and nodded. Then I stood up, took the pregnancy test off the counter, and headed back to the bathroom.

When I came out, Jason was sitting on the end of the bed waiting for me. I walked slowly over to him and held out the little blue and white stick. He took it from me and flipped it over. His eyes grew wide and a grin split his face as he looked down at the tiny plastic window, the miniature plus sign bright and obvious in the morning light.

“Rudy, sweetheart, this is incredible. Are you sure?” His joy was undeniable.

“I mean, of course I'm sure,” I said, looking at him. “You're holding the proof in your hand.”

He jumped up and pulled me into a hug, pressing me against him, his arms holding me tight. “I can't believe it,” he said. “This is amazing. I didn't think it would be this soon. But I don't care. I want this. I want you and our baby and our family. This is more than I could ever have imagined.”

I pushed back from him and my chin trembled a little. I felt hot tears building up in my eyes.

“What's wrong?” he asked. He reached for me again and I stepped away.

“I'm not sure I'm ready for this,” I said. “I don't know if this is what I want. I mean, one day yes, but I didn't think one day would be today.”

“This is another one of those times when you're going to have to trust me and know I'm here for you,” he said. “This is something we will get through together. I'll be here for you and for the baby and for everything you need, now and forever. I just have to let you know,” Jason added, “that I am more than thrilled. I know you may be a little apprehensive right now, but I think you'll be okay soon.”

I dropped onto the bed, suddenly tired and needing a nap. “So, what do we do now?” I asked as my eyes started to drift shut.

“Don't worry about it,” he said. “I'll take care of everything. You rest.”

The last thing I remembered before I slipped into a deep slumber was him pulling the blanket up over my shoulders and tucking it in around me and making me feel safe.

Jason was shaking me awake. I swatted at him and rolled over, trying to tug the blankets back over my head.

“Come on,” he said. “Get up.”

“Can't you just let me sleep for a little while longer?” I asked. “I'm so tired.”

“Well, I would let you sleep, but I made you a doctor's appointment. Come on, get up and get dressed and let's go. Besides, you've been asleep for hours now. It's already after lunch time. You need something to eat soon, too. You have to stay healthy.”

I sat up and stared at him. “I can't go to a doctor's appointment. Look at me. I've been wearing the same clothes for two days. And besides, there's no way I can get in to see a doctor right now. I’m sure it will be at least a week before someone can fit me in.”

“Oh, it's fine. I made you an appointment with our family doctor, Dr. Abbott. He can see you this afternoon. So, you need to get up and get ready.”

Of course, another perk of being a Marks. Healthcare at your leisure.

“I can't go like this.” I gestured at my ruffled clothes. “And I certainly can't wear your clothes. They’ll fall off of me.”

“Well, maybe I can help with that.”

I watched as he headed to the corner of the bedroom and disappeared into a panel door that slid to the side. He came back out and handed me a stack of folded clothes. I unfolded them and found a soft cashmere sweater and a pair of black tailored pants. I checked the sizes. They’d fit me.

“I don't want to wear your ex-boyfriend's old clothes,” I said.

“They're not my ex-boyfriend's old clothes,” he growled at me. “They're your clothes. I bought them for you. Well, I had my shopper—my mom’s shopper—buy them for you.”

“Of course you have a shopper,” I said, and rolled my eyes at him.

“You didn't think I bought all my clothes myself, did you? I’d either be naked or in sweatpants if it was up to me. My mom has a shopper come in three times a year and a tailor to make me new suits, otherwise I'd run around looking like a homeless person. I don't care about clothes, but my mom does. So, I let her do it. Now, you shower and get dressed.”

“Fine,” I moaned, as I pushed the blankets away from me. I could tell he wasn’t going to be persuaded to let me continue my nap, so I stumbled into the bathroom with my new clothes in my arms and practically fell into Jason's gargantuan shower.

Multiple shower heads streamed heated water over my tired body as I soaped up with a shower gel that smelled like expensive sex. The massaging jets did make me feel a little better. I started to perk up as the water beat away the fatigue.

I toweled off with one of Jason’s thick towels and slid into the clothes that he'd bought me. Of course, they did fit perfectly. They were so soft—softer than anything I'd ever worn before—and cut perfectly for my body.

When I walked back into the bedroom, I found socks and a brand-new pair of shoes laid out on the end of the bed for me. I shook my head. I couldn't believe his extravagance. These clothes and shoes probably cost more than I made in a year. Nevertheless, I slid them on, running my fingers through my damp hair, and went to meet Jason in the kitchen.

“I don't want anything to eat,” I said, as he pushed a plate toward me. I felt so contrary, like I wanted to do the exact opposite of everything Jason wanted me to do.

“It's just some toast,” he said. “Just eat some of it. It will help settle your stomach if it's upset.”

I could tell he wasn’t going to let this go so I picked up the toast and nibbled on the edge of it. It did make my stomach feel a little better. He did have four younger brothers, so he might have known a little bit about a person being pregnant.

Jason headed to a closet near the front door and pushed it open, taking out a new jacket. I rolled my eyes at him as he helped me slide my arms into it, and then we headed down to the garage to take the car to the doctor’s.

The doctor's office was pleasant—clean without being sterile, warm without being stuffy. The receptionist greeted us with a smile and waved us back. We didn't even have to wait in the waiting room. I guessed this was what it was like being a Marks. A nurse led us into a room and handed me a crinkly paper robe to try on. I slid out of my new clothes and donned the paper robe. It crackled around me as I jumped onto the exam bed to wait for the doctor.

The doctor bustled in, and he looked like everyone's version of a friendly grandpa. He shook hands quickly with Jason and made his way over to me.

“So we're going to have a baby are we?” His eyes twinkled at me and he gave me a reassuring grin.

“That's what the test said,” I said.

 “Let's give you a quick exam, make sure everything is okay, make sure you're healthy. Afterwards, I'll give you some vitamins to keep you and the baby healthy.”

He laid me back and probed at my stomach, pushing at my belly. Then he lifted my legs into cold metal stirrups, making me glad I didn't take my socks off, and did a quick pelvic exam. I looked over and saw Jason grimacing as the doctor worked. Annoyance clouded my vision for a second and was just as quickly replaced by the warm feeling of desire. What? As I sat up, the doctor snapped off his rubber gloves and tossed them toward the garbage can.

“I'm going to go grab your vitamins for you,” he said. “Go ahead and get your clothes back on and I'll be right back.”

I slipped back into my clothes and took the seat beside Jason. Jason draped his arm around my shoulder and gave me a quick hug before the doctor came back in.

The door popped back open and Dr. Abbott stuck his head back through to make sure I was ready. He came in and handed me a huge, rattling bottle. “One of these every day in the morning, but make sure you eat something first,” he said. “As a matter of fact, eating a little something every morning might help you from being too sick. So far everything looks great. You're young, you're healthy, and I don't see any problems.”

“Thank you, Dr. Abbott,” Jason said, as he pumped the old doctor's hand. “I appreciate you seeing us on short notice.”

“Anytime Jason, anytime,” the doctor said jovially. “Make sure you make another appointment. The receptionist will have some literature and paperwork for you to take with you. I'm looking forward to a new Marks. You know,” the doctor leaned toward me, “I delivered all the Marks boys. Can’t wait to meet this new one.”

We went back to Jason's apartment and after a simple lunch of a soup and salad, I fell asleep to the sound of him tapping on his laptop.

I finally woke up from my next nap and tried to blink the sleep out of my eyes. Jason looked over at me when I stirred and gave me a grin.

“Are you going to sleep through this entire pregnancy?” he asked.

“I might,” I muttered at him. “I'm starving though. What's for dinner?”

“Do you like Italian?” he asked.

“Oh, I love it,” I groaned. “I'd love a huge bowl of spaghetti Bolognese right now.”

“Then make yourself pretty. We're going to meet my brothers for dinner.”

“All of them?” I asked.

“Yes, all of them.”

“In public? At the same time?”

“Yes, goof,” Jason laughed at me. “Now do you want pasta or not?”

I headed toward the bedroom to change. If having dinner with Jason's brothers was what it took to get my pasta, then that was what I'd do.

We met his brothers at the front of the restaurant near a sparkling fountain. After the normal raucous greetings, there were hugs and pats all around and Ollie in particular gave me a long and welcoming hug. We were led to a big, round table tucked into a corner. The restaurant was warm and smelled like garlic and butter and freshly baked bread.

We ordered our dinner and as the bottle of wine was passed around the table I discreetly let it pass me by. The brothers didn't notice. I sipped on sparkling water and nibbled at a breadstick to keep my stomach from churning. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of teasing and a lot of love at the table. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before. Dinners at the orphanage were somber affairs and no one was given to laughing very much, much less telling jokes. And since I’d been in Stell, most of my dinners had been solitary.

Finally, we were halfway through dinner when Parker pointed his fork at Jason and speared him with a look. “The dinner is delicious, but I know that’s not why you dragged us out. What did you want to see us for?”

“Well,” Jason gave me a soft look, “Rudy and I…”

I kicked him under the table. I wasn’t sure I was ready for his family to know. I didn’t want them thinking I was just some opportunist omega who got himself knocked up as quick as he could to keep his alpha. I was underemployed and kind of screwed up in the head. What kind of mate, what kind of father, would I be? I wasn’t ready to face the judgement of these brothers. These brothers who had been nothing but kind and welcoming to me. And oh shit. I was going to cry.

Hormones.

Jason reached out and grabbed my hand, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay,” he mouthed at me. I nodded my head and sat back, and waited for the wave of disappointment from his brothers to hit me.

“Like I was saying, Rudy and I… well, I’ve claimed him.” Jason’s grin beamed around the table as the Marks brothers’ nudged at one another with smirks on their handsome faces.

“And… he’s pregnant. We’re going to have a pup.”

There was complete silence before all hell broke loose.

Jasper whooped and jumped up from his chair, running around the table and jumping up and down like a little kid. He whacked Jason on the shoulders and gave me a huge bear hug from behind.

Ollie had a grin on his face. He was beaming and looked nothing but pleased to hear the news. Parker and Slate both jumped up and came around the table, hugging and patting Jason and me.

“I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle,” Jasper said. “Hey, maybe it’ll be twins. Wouldn't that be great?”

“This is fantastic news,” Parker said.

“Have you told Mom and Dad yet?” Ollie asked.

“Not yet,” Jason said. “And I'll thank you to keep this to yourself for now. I want to be the one to tell them.”

“I won't say anything,” Ollie said. “The rest of you jugheads keep your mouth shut too.” He pointed to each of his brothers in turn.

“You’re really a part of the family now,” Slate said to me. “So when's the wedding?”

“One thing at a time.” Jason said. I could feel him looking at me from the corner of his eye. His smile was bright, and his happiness was beaming across the restaurant.  

“I think this calls for cake,” Parker said.

Parker waved the waiter over and put in an order for a celebratory cake. Jason's brothers piled back into their chairs and the conversation flowed around us. They were really excited about the prospect of being uncles. This was going to be one of the most loved babies ever. I sat quietly and took it all in. This was something I never expected I would have. Even though I grew up surrounded by a hundred or so other boys, this feeling of belonging and brotherhood was something I'd never experienced before. It was nothing like I was used to. I'd been alone for so long. Jason's family was big and loud and loving and they were welcoming me into their loud and loving embrace. For the first time in a long time I felt like I had a chance to be truly happy. And all it took was finding my fated mate.