I couldn’t get the smile off my face no matter how hard I tried. Spending the evening with Trevor had been more wonderful than words could comprehend. He was everything I’d ever wanted in a mate. Still, I wasn’t ready to accept that I had been claimed by him. The independence inside of me ran deep. My stomach growled, pulling my attention back to the present.

Sighing, I popped another piece of fried shrimp into my mouth. It tasted like greasy heaven. Even as I snacked on it though, my reflection in the computer made me cringe. I’d gained ten pounds in the eight days since coming back from the trip with Trevor. My body was concerning me as much as the emotional roller coaster my heart always seemed to be on. Just once, I’d like for my body and mind to agree on something.

Drake appeared at the desk, nearly making me jump out of my plum skin. I’d been so lost in my own thoughts that I wasn’t watching the elevator. I quickly stood up, instantly regretting the decision as my head started to swim. Grabbing the edge of the desk to keep my footing, I did my best to smile for him. He could see right through my façade though.

“Are you okay?” he demanded.

I shrugged. “Just got a little dizzy, I’m sure it will pass in a second. Don’t tell me you had an appointment today!” I quickly started shuffling through the books when I felt his hand cover mine.

“No Ethan, I was just coming down to check on you.”

“Oh,” I muttered. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’ve been so scattered lately.”

Feeling a little better, I let go of the desk to straighten my shirt and tie. As soon as my hands were free, I knew it had been a mistake. The world started to grow dark around me. I stumbled, looking for my footing, but it was too late. I felt my knees buckle as I went crashing to the ground. Drake was at my side in an instant. The last thing I could remember was him yelling for help and footsteps approaching. Then, the darkness took hold.

* * *

“Ethan?” whispered a familiar voice.

I blinked back against the harsh lights, looking for the voice. When Steven’s face finally started to come into focus, I felt comforted. I tried to sit up, but my head again began to swim. Steven’s firm hands pushed me back down. I didn’t fight against him, even if my strength returned and I could, I knew it was best to stay still.

“What the hell happened?” I asked him.

“You fainted, honey,” he said softly. “Drake carried you to the medical ward. They are running tests now. Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

I shuddered. “I made a mistake. I slept with Trevor. I don’t know what came over me.”

Steven’s eyes lit, much to my dismay. The last thing I thought he would approve of was me shacking up with a Reluson Alpha.

“There’s more,” I stammered. “I think I might be pregnant.”

His knowing eyes smiled down at me as his hand found his own swollen stomach. “Why do you think that is a mistake? You know what this means for you and Trevor. I thought that you would be overjoyed!”

My mouth fell open in shock, “You knew?”

Steven blushed. “Drake was so worried about you that he had the doctors run a bunch of tests.”

My hands flew to cover my face. “I never wanted this.”

“Ethan! You’ve mated with an Alpha, you are pregnant! Men would die to be in that position.”

“Then someone else can have it! I never wanted to be mated. I like my life here without complications.”

“Oh, honey,” he said softly. “Sometimes fate has other plans. Are you saying you don’t want this pregnancy? I know that it’s rare among our kind, but this is still your decision.”

“What?” I stammered. I didn’t even need to think about the right answer. “Of course I want my baby. I just don’t know if I want everything else.”

“It’s a lot to take in, but right now you need to focus on getting yourself healthy and taking care of that little pup. Can I get you anything?”

I shook my head. “No. I think I’m okay. I’m just really tired. I guess I thought I could do this by myself.”

His hand slid off his belly and onto mine as a faint smile crossed his lips. “But you don’t have to do it alone. Drake and I are always here for you. You have the pack behind you. Whatever you choose to do with Trevor, we will always be your family.”

“I don’t want to leave Gryther,” I whispered.

“And you never have too, this will always be your home. Just don’t cut out the idea of Trevor just yet. Let yourself rest and think about it when you have a clear head okay?”

“Okay,” I told him. My eyes were growing heavy again.

All I wanted to do was go to sleep and think about my baby. Before sleep could take over my body once again though, Drake appeared in the doorway. I could tell by the look on his face that he was just as worried as I was about the whole situation. He hid it much better than me though, a warm smile quickly replacing the concern when he saw that I was awake.

“How are you feeling, Ethan?” he asked.

I shrugged. “I suppose as good as can be expected.” My cheeks flushed red. “Did Steven tell you?”

He nodded, taking Steven’s spot on my bed. “This is wonderful news, another baby born into the Gryther pack. I have no complaints. This is a great honor, Ethan.”

“It’s an honor that I didn’t want, to be honest.”

He smiled, soft and knowing. “I think that in time, you will see it as a blessing. What will you tell Trevor?”

“It’s none of his business,” I muttered. From behind the curtain I heard a familiar laugh. Steven hadn’t gone very far at all. “I don’t think it’s funny.”

He reappeared, his eyes moist with the tears. “Oh honey, I wasn’t laughing out of malice. I remember the early days though, when it feels like your emotions are the ones in control of you. I promise that it does get better.”

“You have a partner, I don’t,” I said sternly.

A nurse appeared, young and timid as he handed Drake a few sheets of papers. As my Alpha, he could have kept the entire pregnancy a secret. My body was his by our law, including any pup that I might bring into the world. Drake, like many other Alphas, no longer enforced the old ways. He believed each wolf in his pack should have the right to make their own decisions. I smiled at the idea of my child being a Gryther. As quickly as it had come though, the smile faded.

For all I knew, my son could be more like his father, a Reluson Alpha. I shuddered, trying desperately not to start crying again over the situation. I watched as Drake read over the papers he’d been given. Grateful to have my leader there, I laid back and waited for him to share information. As his face paled though, my heart started to race.

“What is it?” I blurted out. “Is my baby okay?”

His eyes shot up to me, the color returning to his cheeks as he grinned. In an instant my mind was put at ease, though it took him some time before he was able to speak again. Already I was plagued by so many new emotions and sensations. Everything around me seemed to be heightened. I could hear the flickering lightbulb three rooms over. The nurse’s soft feet pausing near others as they whispered about our Alpha and his mate with the lodge director.

Instantly my guard was up. How could they not know who I was? There was no question of my importance. My cheeks started to burn, the stinging tears prickling at my eyes. Perhaps I really was nothing more than the ‘lodge director’ to them and everyone else. How could I even be sure that Trevor would want me? Already I’d put on ten pounds, fat shifters weren’t picked to be an Alpha’s mate.

Steven was at my side in a matter of seconds, his own heightened senses picking up on my racing heart. As his hand clasped mine firmly, he smiled and whispered soothing words. I struggled to regain my composure, the fight all but gone from me now.

“This is all so much,” I whispered to him.

“I know, it’s going to be okay though, I promise.”

“You can’t be sure of that. Everyone is already talking about me. Oh god, Trevor is going to find out. What if this changes everything?”

“A baby does change everything, Ethan. But in the most wonderful way.”

“Babies,” Drake said, speaking up for the first time.

I’d all but forgotten about my Alpha when we both turned to look at him.

It was Steven who spoke, “What?”

“Babies,” Drake repeated. “Ethan, it seems there are more congratulations in order. You are carrying the first set of twins born to a shifter in over one-hundred and fifty years.”

My mouth felt dry. If I hadn’t already been lying down there was no doubt in my mind that I would have collapsed in that moment. The room seemed to be spinning around me again in a way that was disconcerting. Twins? How was that possible? I was still reeling from the confirmation that I was pregnant with one child, but now two? It was getting harder to breath as I opened my mouth and struggled to keep air flowing. Steven squeezed my hand a little harder, firmly reminding me that I was surrounded by friends.

“Drake,” he whispered to his mate. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “Yes my love. They ran the test four times to be certain. I can’t believe that we are alive to see this. You are going to be treated like royalty, Ethan. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pack likes you more than me now.”

I knew that he was only joking, but it was still terrifying. “I just want to go back to the way things were before that stupid trip.”

As soon as the words were out, I heard how sharp they sounded. To my surprise, Drake looked more amused than offended.

“Drake,” I started to apologize.

He held up his hand for silence and I complied. Shaking his head, he grinned. “Don’t worry, Ethan. If Steven’s pregnancy has taught me anything it’s that emotions become hard to control.”

“I hate being treated differently though,” I pouted.

“But you are different, you are now more unique than any shifter on this island or even in the world I would venture. Twins! My how the gods have blessed us. This is going to bring peace and harmony to the entire island.”

“How do you figure?” I grumbled.

“Because you now carry the fruits of all of our labors. This treaty was rocky, even with the celebrations and ceremonies. Twins, half Gryther and half Reluson will prove that our packs were fated to intermingle. I wouldn’t be surprised if several other successful mating’s come out of this weekend’s festivities.”

“Drake,” Steven scolded. “Can’t you see that you are frightening him?”

Instantly Drake fell silent, his face one of remorse. “Ethan?”

“I just,” I stammered. “I just need a little time alone I think. To collect my thoughts.”

“Of course,” Drake said quickly. “Don’t let me stop you from getting some rest. I have things that will need attending anyways. But, Ethan?”

I looked up at the sound of my name again. “You should tell Trevor. I think you’ll be surprised by his reaction. Stay here and get yourself well. Then I’ll send a few men to get you back to your apartment.”

I shook my head vehemently. “I don’t need any help. I just want to go back to work. Please Drake, I have to be doing something or I’ll lose my mind.”

He frowned, not liking the idea. “Alright, just be careful and promise you will tell me or Steven if there is anything that you need. You have a very special gift inside of you.”

“I promise I will take it easy,” I lied.

It wasn’t that I wanted to hide things from my Alpha. I knew that if he pressed me I’d have no choice but to follow his command. Still, the independence was a strange thing. It seemed that I was no longer bound to him as intimately as an Alpha and his Omega would normally be. Drake had always been a friend to me yet in a role of authority. It was terrifying that I now felt my allegiance only rested with my children.

He kissed my hand before planting a wet, passionate kiss on his mate. Just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone again. I turned my attention back to Steven who was watching me carefully.

“You’ve felt it too, haven’t you?” he whispered.

I shook my head, my heart thumping. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

He chuckled. “When you become pregnant, your allegiance no longer lies with your Alpha. You are a father now, the only bonds stronger than that of an Alpha, are that of a parent.”

“You mean, I don’t have to follow his orders anymore?”

Steven shrugged. “You know that’s never been Drake’s way, but ultimately, yes. You are free to do as you choose.”

I smiled softly. “I know I was free before, but still.” I sat back and whistled.

Steven laughed as he disappeared into the bathroom briefly. I struggled to process all the new information. I was free to do what I wanted, my only bond now to my children. Protectively, I wrapped my hands around my stomach and smiled. Maybe everything would work out for the best. I knew that I had to tell Trevor though, he had a right to know he was going to be a dad. One thing was certain, with my new freedom; no wolf would ever control me again.