Page 82 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

“Step outside for a moment, Jenks,” Bailey tells me. “Let us confer.”

Alisa tugs on my hand, leading me through the back door. I feel empty, and shaken, but also lighter than air.

I’ve confessed, and I know in my heart and soul that I am a changed man. No matter what they decide, I can go forth from this moment with a clean conscience.

We aren’t waiting outside long when Fiona comes to get us. When we return to the table, Bailey stands up, a tense look on his face.

“Jenks, you know that the consequences for this could be severe. Your actions were reckless and endangered a lot of ourpack members. It is very lucky that no one was even injured—and that we actually did some damage to Decker’s attacking force.”

“They will be weakened now,” Nate adds. “It will be a while before they have the numbers, or the courage, to go up against us again.”

“Just so,” Bae agrees. “Even though it has been difficult to agree on a solution, we have decided that at this time, there will be no punishment. For either of you.”

Alisa gasps in relief, putting her arms around me.

“This is a probation of sorts, Jenks,” Gina says. “You aren’t getting a pass here because you’re family. Bailey has admitted his own failure that you were never included in pack business, nor had any responsibilities before you were thrown into the deep end. The fact that family members were involved considerably clouded the issues. None of us could predict what we would do in a similar situation.”

“Thank you,” I say, meaning it. “I want to make amends in any way possible.”

“And you will,” Bailey says. “You will train with the young wolves under Peter’s direction, and we’ll see if we can make a warrior out of you.”

Bae finishes with a smile, and I’m struck with the image of myself standing in the snow with a bunch of five-year-olds, being less experienced than all of them.

“It’s okay, Jenks,” Peter says, grinning. “We’ll start you nice and easy this time. Like a run to the top of Mt. Sneffels without stopping.”

“I hope you’re exaggerating,” I laugh. “I’ll probably have a heart attack.”

“We’ll race you against Caleb,” Fiona jokes with a warm smile.

“I give up,” I say in the light, joking tone I’ve always used to deflect attention. “I’ll never compete with Caleb.”

Everyone laughs, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m in on the joke instead of being the subject of it.

Alisa squeezes my hand, much harder than usual. She smiles up at me, and I feel like my heart is about to burst with happiness.

“Come on,” Gina says. “I told Mother to put together light refreshments for us, so I’m sure the tables are about to collapse under the weight of the food she’s brought.”

Everyone laughs again, and my heart soars. I’ve faced the darkest days of my life, and reached something I always dreamed of but thought I’d never get.

Family.

Chapter 27 - Alisa

Sitting by the long windows that line the deck, I enjoy the crisp alpine air blowing down from the mountains, bringing the fresh scent of pine and newly fallen snow. I snuggle baby Tahlia a little closer to my chest, pulling my shawl over her so she doesn’t catch a chill. Behind me, Jenks is singing as he cooks breakfast, his robust voice rising and falling in a silly, made-up melody.

“Are you done crooning to the sausages?” I call out. “Or should I stay out here and enjoy the air a bit longer?”

“Almost done, my love!” he replies. “I think I need to sweet-talk the eggs a bit, but otherwise, breakfast is ready.”

I head inside, leaving one of the back sliding doors open so we can enjoy the early morning sun as well as the fresh air.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Jenks,” I remark, sitting down at the table.

“You know I go to great lengths to please my girls, especially when they’re hungry.”

“That is true, but I was referring to your song. I’ve never heard a ballad to bacon before.”

He chuckles as he brings platters over to the tables. “I don’t know what to say. The words just come to me. It’s like there’s music in everything I do, and I have to sing with it.”

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