Page 83 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

“Did you hear back from the record company?”

“I sure did. He wants me to send in a few more of my tapes. I believe their exact words were, ‘I have never before heard such an impressive blend of traditional country tunes and modern electronic sound. The vocals are entirely fresh, with a truly vivacious, ground-breaking energy.’”

“You memorized what they said, didn’t you?” I ask, grinning.

He laughs. “I might have.”

“How long until the others get here?”

“Carla won’t be long, I assume. Even though the party is supposed to start at midday, I know her too well. She’ll have to take over my kitchen at least three hours prior.”

“Oh no.” I let my face fall with mock sorrow. “How will you cope?”

“With extreme difficulty,” he says with resignation. “I shall suffer every moment with woe in my heart as I watch her beat my poor appliances into submission.”

I giggle softly. “I didn’t know the toaster and air fryer had such complicated emotions.”

“You’d be surprised.” He comes over to gently take Tahlia from my arms. “You go ahead and eat. I’ll hold her for a while.”

I’m so caught up watching Jenks hold his daughter that I almost forget to fill my plate. The light in his eyes when he looks at her, and his gentle smile, show me how enchanted he is by his baby daughter.

“Hi,” he whispers to her, wiggling his fingers above her face. Tahlia giggles and tries to catch them, so he dives his hand down to tickle her tummy, making her giggle even more.

Our breakfasts together are almost a sacred tradition by this point. No matter what else we have to do for the day, we always make sure to leave at least an hour free in the mornings. It never fails to remind me of that very first day he served me breakfast in this kitchen, when he was so eager to please me, he was practically falling over his feet.

Life has gotten so busy, it’s not always easy to find the time. Jenks has spent months in training with the young wolves, sometimes working a crazy schedule as the others condition him with a wide variety of challenges. He’s become an integral member of the pack, and his touch of witch powers has given him exceptionally well-honed instincts.

I’ve worked with the coven to fully integrate us into the pack, regularly attending meetings and holding gatherings. Some of us have taken up a market stall with Fiona and her traveling stalls, selling small charms and a variety of raw ingredients we prepared in the traditional pagan ways.

I had Amanda and Lucy test Jenks’s powers. Both of them agreed he has some natural talent that had to come from his mother’s bloodline. Since the circumstances of Minette’s parentage aren’t well-known, and still something of a scandal, it’s not something we can openly investigate.

Minette herself promised to return, but so far, she hasn’t. None of us can question her decision after finding out what a rat Jerry was. We still don’t know if he’s dead or alive, or what the aftermath of the battle was like for Decker pack.

“Hellooo!” a cheerful voice calls from the front door. “I’m coming in!”

“It’s open, Carla!” Jenks calls back.

“I can see that,” she chuckles, coming into the kitchen. “Just like the old days—these doors were never closed when Grandma was alive.”

“And they never will be, ever again,” Jenks emphasizes.

Carla leans over and gives him a hug. “Hand over that baby,” she commands. “Your breakfast is getting cold.”

“Well, alright,” Jenks chuckles. “But I have to warn you, she’s a monster.”

“Of course she is,” Carla laughs. “She’s yours!”

While we eat, Gina, Bae, and Jack arrive with Lena and Gray.

“Excellent,” Bae comments as he sits down. “I’m starving.”

“Don’t you dare fill up,” Carla says sternly. “I’m making a huge lunch.”

“I’ll be hungry again,” Bae promises, filling his plate. “You know there’s no end to my stomach.”

“Ah, a grateful man,” Carla says sagely. “A rare creature.”

For a few minutes, everyone focuses on their food, except for Carla, who plays with Tahlia. It isn’t long before I hear more cars pulling up out front.

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