Page 51 of Nanny Omega

“Thank you,” Ersa murmured, picking up his fork, but his movements slowed under Kora’s expectant gaze. He took a bite, the rich, seasoned flavors bursting across his tongue. “It’s delicious,” he said, swallowing quickly.

Kora’s face lit up with a beaming smile. “I’m so glad you like it.” She clapped her hands lightly. “Alright, everyone, let’s eat.”

At Kora’s words, the tension in the room melted away, and everyone eagerly dove into their meals as if they hadn’t eaten in days. Conversation flowed naturally around mundane topics—harmless family gossip, recent news, and lighthearted jokes. Whenever the discussion veered toward business, Kora swiftly shushed them, keeping the atmosphere warm and relaxed.

Though sitting with Xander’s family wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, Ersa couldn’t shake the awkwardness. Everyone seemed to be catering to him, their attention so focused it was almost overwhelming. They made sure his plate was always full, asked if he was comfortable a dozen times, and watched him with the kind of care usually reserved for someone fragile and precious. Xander had warned him they’d act a little weird—and he hadn’t been wrong.

When the plates were finally cleared, the maids brought out spirits and tea, the warm, fragrant scent filling the room. Kora stood gracefully, a warm smile on her face as she reached for the teapot. “I prepared this tea especially for you,” she said, pouring the amber liquid into a delicate cup and offering it to him. “Binla root tea helped me so much when I was pregnant with all my boys. Carrying a Quin is no joke—you’re going to need all your strength.” She laughed lightly, the sound rich and affectionate.

Ersa froze, his fingers brushing against the cup but not taking it. His heart stumbled in his chest, and he turned wide eyes toward Xander. They should have told them sooner—they should have said something the moment they arrived. But now, the misunderstanding had grown into this awkward moment, and there was no easy way out of it.

“All the cubs come out as aggressive alphas,” Kora continued cheerfully, oblivious to the sudden tension thickening the air. “Did Xander tell you? It runs in the family. They’re from—” She stopped abruptly, her laughter dying as her gaze flicked around the suddenly silent table. “What?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“He’s not pregnant. It’s… a false pregnancy,” Xander said softly.

The room seemed to hold its breath. Kora’s face fell, disappointment flashing across her features. “What?” she whispered, looking between them. “Are you sure?” Her eyes scanned Ersa, assessing him as though she could somehow see the truth just by looking.

“Yes,” Xander said gently. “We did it for Benjn’s sake. After Nath left… he wasn’t doing well. He refused formula, and Ersa was the only nanny he responded to, so we…”

Kora raised a hand, stopping him from explaining further. “I get it,” she murmured, though the sadness in her eyes lingered. “I guess I was just hopeful… I wanted to experience everything this time. Nath wasn’t exactly welcoming. I could barely get close to him. I should have known that was a bad match right from the start.”

Xander’s dad stood then, crossing the room to wrap his arms around his mate. “Stop blaming yourself, Kora. Xander’s fine. Can’t you see? He’s happy. And I’m sure they’ll have a cub of their own once they’re bonded, right?” His eyes twinkled as he looked at the two of them, clearly hopeful.

Kora pulled away from her mate, her focus snapping back to Xander and Ersa. “Bonded?” she echoed, her eyes lighting up. “Are you two getting bonded?”

Xander held up his hands in mock surrender. “Promise you won’t go crazy—”

But Kora was already swatting at him, her face breaking into an ecstatic smile. “Oh, hush!” she said, her joy barely contained. She turned back to Ersa, her eyes soft and warm as she pressed the cup of binla root tea into his hands. “You still need your strength,” she teased. “Handling an aggressive alpha can be… a challenge.”

Before Ersa could even think of a response, Kora dragged her chair closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. “You can ask me anything. I’ve lived with four of them—trust me, I know all their peculiar behavior.”

Ersa’s lips twitched despite himself, his nerves melting under Kora’s warmth.

“I think that’s our cue,” Fury muttered, already rising from his chair with his glass in hand. Xander and his dad exchanged amused glances and followed him out, leaving the two of them deep in conversation.

Later that evening, as Ersa lay nestled in Xander’s arms, warmth and contentment washing over him, a strange thought slipped into his mind. His fingers drifted over his stomach, brushing against the slight curve of the false pregnancy bump. A soft ache bloomed in his chest—a quiet, unexpected longing. He wished it were real. That there was a cub growing inside him—theircub.

“Will you put a cub in me… after the false pregnancy’s gone?” His voice was barely above a whisper, but the words hung heavy in the air.

Xander’s breath hitched, his body going still for a heartbeat before a low, rough groan escaped him. His arms tightened around Ersa, pulling him closer as if the very idea set his blood on fire. “Fuck,” he murmured, his voice full of want. “I’ll put two in there. Will that satisfy you?”

Ersa smiled, his heart thudding against his ribs. “No,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He rolled onto his back, tugging Xander with him until their bodies aligned. “I want more. A whole house full of cubs with your blazing eyes and that wild, flaming hair.”

Xander’s mouth crashed against his, his kiss hot and desperate, and Ersa knew—he’d never stop wanting him.

***

Their visit to Xander’s family stretched over two warm and surprisingly peaceful days. In that time, Kora proved to be an incredible host—attentive, warm, and far more nurturing than Ersa had expected. She took him on long strolls through the sprawling gardens, where the air was fragrant with blooming flowers and the soft hum of insects. She helped him care for Benjn, patient even when the cub was hesitant and shy around his grandmother. But slowly, Benjn warmed to her, giggling as she played peekaboo or tickled his tiny feet.

Kora also offered Ersa gentle advice, sharing tips on how to stay healthy and strong despite the challenges of his false pregnancy. Even when Ersa felt drained or out of sorts, her quiet wisdom and soothing presence made everything a little easier.

“Make sure you drink that tea every day,” she reminded him as they stood by the waiting pod, her eyes soft with affection. “I’ll miss you both so much.” She brushed her fingers over Benjn’s cheek, earning a bright, bubbly giggle. “Yes, I will, little one. You’ve stolen your grandmother’s heart.”

Ersa smiled at the tender moment. “Maybe you could come and stay with us for a little while. I’m sure Xander wouldn’t mind.”

Kora rolled her eyes with a fond huff. “That one? He likes his space. I’m shocked he even let you in.”

“He didn’t have much of a choice,” Ersa teased with a grin. “Benjn chose me.”

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