Page 178 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

“So, if you want to know who the father of your baby is, I can tell you. He made me choose. If you don’t want to know, I will respect that and not tell anyone else,” Betty finishes.

“I want to know,” Sinclair pipes up before anyone gets a chance to say anything.

“Sinclair, I picked Colt.”

“And what about me?” Blayne blurts.

“Van,” Betty says.

We all look at Summer, and she looks at her guys.

“It’s up to you. We will support whatever decision you make,” I say gently.

“I want to know,” Summer says in barely a whisper.

“It’s Khale.”

“Why the fuck would you pick him?” Leland yells.

I look between him and Khale, but Khale just shrugs, like Leland’s comment is valid.

“Because I had to create a fucking team. He gave me an hour or Jimmie died! Think about it, you have a female and male with super abilities, but our sons’ jobs will be to love her and protect her. Jimmie is sweet and caring, Colt is funny and loyal, Van is dark and broody, and Khale is vicious and protective. I created a team that has everything a girl will need. So, while you all hate me, and rightfully so, I did my best with the options I was given. I could have told someone, but what guarantee was there that Jimmie would be safe? I had to put my team first, and if none of you can understand that, then that’s your problem.”

I try to step up and disperse the chaos and tension. “This has been a hectic few days. I think everyone needs to go home and rest. Once we have more information, I promise you I will be in contact. I need time to figure out what staff we have left and who we need to replace. If you need anything, just call me.”

People leave and the house slowly empties. Laughn takes Betty down to the rest of her team while we decide what to do with her.

Walking inside the house, I find Jimmie seated at the table. “Are you okay?” I ask, placing my hand on his shoulder. He lets out a sigh of defeat and shakes his head.

“I can’t be a dad. Jolie, I’m still a virgin and I don’t even know if I like women. I have been in love with Khoda for years, but he hates my existence. The others always take his side. Now a baby will be involved—this is a mess.”

“I know, and I’m sorry you have been dragged into this.”

“Don’t be. If I had to have a child, I’m honoured he will be part of your daughter’s team. What do I know about having a baby?”

“About as much as I do,” Betty says.

Both Jimmie and I turn to see Betty standing in the entrance. “I asked Laughn to let me talk to Jimmie.”

I nod. “You can go to the spare room and talk, but the rest of your team stays locked up. They won’t go unpunished for what they did to Jimmie.”

“I never wanted that to happen. I feel terrible,” she says, sounding genuine.

“So you should,” I say before opening the door that leads up to my room.

I need sleep, having hit mental exhaustion from all the information I have found out. On top of all the other shit, we still have finals to think about.

Chapter Three

Jolie

Today is the day I have been dreading. Brennan made a compelling argument for why we have to explain to their parents and guardians that Team Hades is alive, but there is no easy way to do this. With the news that Mr Z is dead, they will start asking questions as most of them are investors in the company. Brennan managed to keep them at bay while we got our heads around this whole baby situation, which is another Band-Aid we plan to rip off today.

Everyone has arrived except Marlow and Chester’s mother. The doorbell rings, echoing through the house, and Chester goes to answer the door. By the time he gets back, the bitch is already running her mouth.

“This better be good, son. I have important things to...” Her rant stops when she looks around the room and realises there are other people here. “What is this about?” She demands.

“Come and take a seat, Elizabeth, so the children can talk. They obviously have something important to say ifyouhave been invited,” Betty, Marlow and Chester’s grandmother, chastises. Not to be confused with Jimmie’s Betty—even though I hate referring to her as his, as she hasn’t earned that title yet.

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