Page 297 of Labor of Love

He laughed. “I don’t think I have any latent chipmunk genes.”

I nuzzled my face into his neck, breathing in his scent. In addition to his usual cinnamon and spice, there was something sweeter. A subtle scent that soothed my wolf. “I have an uncle who’s a hyena, but no chipmunks in my family either.”

“I love you so much, mate.” His arms were around my neck now and he squeezed me.

“And I love you. Thank you.”

Theo stroked his hand down my face. “I shouldn’t have waited so long to be yours.”

“You were always mine, Theo. I’d have waited an eternity for you, mate. You are worth it.”

He grinned. “I know. I’m glad I didn’t make you wait that long, though.”

“And now we’re going to be dads.”

Now that the news had sunk in, there really was a lot to do. With my family growing, I would need time off. I needed more Betas. The house needed some updates before a child arrived. The pack would need an interim Alpha while I was on leave.There were so many things to consider and in such a short amount of time.

“Hey.” Theo snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Stop the worrying. You’re mated to the king of organization. If you think I haven’t thought of everything so far, then you’re crazy. I have binders ready to organize all of this.”

“Oh yeah?” Was it weird that I found my mate’s love for all things organization sexy? Probably. But I didn’t care. “Show me.”

He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”

7

THEO

The day had arrived.

Well, that wasn’t entirely accurate. I couldn’t say for certain that today would be the day, but dammit, I was going to do my damnedest to make sure it was.

“Theo, honey, are you sure you want tacos for breakfast?” Michelle asked.

I nodded. “And can you bring the hot sauce out? Oh, and extra jalapenos.”

Spicy food was almost guaranteed to kick start labor, and after carrying this little darling of mine for the past four months, I was ready.

Luca had it so easy only carrying his eggs for a few weeks.

Humans had it worse. A nine-month pregnancy? No, thank you.

Michelle left with a sigh, and I leaned back into the booth. My enormous belly made it hard to sit normally. I couldn’t even reach my arms to the table because my belly was in the way. At least I could use it as a sort of table-like thing when I was eating.

Tyler slid into the booth across from me. “Sweetheart, your order has Michelle a little concerned. Are you sure spicy tacos are your best idea?”

“Yes. And after I have breakfast, I’m going for a walk.”

Tyler sighed. He was nothing if not supportive, even though I had tried the same thing yesterday and yet here I was, still pregnant.

“Baby, everything will happen in its own time. I know you’re eager to meet our little one, but these old wives’ tales don’t always work.”

“Luca and I went on a two-mile walk the day his eggs hatched.”

Tyler’s brow furrowed. “Somehow, I don’t think that did anything to help the eggs hatch at all. Have you talked with Dr. Quinn? Perhaps another appointment?—”

“He said it was fine to do any physical activity as long as I wasn’t in pain.”

Tyler was quiet for a moment, and then he let out a sigh. I knew I had won. He may have wanted me to be patient and let nature take its course, but he wasn’t the one carrying around this beach ball that periodically kicked me in the bladder.

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