Page 34 of Mistletoe Omega
I stepped back from him, feeling shocked and confused. “This whole time you’ve been… pregnant with Tim’s baby?”
“It wasn’t planned. Obviously. It just happened. And I could have aborted it, but for some reason I didn’t.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I never even wanted a kid, and then I got pregnant by accident. It just seemed too crazy. But I kept stalling getting rid of it for whatever reason. Then I met you.”
Did he latch on to me because he wanted to use me?
That thought made me sick, but it also didn’t really ring true. Because, if anything, Sam had tried to avoid getting to know me. He hadn’t approached me for a ride, I’d offered. He’d never really asked for anything. I’d always offered.
“I’m not sure what to say.” I could tell my words didn’t reassure him. But I had to say something. He was looking at me with so much fear in his eyes, it broke my heart. However, I didn’t know how to comfort him, since I was reeling from the news he’d just given me.
He took a step toward me, and then he stopped. His hands were clasped in front of him, and his knuckles were white. “I didn’t expect to fall for you. I really just wanted a safe place to stay until I could figure out what to do. But you were so great to me. It was so easy to fall in love with you.”
There was a foul taste in my mouth at the thought of him carrying another alpha’s offspring. But at the same time, I hated that he looked like he wanted to cry. I was torn between my natural instinct to reject another alpha’s kid, and my need to protect Sam.
“How far along are you?” I asked breathlessly.
“I found out a few days before I met you. So not much over four weeks, probably.”
I cocked my head. “Probably? What does your doctor say?”
“I haven’t seen a doctor.”
I widened my eyes. “Sam, you have to see a doctor. Are you taking prenatal vitamins?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“What?” I scowled. “Well, you have to take care of yourself.”
He sighed. “Shit, Graham. I was lucky just to have a place to stay because of you. I don’t have the money for doctors and things like that.”
“You’ll need to go to the hospital when you deliver.”
“That’s why I’ve been working so much. I’m trying to save as much as possible before the baby comes. I… I’ll go to the doctor eventually.”
My distaste at him carrying the other alpha’s baby faded, as worry for him, and his unborn child, came to the forefront. “We need to have you see a doctor. I’ll pay.”
He recoiled. “No. That’s… no, Graham.”
“You’re pregnant. That’s no small thing. You have to be examined by a professional.”
“I’ve waited this long. I can wait a little longer.” He hung his head, and said quietly, “I’m more concerned about how you feel about me.”
I exhaled roughly, studying his pale face and demoralized demeanor. “Obviously I’m shocked.”
He glanced up. “I know. I’m sorry.”
Watching him, it was impossible to squash how much I still loved him. I hated that he looked forlorn and terrified. I could smell his fear, and I knew he expected me to reject him. I also knew no one would blame me if I did. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be done. Unless an omega’s alpha died, it was rare for another alpha to step in. Accidental pregnancy wasn’t easily accepted in our society.
But I still want him.
I shoved down my wounded pride, and I stepped toward him. He stiffened, and held my gaze, his mouth turned down. As I studied him, his sweet face warmed my chilled, jealous heart. Was I actually so vain that I’d lose him for something that happened before I even knew him? What did it matter what had transpired before we’d met? I loved him. I loved everything about him. I’d be a fool to let this destroy what we had. I moved to cup his cheek, and he flinched.
My heart ached as I said, “It’s okay. We’ll work this out.”
Tears filled his eyes and spilled down his wan cheeks. “Don’t say that if you don’t mean it. It’ll kill me if you change your mind.” His mouth was a grim line.
I groaned and pulled him into my arms. I pressed the back of his head, pushing his face to my chest. “I’m not changing my mind. This unborn baby is half yours too, right? I love you. I will proudly raise your baby.”
“Really?” His voice was muffled against my shirt.
