Looking at Charles, I was struck by the fact he didn’t seem surprised about the idea of male pregnancy; he seemed more upset that I would be the father of Dylan’s child.
“You know he can’t be pregnant, right?” I stared Charles down.
His gaze flickered, and he once more shot Dylan an impatient look. “Of all the people to spill the truth to, Dylan, did it have to be him?”
“He’s the father,” snapped Dylan. “I couldn’t keep it a secret from him.”
Gabriele laughed. “Well, it can’t be true.”
Charles looked at him but didn’t respond.
“Men don’t have babies,” Gabriele said.
“That’s what I said,” I muttered.
Dylan glared at us. “I know perfectly well you think I’m nuts. I’m not.”
Charles put his hands together like an umpire. “Time out.” He addressed Dylan. “Are you sure you’re pregnant?”
“Yes. Dr. Peters did a blood test because I’ve been having morning sickness.”
Gabriele gave another one of those nervous laughs. “Guys, what the fuck is going on? This isn’t funny. You’ve got Lex pretty worked up.”
“This isn’t a joke,” snapped Charles.
“Well, it’s certainly not a good joke,” Gabriele said.
Charles stood. “I know this is all very confusing for you two. I… I trust you will keep you mouths shut about what you’ve learned.”
“What we’ve learned?” I frowned. “Men can’t have babies, that is what I already know. That’s what everybody knows.”
Sighing, Charles faced me. “There are many things that are not known outside of this compound.”
“You’re saying male pregnancy is one of those things?” I asked.
“Yes. That’s why we have this compound, to protect the S.E.O’s from the same kind of hostility and ridicule you two are showing Dylan.”
I frowned. “I’m not ridiculing Dylan. I’m worried for him. I love him.”
Charles looked surprised at my response. “You seemed more angry than concerned.”
“I’m confused. Both you and Dylan seem like rational people, and yet what you’re saying is not logical.”
“The truth isn’t always logical.” Charles gave Dylan a compassionate glance. “We’re not lying. I know you find this impossible to believe, but if Dylan says he’s pregnant, he’s pregnant.”
“But how?” Gabriele looked mystified.
“Those are details you don’t need to know.” The set of Charles’s chin was stubborn.
Dylan’s eyes were wounded as he addressed me. “Do you seriously think I’d make up something this embarrassing? Why would I?”
His plaintive tone hurt my heart. “Maybe it’s a result of what happened with… Jacob.”
Anger replaced the pain in his gaze. “That’s bullshit. I’m not mentally or emotionally ill. I’m pregnant.”
“It’s no use, Dylan. He’s close-minded. I knew he wasn’t worthy of being your alpha. I’ve told you that from the beginning.” Charles looked smug.
I scowled. “You know what? Fuck you, Charles. I’ve never heard of solar eclipse omegas before today. Excuse me if it takes me a second to grasp that everything I’ve been taught might be wrong.”