Page 49 of The Night Wolf
That made no sense to Gareth. Sean had only gotten pregnant—God, that still sounded so strange, yet wonderful—last night. Gareth wrapped his arms around Sean, who relaxed against him.
“Alpha, do you know the gestation period for a wolf?”
Gareth quirked an eyebrow. “No, but I’m sure you do.”
“This is me ignoring your sarcasm. It’s sixty-two days. Like all of us, Sean has two bodies—a human and a wolf. The changes that are happening are coming fast and furious, so I think the baby is going to be about two months away.”
Two months? Damn. Gareth needed to get the house babyproofed and have a crib ordered, and what did babies eat? Shit, he needed Dani’s help.
“When Dani had Caleb, it was a full-term pregnancy.”
“Sean’s not Dani. He’s a man. Like I said, this is totally unknown territory, so I’m making a lot of leaps here. My best guess is that Sean’s body wouldn’t be able to stand the strain of a nine-month pregnancy, so it’s adapted to do it in less time. Women generally have to deal with hormone imbalances during pregnancy, and I think Sean’s going to have a lot of ups and downs before he gives birth.” He clapped Gareth on the shoulder. “You’re going to be a father pretty damn soon.”
“Why aren’t you more surprised?”
Frank shrugged. “I told you, there are more things out there that we don’t know than what we do. And, despite my age, I’m pretty good on my feet.” He tilted his head in Sean’s direction. “Besides, my patient needs me.”
Gareth lifted Sean off the chair and cradled him. Sean turned his head and buried his face in Gareth’s neck, crying his heart out.
“What can we do for him?”
Frank shrugged. “Don’t let him become too tired. Make sure he gets plenty of protein and liquids. Have him come by at least once a week so I can check on him. The more changes that occur, the better off we’ll all be when it’s time for the baby to be born.”
“Wait. Can you deliver a baby?”
Frank looked positively disgusted. “Who do you think was there when you were born?” He reached out and patted Sean’s shoulder. “Sean, I want you to take it easy, okay? Under no circumstances should you stress. You’re in good hands with Gareth, and I know Dani will be delighted to have you to take care of. I might not be the foremost expert in male pregnancy, but I’m going to be sure to be there for you every step of the way.”
Sean turned his head, and his eyes were red. “Thank you. I’m sorry I’m such a bother.” With those words, he teared up again.
“I’ve got some work to get done, but for now, get him home, Gareth. He needs sleep and food and maybe some love and understanding.”
“I’ve got all of those things in spades,” he said as Frank left the room. Gareth turned and kissed Sean’s forehead. “Are you ready to go home, sweetheart?”
Sean leaned back, his nose all snotty and his eyes red-rimmed. He’d never looked more beautiful to Gareth.
“I’m sorry. I know you must hate me.”
“Oh, my sweet Omega. I could never hate you. I love you now, and I’ll love you when we’re both old and wrinkled. You are more than just part of my pack—you are my world.”
A watery smile from Sean made Gareth’s aching heart better. He would do anything for a smile from his… mate? It was a foreign word. Only in human stories did wolves have mates, but Gareth’s wolf chuffed at the silliness of people. Seanwashis mate, and Gareth had better damn well get used to it.
In the last few days, Gareth had learned many truths, and the one that rose above all others was that he and his wolf were one, and what Gareth thought were the desires of the animal were actually the ones they shared.
He reached up and stroked Sean’s cheek. “You’re my mate.”
With those words, the dam broke and Sean’s sobs turned into full-out blubbering. He snaked his arms around Gareth’s neck and squeezed for all he was worth, which, in Gareth’s eyes, was beyond measure.
He carried Sean to the SUV and helped him into the seat. When he got into the vehicle, he tapped the Bluetooth and called Dani.
“What’s going on? You scared the crap out of me.” She paused. “What’s wrong with Sean? What did you do, Gareth?”
Beside him, Sean sniffled. “He-he-he…. He got me pregnant!”
Gareth couldn’t help the chuckle that bubbled out of him when Dani gasped and dropped the phone.
Chapter Fourteen
THE DOORopened a crack, and Dani peeked around it. “Sean?”
