Page 31 of Ruthless Force

That and the sessions with Sam, one of Erika’s mates. A psych who’s specialised in treating people with trauma. He’s helped a lot of people who’ve gotten away from the any part of the Suits Syndicate, so he had some good ways of dealing with my past.

Vera turns in my arms and gives me a soft kiss on my lips, not on my cheek, not over the mask, but on my lips. Her eyes are shining with joy and amazement. “I’m so happy. And now I get to see your beautiful smile all the time.”

My face flushes, still not used to how much of a flirt Vera is. She’s so cute, but also so naughty.

I never thought I’d be able to be this happy. Even living it, it still feels so special.

But it’s real, and I’m here with them, with my pack.

Mathew lets out a deep sigh as he gets up from his desk, staring down at his button up, frowning. “I thought that an extra undershirt would be enough.”

There are two wet spots on his charcoal button up, right where his nipples are. Ah, yeah. Mathew’s body is definitely getting ready for the baby to be here, including getting ready to produce milk.

“Want me to get you some of my nipple pads?” Vera sits up from my lap, pushing herself up slowly. It’s getting harder for both Omegas to get around, and they also seem to want to be near each other all the time.

So, while Mathew is working, Vera hangs out on the couch, reading, sleeping or doing some work herself.

“Yes, thanks. I guess I should admit defeat and accept that my body has changed, once again.” He comes over and helps Vera up from the couch, giving me a quick smile, then he turn to Vera. “Where are those tank tops you made me? I should probably wear those, so that the pads don’t slide all around.”

“They’re in a drawer upstairs. I’ll also get those out for you. And, yes, your body keeps changing, that’s kind of how pregnancy works. And then the baby gets born and everything changes again, and again.” She laughs, taking my hand. “Let’s all go upstairs. It’s probably a good time to relax anyway.”

Mathew seems to want to go against her, but with one raised eyebrow, he shuts his mouth. The doctor has told him multiple times that he needs to relax more, that he’s working too hard, even though he doesn’t see it that way.

“Fine. I guess this is as good a time as any to take a break.” He softly kisses the top of her head.

“A real break, not just five minutes.” I give him a level look and he narrows his eyes at me. Like he’s going to fool me. “Don’t pretend that you weren’t planning on being back here in five minutes.”

“You really pay way too much attention.” He pretend-pouts at me. “Fine. Fifteen minutes, minimum.”

“That’s good with me.” I shoo the two Omegas to the door of the office. If we don’t leave right now, Mathew will find ten things to ‘quickly do’ before getting out of here. Arguing it’s so he ‘won’t forget later’, but it’s because he really sucks at taking breaks.

Upstairs, in our dressing room, as Vera is looking through the drawers for a tank top for Mathew and a set of pads to soak up the drops of early milk, I help Mathew get out of his soiled clothes.

I slowly open each button, and feel slightly strange with how intensely he’s staring at my fingers. “What?”

“I never realised how nimble your fingers were.” He takes one of my hands, kissing my fingers. “I should have expected it, since you’re really good with super small and detailed crafts, but I’ve never seen it this clearly.” His voice goes thick and he kisses my fingers again.

Is he crying?

“Mathew?” I lean closer so I can see his face, but he’s purposefully hiding behind his long hair. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just so precious and amazing. Why did I never notice it before?” He lets go of my hand and turns away. “Thanks. I can undress myself now. You don’t have to help.”

Pregnancy hormones strike again.

Mathew has been getting a lot more emotional lately, and he keeps finding it embarrassing, even though even the Alphas seem to be affected by it. And, I have to say, seeing Caleb blubbering all over his breakfast because the egg that Eli fried was ‘too perfect’ was definitely a very unique experience.

As far as I know, it’s normal, especially for people who are pregnant. Overwhelming hormones and looming life-altering changes are a perfect recipe for becoming much more emotional. It’s just that Mathew isn’t as comfortable with it.

Then, I hear loud sobs from the other side of the room and when I turn around, Vera is trying to dry her eyes with a shirt, but the tears keep coming.

Worry shoots through me and I quickly go over to her. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

She shakes her head, but her eyes are still on Mathew and she carefully goes over to him. Touching his arm and then hugging him tightly.

Of course, she started bawling because she noticed Mathew was crying.

It’s kind of cute.

I’ve seen the same thing happen the other way around a couple of days ago. Vera was in the baby room, going through a box with toys, crying at how cute they were, and the moment Mathew stepped inside, he started too. He had no clue what was going on, he saw Vera crying and his tears started too.

Life with the pack has definitely gotten more interesting all over again.

But I have a feeling we’re all ready for the babies to be here. To finally settle down with them.

Because this waiting feels longer every day.

We’re ready for the next step in our pack’s lives.

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