Page 260 of Claim Me
The table is loud and lively, my cousins all have strong personalities and talk over each other. Storm naturally takes the lead, with Damian sitting next to him, looking a bit surprised that Blue is joining us like he’s part of the family. Winter is there too, along with Sariel Lowen. I didn’t expect that pairing, but it’s another connection tying my family to the Lowens, and somehow that gives me a boost of confidence.
We decide to reveal our relationship closer to the end of dinner, because after all it's a graduation party first and foremost.
When the plates slowly start to empty after the food my father ordered, I gather myself, exchange a look with Blue, and stand up in a sudden rush of courage, even though my heart is pounding like a war drum.
I tap a spoon against a glass, but most people don’t pay attention, and I feel that familiar wave of shyness, that old sense of being stuck in the same role I always had in this family, like I was no one, someone fading into the background next to the intense personalities of the other Nolans.
Not this fucking time. I feel something rise in me.
I glance at Blue, at the slight curve visible under his jacket that no one has noticed yet. Blue also uses deodorant to mask the scent of pregnancy, and I used one today, to cover the scent signaling that I’m mated.
We just didn't want to spoil the surprise.
Our eyes meet, and that strength comes alive in me, lifting its head. I'm an adult, I’m a mated alpha, and I will be a father.
"Can I have your attention, please, my dear relatives? I have something important to tell you," I say, loud and confident.
This time my voice cuts through, and all eyes turn to me.
I take a breath and continue.
"As you probably know, exactly a year ago I got into trouble organizing an attack on Malden Pharmaceuticals. The worst decision of my life, or depending on how you look at it, the best one, because it put me on the path to meeting this man," I gesture toward Blue, who sits there with a composed expression.
All eyes shift to him with a soft murmur of surprise.
"It took us almost a full year to get to a place where we’re ready to tell the world that what connects us is more than just a work relationship between a bodyguard and a CEO. Today Iwant to tell you that our unusual contractual marriage, the one we entered through Fate Choice, has become a real marriage, not just something on paper, and in six months we're going to welcome a new member to the family."
If I expected shock, I only really see it in some of my cousins’ faces. My dad, Uncle Lake, and Storm, especially him, don’t look surprised at all. They’re smiling widely.
Storm winks at me.
"Finally, Gabriel. Out of all the couples I’ve clocked as True Mates, you two really took your sweet time. Honestly, Damian and I had a bet going that it would take you another year to admit it."
Damian chuckles softly and squeezes Storm’s hand. "Well, maybe half a year!"
"Seriously?" Sariel throws out. "I had no idea, totally blindsided. But congratulations, Blue. I guess our families really just have surprisingly strong compatibility."
"Not necessarily," Dallas mutters darkly, but no one pays him any attention.
"Congratulations, sweetheart, that’s wonderful news," my dad says, getting up to hug me, then reaching his arms out to Blue a little hesitantly.
"I know you’re not big on hugs, but just this once for your dad-in-law?"
Blue lets out a soft snort and nods. "Sure."
Then, with a faint smile, he lets himself be pulled into the hug.
My father settles for a firm handshake. Blue’s germophobia is probably going to need some adjustment in my family, otherwise they won’t leave him alone.
"Big congratulations," Uncle Lake adds, already moving in for a hug I can’t shield Blue from.
"You really are lucky, Gabriel. Blue has a huge heart, I always knew that. I owe him my son’s life," Lake says, smiling as he pats Winter on the shoulder. Winter raises his brows and mutters under his breath, "Honestly… yeah, that actually makes sense, our families have fated genetics."
Only then do I look over at Marlow and notice his eyes fixed on Blue’s stomach, which is more visible now that he’s standing, showing slightly between the sides of his jacket.
"Congratulations, brother," he says quietly. "That’s amazing news, the best kind there is." There’s deep sincerity in his voice. "Kids are incredible," he adds with a wistful sigh.
"Thanks, Marlow, that means a lot to me, and I’m sorry for dropping this on our big day. I know the timing isn’t great…"
