Page 40 of Rescued by the Alpha

“I thought I was supposed to make you scream my name?”

Nic stroked Elam’s back. “That just means we’ll have to try again later, won’t we?”

Elam smiled against Nic’s shoulder.

Works for me.

Chapter Twelve

Nic gazed down at Elam as he slept. In Nic’s eyes, Elam was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. Over the past several weeks, his mate had bloomed in many ways. His morning sickness had gone away and his skin had become less pale. He’d embraced his ability to shift and they’d been on many runs and a few hunting trips together. They’d even taken down a caribou together with his sister and father. However, Nic didn’t plan on bringing him on anymore hunting trips until after the baby arrived. Once Elam’s womb became too heavy, he wouldn’t be able to shift anymore. The embryo remained human and he could damage the baby if he did.

But now they were cocooned together in bed at the cabin as they had been for the past few days, and Nic was loath to break their private bubble to spend the day in town with this family for Thanksgiving. It wasn’t exactly a traditional celebration for shifters, but they’d had to adapt to their country so as not to stand out. Over the years, they’d made it their own with the pre-holiday hunting sprees. The caribou would be mighty tasty with the remaining meat going into the freezer for additional future meals.

Nic let his hand drift down to the bump that had become too noticeable to hide anymore. They’d already had to buy Elam a larger size in sweatpants and shirts, and wearing jeans was no longer possible. Alex had offered to cutaway the front of them and sew a stretchable panel into the pants to allow room for the growing baby, so Elam had ordered some cheaper ones online since he didn’t want to ruin his good pairs. Nic caressed Elam’s belly, wondering how soon it would be before he could feel the baby move.

I still can’t believe how lucky I am.

His whole life had been leading him to Elam, to everything he’d never known he wanted.

Living alone and without love no longer seemed real. If he ever lost Elam or the baby, he didn’t know if he could survive the grief.

Elam stirred, then rolled so he faced Nic, snuggling into his side. Nic loved the way Elam sought him even while asleep, the way he instinctually searched for contact with his Alpha. Nic brushed the loose strands of Elam’s hair that had grown noticeably longer since they’d met, pushing them off his forehead and away from his closed eyes. He tore his gaze from his mate to check the time on the clock on the nightstand. Both his babies needed their rest, but Elam would be upset with him if they arrived at his sister’s house late.

Maybe I can convince him to lounge with me for a few more hours.

Nic nuzzled Elam’s temple, breathing in his ever-intoxicating scent, then rubbed his shoulder to slowly bring him awake. Elam groaned as he stretched.

“W’time is it?”

“It’s a bit past eight.”

Elam groaned louder as his eyes fluttered open. “Gah. I’m still so sleepy.”

Nic didn’t like the sound of that. Elam might tell him to quit fussing over him all the time, but dammit, it was his job.

“Why don’t I call Alex and tell her to go ahead without us? We can come by for dessert or whenever you’re up to it.”

Elam smirked. “I’m not missing that meal for anything.” He reached under the blankets and covered the hand Nic had returned to Elam’s belly. He couldn’t stop touching it. Elam continued,

“Although I probably should. I’ll be like a beached whale soon enough with the way I’ve been eating.”

Nic frowned. “You’re supposed to be eating. You know, that whole ‘eating for two’ thing.”

Elam sighed. “Yes, but one of the two in that equation is the size of a softball.” He frowned. “I think. I’m anxious for that ultrasound next week. Anyway, I can’t imagine he or she needs the mountains of food I’m downing on a daily basis. I’m just so damn hungry all the time.”

“That’s your body telling you you’re supposed to be eating.”

Elam chewed his bottom lip, not meeting Nic’s eyes. It was a tell Nic recognized from his mate and he wanted to know what it was that was plaguing him. Nic encouraged Elam to face him, grasping his chin with thumb and forefinger.

“Come on, baby. Tell me what it is.”

“I’m getting fat. Pretty soon I’ll be huge, and you won’t want me anymore.”

Nic frowned. That’s what’s bugging him? “Never happen. I think you’re gorgeous as fuck. Even more so now.” Nic rubbed Elam’s stomach again. “I never realized how…” Elam was better at expressing stuff, but Nic thought he was improving over how he used to be. His mate had opened up his world in more ways than one. “Well, how much I wanted what we have, all of it. And you carrying our child, watching as your belly grows…” Nic gave him a quick kiss. “It makes everything even sweeter. How could I not want you? Cherish you?”

Nic scooted down under the blankets and kissed Elam’s baby bump. The muffled sounds of Elam’s laughter could be heard as he carded his fingers through Nic’s hair. Elam lifted the covers and gazed down at him, the smile that Nic loved so much lighting up Elam’s features.

“Thank you, Nic. I know I’m sort of needy right now.”