Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
“Oh! You’re um… whatshisnames’ daughter!”
“Connor Whittaker. That’s me.”
I take a second look at Rory. She doesn’t look like her father’s one of the richest assholes in the country. “You look so normal.”
“Thanks? I think?”
“Sorry! We’ve only been best friends for like thirty seconds and I’m already blowing it. I guess I mean, you could be literally anywhere right now. But you’re here, in Emily’s backyard. Why?”
She raises an eyebrow at me. "You mean other than Bull, Diesel and Shrapnel? You have to admit, when three of these guys put their minds to it, they can make a pretty compelling argument. Naked."
Am I blushing? I might be. "That can't be the only reason, though."
"No, it’s not." She sighs softly. "I’m not as rich as my dad, by the way. Don’t feel bad for me, I’m pretty much an IT nepo baby, but I get a normal salary. A lot of people assume they’re with me because of my family, but it’s really the other way around. This was the first place that I’ve ever felt like a part of something just because I’m me. I could lose my job and get disinherited tomorrow and I’d still be at the next brunch, you know? My guys would probably just tease me about being a kept woman and then ask what we should do for dinner. The worst part is that some days I'm terrified they won't come home, because I know they're doing something that they won't even tell me about so I don't get worried, but I know that when they do come home, they come home to me. And always will, as long as they're able. And then you add the old ladies and the freedom to do anything you want? It's a pretty good life when you think about it."
Is this what I want? My mind drifts to Beast, Zero and Piston, and I'm not even just thinking about the sex. Beast and his bad texting and silly sense of humor. Piston and his protectiveness and passion for animals. Zero's commanding nature and sharp insight. No wonder they're a team, and together they make me feel like I'm something special. Something worth protecting.
Heck, even Natalie is starting to approve.
Speaking of whom, she puts her hand up in the air. "Everyone! It's announcement time! Gather around."
Faith laughs. "You beat me to it. But go ahead, you first."
Shelby pushes her way in. "You'd think we'd arranged this, or something. I guess I'm third."
The three of them stop to look at each other, each one trying to figure out what the other two are hinting at. Natalie points at both of their bellies. "You guys aren't…"
Shelby lights up. "You too?"
The three of them crack up while the rest of the party slowly figures it out. I know Nat’s secret so I have a bit of a head start. But three at once? Yikes!
"Alright, I'm just going to say it." Faith raises her voice. "Charlotte's going to have a little sibling! We’re just past twelve weeks and we aren’t sure if we want to know the gender so don’t start asking!" A cheer goes up, and after a brief bow, she steps back and gestures at the other two.
Shelby and Natalie exchange glances, but Natalie nudges Shelby forwards.
Shelby smiles ear-to-ear as she takes her turn. "Well, it must be something in the water. Mia’s going to have a little sibling, too. She’s already obsessed."
And then it's Natalie's turn. Like everyone else, she's all smiles. "So much for going first! Sheesh, guys. But I guess all good things come in threes. I'm about thirteen weeks along and Clark’s mostly annoyed that he’s getting a sibling instead of a lizard."
I'm pulled right into the celebrations, like I've been part of this group forever. Everyone's happy for the expecting moms, even the kids, though I'm not sure how many of them caught what's actually going on. When I get a chance, I throw my arms around my pregnant big sister to give her a squeeze. "I know you know I know, but congratulations again anyway."
“Thanks.”
“Moooooooom!” Someone yells. It’s a little boy, about ten, and he’s holding onto the end of a leash with Junkyard happily running ahead of him.
Behind him is a girl about the same age, walking an older boxer. That must be Issy.
“What happened, Liam?” Emily asks.
“Jupiter and Junkyard were playing and they started fighting!” he explains.
Issy rolls her eyes. “They weren’t fighting.”
“Well then what were they doing? Why’d Alpha yell?”
Issy tugs on Emily’s arm. Emily leans down and Issy whispers something to her. Emily’s face goes still and she looks my way.
Oh boy. “Jupiter’s been fixed, right? Right?”
25
BEAST
Eagle-eye’s sitting on the bar, scanning the common room with King, our VP, next to him. King’s leaning back with his arms crossed over his chest. One day he’ll take the spot of honor, but he doesn’t seem to be in any rush, and Prez isn’t heading anywhere anytime soon.