Just past five, I heard Sinclair's footsteps on the stairs. He must have left work as soon as possible. I wasn't complaining; I'd been eager to ask him about Mike since the police called. Incredibly, I even missed him more the longer we were apart. I think this was more the pup's longing for its father than my own desire, as I'm usually nervous around him. The exception was bedtime; since he insisted we sleep together, I hadn't had a nightmare, and I looked forward to sleeping in his arms each night.

He entered my room without knocking, smiling broadly as he saw me curled up in bed. The doctor had ordered complete rest, and after the hospital ordeal, I welcomed it. "Hello, trouble," Sinclair greeted me affectionately, sitting on the edge of the mattress. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," I assured him. "No more spotting." I blushed, but we had to get used to discussing such intimate matters. Pregnancy certainly robbed one of modesty; even the most personal bodily functions became topics of discussion to assess the baby's health.

"I'm glad," Sinclair sighed in relief. "Have you checked your blood pressure?"

"No, I've been distracted," I admitted.

"Tsk, tsk," he teased, retrieving the home blood pressure monitor from my bedside table. "Let's have your arm, gorgeous."

I waited while he secured the cuff around my bicep and pressed the start button. As the cuff inflated, I said, "I got a call from the police today." Sinclair maintained a neutral expression. "Oh?"

"Mike turned himself in this afternoon," I said, watching him closely. "He came back from the coast and confessed. He's going to stand trial."

Sinclair watched the machine's display, managing a distracted smile. "That's wonderful, Ella."

I waited for him to say more, but he remained silent, focused on my vital signs. "You're really going to pretend you had nothing to do with it?" I finally burst out.

The machine beeped, and Sinclair frowned, loosening the cuff. "Still too high," he murmured, looking at me. He gently cupped my cheek. "Are you still stressed?"

"I'm trying to talk to you about something," I replied.

"Ella, it was nothing. I would have done it for anyone," he stated simply.

Of course, I thought bitterly. Don't get ahead of yourself, Ella. Don't think you're special. "That might be true," I murmured, "but it's a very big deal to me. I don't know how to thank you."

"That's not necessary," Sinclair replied, dismissing the matter. "I was happy to do it. That rat deserved worse than a jail cell, if you ask me."

His ferocity surprisingly reassured me. It showed he cared, and I decided to find a way to thank him, regardless of his feelings.

The next day, I spent the morning nauseous, reminding myself that morning sickness was a good sign. After my fourth bout, I moved pillows and books into the bathroom, creating a makeshift camp on the cold tiles to avoid running back and forth. By afternoon, I felt well enough to go out and followed through with my plans to thank Sinclair.

I initially hesitated about visiting his father unannounced, but the elder Alpha welcomed me so warmly that I decided to visit more often. "Come in, come in! What a lovely surprise!"

"Thank you," I blushed. "I hope you don't mind me dropping by like this."

"Of course not, my darling. You're welcome anytime," he replied genially. "I was just about to have lunch. Please join me."

"Oh, I couldn't impose," I demurred.

"Nonsense," he observed wryly. "I recognize a pregnant woman who's been indisposed. You're still pale. Some food will help."

"Thank you," I smiled. "You're as perceptive as your son."

"And I see you'd prefer he weren't so perceptive," the old man replied.

"Is it that obvious?" I chuckled, sitting across from him as a servant brought another place setting.

"I don't blame you," he confided. "I wouldn't enjoy someone reading my thoughts and feelings either."

Unlike Sinclair, his father put me completely at ease. So much so that I blurted out, "I'm not used to men like you and your son, Alpha—"

"None of that 'Alpha' nonsense," he interjected. "Call me Henry."

I laughed. "You and Dominic really are a pair."

Henry smiled warmly. "High praise. I'm very proud of my son, and I'm thrilled he's found his mate."

Guilt struck me. Of everyone we were deceiving, Sinclair's father made me feel the most ashamed. "Thank you," I managed. "We're so excited about the baby, we haven't discussed if we're truly mates. We're saying it for the campaign, but I hardly think I'm what Dominic envisioned."

Henry shook his head firmly. "Trust me, Ella. I know my son, and I know a good match when I see one. You two will get there."

"He's already done so much for me. I've been trying to thank him, but I don't know him well enough. I hoped you could help me plan something," I confessed.

"You've come to the right place," Henry assured me. "What kind of surprise did you have in mind?"

"Anything to show my gratitude and excitement about the baby," I explained.

"My son has a powerful sweet tooth," Henry said. "He rarely indulges, but the quickest way to his heart is through dessert."

I giggled. "Really?" It seemed strange that the terrifying Alpha would have such a wholesome weakness. "Any particular recipes?"

"His favorite cake as a boy was simple chocolate with vanilla icing—simple but classic. That would transport him back to childhood," Henry explained.

"I like that," I mused. "One of our first days together, he called my sister to find out my favorite dish. I like the symmetry."

"And if you have leftovers, I always appreciate a good sweet," Henry hinted, "and charming company."

"You have a deal," I agreed happily. "I was thinking of visiting more often, if you don't mind."

"I'd love that," Henry beamed, "though you should probably tell Dominic first."

I grimaced. "Do you think he'd object?"

"A new mate and a baby make an Alpha overprotective," Henry reasoned.

"But surely he wouldn't think you're a threat," I protested.

"Not me, but other dangers exist," Henry suggested. "I'm surprised he let you go out without a guard."

"Well, he doesn't know," I answered hesitantly.

"You didn't tell him you were leaving?" Henry clarified.

"No, but I'm an adult," I argued. "I shouldn't need permission to visit family."

"Ella, you're with an Alpha now," Henry reminded me gently. "Everything is different. Does anyone know where you are?"

"No," I replied nervously, gnawing my lip. "Do you think he'll be angry?"

"If I were you, I'd get back before he notices you're gone," Henry suggested.

I left immediately after lunch, kissing Henry's cheek. I stopped only to buy cake ingredients, hurrying home, hoping no one noticed my absence. Hugo saw me arriving, arms laden with groceries. He said nothing, but I knew I was in trouble.

I was in big trouble.