Chapter 369

Everyone froze. Rick recovered first. “How is that even possible?”

“I won’t tell you beforehand, but I promise I will use it to whisk all of you away at the same time, and no one will know where you disappeared to. I can promise once everything is out in the open, and war is on the horizon, you will have a house, jobs, and a place in a pack that celebrates people, no matter their rank.” I looked at Rick.

“You’ll move us to your father’s pack?”

I nodded. “I will.”

“But Vince won’t release us.” Ternen shook his head. “Vince won’t ever let us go.”

I grinned. “It won’t matter. By the time he notices you are all gone, it will be too late.” I could see Alannah perk up.

“Are you being honest, Amy?” She turned to me with hope in her eyes. “If you aren’t, I need you to tell me now.”

I wrapped my arm around her. “Of course I’m being serious. Why are you so–” My hand rested against her side, and I felt it. A tiny flutter under the skin. I gasped as she turned to me. “You’re pregnant!”

Alannah’s eyes grew wide. “How did you know?”

Ternen jolted next to us. “Wait, what?”

I grimaced and faced Alannah. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the surprise.”

“Not a surprise, more full–blown terror,” she whispered as she trembled next to me.

Ternen cuddled her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She looked at him, but it was Rick that answered. “You know why. She’s not allowed to be pregnant.”

I pushed back and stared at him. “What are you talking about?” Rick pulled his phone out and pulled up a screen shot. He turned his phone to me and I gasped. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” I looked from the phone to him. “Is this actually real?”

Alannah glanced at the phone and started to cry. “Yes.”

Ternen looked as confused as I felt, but he grabbed the phone from Rick and read the page. The phone clattered to the table, and I could see his need to protect his mate warring with his omega nature. “We just won’t ever have pups.”

“It’s not that simple.” Alannah shook herself. “I’m already pregnant, Tern. And I haven’t been able to see the pack doctor because as soon as Vince finds out, the punishment starts.”

“Punishment?” I looked at Rick, and the man turned green. He grabbed the phone and pulled it back, flicking to another photo, and handed it back to me. The growl that left my throat was vicious. Nix and Megan went from lounging around to ready for Vince’s blood instantly. “Please tell me this isn’t real.”

“Alrighty guys.” The server snuck up on us. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

I took a deep breath and then turned to her with a smile. “Actually yes. It’s our friend’s birthday and we would really like to celebrate with a piece of cake for everyone. Which one do you recommend?”

“We have a fantastic coconut white cake.” I turned to look at Alannah, but she was sinking. I cut a look at Ternen.

“She is allergic to coconut, but if you have carrot cake, it’s her favorite.”

The server brightened. “Our carrot cake is amazing. I just rarely offer it because some people don’t really see it as a cake because there are vegetables in it.” She laughed, and I forced myself to laugh with her. “Perfect, four slices coming up. Did you want coffee?”

“No thanks, just the cake and the bill. That would be amazing. Thank you.” I smiled as she turned away, and then I felt my face fall as I turned back to Rick. “I need you to tell me this is fake.” I waved the phone around and gripped the edge of the table so hard it creaked.

Rick looked away from me, and Alannah sniffled beside me. Ternen tried to grab the phone again, but Alannah grabbed him. “Please don’t look.”

He looked at her before his panicked eyes turned to me. “I need to see what is on that phone.” His words were soft, but I could hear the finality in them. He needed to see for his sanity.

“Please Tern. Please don’t,” Alannah begged, but he turned to her and cupped her face.

“I need to see. I need to know.”

“Why?”

“Because if you randomly go missing and I have no idea why it will kill me. If something happens to you and I don’t know, how will I know to go get someone?” He swallowed. “I know I’m never going to be the mate that will be able to charge in and save you with my own hands, but I will do my best to figure out a way to protect you.” He leaned his head against hers. “Even if I have to give up my life for yours, I will save you.”