Page 50 of Ready or Not
“I’m really considering a new line of work,” he growls, wrapping an arm around my lower back. He gives a tug, and I move into his lap. “I like cooking. Maybe it’s time I retire and become a house husband.”
I chuckle at the thought, stretching up to kiss him. “You’d die of boredom within a few months.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “With you and Aurora to keep me busy? I don’t think so.”
“I love you so much.” I bury my hands in his beard, nuzzling my nose to his. “And if you think you wouldn’t miss it, then I fully support whatever you want to do. Once I give birth, I can go back to work.”
Bishop growls, capturing my mouth and pulling me closer.
I got really lucky when he tuned in to my cam shows.
My chest aches as Bishop and Holt pack up their duffel bags and head out. Good God, I honestly don’t know how military spouses handle the stress and the physical distance from their partners. My heart definitely goes out to them. I imagine you’d have to be incredibly strong, because I feel like I’m falling apart at the edges over the prospect of a few days.
They leave, and Mercy heads to handle a few last-minute work obligations. We’ve got a reservation to meet his family for dinner tonight.
I shower and try to make my hair look nice, but I don’t know where my normal hair products ended up when we packed up my stuff. I haven’t bothered with my appearance much since I got here, but something about the way they’ve all talked about Mercy’s family tells me that won’t go over well.
My anxiety is sky-high as I apply the foundation I found in my purse. I have an entire makeup bag somewhere with all my favorite products.
I always did my hair and makeup for my cam shows, even though they never saw my face, but I’m working with only the essentials I kept in my purse.
My face seems chubbier than the last time I studied myself in a mirror. It doesn’t help my composure when I poke myself in the eye while trying to apply my eyeliner. My too-tight bra digs into my back as I lean over the bathroom counter.
Can’t Mercy just show his family the pack marriage certificate?
Why do they have to meet me?
They aren’t going to like me.
In no universe does someone like me end up with someone like him.
I haven’t let myself obsess about it too much, but Holt and Cooper have both made comments that lead me to believe that his family is of a certain stature.
One I’m nowhere close to being able to meet.
My hands shake as discomfort pulses through my system.
I try to breathe through the queasy feeling that comes when I think of disappointing Mercy. He’s such a sweet guy, and he works really hard to make the world a better place.
I huff and aim for the bedroom.
My head is woozy, and my stomach aches. I need to lie down for a minute or two. Nothing is easy nowadays, and that includes showering. Getting dressed will have to wait until I’ve had a chance to snuggle up with my alphas’ scents. The bed always holds traces of their smells now, and I love it.
“Hey,” Cooper says, his head tilting as he studies me. “Mercy sent me up to check on you. He said he’s going to be done in fifteen minutes, then he’ll grab a quick shower, dress, and be ready to go in thirty-five minutes.”
I blink, studying his bare chest.
Damn, he’s thicker than Mercy but has a thinner frame than Bishop. He’s covered in tattoos, which I vaguely remember. He looks as gorgeous as ever, and I’m a waddling, swollen, puffy mess.
This is why Mercy hasn’t bitten you yet. If his family hates you and refuses to release his inheritance, then he’s probably going to divorce you. My head shakes as shame roils in my stomach for even thinking such shitty things.
Mercy is trustworthy, and he deliriously told me he loved me the other night. He still hasn’t said it again, but I trusted the words when he said them.
I’m full-blown panicking.
I don’t know if it’s the stress of Andrew and everything going on there, or being away from Holt and Bishop, or it might be the fear of messing up the introduction to Mercer’s family and tanking the guys’ chance to make a real difference in the lives of omegas just like me.
It feels like my chest is heavy. The rapid pants of air that I do suck in don’t seem to be helping.