"I've never been more sure of anything." He takes my hand. "Besides, someone needs to be here to document the twins' development. That's valuable research right there."
Calder laughs. "You're going to turn our children into a longitudinal study."
"Obviously. With proper ethical oversight and parental consent, of course."
"Of course," Tyler agrees, grinning.
We sit in comfortable silence, watching the valley darken, lights beginning to glow in distant houses.
"We're going to be parents," I say.
"We are," Calder confirms.
"Terrifying," Tyler adds.
"Statistically challenging," Julian contributes.
"But perfect," I finish. “I believe I win the best gift competition.”
TWO DAYS LATER
Nathaniel Kingsley arrives exactly on time.
I watch from the greenhouse as an expensive black SUV pulls up the drive, the kind of vehicle that costs more than most people's yearly salary. Calder emerges from the house to greethim, and I catch the easy familiarity of old friends despite the business suit the driver is wearing.
They've known each other since childhood, both from old money families, both trying to chart their own paths while honoring legacy. But where Calder chose an unconventional pack and a quiet valley life, Nathaniel chose... well. From what I understand, Nathaniel chose not to choose.
The Kingsley family is transitioning from oil to renewable energy, a massive undertaking requiring significant capital and strategic partnerships. The Ashfords have been investing in sustainable energy for years. Hence the meeting.
I'm heading back to my herb sorting when I hear another car.
I step out of the greenhouse as Lila emerges from her beat-up sedan, looking polished despite the long drive. She's wearing a blazer over a simple dress, professional but still distinctly Lila.
"Surprise!" she calls, waving. "I know I said next week, but I had a meeting canceled last-minute and thought, why not visit my pregnant best friend early?"
I cross the yard to hug her. "You're always welcome. You know that."
"Good, because I brought those ridiculous pregnancy cookies Catherine sent me to give you. Apparently she's baking for an army."
We're laughing when I notice Nathaniel Kingsley has stopped mid-conversation with Calder. He's staring at Lila with an expression I recognize; I've seen variations of it on my own alphas' faces.
Desire. Want. Mine.
Oh no.
Lila follows my gaze, sees the alpha watching her, and her expression shifts immediately to polite wariness. "Friend of yours?"
"Calder's," I say carefully. "Nathaniel Kingsley. He's here on business."
"Kingsley." Her voice goes flat. "As in, Kingsley Energy?TheNathaniel Kingsley?"
"You know him?"
"Know of him." Her eyes narrow. "His reputation precedes him. Player alpha, different omega every week, breaks hearts like it's a hobby."
"That might be exaggerating?—"
"You’re too nice, El." She crosses her arms. "I work in social media for omega advocacy. I see the posts. The omegas who thought they were special, the gossip columns tracking his conquests. No thank you."
