“It was at the library,” she says, stirring her drink absently. “I was hiding out in the back, trying to read and stay warm—it was February and freezing outside. And there he was, this tall, awkward man with the most serious face, sitting at the same table, poring over these massive architecture books.”
“He didn’t know what you were?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
She shakes her head. “No. I was careful. The scent blockers I bought off that dealer worked pretty well, but they didn’t last as long as the pharmaceutical ones. But they kept me hidden.” She takes a sip of her coffee, her expression thoughtful. “Your father fell for me anyway. Not because I was an omega, not because of my scent or what I could give him. He loved me for me.”
I swallow hard, staring at the foam art on top of my latte.
“Dad’s not the same without you,” I say quietly. “Sharon and her kids... they’re his family now. But he’s never really been there. Just... going through the motions. Like he’s hollow inside.”
My mother’s face falls. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I never wanted that for either of you.”
I shrug, though the casual gesture feels forced. “It’s not your fault.”
“How was life with the step-mom?”
“I left as soon as I could,” I continue, the words tumbling out now that I’ve started. “Right after graduation. I slept on friends’ couches, working odd jobs here and there.”
“This was all my fault,” she says as tears spill down her cheeks. “If only…”
“It’s okay,” I say quickly, grabbing her hand. “Really. It’s okay now.”
And it is, I realize with a start. For the first time in my life, I’m not alone. I have my pack—five alphas who look at me like I’m precious, who would burn the world down to keep me safe.
“I have my alphas now,” I say, feeling a smile spread across my face. “And a little one on the way.”
My mother freezes, her coffee cup halfway to her lips. “What?” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, louder. “A baby?! You’re pregnant?”
I nod, unable to contain my smile any longer. “Yes, I just found out.”
“No!” she exclaims, half-standing in her excitement, nearly knocking over her coffee. “Oh my god, Anya! A baby!” She’s practically vibrating with excitement, her eyes wide and shining. “My first grandchild! I’m going to be a grandmother!”
Her joy is infectious. I’m laughing now, my earlier sadness forgotten in the face of her exuberance. “Oh my god, Mom. The whole café doesn’t need to know.”
“Sorry, sorry,” she says, dropping back into her seat, though her grin hasn’t diminished. “I’m just so excited! The pack must be so excited.”
I fiddle with the handle of my mug. “Actually, I haven’t told them yet,” I admit. “I wanted to tell you first.”
She gasps, pressing a hand to her heart. “Oh, honey...”
“And I was wondering if maybe you’d help me?” I continue, suddenly shy. “You know, with the announcement? I thought maybe we could do something special.”
Her eyes light up.
“Yes,” she says immediately. “Yes, absolutely. We’ll go shopping today—get a onesie, some balloons, the wholeworks. And then...” She leans forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “I have that little cottage by the ocean, just down the beach from Ryker’s place. We could set everything up there and have them all come over tonight.”
The idea is perfect. I can already picture my five alphas crowded into my mother’s cozy living room, their faces lighting up as they realize what’s happening. The thought makes my chest warm with anticipation.
“That sounds amazing,” I say, already gathering my purse. “Let’s go.”
My mother stands, tossing a few bills onto the table.
“We have so much to do,” she says, linking her arm through mine as we head for the street. “Baby stores, party supply shops...” She glances at me, her expression suddenly serious. “I’m so proud of you, you know. For finding your pack, for building this life after…after everything.”
I squeeze her arm, blinking back sudden tears. “I had a good role model. You were an amazing mother.”
She stops, pulling me into a tight hug right there on the sidewalk. “I love you,” she whispers against my hair. “So, so much.”
“I love you too, Mom,” I whisper back, holding on tight.
