Page 138 of Broken Souls

“Yeah, I'm just freaked out by this whole thing. I didn't think I'd have a baby until after marriage.”

“Trust me, Dash is the sweetest man to exist. Anything you need, he'll be there,” I assure her.

“Sweeter than me?” Axe asks.

“Umm yes.”

I don't know if he's being serious. No one would describe Axe as sweet. He's been kind to me but if someone had to describe him, they would use the word powerful or dangerous.

“I can be sweet.” Axe pouts.

“Only to me,” I say.

“Well, you're the only person I should be sweet for,” he says factually.

“Whereas Dash is sweet to everyone,” I point out.

“No, Dash is only sweet to women who mean something to him, hence Ryleigh, you, my sister, his mother.”

“What if I have a girl?” Ryleigh asks, her brows furrowed.

“So?” Axe draws out.

“Well, I know Dash is hoping for a boy. And from what I've heard from Olly, male wolves like their first born to be a son.”

“No, it's mainly alphas that want a son first because a son will take over being alpha. Alphas don't want a daughter first because when she meets her mate, he will become alpha. Who knows who the fuck her mate will be? That's why sons are just easier to take over being alpha,” Axe explains.

“Oh, I thought it was more about sexist bullshit,” I say.

“Possibly, but think about it. If we had a daughter first, whoever her mate turned out to be would take the alpha position. If he wasn't from this pack, or if he was a rogue, he would gain the power to change this pack how he saw fit. Since we had a son, he'll grow up with my values, so he'll just carry on the leadership like I did.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

The door opens and Dash walks in, visibly relaxing when he sees Ryleigh.

“Why didn't you tell me you were going somewhere?” He sits next to her.

“Jeez, I'm really going to be on a leash for this pregnancy, aren't I?” Ryleigh groans.

“No, but...”

“I should have you on a leash. You're technically a dog,” Ryleigh mutters. I burst out laughing while Dash stares at her dumbfounded.

***

I wake up and see Axe is already out of the bed. I sit up and see Cash isn't in his cot. That gives me time to relax. I want to stay in bed but then my stomach flips so I go to the bathroom and lean over the toilet. I clutch onto the toilet seat until I finish. My forehead is clammy. Ugh, what the fuck? I stand up and brush my teeth and splash my face. What did I eat? My stomach is still sensitive so I go back to bed. I know I've been running myself off my feet with Cash, and Olly's wedding. I close my eyes, figuring rest will help my exhaustion.

“Elora.” Axe walks in holding Cash. “Why are you still in bed? It's twelve.”

“I think I'm getting sick.”

“Oh, are you okay?” His eyes show concern.

“Yeah, probably just overdoing it.”

“Well, I'll keep Cash in the guest room in case you're contagious. Do you need anything?”

“No, but that's a good idea. We should be moving Cash out of our room at this stage.”