These Wondrous Moments (Fates)

11. Ellis

Ellis

“I’m not wearing it.” Kai leans against the bathroom door frame while I fix my hair and do my makeup. He crosses his arms and stares me down, the hotdog costume discarded on the floor behind him.

I set my blush on the counter and turn to face him, sporting a truly fantastic pouty lower lip. “Really? It took me forever to think of a perfect costume for you.” Dipping my head down, I look up at him through my lashes.

“That’s fucking cheating,” he says pointing a finger at me. I take a step closer to him, keeping my pout, and he sighs, reaching out to snag my wrist and pull me against his chest. “It’s not fair you can do that and all three of us would do whatever the fuck you asked. Run naked through the streets? No problem. Rob a bank? Done. Kill a fucking unicorn? Just tell us when.”

I smile and rest my chin on his chest looking up at him. “I would never abuse such an important power.”

He snorts, hand resting on my hips. “What the hell do you call this? Forcing me to wear a fucking hotdog costume.”

“It’s called keeping me happy.”

Shaking his head he grins at me. “Nice way to play it, baby girl.” Kai kisses me before pulling away and dropping to his knees. “You better not be as manipulative as your mother,” he murmurs to my stomach before kissing it.

I thread my fingers through his hair, biting my lower lip to keep my smile from spreading across my face. Kai has been so amazingly adoring since he found out I was pregnant. It’s been nice having this just between the two of us for the time being. I’ll tell Sterling and Cade soon, but right now, it’s just me and Kai.

Kai stands and grabs the costume from the floor before giving me one last glare and leaving the room to let me get ready. As I put on my finishing touches and slip into my costume, I hear the guys' laughter downstairs. Or at least, I hear Cade and Sterling’s laughter. Kai’s curses float upstairs, no doubt giving them a piece of his mind at their comments on his hotdog.

Looking in the mirror, I put on the black hooded robe with pink satin trim and adjust it. The short tiny shorts are also trimmed in pink satin, and a black sports bra completes the look. With my knee high black heeled boots and a pair of pink boxing gloves, I look every inch the sexy boxer. Grinning to myself, I head downstairs.

The guys all stop what they’re doing when I step into the living room. Cade looks dashing in his prince costume, and Sterling looks adorable in his dog warden costume. Kai just looks ridiculous, and I can’t stop myself from laughing. Dressed as a hotdog, complete with bun and streaks of ketchup and mustard, it’s the best thing I've seen all year.

“Kai!” I bend over, holding my stomach as the laughter brings tears to my eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, Keep laughing, baby girl. I’ll make you pay for it later.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” I say, straightening and wiping the tears from my cheeks. “You two both look great,” I say looking Cade and Sterling over.

“You do, too,” Sterling says appreciatively, taking in my costume. “That’s perfect for you.”

Kai snorts, but walks past me, brushing his fingers subtly over my stomach. Our gazes meet, and the adoration in his gray eyes almost knocks me to my knees.

“Alright, let’s go. Kai grab the cookies,” Cade reminds the vampire before heading outside.

The crisp autumn air makes my skin pimple, and I pull the robe around me, not that the cheap fabric does much to block the wind. We pile into the Hummer, and I cuddle next to Cade to steal his warmth while Kai drives us to Shari’s house where we will meet up for dinner before heading to the pack party.

Halloween is one of the pack's favorite holidays. They gather in the large field on pack land and light a massive bonfire. There’s drinking, dancing, and trick-or-treating for the pups. Since Sterling is alpha, and I’m his mate, we’re expected to be there, which is why I bought us all costumes.

When we get to Shari’s house, we climb out and head inside. As always, her home smells like roasted meats and veggies, and the sweet scent of baked goods. Unfortunately, that sweet scent is pumpkin spice, and I swallow as saliva pools in my mouth while my stomach churns threateningly. Just one of the smells that pregnancy has turned against me.

“Look at you guys!” Shari calls as we step inside. She pulls me in for a hug, then gives the guys hugs as well, with a kiss on the cheek for Sterling. “I love those costumes. Kai, that is perfect.”

Kai grumbles under his breath and pinches my ass, making me laugh. I step into the living room and smile. Chloe and Cole are sitting next to each other with Cole’s arm around her shoulders. It makes me incredibly happy to see the two of them together, finally.

“Nice, Malakai,” Cole grunts, fighting a smile. Cole is dressed as a prisoner in a black and white striped one-piece, while Chloe is dressed as a sexy police officer.

“You look so cute, Chloe!” I rush over to her and she jumps up, giving me a hug.

“Thanks, so do you. Grace is the kitchen.”

My heart stops but I dart into the kitchen to see my sister. She’s pulling a tray from the oven, and the fresh scent of pumpkin spice hits my nostrils, making me gag. I dart to the garbage can and clutch my stomach as I heave everything I ate today.

“Ellis! Are you okay?” Gracie is at my side in an instant, rubbing my back and pulling my curls from my face.

When my stomach finally settles, I stand up and wipe my mouth, grimacing. “I’m fine.” I grab a glass of water to rinse my mouth and turn to face her. Before I say anything, I make sure no one is around to hear me. Laughter drifts to the kitchen from the living room, and I pull Gracie closer, lowering my voice. “You’re going to be an aunt,” I say, smiling and placing my hand on my lower belly.

Gracie’s light brown eyes go wide and her mouth falls open. “Seriously?”

I nod my head and barely have time to brace myself before she throws herself into my arms.

“Ellis, that is so amazing!” When she pulls back, tears line her eyes, but they don’t fall. “I am so happy for you. Do you know who …?”

“No. But it doesn’t really matter in the end. And only Kai knows right now, so don’t say anything.”

“I won’t.” She smiles broadly and squeaks quietly. “I am so excited to be an aunt.”

There’s a sparkle in her eyes that makes my heart soar. I hope this gives her a purpose and helps to give her the final boost back into the land of the living. Gracie has been doing great. She’s comfortable with the guys that typically come to Shari’s house, and she’s eating better. But getting her to leave the house is a different matter. Maybe a little niece or nephew will be what it takes to get Gracie over this last hurdle.

I leave Gracie to whatever she’s doing in the kitchen, and hop into the little bathroom in the hallway. A quick search under the sink provides me with a toothbrush and toothpaste. With a fresh minty mouth, I leave the bathroom, only to run right into Sterling.

“Oh shit,” I say, placing my hand on my heart, feeling it thump wildly in my chest. “You scared me.”

He chuckles, icy blue eyes glittering. “Sorry, kitten. That wasn’t my intent.” He studies me, gaze traveling over my body, and a slight frown pulls his brows down. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?” I swipe my curls over my shoulder and give him a confident smile.

He cups my cheek, rubbing his thumb just under my lower lip. “You’re pale. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m positive.” But I step into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and inhaling his pine and snow scent, letting it wash the pumpkin spice from my nose. Instantly, my stomach settles.

Sterling’s arms come around me, and he kisses the top of my head. As close as I am to him, I sense the miniscule shift in his body. The way his muscles tense and his breath hitches in his lungs. He pulls away far enough to tilt my head to the side and he buries his nose in my neck, inhaling deeply.

When he looks at me, I know he knows. Those icy blue eyes are wide and filled with wonder. He goes back in for another inhale, and soft rumble echoes in his chest. “Ellis,” he breathes, looking back at me.

I smile tentatively and nod, taking his hands and placing them on my still flat belly. Sterling goes still, even his breaths stop in his chest. I have no warning when he grabs my ass and lifts me, wrapping my legs around his waist. We’re out the back door and across the open field in seconds. The woods surround us in darkness. The moon barely visible behind the passing clouds.

Sterling sinks to the ground, leaves crunching under him as he leans against a large tree. Now his chest is heaving with his breaths, and I can feel the pulse in his neck beating like a jack rabbit under my hand.

“It’s true?” he asks, voice quiet and filled with so much emotion it almost gets stuck in his throat.

“It’s true,” I whisper, taking his face in my palms. “You’re going to be a daddy, Sterling.”

His lips wobble, and he presses them tightly together to hide it. But he can’t stop the tears that fill his eyes from spilling over. Sterling pulls me tight to his chest and he buries his face in my neck. His shoulders shake as he cries, and I hold him back just as tightly. My fingers run through his silver hair, combing out the tangles and giving him the touch I know he needs right now.

When he finally stills, he pulls away, and the sight of him almost makes me cry. He looks wrecked in the best possible way. Disbelief, amazement, love, pure joy. It all shows on his face and in his shining eyes. He stares at me for a moment, and I give him the time he needs to find the words he wants to say.

“I can’t believe it,” he says after a moment of silence where the only sounds are the wind and the bare branches cracking together. “Since the first moment I found you, the first moment I knew you were my mate and realized we would never be together, I mourned the loss of you. Of everything that we could have been and everything we could have had. I’d given up on every dream I had of having a family.” His voice catches, and he swallows, shaking his head. “Ellis, this is a dream I never thought I’d get to experience.”

This time, it’s my eyes that burn and fill with tears. I blink rapidly to clear my vision. Gently, I wipe his cheeks before giving him a soft kiss. “It’s not a dream anymore, Sterling. It’s real. And you are going to get that family you deserve. It might look a little different than you initially imagined, but it’s our family.”

He laughs quietly. “It’s better than I ever could have imagined. I wouldn’t want to do this any other way than raising a child with you, Cade, and Kai. Thank you, Ellis. For giving this to me.”

I shake my head, tears tracking down my cheeks. “It should be me thanking you. All of you. Because I wouldn’t be here if it weren't for you three. And I know this child will be so incredibly loved. He or she is one lucky baby to have all three of you in their life.”

Sterling kisses me. It’s gentle and sweet, conveying every emotion and every thought he has that he can’t put into words. It sears me to my marrow, making my stomach flutter and heart skip beats. I know how much this man loves me, but this kiss just proves it even more. And to picture him as a father, doting on our child and loving them as much as he loves me—if not more—it makes my heart hurt in the most beautiful of ways.

“I love you so much, Sterling,” I whisper against his mouth.

“Fuck, kitten. You have no idea.” His voice is more of a growl, and his fingers tighten on my hips.

I thread my fingers through his hair, tugging on the strands to let him know I want more than this kiss. I want to celebrate this with him, to reinforce and remind him that he’s not alone anymore. That he has me, and now this baby. It’s a reminder I think he needs every now and then.

Sterling drops his head to my neck and he licks his mark before gently pressing his teeth against it. A low moan climbs up my throat, and I find my hips rocking against his, looking for friction to ease the growing ache between my legs. Sterling leaves a trail of kisses from my jaw, down my neck, over my shoulder. His fingers slide inside the robe and trace over my skin, his hand pressing on my belly as a shudder works through him.

I take his hand and slide it lower into the waistband of my shorts. He takes the clue and I lift up on my knees so he can slide his finger through my core. “Sterling,” I breathe, head falling back. He nips at his mark again, making my hips jerk.

Sterling works his finger over my clit before sliding two fingers inside. I moan at the stretch and sensation of being filled, but I know it can be so much more than that. His fingers pale in comparison to the cock that strains the confines of his costume. I drop my hand from his shoulder to his pants and palm his hardness, making him hiss against my neck.

“Fuck, kitten,” he groans. “Stand up.”

My legs shake as I push to my feet, using his shoulder to leverage me. Sterling wastes no time tugging my shorts down my legs and I step out of them, letting him toss them to the side. Before I can sit back on his lap, Sterling grabs my thighs and forces me to stand wider. The cool air on my heated center makes me gasp, and I gasp again when Sterling’s tongue slides through to my clit.

“Oh gods, Sterling.” I knot my fingers in his hair, pressing him closer as I rock my hips against his face.

His hands holding my thighs, and my fingers in his hair are the only things holding me up. My legs shake and tremble, each lick of his tongue against my clit builds the pleasure inside me, threatening to push me over the edge.

His icy eyes meet my gaze, the blue darker than usual with his blown pupils. “You taste different,” he breathes, licking his lips with a feral grin. “It’s fucking addicting.”

He renews his vigorous ministrations on my core until I’m panting and grasping the top of his head to support myself. Heat flutters through me, spreading out from my core to warm my entire body. Even the hoot of a nearby owl isn’t enough to pull me away from my mate and his tongue.

“Sterling,” I gasp, clutching his hair tighter. “I’m so close.”

He pulls away with a wicked grin, his lips shining with my arousal. “Well, I guess I should slow down then.”

A whine of protest climbs up my throat, and I attempt to push his head back between my legs. He resists with a low laugh that slithers over my skin. My attempts cease when he reaches to his waistband and lifts his hips, pulling his pants down his thighs. His cock springs free, already hard and weeping for me. I drop to my knees hard enough to cause me to hiss as rocks dig into my skin, but I don’t care. I want Sterling’s cock inside me. Now.

Sterling grasps my face and kisses me, letting me taste myself on his tongue. As I rock my hips, rubbing my core over his cock, he bites my lower lip hard enough to draw blood. A low rumbling growl echoes through the woods and it takes me a moment to realize it’s coming from him.

“Can you tell from my blood?” I ask, a touch breathlessly.

His fingers dig into my hips, and he lifts me so he’s perched right at my entrance. “Yes. Your scent.” He slowly slides in an inch. “Your cum.” Another inch. “Your blood.” Another inch. “Everything screams at me that my mate is pregnant.” He pulls me down hard the last inches, and I gasp. “My wolf went fucking crazy as soon as I scented it on you.” He lifts me to slide out as far as he can, only to pull me back down again. “Our mate. Our pup.”

Each word is punctuated by a thrust of his hips as he lifts me and pulls me down again and again. Each word is low and filled with a growl I know comes straight from his wolf. Each word coils in my belly, fanning the flames of my desire until I’m sure I’ll combust.

“Don’t stop,” I beg, digging my fingers into his shoulders hard enough to leave marks. “Please, don’t stop.”

Another growl vibrates his chest. “Never.”

And then he bites down on my mark and flicks his tongue over the sensitive skin. I fall apart around him, the quiet woods swallowing my scream. Sterling curses and pulls me down one last time, clutching me to his chest as he shudders through his own release.

As awareness filters back in, I find myself wrapped in his arms, my head on his shoulder. His hands gently rub my back, and I gather the energy to pull away and look at him. Those bright blue eyes that I love so much hold emotion I can’t fathom.

I suck in a breath before saying something that could ruin the happiness he’s found. “You’re okay if the baby isn’t yours?” My words are barely audible in the wind blowing through the trees. I shiver, and Sterling rubs his hands down my arms.

“It’s mine. As long as the choices are between me, Cade, and Kai.” A smile plays about his lips, laughter lighting his eyes.

I smack his chest. “Of course those are the only options. Like I could handle another guy. You three are enough.”

He chuckles, kissing me gently. “Then that settles it. The pup is mine. It doesn’t matter who technically fathered it. I’ll be here loving them, protecting them, spoiling them. Just as much as if it were a pup of my own.”

Tears blur my vision. I know the guys all feel this way. We’ve talked about it a lot as we decided to try and have kids. But I couldn’t stop the fear that wormed inside when our dreams became a reality. It’s one thing to say you’ll love a child that isn’t yours, and another thing entirely to actually do it. I’m proof of that.

“Ellis, never question that. I swear to you, I will love every child you have, simply because I love you. I love Cade and Kai. I love the family we’ve created. And each child we have will only help to grow that love.”

Another little sliver of apprehension slides away and Sterling kisses my forehead. As he helps me stand and we head back to Shari’s, I can’t keep the smile from my face.

Two down. One to go.