“Rebecca, this is Caleb Donovan and his sons Landon and Lucas. He has had a rough couple days and I volunteered us to babysit so he could catch up on some sleep. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first,” Kate said apologetically. Rebecca waved away her concern and continued to pet Sebastian who was lying on her lap, purring and rubbing his head against her tummy. “When did he start that?” Kate asked, pausing in her introductions.
“Right after Doc confirmed I was pregnant,” Rebecca said. “His purring helps me to sleep at night and the other morning he brought me the wet washcloth that I had on the counter when I was throwing up in the bathroom. I swear he has got to be the most intelligent cat ever. Ashby thinks he’s grateful for being saved from the alley.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Alpha Mother,” Caleb said, nodding his head. Rebecca smiled and inclined her head in return.
“The two goofballs hogging the twins are Rian Stafford and Damian Prescott. They are part of the local lion pride,” Kate said, pointing out the two men.
Rian looked over and winked at Caleb, blowing him air kisses, and Damian waved. Good-naturedly Caleb winked back.
“The two sitting next to Rebecca are Ashby Fairfax and Nicholas Redding,” Kate continued.
“We’ve met, they watch the boys for me when Gina isn’t available. Hey, guys,” Caleb said.
“Hey, Caleb,” both Ashby and Nic chimed from the sofa in unison.
“The gorgeous lady in the rocking chair is Rebecca’s mother-in-law, Margaret Arkadion, but everyone calls her Ma,” Kate explained.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am,” Caleb said.
Kate looked over the full room.
“We didn’t mean to invade.” Kate felt bad. She hadn’t known Rebecca already had people over.
“Don’t be ridiculous. The more the merrier, especially when I have been dying for company today. Ma, I love your son with my entire being, but I swear I almost shot him today,” Rebecca said, sounding exasperated.
“Did he finally break down and get you a gun?” Ma asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rebecca shrugged. “I simply pointed out how tiny and weak and helpless I was and he eventually saw things my way.” Rebecca smiled.
“Try not to shoot my son anywhere vital,” Ma said, eyes sparkling.
Rebecca thought about it for a long moment, her head tilted in the way she did when she was thinking hard, and then she nodded.
“I’ll try, but I’m not making any promises.” She leaned her head back again and closed her eyes.
“This morning sickness won’t stop! I thought you were supposed to puke and then be done for the day,” Rebecca whimpered from the sofa.
“I think I can help with that,” Caleb said and all eyes swung to where he stood in the front room’s doorway, still mostly in the foyer.
“Anything you can do to help Rebecca with this morning sickness would be welcomed. Along with intense emotions, her morning sickness also seems to be leaking through the bond with my Alpha Mother,” Ashby said, looking pale and shooting Rebecca an apologetic look.
“How come I’m not feeling sick?” Kate asked.
“Don’t feel bad, Kate. It’s not hitting me very hard at all. I think it varies based on the type of bond. Ashby and Rebecca bonded first, so they have been bonded longer. I don’t think there is a science to it,” Nic explained, bouncing Lucas.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m sorry, but the extremely gorgeous man said he could help my morning sickness,” Rebecca said, pointing to Caleb, who chuckled.
“Let me go check out your kitchen. Be right back.” He disappeared down the hallway.
Rian looked over at Kate and hissed in a whisper, “You have some s’plaining to do, missy!”
Kate’s head snapped around to where Caleb was working in the kitchen, nearly spraining her neck. She put her finger to her lips and shook her head. Ashby, Nicholas, and Damian were also giving her concerned looks. Rebecca had her head back on the sofa and looked as though she were going to die. She was human, so she probably hadn’t picked up on Kate’s arousal.
Caleb walked back in a few minutes later with a cup of steaming hot tea. He handed it carefully to Rebecca.
“Sip it slowly. It’s a ginger mint tea. Luckily, you keep a well-stocked kitchen. I made a batch and left it in the saucepan on the stove. Renee swore this is the only thing that got her through her pregnancy.”
Rebecca sipped it and after a few moments, her face began to relax. She looked up at Caleb.
“I love you. I would offer to have your babies, but I’m already pregnant, you already have two, and my mate would kill you.” She sipped her tea.