Someone knocked on his door and it opened before he could say a word. Nathan ambled in with the till in his hand and set it on the desk.

  “Everything’s taken care of. Amy took off a little while ago and I sent Jaron home since he wasn’t feeling well.”

  “He seemed okay to me,” Emmett muttered. “Normally he’d tell me if he was feeling sick.”

  “I don’t think he wanted to bother you. Anyway, it’s just you and me now. Everything is cleaned up and ready to go.”

  “Great,” Emmett muttered.

  Nathan sat down and peered at him closely. “Okay, what’s going on with you? I thought the night went great but you’re snapping at me and clearly something’s irritating you, so what is it?”

  “Nothing. Let’s just get this counted up and be done with it.”

  Emmett quickly counted the money up with Nathan and made sure that everything was in order. Nathan had made a tidy amount of tips it seemed and for some reason, it irritated him more. Had he put on some big facade of liking him just to profit off of him instead?

  When they walked outside, Emmett tugged the sweater around him tighter and remembered that it was Nate’s. If it wasn’t so chilly he probably would have taken it off, but he was freezing. He shuffled to the truck and climbed inside before he closed the door hard and it rattled in its frame.

  “I’m so ready to get back and put my feet up,” Nathan muttered s the truck roared to life. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so sore in my life.”

  “Yeah. I was thinking maybe you should get your own room tonight.”

  Nathan’s eyes cut in his direction. “What are you talking about?”

  “We still have a few days to go, so we should have some breathing room, don’t you think?”

  “Emmett if something is going on, can you tell me? You’re acting weird all of a sudden and none of this is like you.”

  “I just need some time to myself.”

  Nathan glanced at him and Emmett swore he could tell that he was lying. He didn’t know why he didn’t shove it in Nate’s face. What he really wanted to do was tell him that he saw him with Jaron, how close they were and how pissed off it made him, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he pressed his lips together until they pulled up to the motel.

  “I wanted to have that talk with you tonight,” Nathan said as he stared out of the windshield and into the dim parking lot.

  “Maybe later. I’m really exhausted and I need to get some sleep.”

  “Yep,” Nathan muttered. “Goodnight.”

  The door slammed and Nathan stalked to the office to get a room. Emmett slipped out and headed for his room. It was better to cut it all off now. He couldn’t be in the same room as him, not now. It just confirmed all of his fears, he would never be good enough.

  Nathan knocked and he opened the door for him. The alpha collected his things without even glancing at him once. He stalked out of the door and Emmett could do nothing but watch as he disappeared. His stomach dropped.

  If it was the right thing to do, why did he feel so horrible?

  Chapter 11

  Nathan

  No matter how much he tried to get through to Emmett, the man was a brick wall. Every time he tried to talk to him about anything other than work he completely shut down. The more he pushed Nathan away, the more the alpha turned moody and quiet.

  “You’re finally going home,” Jaron said as he leaned against Nathan’s truck. “I know you’re tired of that crappy little motel.”

  “I do miss my bed,” he grunted as he tossed his duffel into the back. “And my niece and nephew. Mostly, I just miss being home. Rosewater is nice and has the same feel, but it’s not home.”

  “I know what you mean. I’d be lost if I left this place.”

  Nathan nodded. “Hey, what happened to that guy you were seeing? Is he still being a jerk?”

  Jaron shrugged. “We broke up the other day.”

  “Good. You don’t need to be in a relationship with someone who treats you like that. Especially if he can’t keep his hands to himself. If he gives you any more trouble I’ll come back and break his fingers.”

  “You’re a good friend,” Jaron smiled. “Thanks for... you know.” He laughed dryly. “Letting me cry like a giant baby that night.”

  Nathan smiled softly. “You’re not a baby because you were upset. I’m glad you’re looking out for yourself now. Sure you’re going to be okay here running Grand?”

  “Hopefully. You hired great staff and I’m sure they’ll support me. I’ll miss Emmett though. We rarely get to hang out anymore. I miss that.”

  “Speaking of Emmett,” Nathan said slowly as he chewed on his bottom lip, “Do you know what’s wrong with him? He hasn’t been himself since opening night and whenever I try to talk to him he shuts me out.”

  Jaron shook his head. “I thought you’d know. Usually, he tells me everything, but every time I say something, he answers in short little sentences, and then he’s done. Did we miss something?”

  “I don’t know,” Nate sighed. “I thought everything was going so well.”

  “Have you told him yet?”

  Nathan eyed Jaron warily. He’d told him a few nights ago that he was fated to Emmett. Unlike most people, Jaron believed it right away. He was the type to always believe in things like love at first sight, fated mates, all that fairytale stuff most people would never think was real. That was why he liked Jaron. He’d quickly become his friend.

  “Not yet,” he mumbled. “How can I when it seems like he wants me to fuck off every time I open my mouth? I’ll figure it out. I haven’t given up on us yet.”

  Jaron smiled. “You are one of the best alpha’s I’ve ever met. The way you care about him?” He shook his head. “I hope I can have that someday.”

  “You will. I know you will. And keep in mind I was a childish asshole last time this year,” Nathan laughed. “So it wasn’t instant.”

  “Thanks,” Jaron said as the smile returned to his face. “I’m going to miss the hell out of you two.”

  Emmett walked out of the bar and tossed his bag into the back of the truck. His eyes held dark spots underneath them and he was pale. Nathan wondered if he’d gotten sick and was hiding it for some reason.

  “Call me when you make it home,” Jaron told Emmett sternly. “Or I’ll come all the way out to South River and kick your ass.”

  A corner of Emmett’s mouth lifted, but that was the most he could muster. Jaron hugged him tightly and in return, Emmett lightly patted his back. When they pulled apart Jaron frowned.

  Nathan climbed into the truck and started it up as he waited for Emmett. He and Jaron talked briefly before Emmett climbed into the passenger seat. The omega slumped down and pulled out his phone as Nathan waved to Jaron, and they pulled out of the parking lot.

  “Are you going to talk to me anytime soon?” Nathan asked. “If you’re pissed off I would at least like to know what I did to you.”

  “Nothing. Can we just drive home in silence? I’m tired.”

  “Have you been sick?”

  “It’s a stomach bug or something like that. It doesn’t matter now. I’m better and everything will be fine once we get home.”

  Nathan pressed his lips together. “If you’re so sick maybe we should take you to the hospital.”

  “No!” Emmett shot up. “I mean, I don't need to go. I told you, I’m better. I just want to go home.”

  “Fine. I’ll get you home.”

  “Thanks.”

  The drive back to South River was completely different than when they’d let. Tension hung in the air so thick it was suffocating, but neither of them said anything. Nathan already knew Emmett. When he decided on something, he stuck to it. Apparently, he’d decided that he didn’t want to talk to Nathan.

  When they pulled up to Emmett’s place, Nathan moved to get out. “I’ll grab your stuff.”

  “I can do it by myself.”

  “If you haven’t been feeling well I don’t want you lugging that huge bag.”

  “I said I’m fine. I don’t need anything else.”

  Nathan blinked at him. “Alright. I guess I’ll head home then. I’m glad Grand is doing so well.”

  “Yeah. Thanks.”

  Emmett hopped out of the truck and Nathan watched as he lugged his things out of the back. He lumbered up the stairs with his things and disappeared inside of his apartment. Nathan frowned even more, but he pulled off. Hopefully, by the time we have to work together again, he’ll be feeling better.

  Nathan pulled up to his house and smiled at the familiar sight. That at least brought him a little bit of comfort. Off to the side and back a ways was Declan and Colten’s house. He was stunned. The place was almost finished. The house itself was white, the porch wrapped around it, and the shutters and trim were a deep blue.

  Just like Emmett’s eyes.

  Pain shot through his body. The instinct to be beside Emmett was completely overwhelming. It wasn’t a want, no, he needed the amazing, fiery, kinky little omega that had claimed his heart without him even realizing it. Nathan pressed his head to the steering wheel. As much as he wanted to give Emmett his space, he needed to be near him more.

  Woof woof!

  Nathan looked around for the source of the barking, but there was no one in sight. He opened the door to the truck and found two gray wolves. Both of them were tiny and tripped over their own feet. Nathan’s heart ached as he watched his niece and nephew.

  “Where are your daddies?” He asked as he slipped out of the truck and stroked their fur.

  As soon as he sat in the grass, both of them attacked. Pryce nipped his finger but quickly reverted to licking and whining. Payton, on the other hand, was ruthless. She lunged for his throat, ready to make him submit.

  “You’re going to be an alpha, aren’t you?” He laughed as he pinned her to the ground. “I guess you better learn early that there’s always someone bigger and stronger than you. Fight harder.”

  Payton wriggled out and bit his finger. Nathan yelped and she ran away barking wildly. Declan walked around the corner with a laundry basket in his hands and smiled.

  “I knew I heard your truck. Are they attacking you?”

  “Pryce has given up right away,” he laughed. “Payton just bit the shit outta me.”

  “Language!” Declan laughed. “The last thing I need is little miss thing running around the house cursing. She’s already trouble in every other way imaginable.”

  Nathan pushed himself up and snagged Pryce as he growled and bit his pants. As soon as he started to pet the wild pup, he calmed down and nuzzled into his hand. Pryce shifted back into a human and smiled at him as Nathan kissed his cheek.

  “Want a ride, Payton?”

  The little girl bounded up to him, and she shifted too. When he picked her up and kissed her, she pulled a face, but she seemed happy to be riding in his arms. Nathan followed Declan back into the main house and sat both of the naked, squirming children in their high seats. Shifter children grew so much faster than normal kids, it was crazy. Of course, they slowed down as they got older, but the initial growth spurt was amazing to see.

  “We haven’t heard from you much since you’ve been gone,” Dec said as he rooted around in the fridge and grabbed food for the twins. “What happened?”

  Nathan sighed. “Everything was great at first and then all of a sudden it went to shi- Crap. It went to crap. I don’t know what’s wrong.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Nathan hadn’t wanted to share it, but he figured Declan might have some good advice for him. By the time he was done, he didn’t feel better. If anything he felt the weight on his shoulders increase as he thought about Emmett and wasn’t able to immediately bury his nose in his hair and breathe him in.

  “Maybe he knows what you two are and it’s freaking him out,” Declan said as he watched the twins smack their hands into their food. It flew over the edge onto the floor, and he shook his head. “Honestly, there’s no telling what’s going on in his head until you talk to him about it.”

  “I’ve tried talking to him about it. Every time I ask him what’s wrong, he says he’s sick and that’s it. I know it’s more than that though.”

  “Have you seen him sick?”

  Nathan wracked his brain. He remembered a few times at the bar Emmett dashed out of the room and dove into the back office or the bathroom. There were times when he looked weak like he might faint. And he’d stopped drinking altogether.

  “Maybe he really is sick,” Nathan muttered.

  “Or he’s pregnant and hormones are a bitch.”

  Nathan jolted and stared at Declan. “No, there’s no way! We used knotproof condoms and we were careful. I think this is something else. Whatever it was happened on opening night and then everything changed.”

  “Hmm,” Declan frowned. “Maybe he just needs some time to himself. I’d give it to him if I were you. I know you want to run off and pester him into talking, but some people retreat the more you push. Try to keep things as normal as possible until everything calms down.”

  “It just sucks being without him,” Nathan groaned. “I’ll try it your way though. I have a shift coming up soon at Crown anyway. I’m sure it will be okay.”

  “I think so too,” Declan smiled. “Why don’t you go and get some rest? I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

  “You’re right about that,” he yawned and shook his head. “I’m going to crash for a while if I can. Bye you little troublemakers,” he cooed as he kissed the twins’ cheeks.

  Nathan trudged up the stairs to his bedroom. When he stood inside, he stared at the space and frowned. It didn’t feel like home. Being crammed into a little motel room with Emmett was what felt familiar, comforting. That had been home.

  I’m going to figure out what’s going on with Emmett. No matter what it takes.

  Chapter 12

  Emmett

  Avoid Nathan at all costs. That was all he needed to do to keep his sanity in place. First things first though, he knew he needed a visit to the urgent care. He’d been feeling nothing but run down and sick for the past week, and he figured it was time to do something about it.

  The hospital wasn't too full, and he was grateful for that. Emmett wrung his hands as he waited for his name to be called. I wish Nathan was here.

  It was such a sudden thought that his eyes watered. They'd been stuck together for so long. Even when Emmett was upset with him—and he was still pissed—at least Nathan had been nearby. Now? Nathan was home and he was stuck on his own at the hospital.

  I could always forgive him. Emmett reminded himself that was a viable option. As soon as he thought about letting it go, however, the thought of Nathan and his best friend came back full force. The omega grit his teeth. He needed to focus on himself first. Not Nathan.

  “Emmett Tinsley?”

  He pushed himself from the chair and steadied himself as he followed the nurse. Vitals were taken, samples given, and before he knew it, he was sitting on the hospital bed, draped in a thin gown and staring into space. The room was freezing and he shivered. If Nathan had been there, Emmett knew he would have wrapped an arm around him and kept his body warm.

  I shouldn’t miss him this much. They’d had a fling that was fun and carefree, but it was time to get back to reality. So, why couldn’t Emmett let it go?

  When the doctor strolled in, he perked up. Maybe he couldn’t cure thoughts of Nathan, but the man had to have something to ease the sickness, the aching, the fatigue. All he wanted to do was sleep, but now that he had two bars that was impossible.

  “Alright, Mr. Tinsley,” the man said as he settled onto his seat. “It looks like everything’s fine. Your pregnancy test did come back positive though. It looks like you’re a few weeks along, so that’s probably why you’re so tired.”

  Emmett gaped at the man. His mouth snapped shut and opened again, but no words came out. The doctor’s brow furrowed.

  “Are you alright, Mr. Tinsley?”

  “I can’t be pregnant!” Emmett shouted. “We used condoms every single time. Both of us made sure of it. I think your test is wrong. It has to be wrong. Yeah, maybe it was mixed up with someone else’s because I’m telling you it’s not possible.”

  The man blinked. “No, these are definitely your results. You know, condoms can fail. They can slip, break, and they have expiration dates. Besides, they’re only ninety-eight percent effective anyway. So, you’re pregnant.”

  Emmett’s body felt numb. Pregnant. No way, he couldn’t be. Not by Nathan. His wolf danced in his head, happy to hear the news, but he was just confused. If he couldn’t trust Nathan, how could he have a pup with him?

  “What do I do now?” Emmett whispered as his eyes brimmed with tears. “I can’t do this. I can’t have a baby. I know nothing about babies!”

  “I would suggest that you talk to an obstetrician,” the man said softly. “You have options, but your window is going to get smaller and smaller the more you sit frozen.” The man leaned forward. “If I were you, I’d talk to your alpha and figure this out together.”

  Emmett nodded, but the man’s words no longer reached his brain. He thought they were done and suddenly they were tied together in a way that could never be broken. Emmett’s arms wrapped around his belly and he tightened his grip protectively.

  If he were anyone else, maybe he would have thought about giving the baby up or not carrying the pregnancy to term, but he couldn’t do that. He didn’t believe in that. If he was pregnant, it was his responsibility.

  Ideas of a third bar opened in another city flew out of his head. All of his money would be going to the baby. A nursery, diapers, food, medical bills. Emmett choked on a sob and the doctor stood up and rubbed his arm.

  “Are you okay?”

  He shook his head. “Fine. Fine. Is there anything else I need? I want to leave now.”

 

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