knew
as well. Since Erdi was officially a member of the pack, this was automatically
an issue that concerned them all.
"It is not the easiest time, no," Erdi replied.
"I can't be sure, but Jessie is showing signs of pre-eclampsia, and his
pregnancy has been difficult. But I have faith the Alpha will come up with the
best solution for everyone."
His mate fell silent, and Erdi stole another glimpse at him,
only to find Jensen pale and shaking. It was at that moment that he realized he
hadn't actually mentioned the male pregnancy thing before.
The fact that he'd done so now spoke volumes as to the level
of his distraction. Jensen looked a little green, like he was going to be sick,
realization burning in his eyes.
Erdi had planned to drive straight to see Ian, but that would
take too long. He parked on the side of the road, and his choice proved to be
inspired since Jensen immediately got out and came to him, his face pale, his
fists clenched, but his eyes determined.
"Okay, what's all this about? Pregnancy? Are you kidding
me? What else haven't you told me?" He swallowed convulsively, as if he'd
realized something else. "Oh my God... Is that what happened to Parker
too? I thought he was acting strangely."
Erdi gripped his mate's chin and forced their eyes to meet.
"Calm down. I know this is weird, but yes, werewolves can impregnate human
males. Shannon is actually Gavin's birth child. Jessie is going to have twins,
and your friend is indeed pregnant too."
"How is that even possible?" Jensen breathed,
obviously trying to process the information. "They're men. They don't have
the... parts."
"I'm not sure," Erdi admitted. "It came as a
surprise to me too, but it seems to be connected to having a mate bond—which is
exactly like you guessed yesterday, very similar to what an Alpha wolf has with
his mate in the wild."
Jensen's distress was still very clear, and despite his
earlier resolve, Erdi found himself pulling his mate into his arms. Much to
Erdi's surprise, Jensen melted against his chest. He showed no sign of disgust
or apprehension, even if he must have guessed at least part of Erdi's past.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I... This is all so new to me. I
didn't mean to blow up at you yesterday."
"You don't need to apologize," Erdi replied
quietly. "You're entitled to your anger."
"You saved my life, Erdi. You're a good man, and now, you're
helping me with this. I shouldn't have acted that way."
Erdi shouldn't have taken his mate up on his kindness, but
Jensen's body was so warm against his. He fit just right in Erdi's arms. His
scent both soothed and tantalized and Erdi's instincts practically roared at
him to claim the beautiful human.
It was crazy and selfish, but Erdi still pressed his mouth to
Jensen's. He banished all thoughts from his mind, ignoring the rational side of
him that annoyingly piped up that this was a bad idea. At first, it took an act
of will to do that, but then, Jensen let out a soft gasp and parted his lips,
and all of Erdi's remaining scruples faded away.
With a growl of his own, Erdi thrust his tongue into Jensen's
mouth. He pinned his mate against the car door, greedy for more, desperate to
lose himself in Jensen's taste. To his credit, Jensen was right there with him.
Their erections nudged each other, demanding to be let out to play. Jensen
wrapped his arms around Erdi's neck and rubbed against him, his hold on Erdi so
tight it almost rivaled that of a werewolf.
Erdi would have probably taken Jensen right then and there,
on the hood of the car, had the sound of a car horn not snapped him out of his
trance. He remembered where they were and why they'd stopped, and pulled away
with a disgruntled groan. Adjusting himself in his jeans, he offered Jensen a
sheepish smile. "Later, okay?"
Jensen nodded. "Later."
It was a promise, one that made Erdi want to ravish his mate
once again. By some miracle, he managed to keep a hold on his libido and slid
back into the car. As they resumed their
Alyson Noël
Wilson Harris
Don Bassingthwaite
Patricia Reilly Giff
Wendy Wax
Karen Kingsbury
Roberta Gellis
Edited by Anil Menon and Vandana Singh
Alisa Anderson, Cameron Skye
Jeremiah Healy