After Christmas came New Year's Eve, and after New Year's Eve the weeks and months began to slip by quickly. Hillary and Jake settled into life together easily and naturally. Their relationship was deeper than ever and they were connected on a whole new level, especially since Jacob had marked her. It was now the end of February and Hillary was exhausted. They all were really, but now things were starting to slow down and fall into a routine. Everyone was thriving and successful.
Hillary however was having an off day. In fact, her off day started yesterday when she went home from work sick throwing up. Today she had called out of work earlier and spent the morning in bed. Jacob had tucked her in and asked her if she wanted him to stay home too, but she waved him off. Squinting at the clock, Hillary dug herself out of the mound of blankets and stumbled to the bathroom to shower. She walked back to her room and changed into a pair of yoga pants and one of Jake's large t-shirts and walked down to the kitchen to find something to eat.
Entering the kitchen she found Quil sitting at the counter with Seth rummaging in the refrigerator. They jolted and greeted her when she entered the room. Quil led her to the family room and gently pushed her to sit on the couch. He bundled her up and tucked her in while Seth brought her a sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate. Apparently Jake had asked them to keep an eye on her while he was at work.
Hillary went to take a bite of the sandwich and felt the bile rise in her throat. She shoved the plate aside and took off running for the bathroom. She didn't even have time to shut the door behind her before she lunged for the toilet heaving. Tears stung her eyes as she moaned pitifully hugging the toilet bowl.
Quil swore and stepped in the room behind her, holding her hair as he called for Seth to call Jake. He didn't know what to do to help her. None of the pack ever got sick anymore, so to see and hear Hillary not feeling well was alarming. They had been close as children and he still cared for her a great deal, but their relationship had changed over the years. She was obviously with Jake now and close to Embry because of his relationship with Alani. They were still friends, but it wasn't the same as it had been years ago.
Sighing he turned to reach into the linen closet to grab a wash cloth and wet it. He wrung out the excess water and gently wiped the cool cloth over her face and the back of her neck. Seth came into the doorway wringing his hands, telling Quil that Jake was on his way.
Hillary however was focused on not puking again. Good lord she hadn't felt this ill in she didn't even know how long. She had started feeling off last week, but she chalked it up to just being overworked and over tired. She had been tired for weeks, but yesterday she started to feel like it was more. She was sure that she was coming down with the flu or stomach bug that was going around the office. Just last week Old Quil left the Council meeting ill and Ms. Whitefield left the office two days prior with a stomach bug. She felt so ill at lunch time yesterday that she was sent home sick.
Hillary felt Quil move in to help and laid her head on the toilet pitifully. She felt him wipe her face and hair before gently lifting her from the floor and carry her to the family room. Seth had brought her plate of food and hot chocolate back into the kitchen. Her throat burned and tears stung her eyes. Quil sat on the ottoman in front of where he laid her on the couch. He felt her head to check her temperature, but she didn't feel warm, if anything her skin was cool and clammy.
Jake burst through the front door and his head snapped to where Hillary was laying on the couch. Quil stepped out of the way as Jake dropped in front of her. He checked her over for himself and looked at her in concern.
"What happened?" he asked Quil in a panicked voice.
"She came down and curled up on the couch," Seth said cautiously. "I brought her a sandwich and hot chocolate and then she took off running."
Jake turned to look at his mate and watched as she curled up. He took her hand in his own and brushed her hair from her face. Quil and Seth stood nearby shifting nervously as they watched their Alpha fret over his sick mate. They watched as Jake froze and stared at Hillary wide eyed.
Jake was holding her hand just listening to her breath and her heartrate. He ignored the sound of his pack mates standing nearby and froze. There was a rapid little pulsing sound, a fluttering sound from nearby. He looked around in confusion and leaned closer subconsciously. He paused when he figured the direction it was coming from and looked at Hillary in shock.
Moving his hand from her forehead and down to her abdomen, he looked at her wide-eyed. Her eyes flew open and met his. Surprise and understanding filled her eyes even as the tears began to falling.
"Hillary," he whispered her name reverently. The loving ache he felt leaking through into his voice.
"Jake, what's wrong?" Seth asked carefully.
Jake stilled and looked over at his pack mates, his brothers. He knew they weren't a threat to Hillary. They had helped her when he wasn't there. Rationally he knew this, but his wolf was rising to the surface and he fought for control.
"Jake!" Quil shouted sharply. "You need to step away from her, you can't phase. You're too close; you're going to hurt her!"
Jake snarled at his long-time friend and looked down at Hillary in concern. She looked at him with wide eyes and he shoved back from the couch. His breathing was rough as he fought for control.
"Get Leah," his rough voice barked out the order.
Seth ran from the room as Quil stepped to stand back in the archway of the room. It was clear to both males that their Alpha was in overdrive to protect his mate. A series of howls filled the air and padded feet pounded through the woods rapidly approaching. Seth entered the front door cautiously and stood beside Quil breathing heavily.
The rest of the pack entered, but Leah pushed forward and held her hands out in supplication as she approached. Jake stared down the rest of the males in his home. His body was rigid as he held firm on his control. He would not phase near Hillary. He nodded once to Leah and she approached Hillary cautiously.
In the months since Christmas the two women had become friends. Hillary helped Leah enter the community college out of Port Angeles and begin the road to nursing school. They had related to one another in a way the other imprints did not. Alani and Rachel were also a close part of their circle, but it was different. Sure Emily and Sam had a rough start, but Emily never had her love torn away from her or her heart broken.
Leah knelt in front of Hillary and looked her over carefully. Jake stood beside her, and tensed as Leah's eyes snapped to Hillary's abdomen. She looked over her shoulder at Jake and nodded with a slow smile.
"You'll need to have her checked by a doctor to have it confirmed," Leah said softly.
"What's wrong with Hillary?" Embry asked in concern. "Is she alright?"
Hillary subconsciously held her hands over her abdomen protectively and sat up gingerly. Leah grinned at her friend who smiled shakily. Jake knelt in front of her and kissed her bracelet on her wrist and then her engagement ring. He smiled up at her cautiously. Seeing her answering smile, he laughed and pulled her carefully into his arms.
"Jake?" Sam asked as he stepped into the room. "Is everything alright? I heard the call."
Jake sat on the couch and gently pulled Hillary onto his lap. He looked over at his pack and nodded, letting them know they could come closer. He looked at Leah who smiled softly at the pair. She winked and said she would get her mom and be back as soon as possible.
"We need to have it officially confirmed," Jake said with his voice thick with emotion. "But if we're right, then the next generation of the pack will arrive sometime later this year."
There were happy shouts of congratulations and laughter. What they had all thought was a serious life threatening issue, turned out to be joyous news for the entire pack. Sam had a wide grin on his face as he nodded to his pack brother. Everyone was thrilled with the news and waited on Leah's return with Sue Clearwater.
Less than thirty minutes later, Sue Clearwater entered the house with her medical bag and bustled over to Hillary. She took her vitals and gently tugged Hillary to the bathroom where she pushed a pregnancy test into her hands and left the room to wait. Sue pulled out the hand held Doppler out of her medical bag. Leah had explained the situation when she showed up at the clinic earlier and Sue grabbed the portable equipment that she could to confirm.
Hillary stepped out of the bathroom with bright eye and a tearful smile. Sue peaked at the test and pulled the younger woman into a hug. Jake stepped forward, seeing Hillary's nod he tugged her flush against him and kissed her deeply, leaving her breathless and slightly dizzy. He swung her up into his arms and walked her to the couch where Sue had the Doppler and gel waiting. Sure enough she found the heartbeat on the second pass.
The hush that fell over the room was reverent. The gentle thump thump thump that was rapidly pulsing through the speaker of the Doppler brought tears to Hillary's eyes. Jake wasn't much better as he clutched her hand like a lifeline. The pack watched the Alpha couple with smiles on their faces and moisture in their own eyes. This was big and not just for the pack, but also the tribe.
"You need to make an appointment with an OB or midwife," Sue advised with a smile. "If you're far enough along that the Doppler picked up the heartbeat, then I'd say you're close to ten weeks give or take. You should be able to have your first ultrasound in a few weeks."
Jake held Hillary gently as he looked over at his brothers and sister. He looked down at his little mate and put his large hot hand on her lower abdomen. His child was there, their child was in there growing. His throat clogged thinking about it.
"I'll call in a little while," Hillary said softly. "Well I guess it's safe to say that I don't have the flu."
Sue laughed, "No, not the flu dear. Rest up and drink plenty of fluids."
Hillary nodded and yawned. Jake lifted her and carried her up to their room. He laid her gently on the bed and kissed her brow. He tucked her in and went back downstairs to speak with his pack.
"Congratulations," Embry said clapping him on the back. "Now what?"
"Now we need to plan a wedding fast," Jake said with a shrug. "We were planning on getting married this year, but this just pushes up the timeline a bit."
"You sure know how to do things backwards," Paul said teasingly. "Living together before you're engaged or in a relationship, pregnant before you're married! Her father is going to kill you!"
"Paul!" Embry snapped sharply.
"He's partially right," Jake admitted nodding while rubbing the back of his neck. "We've been on the road to this for years. Without the distraction of Bella I'm pretty certain I would already be here in this place in our life together. Maybe two kids by now instead of our first on the way. Regardless of the proper order of things, this is where we're meant to be."
"Easy man," Paul said cautiously. "I didn't mean anything by it. She loves you, you love her. You're getting married, like you said earlier. Congrats, bro!"
Jake nodded looking up at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of his mate turning in the bed. The pack stayed talking and joking around. Brady and Collin left to continue their patrol, followed shortly by Sam who was returning to work with Paul and Jared. The rest of the pack hooked up the gaming console and hung out for the rest of the day. The need for solidarity was strong. The others would be returning when their work days were finished with their imprints in tow.
Jake lounged back and watched his brothers. The news of his impending fatherhood had sent a pulse of happiness through the pack bond. Sighing he stood and walked up the stairs to check on Hillary. He could tell by her breathing that she would be waking up soon. Entering into the room quietly he saw that she was still burrowed under the blankets.
With a low chuckle he pulled out fresh clothes and went into the bathroom to change out of his grease stained work clothes. They had left the garage in a hurry. Stepping into the scalding spray of the shower he let the water beat down on his tense muscles. He closed his eyes for a moment and let his mind wonder back to the crippling fear he had felt when Seth had called. His breathe caught in his throat as he imagined all the awful things that went through his mind as he raced to reach Hillary.
Sighing he rinse the soap and fear down the drain and shut the water off. Toweling away the excess water, he stepped from the shower and walked into their bedroom. Glancing at the bed he found Hillary starting to wake.
Uncaring of his nudity he sat on the edge of the bed and brushed her hair from her face. Leaning over he gently brushed his hot lips on her brow before getting up to tug on basketball shorts. When he turned around he found her watching him and felt his heart stutter. Heat pool low and he crossed to the bed in two steps. Reaching for her gently, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply and soundly.
Hillary wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her hands through his damp hair. Smiling against his lips she heard him growl lowly and unconsciously rub his pelvis against hers. Pulling away she laughed softly, loving the power she held over him.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, resting his forehead on her own.
"Fine," she replied with a smile. "I'm feeling much better now."
Jake pulled her up and helped her off of the bed. She knew that he would eventually drive her crazy with his overprotective streak, but for now she reveled in the feel of his hands on her and the love that he was showing her.
"Let's head down stairs and get some food in you," he said softly.
Hillary smiled and followed him into the kitchen. The pack greeted her from the family room. Jake rummaged through the cabinets before pausing and glancing at her carefully.
"What set you off earlier?" he asked cautiously. "Do you have a particular aversion at the moment?"
Hillary looked at him and shrugged. "I think that it might have been the meat on the sandwich," she answered honestly. "The smell of the blood on the roast beef-" she stopped taking off running to the bathroom with Jake hot on her heels.
Hillary made it to the toilet and struggled with the nausea. Jake was right behind her running his hands soothingly over her back. He felt helpless seeing her like this.
"I'm fine," she rasped. "No more talking about that okay? I can't be around any of that for the time being either so if that's what any of you want to eat, please don't do it here."
Jake carried her back into the kitchen where he pulled out a can of chicken soup and heated it on the stove for her. He also threw together a grilled cheese sandwich for her. Hillary sat quietly watching him move around the kitchen. The rest of the pack hovered nearby watching her carefully.
Hillary laughed and rolled her eyes. "I'm fine guys, really," she assured them. "It's just nausea. I will say whoever called it morning sickness is an idiot."
Quil snorted and sat on the stool beside her with Embry sitting on her other side. Jake slid her food across the counter to her and they watched as she carefully tucked into the meal. Hillary ate about two thirds of it before pushing the plate and soup away. Jake glared at her but relented when she assured him that she was full and had in fact eaten more than enough.
Quil went to reach for the rest of her food, but Embry reached around her and smacked him on the back of the head. Hillary laughed and pushed the plate to him, letting him know it was alright. Hopping off of the stool she instantly had at least two pack members reaching for her to steady her. Jake stopped around the island and led her into the family room with his large hot hand spanning the small of her back.
"Do you need anything?" he asked her as he led her to her spot on the couch.
Hillary smiled up at him tiredly. "No, Jake I'm fine," she replied. "What are you guys playing?" she asked Seth.
Seth flashed her a grin, "Halo. Are you in?" he asked.
"Oh, prepare to be schooled boys," she taunted playfully.
The answering wolf whistles and jeering drew the attention of the other pack members nearby. Soon everyone was crowded into the family room watching Hillary team up with Embry to take on Seth and Quil. Jake leaned against the arm of the couch beside Hillary and stared down at her adoringly as she "schooled" Quil and Seth. Embry laughed wildly and grinned wolfishly as his team won. Hillary laughed and winked up at Jake.
"You boys seem to forget just who kicked your asses at this in high school," she taunted playfully.
Quil pouted playfully but gently ruffled her hair, ignoring Jake's growl. Hillary rolled her eyes and leaned against Jake. He picked her up and sat down with her on his lap. He relished in the feel of his mate in his arms and was comforted in knowing that his child was safely within her. His hands came to rest on her abdomen as he watched his brothers playing on the large screen and rough housing on the floor nearby.
"Hey now," he called out firmly. "Take it outside before you break anything!"
Leah entered the room and plopped down beside them. She had left after her mother to return back to her part time job at the clinic. Her mother had her shadow various people to see which area she would like to specialize in.
"You're going to have to let your parents know soon," Leah said softly. "Once your families know, then the elders and Council need to know."
Jake looked to Hillary and nodded softly. She smiled gently at him and pulled to stand. When he looked at her in question, she grinned playfully.
"I'm going to get dressed and then we have to stop at my parents' house before stopping to see your dad," she said with a breathless laugh. "You get to tell daddy."
Jake swallowed thickly and watched her leave the room as the pack laughed around him. Running his hand over his face he stood to follow her out of the room. They dressed quickly and went out to her car. Jake told the pack that they would be back eventually and to not break anything.
They drove in silence with their hands linked. Pulling into the Brigs' driveway, Jake turned her chin towards him and gently captured her lips with his own. Reluctantly he pulled away and got out of the car. Before she could even open the door he was there holding his hand out to help her out. He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked to the front door.
Jane and Jack welcomed them into the house. Jane asked if they were staying for dinner, but the pair said they were just stopping in. Jack who had been watching them suspiciously, glared at Jacob.
"Son of a bitch," he swore hotly. "You son of a bitch!"
"Jack!" Jane gasped in shock. "What has gotten into you?"
"Don't Jack me!" he replied. "Look at them, Jane!"
"Daddy, please," Hillary said softly.
"Damn it Black!" Jack said wearily. "Just say what you've come to say, though I already have an idea of why you're here."
"As you know we're getting married this year," Jake began cautiously. "We haven't even begun planning, but we're going to have to move up the timeline."
"And why is that?" Jack asked through gritted teeth, waiting for him to say the words.
"Daddy, mom," Hillary said drawing their attention to herself. "We're going to have a baby. I know that this isn't the order of things and we didn't exactly plan this, but neither of us is unhappy about this."
Jane gasped and threw her arms around her daughter before turning to repeat the action with Jacob. Jack stood rigidly behind his wife's seat. It wasn't until his daughter stepped up to him that his shoulders sagged and he gently embraced his only child. He looked over at Jacob and reluctantly nodded at the young man. While he wasn't a huge fan of him, he was his daughter's mate and would be part of their lives forever now.
"Do you know how far along you are?" Jack asked choking on the words.
"Sue thinks around ten weeks, but we need to schedule an appointment to confirm," Hillary said with a gentle smile and a hand resting on her belly.
"So when would you like to plan the wedding for?" Jane asked excitedly.
"Mom," Hillary said rolling her eyes. "We don't want anything big or extravagant. Something small and intimate on the beach in May or June is all I want. That would give me plenty of time before the baby gets here and I wouldn't be too huge."
"You wouldn't be huge," Jake scowled at her. "You're pregnant not fat. Beautiful!"
Hillary smiled and let him draw her into his embrace while looking at her parents sheepishly. They sat talking for another hour or so. Jane and Hillary roughly planned to have the wedding the first Saturday of June at First Beach. They would have two attendants stand up with them each. The pack and only close family and friends would be invited. Hillary fought with her mother on this, but insisted that they needed to keep is small and simple or she would just elope.
Jake sat back and gave his input when Hillary asked for it. It didn't really matter to him as long as she was happy and she was his at the end of the day. When all was said and done he would be married to her, his Hillary, his soul mate.
They left the house and Jake helped her into the car. He was treating her as if she was fragile, which was part annoying and part a huge turn on. It made her feel feminine and cared for, it made her feel cherished. She watched him walk back around the car and climb into the driver's seat. He went to start the car, but she cupped the side of his face, turning him to face her. Leaning over she gently kissed his mouth and sat back with a sigh.
"I love you Jake," she said softly.
"I love you too Hillary," he replied with a lopsided grin.
Jake turned on the car and they headed to Billy's house to share the news with him. He ushered them in and they immediately told him the news. The man had tears of joy streaming down his face. The Spirits had surely blessed his family this year with not one but two grandchildren. Hillary made him something for dinner and they left for home.
When they entered the house Emily and Kim were bustling around the kitchen getting dinner ready for the pack. Leah lounged in the family room with the rest of the pack. Hillary was partly annoyed with the intrusion to her kitchen and home, but let it slide knowing that they were pack and that they were just trying to help. She kissed Jake before joining Leah in the living room.
Dinner was loud and full of laughter and love. The pack stayed close that night, relishing in the closeness that they shared and felt with one another. Earlier that day had sent the pack into a near frenzy of fear for the Alpha female. They needed the closeness now, even though everything was wonderful. They lounged nearby subtly brushing against one another or leaning against one another. Like a true wolf pack, touch and contact was important to establish and strengthen the bonds that they had with each other.
Hillary leaned against Leah and laughed when Jake brought her a heaping plate of food. Leah went to grab food and the guys went after the imprints. Looking around her home, she smiled and met Jake's eyes. Smiling brightly she laughed softly and felt her heart surge with love so strong it left her breathless. She loved him and their life together so much. Looking around the room she realized that she loved the pack as well.
Later that evening when there were tangles of sleeping bodies throughout the house, Jake and Hillary were curled up in bed together. Both of their bodies were bare needing the closeness of skin to skin contact. Jake cradled Hillary in his arms with her back along the front of his body. He lovingly and gently ran his hands over her body, caressing the softness of her skin. Nuzzling behind her ear and nipping at the mark on her shoulder, his hands came to rest on her abdomen, cradling the life growing within.
Neither knew how long they lay there, taking comfort in the feel of one another. Hillary drifted to sleep gently, wrapped in the arms of her mate. Jake lay awake for a while longer listening to Hillary's breathing and relishing in the feel of her in his arms. He focused on the fluttering beat of his child's heart and drifted off to sleep to the newest, yet sweetest lullaby in his life.
In the days after their discovery, the Council and Elders were alerted to the impending parenthood of the Alpha pair. Hillary while still working, was given restrictions and had her work and stress load cut back significantly. When she wasn't at work she always had at least one pack member with her.
It was the middle of March and Hillary planned the wedding for early June. Weather permitting, it would be held on First Beach with the reception at their home. It gave her a little over two months to plan and Alani, her maid of honor, would be living in La Push by then. Kim had been upset with her decision, but gotten over it eventually.
After much debate she and Jake decided just to each have one person stand up with them. With a pack as large as theirs, there would be more people in the wedding than there would be guests. Hillary firmly told her parents that she just wanted immediate family, close friends, the pack, and important members of the council and elders.
Her mother pleaded with her to have a big elaborate wedding, but Hillary firmly told her no. Jake asked her repeatedly if she was sure. She assured him that she never wanted anything big or crazy. Kim and Emily thought that she was crazy given that her parents told her she could have whatever she wanted. They tried to be helpful, but at times they tried to push her to pick things that weren't what she or Jake wanted.
It all came to a head when they had taken Hillary dress shopping. Alani had flown in for the trip to lend her friend additional support. Rachel, Kim, Emily, Leah, and Hillary's mother were there as well. The group was split in half. Half of the women were accepting of Hillary's style and wishes and the other half pushed for her to pick things that she didn't feel comfortable with.
"I think you guys need to back off," Alani said after Hillary returned to the dressing room. "This is supposed to be about what she wants and likes, not about what you think or want."
"You only get married once," Emily sighed. "I just hope she doesn't have regrets."
"That dress over there would be perfect," Kim said in a bubbly voice.
Hillary came of the dressing room in a simple, sweetheart neckline, empire waisted, chiffon dress. She loved it and her face was flush with excitement. She knew this was her dress and meeting Alani, Rachel, and Leah's eyes, they knew it too.
"It's beautiful," Jane murmured. "However it is very simple, dear. Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Mom, I love you and get what you're trying to do, but this is what I want." Hillary said in frustration. "I don't want or need anything fancy or extravagant. All that matters to me is that I'm married to Jake at the end of the day. If I don't find a dress today, I'm just going to wear a sundress or jeans and be done with it."
"You will not!" Jane said sharply. "I don't understand why you're so against a big wedding!"
"Because I don't want or need it, mother," Hillary replied in the same tone. "All I want is Jake. At the end of the day the material things do not matter to me. As long as we're married at the end of the day the rest of the details don't matter to me. I don't want a bit wedding, I never have. So either you get with the program, or we'll elope!"
Hillary whirled around and slammed the dressing room door. She had the consultant take the dress off and order it for her. She dressed in silence and grabbed her things. Ignoring her mother and those that had made comments all day she went to the counter and put in her information and got her slip. She paid, again ignoring her mother and took her receipt.
"You should ride back with Kim and Emily, mother," Hillary said coldly. "I have other things I need to get done today and I'm tired of fighting you every step of the way. This is the last time I'm including any of you with the wedding planning. You'll get your invitations in the mail in the future, but I'm not doing this anymore. You're just stressing me out and I've had enough of it."
"Hillary," Kim gasped weakly, "please!"
"No, Kimberly!" Hillary replied harshly. "We haven't been best friends in a long time, today just brought it all into perspective for me. What should have been a fun exciting and happy day for me, was awful! I'm tired of having to fight for any little thing I want. It's my fucking wedding. Plan your own, damn it!"
With that Hillary walked away, leaving a stunned Kim next to a tearful Jane and a very uncomfortable Emily. Leah, Alani, and Rachel rushed after their pregnant friend. They caught up with her a few shops down the block and soothed her into a boutique to find a dress for Alani. Hillary pointed to a coral colored dress that was similar in style to her own, but knee length instead. The other girls had fun finding dresses of their own for the wedding.
Later that day when she arrived home she had a number of messages from her mother, Kim, and Emily trying to apologize. She ignored them and entered her home. Jake was standing tensely in the kitchen with Jared and Sam holding their distraught mates. Alani rushed to Embry and Rachel leaned into Paul's side. Leah shadowed Hillary as she reached Jake.
The tension in the kitchen was thick. Jake asked her what happened and Hillary explained. He ignored the protests of Kim and Emily before turning to Rachel, Leah, and Alani who all repeated Hillary's version of events. He scowled at the other women, causing their mates to growl.
Hillary rolled her eyes and glared at them. Kim and Emily wouldn't look her in the eye. She faced their mates and found them faltering under her withering glare.
"Propose and let them plan their own damn weddings so they can butt out of mine," she snarled and stormed up to her bedroom.
The group watched in shock as the normally kind and loving Hillary left. Jake rubbed his hand tiredly over his face and pinned the group with a look. He followed her upstairs and ran a bath for her and nudged her gently in the water before going back downstairs.
"She's not supposed to be stressed!" he hissed furiously. "What part of that do you not understand?"
"Ease off, Jake," Jared said.
"If it was Kim, you wouldn't be saying that," Jake said furiously. "You two need to understand this is her wedding and what she wants. If you cannot accept that, then don't bother coming around to offer your help."
Kim and Emily nodded and apologized meekly. Leah watched with her face carefully blank as her cousin and ex left the house. She breathed a sigh of relief and looked to her Alpha.
"I tried to rein them in Jake," she said softly. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Leah," he replied gruffly. "Hillary is tired, emotional, and hormonal right now on top of all the stress of the wedding. We have our ultrasound tomorrow and I know she's nervous about that too."
The pack left the Alpha pair for the night. Jake spent the night showing Hillary how much he loved her. He spent the night worshipping her and expressing everything he wanted to say with his body. When he was finally finished, she was boneless and relaxed. The both fell asleep satisfied and feeling full of love.
The following morning they woke up excited and nervous. They dressed quickly and made their way down stairs to eat a quick breakfast. They made their way to the clinic and waited. When Hillary's name was called Jake stood and gently led her to the room following the nurse.
They had filled out all of the necessary paperwork and answered all of their questions. Measurements were taken and then the moment of truth. Hillary was now measuring at fourteen weeks. The ultrasound tech put the warm gel on her abdomen and ran the scan over until there it was on the screen. Hillary had tears in her eyes and Jake clutched her hand as his breath caught in his throat. Their child was there, right there. They could already see little facial features and the arms and legs.
"It's still a little too soon to tell you if it is a boy or girl," the ultrasound tech said. "You'll have to come back in about three or four weeks for the anatomy scan and we can tell you then, but so far, happy healthy and looking perfect."
Hillary laughed through tears and kissed Jake softly. He had tears in his own eyes.
"I love you Hillary," he said softly.
"I love you too Jake," she replied.
Hillary cleaned her stomach off and took the print outs of the sonogram. They made their way home, holding hands the entire car ride. Jake carried her into the house and sat with her quietly in the family room. They just needed closeness. They marveled at the prints of their child and sat murmuring to each other.
That was how the pack found them later. The pictures were passed around and the pack was in awe of the little miracle. This was the first pack baby, their first baby. Being mostly guys many of them had little to no experience with babies, but this was different and special. That night they spent bonding and hanging out. The tension of the night before was forgotten and the pack came together to celebrate the life that was growing in the Alpha female.
