Dominic's POV
The drive back to the pack house was quiet, but I could feel Ashen's mind racing. He stared out the window, fingers absentmindedly rubbing his stomach. He probably didn't even realize he was doing it.
I reached over, placing my hand over his. He stiffened for a moment before sighing and letting me interlace our fingers.
"You're thinking too much," I said.
Ashen scoffed. "Of course, I am, Dominic. A male being pregnant isn't exactly normal, and now I have to deal with everyone finding out eventually. And what if the pup doesn't make it? What if something happens to me? What if—"
I squeezed his hand, cutting him off. "Stop."
He turned to me, his blue eyes filled with uncertainty.
"You're going to be fine," I said firmly. "And so is our pup."
He didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue. That was progress, at least.
By the time we arrived at the pack house, Ashen looked exhausted. I didn't like it. He was already dealing with morning sickness and now stress was draining him even more.
I helped him out of the car, keeping my arm around his waist as we walked inside. The moment we stepped into our room, I guided him to the bed.
"You need to rest," I ordered.
Ashen grumbled something under his breath but didn't fight me when I made him sit. I knelt in front of him, resting my hands on his thighs.
"I know this is overwhelming," I said softly. "But I need you to trust me, Ashen."
His lips parted, his throat working like he wanted to say something but couldn't.
I leaned forward, pressing a slow kiss to his stomach. "I will keep you safe. Both of you."
His breath hitched, and when I looked up, his eyes were glassy with emotion.
He cupped the back of my head, his fingers threading through my hair. "I don't deserve you," he whispered.
I growled, nipping lightly at his hip through the fabric of his shirt. "Say that again, and I'll punish you for it."
A small smile ghosted his lips. "Kinky."
I smirked. "Don't tempt me, Omega."
A knock on the door interrupted us.
Ashen groaned, flopping back onto the bed. "If that's Ryker, I swear—"
I rolled my eyes and stood, moving to open the door.
But it wasn't Ryker.
It was Roy.
Ashen's best friend. His pack brother. And the one person I knew Ashen would have the hardest time hiding this from.
Roy's brows furrowed the moment he saw Ashen lying on the bed, looking like he had just run a marathon. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Ashen stiffened, shooting me a don't say a word look before turning back to Roy. "Nothing. Just… tired."
Roy stepped inside, arms crossed. "Bullshit. You look like you've been hit by a truck." His eyes flicked to me. "What's going on?"
I clenched my jaw, but before I could answer, Ashen spoke.
"I told you, Roy. Nothing."
Roy frowned, looking between the two of us. He was sharp too sharp. If he didn't know now, he would soon.