Page 27 of When She Needs Them Most
Linc snorts. “That’s Kase, for you. I’m sure thatI’m not weird, I swear,really helped convince you.”
I laugh. “Definitely.”
The diner isn’t small, but it’s packed with people. Linc leads me toward the counter, lined with barstools. I hope he doesn’t think I’ll be able to get my pregnant self up on one of those. There’s every possibility that I could, but my legs would go numb, and it wouldn’t be a very enjoyable experience.
Linc could be about to order takeout, but there are a few empty tables scattered around. I wouldn’t mind eating here,because I’m starving, but I don’t want to be rude if he has something else planned.
He guides me forward with a hand on my lower back, and it’s so hard not to feel self-conscious.
Lincoln is gorgeous, and I’m equivalent to a moderately sized whale. It’s strange to be out in public with anyone. Maybe because my nightmares are made of someone accidentally assuming the baby is his.
Linc guides us up next to a barstool, and it takes me way too long to realize Kase is seated on it. There’s a very pretty woman with curly brown hair standing on the opposite side of the counter.
The look on Kase’s face is almost comical as he spots me. He swivels on his barstool and smiles. “Did you get my text?”
“I did,” I say, grinning right back at him. His smiles are apparently contagious. “I even replied…” But just with an emoji, because I didn’t know what to say.
“You are hella pregnant,” the woman behind the counter says with wide eyes.
“My sister is every bit as tactful as I am,” Kase says, nodding to the woman. “Chelsea, meet my sister, Cordelia.”
I twist, giving a little wave. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
“You too.” She grins mischievously. “My brother has not shut up about you, but I’m guessing you’re here for breakfast. Have a seat, and I’ll bring you some menus.”
“Yeah, we’ll take a table.” Kase nods. “We should get you off your feet.”
I snort. “Pregnant women can stand and walk, even go upstairs if we’re careful.”
Although, it’s much harder since I can no longer see my feet, but still, he’s very sweet. My instincts find it strangely comforting to have them hovering around, trying to help.
No one has looked after me in so long… It’s like I know better than to become too dependent on someone, but I also crave that affection and the secure feeling that comes from knowing I have alphas by my side.
Chapter Twelve
Arden
It’s nice to see my packmates eventually remembered that I exist. They ordered for me, by the looks of it. I tuck my tie against my stomach, so it doesn’t flap as I cross the room and scan for Chelsea. Kase and Lincoln are on the same side of the table.
“Where’s Chelsea?” I ask, arriving at the edge of the booth they’re seated in.
“Bathroom,” they say in unison.
I nod, noticing my plate is on the edge.
That’s perfect.
My instincts wouldn’t allow her to be on the outside, anyway. It’s bad enough that Lincoln and Kase are facing the door, meaning I’ll have my back to it. Being able to assess entrance and exit points is an important part of military training, but having the two of them keeping watch will allow me to focus on the little omega.
I take a seat on the edge of the booth to wait for Chelsea to return. “What did the repairman say?”
“Friday or Monday, at the earliest.” Lincoln grimaces.
“Here she comes,” Kase whisper-hisses loudly enough that I’ll be shocked if Chelsea misses his announcement.
Pushing myself up, I step back and gesture to the bench.
Chelsea comes to a stop in front of me and offers a tired smile. “Good morning.”
