Chapter Eighteen
Spencer
“And that right there is your little cub.” Doctor Henderson pointed to a tiny blob on the screen with a little flutter. “That heartbeat sounds strong and healthy for how far along you are. You are more than halfway through the pregnancy, you and the baby both look perfect. Let me take a few measurements and I will print you out a couple of pictures to take home and show your family and friends.”
I spared a glance at Liam and met his teary eyes.
“Thank you,” he mouthed.
Looking back at the screen, I marveled at how large the baby looked already. “He seems pretty big already. And what do you mean I am already halfway through. I should only be four months along.”
“Didn’t your mate tell you?” Doctor Henderson sent a playful glare to Liam. “They always forget to tell their human mates. Shifter pregnancies don’t last as long as human pregnancies. Since you are carrying a black bear cub, you are looking at a six-to-seven-month pregnancy instead of the nine-to-ten-months that human babies take to grow inside the womb.”
The rest of the appointment went smoothly, at least I thought it did. My mind processed the information about a shortened gestation and how I had less time to get ready now. I let Liam digest what the doctor was droning on about and would ask my mate to explain it all to me later. Soon, we were out of the office and driving back home, a stack of photos in my hand displaying our cub.
“He kind of looks like a gummy bear right now.” I didn’t intend to speak the words out loud and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the look of indignation on Liam’s face when I did.
“Stop with bear jokes.” He took the pictures and glanced at them while we waited for the light to turn green for us. “He looks adorable.”
“Yes, like an adorable gummy bear in my belly. I think I’m gonna call him that until we name him.”
“No. Don’t do that.”
“Make me change my mind. Actually, my mom called me Thumper after that one rabbit in that movie because of how I kicked when she was pregnant with me. I think it’s cute.”
“Whatever. But if our child grows up needing therapy, I’m blaming you.”
“I’ll take that chance.”
“What is Isaac doing here? And who is he punching?” Liam squinted out the window and frowned. We pulled up to the cabin but didn’t expect to see his brother. Isaac had been staying over at Nicola’s the past couple months, not wanting to return to the city either if I wasn’t going to be there. But he didn’t usually just show up at our door unexpectedly. And never punching someone.
Following his gaze, I saw something that shouldn’t be there. Well, someone. “Alan?”
“Your ex? How the hell did he know where you were?”
“I don’t know but I’m sure going to find out once you stop this car.”
“Just wait for me. I don’t want you to fall out of the truck.” Liam spared a quick glance at me and chuckled. “Then have at it, hellcat. You know, for a human, you sure are fierce.”
“What? Did you think Fate would have given you a weak mate? The truck isn’t even that high.” I grinned, shaking my head at my overly protective alpha. “He knows I’d have to keep you in line. I need to be able to handle myself in order to handle a big ole bear like you.”
“Goddess, I love you.”
“I know. And I love you. Now. Let’s find out what that loser is doing here.” I grimaced as I saw Isaac’s fist fly on my ex’s face once more. “And save him from a bear attack.”
“Or let my brother handle it.” Liam stopped the truck and turned off the engine. “Looks like he’s got it pretty much under control. He hasn’t even shifted.”
“Liam.” I swatted his arm. “Get me down from here and let’s get over there and stop this. The sooner we get rid of Alan, the better.”
“Okay, that I agree.”
I stomped over to where my ex and best friend were still arguing. “Alan, what in the goddess’ name are you doing here? What part of leave me alone did you misunderstand?”
“Spencer—”
“No, Alan. Listen to me.” I put a finger on his chest. “I want you gone. Out of my life. There is nothing left to say. I’m done. It’s been four months. I’ve moved on and I’m happy with that decision. I have no clue why you came all the way out here when my messages have only repeated these facts to you.”
“I love you—”
“No. You don’t.” I rolled my eyes at such an idiotic statement. “Men in love don’t act the way you have. And they don’t wait four months to come find the person they supposedly care for. But honestly, it’s fine that you don’t love me. Because I am over you. Please. Just leave.”
Alan grabbed my wrist but before I could react, a loud rumbling growl erupted from behind me, and I was snatched from his grasp.
“Don’t you ever touch him again,” Liam ground out. “Now get off my property.”
Alan scoffed. “Who are you?”
“His mate. And the father of his baby. Now leave,” Isaac said. “And don’t ever follow me or another person again. Next time it won’t end as well.”
“What?” Alan stepped back and stared down at my stomach.
“You heard him.” I leaned back into my protective mate. “I told you I was done with you.”
“You were cheating on me?”
“No. I wasn’t the one stepping out on our relationship, Alan. You were.”
“Then how can the baby be his?”
“Simple. It’s been over four months since I last saw you. You and I were over the moment I realized you were a lying cheat who treated me like shit. I texted you. Then I went into heat and Liam was the one I wanted to help me through that. And voila, there is now a baby. Now. That is all I’m gonna say about it. You have been asked to leave several times. Need we call the sheriff?”
“No. I get it now.” Alan shook his head and narrowed his eyes. “You wanted to make it look like it was me who ruined it all, but it’s plain to see you moved on too quickly for someone who didn’t have something going on behind my back. Luckily, I also know it can’t be mine since we had such busy schedules. So fine. I’ll pretend to buy your story when you tell people back home. Just know, I know the truth. You are just as much of a liar and cheat as I am.”
I fought back a laugh. Why is he acting like months hadn’t passed between the last time I saw him and now?
“False,” Isaac spat at him. “He could never be as nasty as you. Don’t believe him? Whatever, but don’t you dare call him names around me or anyone else. If I hear you spread any of those filthy lies about him to family or friends, hell even strangers, I will make good on my promise from the other day. Remember, the one about disconnecting your lopsided balls from your body and feeding them to my sister’s pigs. Wanna go test me?”
“You all are nuts. I’m outta here.” Alan pushed past us and strode to his car. “Don’t worry, Spencer, this is the last you’ll see of me.”
“It’s about damn time,” I responded as he got into his car and started the engine. Driving away, he decided to give us a one-finger salute.
“What did you ever see in that dick?” Isaac stared at the car, hands on hips and a scowl on his face. “I’m kind of sad he didn’t test me.”
“Stop threatening people with Nicola’s pigs. Someone will believe you one day, and the cops will investigate. Nicola will be pissed to have them traipsing all over her little petting farm.” I shook my head at my best friend.
“The pigs do a good job getting rid of all evidence.” Issac scoffed. “Don’t worry.”
“What?” I looked at my best friend. “Have you—”
“Um, no.” Isaac shifted on his feet. “I just watch a lot of real-life murder shows.”
“Right.” Liam side-eyed his brother. “I’m not asking any more questions.”
“Good plan.” Isaac nodded. “Now, what’s for dinner? I’m starved.”
“Go by Nicola’s house. That is where you said you’d stay while you are in town.”
“No, she’s busy. And the house is too loud over there. Feed me.”
“There’s leftover for chili and penne.” I grabbed my bestie by the arm and pulled him into the house. “Now, while your brother fixes us dinner, tell me more about these pigs.”