To Claim His Mate Read online

  “You’ve got fifteen minutes then I’m coming in.” Sarah pointed her finger at Eva as if she was scolding a child. Of course, all the women were aware of the threat Shane presented, so they’d promised Adam they’d all stick together.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Eva saluted and did a sharp turn on her heel to march across the sidewalk.

  “Smartass.” Sarah laughed and the others joined in.

  Once inside the drugstore, Eva all but ran to get some Tums, a bottle of pain reliever, a chocolate bar and finally, the pregnancy test. After paying for her things, she rushed to the bathroom, jumped in the handicap stall and set the box on the counter while relieving herself on the little wands. She went ahead and did both tests…just in case.

  She sat and waited the three long minutes as stated on the box, she’d even splurged and bought the kind that said “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” instead of the kind with the lines so there were no questionable results. She was a nervous wreck. What would she do? Would Adam be happy? Would he think she’d done it on purpose? Was he ready for kids? Was she?

  A sudden wave of nausea had her whirling to the toilet and emptying her breakfast into the bowl.

  Her phone buzzed almost immediately.

  “Hello?” Her voice shook from her nerves and sudden sickness, but she couldn’t help it.

  “Are you all right? Where are you?” Adam was practically shouting. He sounded almost scared.

  “I’m in the bathroom at the drugstore.” God, she felt miserable. Vomiting sucked. “I threw up.”

  “You’re nervous and scared, too. I can feel it. Are you ready to come home? I can come get you if you aren’t feeling up to shopping anymore.” It sounded as if he was preparing to do just that from all the noise in the background.

  “No, it’s okay. We’re almost done, I think, so I’ll be home soon.” She promised to call if she changed her mind then promptly hung up and tossed her cookies yet again.

  “Evangeline, are you sick?” Sarah asked. She’d obviously just entered the room if she had to ask.

  “Yeah. I think I’m in trouble here.” She wasn’t expecting Sarah to jump over the stall door. Startled, Eva fell against the sink, knocking the tests to the floor. Damn werewolves! She still wasn’t use to their strength…or their speed.

  Sarah snatched up one of the sticks before Eva could grab it from the floor. “Holy shit!” She looked at Eva’s face. “How long?”

  “A few weeks at the most. I don’t know what to do,” Eva sobbed. “What if Adam doesn’t want kids or thinks I’m trying to trap him?” Her stomach rolled again. “Oh, God.” Lunging, she barely got her head over the toilet before letting loose again.

  “Jeez, how many times have you puked?”

  “That’s three,” she gasped. “Actually, I’ve felt a little lightheaded and queasy for the last few days. I thought maybe I was coming down with something.”

  “Is that the chocolate for the drama queen?” Sarah gestured to the bag.

  “Yeah.”

  “All right, stay here. I’m going to deliver this then we’ve got to talk.” With that, she snatched up the bag and left.

  Eva put the tests back into the box and rinsed her mouth while she waited. It didn’t take long before Sarah was back and ushering her out of the drugstore.

  “Let’s go. We’re meeting Stephanie in ten minutes.” They were on the street before Eva’s muddled mind even thought to question anything.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Over to Stephanie’s office for an ultrasound.” Sarah sighed. “Listen, I don’t want to freak you out, but werewolves have shorter pregnancies than humans.”

  “But I’m not a werewolf,” Eva replied, rubbing her throbbing temples. This was too much.

  “No, but you’re pregnant with one. It’s a dominant gene, so he or she will be a werewolf.”

  “I’m not ready for this,” Eva whispered, placing her hands on her trim tummy.

  Sarah reached over and patted her thigh. “Nobody ever is. Hell, if everyone waited until they were ready, we’d never have children.” She stopped at a red light and seemed to contemplate saying something.

  “Just spit it out already,” Eva demanded. “You’re just shy of having smoke come out your ears.”

  “At least, you’re feeling well enough to pick on me.” Sarah laughed. “Okay, here goes nothing. Your pregnancy will only last about five months, so in a few weeks you can know the sex then we’ll get together for another girl’s night and help you get the nursery ready. We’ll shop, eat—you won’t believe the amount of food you’ll eat! And don’t try to skimp, either. That little booger will gobble up everything real quick. You’ve seen the guys eat, right?”

  Eva managed to smile at the memory of the brothers at the barbeque. She even laughed a little. “Savages.”

  “Exactly.” Sarah parked in the small lot behind the clinic, and they headed inside.

  Stephanie met them at the door and escorted them to the back. “So…someone’s got a bun in the oven, huh?”

  “Knock it off, Steph. She just found out.” Sarah’s comment was laced with warning.

  “Oh, I thought you knew.” Stephanie hadn’t meant anything by her remark, and Eva knew it. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s all right. Actually, it was Lacy complaining about her cramps that made me realize I was late.”

  “Damn, Adam works quick!” Stephanie winked then led them into a small exam room. “Okay, hop up on the table, and let’s see what we’ve got.”

  Eva did as she was told then raised her shirt before sliding her shorts down embarrassingly low. Stephanie seemed to take great delight in seeing Eva squeal from the cold gel squirted over her belly. It took a few moments of searching with the ultrasound probe before Stephanie finally sat back with a smile.

  “There it is,” Stephanie announced then turned the screen so Eva could see. “Looks like about seven weeks in a human pregnancy. That’s about three in a werewolf.”

  “He got me the very first time.” Eva hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud until the girls whooped. “When will I be due?”

  “It’s hard to say just yet. In a week, I’ll scan you again, but you need to talk to Adam soon. He’ll notice.”

  “I’m surprised he didn’t notice the change in your scent already,” Sarah remarked.

  “I smell different?” Gross.

  “Not bad. When you’re ovulating, your natural scent gets stronger to attract males. When you conceive, that scent fades but becomes slightly sweeter,” Sarah explained.

  “Uh huh. That’s both weird and fascinating.” Eva rubbed her temples again, a slight buzzing noise in her ears beginning to worry her a bit. “Guys, I don’t feel so good.”

  Eva tried to sit up, but the world spun out from under her. She thought she heard someone say Adam’s name right before the lights winked out.

  Chapter Ten

  Adam picked up the phone, heard Sarah snap something about Eva and Stephanie’s office then she hung up.

  “What the hell?” Then he remembered Eva saying she’d been sick, and he raced out the door, speeding to the office in record time.

  “Where is she? Is she all right?” He was wild eyed and had probably scared the people walking by outside as he rushed into the clinic, but he couldn’t feel Eva at all. It was just empty space.

  “She’s resting.” Stephanie was using her soothing doctor’s voice on him. That wasn’t a good sign. “She’s a little dehydrated and really stressed, so I gave her something to help her relax. I have some fluids going through an IV.”

  “What happened?” he snarled. He’d entrusted her to these women, and now, she was unconscious?

  “You did, big boy.” Sarah popped out of a room and sauntered over. “She’s knocked up and scared shitless. Eva’s worried you won’t want the child or that you’ll think she’s trying to trap you. Haven’t you told the poor girl that you love her?”

  “Of course I ha—oh shit.”

  �
��Yeah, you fucking moron.” Ooh, Sarah was pissed. “She’s stressing herself now, and that’s stressing the baby—your baby—so get your head out of your ass and get to it.”

  “Baby?” Adam staggered back, and both women grabbed his arms. “She’s having my baby?”

  “Yeah, genius, that’s what I just said. Oh and according to her, your little soldiers plundered her castle the first time, too. Way to go, champ.” Sarah shook her head. “Don’t screw this up, Adam. She loves you, I can tell, but she’s scared. That last guy did a number on her self-esteem and her trust. I think we’ve all gained her trust, but it’s going to take some time to rebuild her self-esteem.”

  Adam’s heart actually hurt. How had he managed to forget those three little words? And now, because he’d neglected to speak his heart, she was hurting and it was all his fault. “Where is she? I need to see her.”

  Stephanie shooed Sarah out of the way and led him to the office where Eva was laying on a sofa. She looked as if she were just napping, if one overlooked the IV pole with its tubing leading down to her small arm. Her soft red curls spread over a black pillow like a fiery halo. Her hands rested over her still-flat belly.

  “She’ll sleep for a few more hours, but once the fluids are done, you can take her home.”

  Adam nodded, too choked up at the moment to answer.

  “She’s fine, Adam, I promise.”

  He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Thank you.”

  “Oh, dear. Thank you? Do I need to check you over, too?” she teased.

  “Smartass,” he grumbled.

  “Takes one to know one,” she chirped. “Well, I’m going to sign a few charts and check my messages while we wait, so I’ll come back in a few.”

  “Isn’t this your office?” he asked, noting the large desk, computer and stacks of paperwork.

  “Yeah, but I’m going next door to the lounge to give you two some privacy. Just call if you need anything.” She turned to leave then whirled back around. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She quickly stepped to her desk and scooped up a strip of black and white images. “Here’s your little baby,” Stephanie announced. “This is the head, arms and legs. I’ll scan her weekly to track her progress.” She stopped and studied him for a moment, but Adam couldn’t pull his gaze from the grainy pictures in her hands. “Are you all right?”

  Tears gathered in his eyes as he reached for the ultrasound pictures. He looked from Eva to the pictures and back again. He had his mate and his first child, both in the span of a month.

  A huge smile split his face as he snatched Stephanie up in a tight hug and swung her around.

  “Oh, hell, you’ve finally snapped,” she wheezed.

  “I’m just so damned happy I don’t know what to do! I’ve got a family. My mate—this beautiful, sweet woman—and she’s carrying my child…our child.” Tears streaked down his face, but he couldn’t care less. All he wanted to do right now was take Eva home and pamper her until she felt like a queen.

  He’d already been to the jewelers and ordered a ring for her, hoping to find a way to win her heart. Sarah seemed to think he already had it, but he wasn’t confident.

  “I’ve got a ring that should be in the day after tomorrow. I’d planned to ask her to marry me,” he confessed.

  “Well, have you changed your mind?”

  “Hell no! I just can’t believe I’ve neglected to tell her I love her.” Adam shook his head, utterly disgusted with himself.

  “It happens. I thought I’d have to beat the words out of Abraham.” Stephanie chuckled. “She loves you though. You can see it in the way she looks at you and how you look at her.” Stephanie gave him a warm smile. “It’s nice to see that side of you.” He watched as that smile turned into a smirk. “But I’m still not going to be nice very often. You’re too much fun to pick on.”

  “Ditto.” Adam grinned. “Thanks again for taking care of her. I felt her fear and nerves then a little later I couldn’t feel anything. I’ve never felt so scared and helpless in my life,” he sighed. “I actually thought I’d lost her for a second. Thank God, Sarah called or there’s no telling what I might have done.” Hell, his wolf had been howling and clawing to get to her, but the man had been paralyzed with fear.

  “She fainted just after the ultrasound. Too much stress, I think.” Stephanie gathered a few files from her desk and made her way to the door. “You need to assure her of your feelings, Adam. She’s scared and used to being alone when dealing with things.”

  “She’s got me now, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  Stephanie nodded in reply.

  “When can I take her home?”

  “As soon as those fluids are done, about twenty minutes or so, and then she’ll be good to go. You’ll just need to keep an eye on her and make sure she eats and drinks, a lot, to keep up with the baby.” With that said, she walked out, closing the door softly behind her.

  Adam hooked a chair with his foot and scooted it closer to the couch. Evangeline looked so peaceful, innocent and sweet it made his teeth ache.

  She deserved love, honor, devotion, security, family and happiness, and he was determined to ensure she got it all and more.

  His fiery-haired little angel had fallen into his life out of nowhere, turning it completely upside down, and Adam couldn’t be happier. She brightened his every waking moment, soothed the beast within him and satisfied his more primal needs with a lustful drive to match his own.

  Yup. He was one lucky SOB.

  And the dumbest one, too. How could he have neglected to share his feelings with her?

  “Eva, baby, can you hear me? I love you so much, sweetheart. You can’t imagine the hold you have over my heart. Hell, I think you own my soul.” He sighed, knowing she couldn’t hear him but needing to say the words anyway. “Don’t you worry, I’ll repeat this so often you’ll beg me to stop.”

  Dropping a kiss to her temple, he placed his other hand low on her stomach and smiled. His child rested there. Safe and warm inside the woman he loved. He’d used protection every time but the first, but it was as that old saying goes: It only takes one time. And he wouldn’t take it back for the world.

  “It’s like Chinese water torture,” a small voice grouched.

  Adam looked down, saw the moisture on her cheek and realized he was crying.

  “I’m sorry.” He smiled while wiping his tears away. “You gave me a scare. How do you feel?”

  “Tired,” she whispered. “So tired.”

  “That’s the sedative Stephanie gave you.”

  Her hands flew to her belly. “But…”

  “Relax.” Adam covered her hands with his own, assuring her, “Our child is just fine. We’re a tough bunch.”

  Her smile warmed his heart. Through their link, he could feel sleep trying to claim her again.

  “You’re not mad?” Eva asked. She was clearly struggling to remain awake enough to hear his response.

  “Mad? I’m ecstatic! I love you so much, Eva. You having our child makes me so happy I can’t even describe it.” Adam gathered her up in his arms, mindful of her IV and settled onto the couch with her in his lap. “You just rest now, and we’ll talk about anything you want once you wake up. I hope you know how happy you make me, Eva. You’re my only weakness, baby. It would destroy me to lose you.” The last he spoke in a whisper as she’d already drifted off again.

  Adam hugged her close, cradling his woman and child. For the first time in awhile, he couldn’t wait to have the whole family over. But he had one more thing to take care of, and it involved a very important question and a simple yes or no answer.

  Chapter Eleven

  Evangeline came awake slowly. She was warm and comfortable in bed—in bed? Opening her eyes, she took in the rich wood furniture and the lean, muscled arm draped over her hip.

  Adam.

  She was in his room, in his bed, and he was asleep next to her. Trying not to disturb him, Eva slipped out of bed to attend to her bladder, which was read
y to burst. She crept to the bathroom praying she’d make it without a cough or a sneeze, because it would be so attractive to pee all over herself like a toddler trying to scramble to the potty.

  After taking care of business, Eva was washing up when she discovered a small bandage on the back of her left hand. Upon its removal, she noted a small bruise and a tiny dot. Stephanie must have given her an IV after she’d blacked out. The last thing she could remember clearly was being in Stephanie’s office … and seeing her baby on the ultrasound.

  Oh, God!

  Feeling a little queasy, she decided to grab a glass of juice and a few crackers before heading back to the bedroom. It was still dark outside, but Eva had no idea what time it was. When she entered the kitchen, she glimpsed the clock on the stove proclaiming the time to be one-forty.

  “Wow, I slept for a while.” She opened the fridge and poured a glass of orange juice as Storm nudged her leg with a cold, wet nose. “Hey, girl.”

  A light scratch behind the ear sent the wolf back to the living room.

  Eva munched a few crackers, and once her stomach settled, returned to the bedroom only to find Adam awake, waiting.

  “I’m glad you’re awake. How do you feel?” he asked as she climbed back into the bed beside him.

  “I feel a lot better, thank you.” She did feel better, but she was still slightly uncomfortable emotionally. She’d had the most amazing dream that she’d spoken to Adam and everything was wonderful between them. He was in love with her, happy about the baby and never wanted her to leave. Man, those were some good drugs.

  “So, do you want to talk?” He was hedging. Oh, God, how much did he know? Had Stephanie spilled the beans when he’d come to pick her up? Was he waiting to see if she would confess to the pregnancy? How would he react?

  Might as well lay it all out and see where she stood. “I found out today that I’m pregnant.” She rushed on, “But don’t worry, I’m not one of those women that will try to trap you with a baby. I swear, it wasn’t intentional, but I want this child, Adam. Our child.”