Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Pregnant.

The words fall from Sadie's lips like a thunderclap. For a moment, the air in the office stills. My breath catches in my chest, and even Knox freezes inside me.

The words hang in the air. No one moves, no one says anything. It's completely still and silent.

The word continues to ricochet in my chest... And suddenly, the room feels too small for all the truths pressing in.

Knox's howl shatters through my skull, torn in confusion, happiness and a bit of panic. Piper's lips part, her face pale as she stares back at us.

"What?" Piper's voice is small, almost childlike. Her eyes widen before a choked laugh slips out. “No, that's-Sadie, you can't just say something like that." Her voice cracks, rising higher with every word. "You can't—”

I whip my head toward Sadie. She remains quiet, her face pale, shoulders trembling, and eyes locked on Piper with certainty. Terrifying, immovable certainty.

"I'm not... I can't be. That's not-❞ Piper continues, her hands fluttering near her stomach as though the gesture alone could prove Sadie wrong.

Sadie doesn't even blink, but her hands are clenched into fists against her lap. "You are,” she whispers, her voice steady but faint, like it's being dragged from the depths of her soul. "You might not believe me, but you're pregnant."

The silence that follows is deafening. My heart slams in my chest. Knox is howling with shock, with questions, but I can't seem to move. Maybe after the shock has faded, I'll be happy that I'll be an uncle, but not right now. Not when my sister seems to be breaking.

Piper shakes her head violently. "No. No, that's impossible. I—I'd know, wouldn't I? Alec, tell her she's wrong." Her eyes dart to me, pleading, terrified.

The only time I've ever seen Piper this rattled is when I told her that Sadie was dead. It hurts seeing my little sister, always bold, always unafraid, reduced to trembling disbelief.

I want to tell her Sadie must be mistaken, that this is impossible-but when I look

at Sadie, I see something in her eyes that makes my throat close up. She's rattled, more rattled than I've ever seen her. Her hands tremble as if she's struggling to hold herself together.

would know she's pregnant, but I know Sadie. She wouldn't say anything

do you know this?" My voice is rough, almost demanding, but I

gaze flicks to mine, glassy

to you, Piper. It's so faint, but it's there, growing." Her fingers twitch against her knees, her whole body trembling now. "It's not just knowing. It's... it's like I can sense the life

isn't just some wild guess. I can feel it -her confusion, her fear, her awe and

You can't -"Her voice cracks as she presses both hands

draws in a shaky breath, her eyes filling with tears.

screams, her voice shattering and body folding in itself as tears rush to her eyes.

to her side, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. She's shaking, her breaths are sharp and uneven and her tears flow like rushing rivers down her cheeks. I wipe them away before pulling her into

and gives me a gentle smile before we turn to look

again when Sadie's eyes flash white and then she speaks and I feel like the rug has been

voice cuts through, quiet but sharp, like a blade wrapped in silk.

silence is so heavy it feels like

a laugh and a sob, one that's full of nerves and disbelief. "Now you're just pushing

know that."

off, her chest

though she can't breathe

some sign

tears, her whole body shaking. Her fear bleeds into me, and Knox paces inside,

"How?" I ask again.

at me, eyes wide. "I don't know," she whispers, her voice

I

Piper. It's like I'm

to him in a way. It's not sight, it's not sound, it's something deeper. I feel

mouth, tears streaking down her face now. "This isn't happening." Her voice