Pregnant With Alpha’s Genius Twins

#Chapter 107 – By the Fire

Victor meets with his lieutenants for hours, conversing with them endlessly over the details of camp, the new Rogues that have petitioned to join the pack as Betas, the plans they have for the future. Alvin and I spend those hours wandering around and taking in the sites, watching the Betas run around in their groups. Ian stays steadfastly by Victor’s side, soaking in every word.

When Alvin and I return from our sightseeing, I can’t help but smile at Ian’s rapt little face. I think we’ve figured out, for sure, what part of the pack leadership he will be eager to take over when he’s older.

Alvin looks a little worried – this is the first time that they haven’t passionately shared an interest. I run a hand over his hair and give him a wink. “What do you say, buddy,” I whisper. “Shall we light a fire in the pit?”

“Yes!” he says, excited, and runs over to the box marked “fire supplies.”

Usually, Ian wouldn’t miss an event like this, but he’s too wrapped up in Victor’s world right now to notice.

Alvin and I collect wood and dry grass, stacking it carefully in the metal ring. Then I show him how to use flint and steel to strike a spark. It takes him a long time to get the knack of it, but I encourage patience – we have the time.

Soon, we have a roaring little fire going, and I can tell that he is proud. We set up chairs around the fire and, eventually, a kind Beta woman brings us some barbeque supplies. Alvin and I spit some hotdogs on metal spikes and set them in the fire to roast.

Perhaps drawn by the lovely smell, Ian eventually comes out to sit with us. His father follows shortly after, having had his final meeting.

“All done?” I ask, smiling up at him.

“Yes,” he says, pulling his fingers through his hair. “Thank god. I’m exhausted. I knew it was going to be a difficult plan to pull off, the incorporation of the Rogues,” he says. “But I can handle a little hard work.”

“I love hard work,” Ian says, grabbing a roll for his hotdog, “When it has to do with the Betas. I can’t wait to be Alpha!”

“I like hard work too,” Alvin says, a little quieter, more tentative. I pull him close in a hug.

would allowed him to join the American Navy when he was only 17. He was a Navy

fascinated by his stories and by the fact that, again, he has

by such a long day. When their eyes start to close, Victor and I carry them in and tuck them

your life,” I say quietly to Victor. I think I assumed that his life had been much like mine, or Joyce’s: just a lot of seclusion from the rest of the world. But it explains why Victor is a bit of a marvel, for such a young Alpha. By 19 he had done what others

shrugs in response to my comment. “I’m sure there’s lots about your younger

shake my head. “You met me when I was twenty-two, and then it was baby land after that. You

and looks me in the eye.

it’s folded in my chair, kicking him a little. “What, what do you mean?” I ask, wondering what he’s thinking

Evelyn,” he says, dropping his gaze. “You play

the pot calling the kettle black, if I ever heard it,” I say, a little

not used to others being a mystery. Amelia…I always knew what Amelia wanted. Or if she was being sneaky, then when I found out what she was doing, it always made sense. You, Evelyn…a little sphynx, if I ever met

to help feeling a little complimented. “Okay,” I say. “Just for one night, then, I’m an open book. Ask me anything

and then returns his steady gaze to me. “How did you really feel,

stomach drops at this, all playfulness gone. The one question I didn’t want him to ask. Or…perhaps the only one I really want to talk about,

“I know it was wrong, I know it should never have happened. But…I can’t say I regret it. And does it look different now, after all the wedding stuff?” I bite my lip, considering.

me,

does it for you?” I ask, a little

because I was going to marry her, Evelyn,” he says. “I…didn’t

it. Around us, the night fades away, like we’re the only two people in the universe now. “You were at the altar, Victor, waiting for her. If she

realized the mistake, I realized that she’s horrible, I ended it, I rejected her