Pregnant With Alpha’s Genius Twins

#Chapter 197 – Awake

On the morning of the fifth day, my eyes fly open when I hear a hiss.

Victor has his eyes pressed shut, his jaw clenched together.

The tube was removed from his throat yesterday and he can breathe on his own now, but he’s been sleeping the entire time I’ve been here.

“Oh my god,” I say, leaning forward, grabbing his hand, my own neck and back twinging at the sudden movement from my chair.

Victor’s eyes peek open when he hears me. “It’s okay,” he says, his voice scratchy, probably from the intubation. “I just…tried to turn my neck.”

“Don’t move,” I say quickly, glancing around. “I’ll get the nurse –“

“No,” he says, tightening his grip on my hand. “Evie, no. Just…” he sighs and his eyes close again.

I hold my breath, squeezing his hand back, waiting.

“Just…” he says again. “Let me sit with you. For a moment.”

I can’t help the trembling smile that crawls over my lips when I hear that. I’m completely exhausted – haven’t been catching more than a few hours of sleep for days – but the sound of his voice? Telling me he just wants to sit with me?

I feel, suddenly, like I could sing and run and dance for days.

“How are you,” I say gently, leaning forward to smile at him. “Does it hurt?”

He takes a moment to consider. “What, my body? The whole thing?”

I nod, curious.

He laughs, then, and winces at the pain of it. “Yes, frankly. My whole body feels like it’s been through a meat grinder. What…what happened to me?”

I c**k my head to the side, curious. “What do you remember?”

He frowns, thinking again, looking up at the ceiling. “I remember being shot, of course. But then I think I passed out – and then, being downstairs, with you.”

He turns gaze back to me. “I remember our conversation, every moment of that. And the boys coming down.” He smirks at me, remembering them. “Clever boys. Are they here?”

head slightly, not taking my eyes off him. “No. They…they get upset, when they come, and see you just laying there. They’re with Rafe

eyebrows. “That’s a cozy crew, isn’t it,” he

a little. “You don’t remember

boys went upstairs to…to finish things. And then, I guess I passed

and again winces at the

and press the button for the nurse. I hate seeing him wince like

I turn my attention back

done,” I say softly. “They’ve been…deposed. Marked as inadequate, rejected by members of their pack as well as the pack community. Alvin and Ian will inherit, and we’ll appoint a regent, but…there’s time for all of that.

corners of his lips turning up. I can see that he is

I ask,

and I can see a tinge

the nurse comes in

to his shoulders,

she says, but I can tell he’s still in a great deal of pain. She glances at me and I can see that she’s worried. But when she returns her gaze to Victor,

says, her voice calm. “He’ll be

lightly, his coughing fit finished, but

she leaves. “Please do your best to keep him calm,” she says lightly. “No very good or very bad news, please. No news, really,

eyes back to Victor, not knowing what

my hand

right. I need him back, need him healthy, strong. We have a

Evelyn,” he says, responding to my unspoken thoughts. I squeeze his hand, letting

looking him over, listening to his pulse, measuring some vitals and checking the machines. I watch Victor closely as he responds to the doctor’s questions. His

like someone who has one foot

shake my head, knowing that no matter what happy act the doctor is putting on…it’s

at him. “I’m glad to see you awake but, quite frankly, your body could use more rest. I’m going to

“Is this really necessary, doctor?” he asks. “I just woke up

not want you to do at the moment. The only thing you should be concentrating on right now is resting. It’s that serious. You really cannot take any

a moment in his life, prioritized relaxation and healing over keeping

different tack. “Are Alpha Kensington’s affairs generally in order? If he sleeps for a few more hours, will it truly affect

and shrug. “Honestly, Victor, it really is…fine. I wouldn’t lie about that. For

nods, and so does

definitive. “I really must insist, sir. More sleep.” He turns to me as well. “And Ms. Ortega, now that you’ve seen