Chapter 90
Mason
1
Fifteen minutes later, Alyssa is violently throwing up in the bathroom. She’s hunched over the toilet, trembling with every heave, while Niko holds her hair back. I can hear it all too clearly, and my stomach twists in response.
I inch away from the door, swallowing down the bile rising in my own throat. I can deal with blood and guts, shit, I’ve seen enough of that to last a lifetime. But vomit! That’s where I draw the line.
King is sitting in the armchair, watching Zuri cruise along the bed, her tiny hands gripping the edge like she’s about to take her first steps. It’s only a matter of time before she’s walking on her own. I never thought I’d care about kids, but watching her grow these last few months… it’s a gift I never knew I needed.
Another retch from the bathroom makes my stomach lurch again, and I press a fist against my mouth, trying to keep myself together
King laughs quietly, glancing at me with that infuriating smirk of his. I don’t know how your stomach is still so weak after alll these years”
I shoot him a pointed look. “Trust me, your work makes me nauseous coo–just not as much My gaze drifts back towards the bathroom door. “I think it’s safe to say she’s pregnant”
It definitely isn’t my baby, but that doesn’t bother me. I still want to be with her, to raise Zuri and this child with them.
King hums, a sound between satisfaction and comtemplation. “She is. But it seems our girl wants to stay in denial. We’ll leave it be for now, let her process it on her own.”
There’s an edge to his voice, that rare vulnerability Alyssa brings out in him. He doesn’t want to push her, doesn’t want to lose her, and I get it. I don’t want to lose her either. So, I guess we’re all going to live in this little world of delusion where none of us acknowledge the fact she’s carrying another child.
I can do that for my little warrior.
“We just have to make sure we take care of her, King adds, his voice low but determined, as if grounding himself in his own thoughts. “She doesn’t drink or smoke. That’s one less thing to worry about
He’s right, of course. That means it’s on us to make sure she eats well and stays healthy. I don’t really know much about pregnancy, but I’ll do some research, order some books. I’ll learn whatever I need to so we can do right by her.
Niko finally emerges from the bathroom, Alyssa cradles in his arms. Her face is pale, her eyes glossy, but there’s still a spark of determination in her expression. He settles her gently on the bed, pulling the blanket over her shoulders like she’s made of glass. “It’s okay,” he murmurs. “We’ll take care of you
She shakes her head weakly. “I must have a stomach bag or something”
guess that’s what we’ll call it for now
I rummage through the cabinet above the stove and pull out a pack of saltine crackers. Crossing the room, I set them beside her on the bed. “Maybe this will help. I offer gently.
She eyes me for a second before taking one and nibbling on it. The tension in my chest cases a li
little
“We shouldn’t go anywhere until you’re feeling better, Niko says carefully, worry etched in every word
Alyssa’s head snaps up,
fire blazing in her eyes. “What? No. We can leave right now.”
“Do you really want to throw up in the car?” he counters, his voice calm but firm.
Her jaw Lighters. She throws the blanket off and bolts upright, grabbing her saltease and yanking it open. “King said we could go home. We’re going home.”
Niko’s concern deepeni. “Alyssa, don’t overexert yourself. You need to rest”
She ignores him, her hands moving quickly as she shoves clothes into the suitcase. I glance at King, who stays silent, his eyes dark and accessing. I can tell he’s not going to stop her. He made a promise that he doesn’t plan on breaking today, Great. That means there’s a good chance she’ll end up throwing up in the car.
Which means I’ll end up throwing up in the car,
I kneel beside her, my hand brushing against hers as I gently stop her from packing. “At least let me do it” I say, my
voice sharper than I intended.
1/2
Chapter 90
Knowing that she’s pregnant, a stronger sense of protectiveness has washed over me. Niko’s right, she doesn’t need to be doing anything but resting. even if she isn’t ready to accept what’s happening.
She pauses, looking up at me with wide eyes. “Don’t, she whispers, her voice breaking. Please don’t treat me any differently because you think… Her words trail off her throat working as she fights back tears. “Just don’t.”
Shit. Play along. Play along. Play along
Our little warrior may be strong as hell, but right now she needs this.
My expression softens, and I lean in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Thankfully, there’s no lingering scent of her sickness. When I pull back, she’s looking at me, something vulnerable and raw shining in ber eyes. “Tll finish packing so we can go home, okay?” I say gently. “I just want you to feel better. Is it okay if Niko gets you back in bed?”
She hesitates, then nods slowly, “Okay.”
Niko scoops her up with ease and settles her back into bed, brushing her hair away from her face as she snuggles against him.
King gives me a small approving nod. No words, but they aren’t needed.
While 1 pack, King keeps Zari entertained, and Niko stays by Alyssa’s side. I feel a swell of pride as I glance back at her, bundled up and nibbling on more crackers that will hopefully settle her stomach. She listened to me. I don’t have King’s or Niko’s dominant energy, but she still wanted to trist me, to obey
It’s a small victory, but take it
2/2.
