Jules’ POV

I climbed into the window feeling like my stomach was about to fall out of my mouth. I sighed in relief when I noticed that my room looked exactly like I had before I left, but the relief only lasted for a short time as I began to get suspicious. How is it that I can’t leave my house for all of my life, but I suddenly disappear for 3 days and everything is fine?

Something is not right.

I don’t have time to think about it before my door swings wide open scaring the living daylights out of me. I put my hand to my heart and looked up to see a familiar face glaring at me, “And where have you been, Jules!? Do you know how hard it was to get everyone to believe that you were feeling depressed and didn’t want to see anyone for this long. Mother was about to call for the doctor!”

I guess that solves the problem. Was it bad that it made me happy that Julian went through all of this for me. I never knew that he would actually go to such lengths for me, “I’m sorry Julian. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I lost track of time. I promise it won’t happen again”

“You owe me an explanation, but for now it is time for supper. I’m sure that Mother and Father will be pleased by your presence. Also I’m sure that you’ll find that you’re not that hungry, and that it would behoove you to give your share of shepherd’s pie to yours truly” Jules says haughtily before crossing his arms and sauntering away. I have a feeling that I’m going to be doing a lot for him to make this up.

When I reach the table my father gives me one of his famous smiles, and my mother coos at me, “Oh my sweet Jules, are you feeling better now? Julian told us that you were feeling down, and wished to be alone. Your father and I were getting extremely worried”

“Yes, it must be the changing of the seasons. I am feeling much better now, and I apologize for worrying you both. It was not my intention” I make up a lousy excuse, and see Julian rolling his eyes.

“How come Jules can stay in his room all day, and I’m stuck bolstering around with this idiot?” Jude exclaims pointing his finger at Julian who looks offended.

“You’re one to talk! I can’t do anything with you. Your head’s too far up your arse!” Julian shouts back at him.

“That’s enough, both of you! If you must ask, Jude. The answer is quite simple. Jules is our favorite” I tried my best to hide my smirk at my father’s answer while Jude scoffed.

“Speaking of Jules...where did you get those bracelets? I don’t remember you wearing them before or ever buying them for you” Why does she have to be observant all of a sudden?

“Oh, I asked Niamh to have the jeweler back home to make me this one, and Niamh’s daughter made the other. I just forgot to wear them before” Hopefully she finds no occasion to speak to Niamh about this.

“Oh that is very kind of her. I knew there was a reason we liked her” My mother took the lie.

“I hope you are telling the truth, Jules. Though I don’t suppose you would have reason to lie in the first place. We just want to make sure, because you are getting older, and your mother and I were discussing finding you possible suitors soon” I felt nauseous.

“Aren’t I a little young?” I tried to mention but my mother shook her head.

“Hardly. I got married to your father when I was 15. If anything we have only waited this long because you haven’t had your first heat yet. We decided that even if a marriage does not happen right away, it is best to be prepared. We want to find the best mate for our precious little Jules” Her response gave me some hope, but I still felt guilty for deceiving them.

Duke’s POV

It’s been 5 weeks since Jules’ heat and things were going great. Apparently Jules’ brother was willing to cover for him which gave us some comfort when we continued to meet in secret. I felt like a young teen again as a result of this cliche romance, but I would force myself to fit any mold that meant I would be with Jules.

When we broke the news to Cooper that Jules was officially my mate we were a little nervous. The lord knows that young pups are horribly honest. We were happy to find out that he was over the moon, and even asked if Jules was his “mommy” now. I was going to figure out a way to steer the conversation in a different direction, but my wonderful mate just agreed with him which made my heart soar.

Cooper doesn’t quite understand why Jules can't stay with us all the time, and always pouts whenever the omega has to rush back home. He makes sure to snuggle up in his blanket and sniffs it right before he goes to bed as a form of comfort. Jules’ loves coddling Cooper as well which I don’t like all that much because I feel like we can’t baby him forever, but I digress.

I did however notice some strange behavior from Jules. He sometimes comes over and helps me cook dinner, and since he usually eats before he comes over he doesn’t eat with us, but lately he has been eating dinner with us as well. He keeps claiming that he is starving when usually he barely eats the same amount as Cooper. He has also been complaining of fatigue which is odd, but not necessarily alarming.

What really alarmed me was the vomiting. This is the first time that he has thrown up in my presence. I was shocked when he shot up from his chair and ran to the bathroom, and I quickly followed him when I heard retching.

“Are you okay, Mommy?” Cooper asked and I could tell that he was concerned and slightly scared.

“I’m alright Cooper. Don’t worry about me. This has been happening for a few days now” He explains and it’s like all the puzzle pieces just slammed together.

I may or may not have fainted at my realization, and when I came to I was met with the sad sight of my worried omega dabbing my forehead with a towel, and the tight grip of my son. I looked down at Cooper, and was met with his red eyes. I got up and lifted him up only for him to cling to me, and start sobbing into my neck.

“I’m okay Coop. Daddy is just fine, a little surprised but fine” I rubbed his back and rocked him trying to quell his cries.

“What happened, Duke? All of a sudden you just fell” Now it was time to focus on my mate who looked on the verge of tears as well.

“I think I have an idea of why you are getting sick, and feeling under the weather lately” He perked up at this information, “I have a feeling that you might be with child”

His eyebrows shot up to the ceiling, and he put his hand to his heart before whispering, “A baby?”

I nodded and opened my other arm to him which he ran into and clung to me as well. I spent a few minutes in silence just comforting my omega and my child. I was worried for us, and mostly Jules, but I couldn’t help the pride and joy that surfaced.

“A baby. Can you believe it?” I planted a sweet kiss on his lips and he gave a small smile in return. Cooper was asleep, so we laid him down in his room before moving the conversation to our room.

“How is this all going to work? I can’t let my parents find out. They will be furious with me” He started rambling and stressing about everything.

“Calm down Jules. I’ll handle it” I try to reassure him but I don’t think it worked.

“You’ll handle it!? How are you going to handle it when we don’t even live together?” He questioned me.

“I know it’s not an ideal situation, but instead of getting all riled up can we take this moment to appreciate the life we created. Yes a baby is not what we need right now, but it doesn’t change the fact that we need to love and cherish it. It is not responsible for our doings” I muttered into his neck as I help him tight to me.

He sighed, “I guess you’re right. It is stressful to think about the future, but I have always wanted children. This baby better be the cutest thing in the whole world”

“If it looks anything like you, then I’m sure the baby will live up to your expectations.” I attempted to sweet talk him.

He giggled, “You’re such a sap, Duke”

“When you start to show, I’ll take you to the Adams again to see if they can make you some dresses that will disguise the physical signs of pregnancy” I dread the day that I will have to explain myself to Mrs.Adams, but I would face her wrath a million times if it made Jules happy.

“This is very frightening, yet I can’t help but feel excited and happy with this news” Jules took the words right out of my mouth.