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Iggy’s eyes shoot to mine. "Let’s start right now."
Red snorts while Cass smacks the back of Iggy’s head. I shake my head and sit down. "This smells amazing, Cass. Thank you so much."
He kisses the top of my head. "You’re welcome. And about this baby business. I told you the other day, we’ve all talked about it before, and if you’re ready…"
"Are you?"
Cass takes a seat, picking up his fork but pausing. "I mean, I’d like a little more time with you. Just us. But yeah, I’m ready."
"Gestation's like nine months."
Cass shoots Iggy an amused smirk. "Thank you, Iggy, so glad to hear you paid attention in health class."
Iggy shrugs, "I’m just saying. Nine months. And she’s not going anywhere after that. Plus, pregnant women are super horny."
This time, Red smacks Iggy on the back of the head, and I’m in stitches, laughing so hard. "Iggy!" I cry between fits of laughter. "That’s not a reason to knock up your mate!"
It earns me a smile. "Imogen, all you’ve ever wanted was a big, happy family. We’ve been bachelors all our lives. We’re ready when you are."
I look at Cass and Red to be sure he isn’t speaking out of turn, but they both nod in agreement. This is probably moving too fast, right? Am I crazy for wanting this? We haven’t even bonded. We haven’t even said I love you.
With the pressure of tomorrow, it’s a lot. What if I'm pushing them all too far, too fast? They’re so agreeable. Why is this so easy for them? They wanted nothing to do with an omega in their pack two months ago. Now, suddenly, they’re ready to settle down? Have kids?
"Woah, woah, woah, Im, what’s going on, what happened there?"
I swallow down the worry and fear and smile at my mates. "I apologize. I'm fine."
"You’re not fine… where did you just go?" Red leans close, sniffing my neck like he can scent my thoughts. But I’m better at this than they are.
I slow my breath, squeeze my hands, then release them in a soft fold in my lap. "Truly, I'm fine. I had a moment of worry that we were moving too fast—"
"Too fast?" Red contemplates me for a moment, scrutinizing my expression, my rigid posture and fake expression. "Imogen, you gotta let it go."
"Let what go?" I whisper.
"Everything." Red prompts softly, "Look at me."
I don’t want to, but I look up. "Imogen, we’re not going anywhere. Yell, fight, scream, rage. Be scared, worried. Just let your emotions out. We’re not going to judge you. If you need to keep secrets, we get that. But don’t hide yourself from us."
"I'm not hiding," I argue.
"Okay. You had a moment of worry we were moving too fast… tell me more. Why’d it freak you out?" Red asks gently.
"It didn't," I lie.
"We were talking about having kids. You were smiling. Then you shut down and locked yourself up. Don't lie to me. If you don't want to tell me, fine, but don't lie."
Sighing, I admit, "I'm worried we're moving too fast."
"Being with us?"
"Being with me… you didn’t want an omega. And now we’re talking about settling down and having kids. I'm afraid of how much I want it. That you’re just saying yes because of the scent-match."
Iggy comes around the table and lifts me, transporting me onto his lap. Cass takes my hand while Red rests his on my thigh.
"I know you use the mask as a defense mechanism. But you can be real with us. You can be messy and ugly and let all your bullshit out, and we’ll still be here. Okay?"
I sniff and nod my head. "Okay."
