Page 11 of Prelude to a Revolution

Chapter 4

Sonria

Groaning, I lift my arms above me as I stretch. Though there’s a sharp twinge in between my thighs, I’m able to ignore it for the most part. The pain is proof that my Alpha loves me, desires me, wants me. I know it kills him to see me in discomfort, and though I mask it as well as I can, I can’t always stop it from crossing my face.

A soft sigh slips through my lips as I look at the empty space next to me. No doubt he’s seeing to the girls while he lets me sleep. Shaking my head, I roll over and glance at the monitor. There he is with Karis in his arms, her chubby fingers grabbing at his uniform.

Smiling, I run my finger down the glass before getting up and getting ready. I know he hates causing me pain, but last night was just what I needed to get my head on straight. It was reaffirming, allowing me to feel the discomfort so I can better enjoy the pleasure.

My heart flutters as I clutch my stomach, closing my eyes to savor the fact that I’m going to be a mom again. Though I’m happy with Karis and Annora, there’s still that part of me that hoped for a boy, and Ilaria heard my cry. Perhaps I should offer something up to her today?

Though the main altars no longer exist, I still keep a small shrine in the house, hidden away from both the girls and Gemhardt. Though I don’t think he would disapprove of me worshiping at her feet, I realize now that this conversation has never come up.

I hear about him and the other Alphas talking about Elex and Jarosh, but I’ve never seen them offer anything in their name. Perhaps he would find me too superstitious, but I’m beyond caring. I’m so deliriously happy with my boy that I have to find some way to show her my thanks.

Pulling on a plain shirt and pants, I pad down to Karis’s room and lean against the door frame, taking in the serious conversations she and Gemhardt are having. Seems there was some sort of fight between her dolls, and he’s sitting in the role of peacemaker and judge.

Another smile turns up my lips as I watch her speak her childish language with such authority and gusto. He hangs on her every word, frowning as she lists the wrongdoing, taking her as seriously as he would an actual case brought before him.

Unable to resist, I wrap my arms about my waist, letting the warm glow infuse me and trickle down to our son. Whether beta or Alpha, he’ll have the strongest, most patient and loving role model any son could ever wish for. Closing my eyes, I let my thoughts drift into the future, refusing to acknowledge the harrowing visions that fill my gut with dread any time I think about them.

Instead, I picture my son, tall and strong, with fierce eyes and an indomitable spirit. Fast-forwarding, I watch him grow up, including taking a mate of his own. He will be just like his father. I know this as much as I know the suns are already climbing into the sky.

Gemhardt’s deep voice thunders across the room as he announces his judgment. Each toy must receive no less than ten kisses and a moment alone to think about their actions. With a firm nod, Karis agrees and proceeds to kiss both of the toys soundly before tossing them into the crib.

Stifling a laugh, I look down at her in all seriousness as she replays the scene I just watched. I nod, taking in her earnest expression, all while smothering a grin. As I confirm her decision, I shoot Gemhardt a coy smile before scooping Karis up and taking her into the kitchen to start breakfast.

Annora is already there, dressed for classes, hunched over the stove. I know it’s in her nature to serve, but seeing her there pricks my heart. I’m the mother. As such, I should be seeing to their needs. Yet here she is, already filling the plates with eggs, bread, and some cheese.

Karis digs in, her hands flying between the plate and her mouth while Annora sits and picks at hers. It’s so unlike her to not eat in the mornings before school. I start to ask her about it when Gemhardt comes in and leans down to kiss her head. For the briefest of moments, I swear I saw her flinch.

Based on Gemhardt’s pinched expression, he saw it too. He sits down and stabs his fork into the eggs, pointedly ignoring her small glare. Something happened between the two of them, but neither of them are saying a word. Tension hangs over the table like a pall, and I wish I could dissipate it with just a wave of my hand, but I know I can’t.

Looking up at the clock, I note the time and slide away from the table to gather his things and place them by the door. This allows him to finish and gives me an opportunity to talk to him away from the girls.

Once he’s done, he strides over to me, sighing when he sees my face, but there’s no stopping this line of inquiry. Bending low, he slides on his shoes and grabs his filtration system, shoving them into his nose.

“There was a fight in Sector One, and I had to growl. I didn’t mean for it to affect Annora, but it did. There’s nothing I can do about it, and she’s having to stew. You know her. She’s not the type to just bounce between emotions.”

He pauses and gathers me into his arms, his sigh ruffling my hair. I know he’s correct. I just wish I could say something or do something that could help, but she’s stubborn. Annora will harbor her feelings until she’s good and ready to let them go. Leaning up, I kiss him goodbye and head back into the kitchen.

Annora is already clearing the table, and I let her. If this is her way to feel comfortable and safe, then so be it. She murmurs a soft goodbye, her hazel eyes regarding me with just a hint of distrust, before she grabs her bag and heads towards the door.

The door slams open, and I glance at the clock. It should be Annora coming home, but she’s never that loud when she enters. Reaching over to the side counter, I grab the knife I set out to start snack time preparations and clutch the handle in my shaking grip.

“Mom!”

Placing a hand over my heart, I set the knife down and walk over to the door. Annora’s face is white, her eyes wide as she throws down her bag. Again, that shaft of fear slices into me, sending my heart into overdrive.

She doesn’t say another word. Instead, she motions for me to follow her out the door. When we reach the outside, my jaw drops, and my hand reaches up to cradle my throat. In a substance that looks like blood, the words “you’re next” grace the front door.

“Go inside. Grab Karis and go to your room. Please keep her busy and say nothing to your father.”

“Will he be mad?”

I pause for a moment and contemplate my next words. Though I shouldn’t use her fear of him to my advantage, I nod and look back at the door. Head ducked down, she races back inside. I follow close behind and grab a sponge and bucket, needing to rid this door of any evidence before Gemhardt comes home. I’m not sure who he’ll be more furious at, me for not telling him or the vandals that keep tormenting me.

The worst part is, I have no clue who’s doing it. All the Alphas and betas around us seem kind and cordial, never even giving a hint that they feel I don’t belong. It’s like swiping out into mist, convinced that you’ll connect with something and coming up with dense air.