Chapter 29: Alpha Daniel

Millys pov

I had been working these last few weeks, and believe me or not, I was already showing; Annie gave me a weird look at the bar. She couldn't understand how I got knocked up when she told me to my face that she had expected something like this from Shane but not me.

I didn’t tell her or anyone else who that father was, not that they didn’t ask. I think that Joe was about to have a heart attack seeing me stocking shelves coming out from the back when I turned around. You could see it right away because I was shaped like a freaking stick with a bump where my flat stomach used to be.

“Milly, who the fuck knocked you up, and where is that bastard!? I’m going to kill him for stealing my best fucking employee from me!” I was hiding my smile, turned away, and looked all innocent at the big older man with a serious frown, but he always had that.

“Your best employee, am I?” I chuckled, continuing to bring out cat food cans when he stopped me. I looked confused at his unusual affections eyes that had no warm streak in them otherwise.

“Milly, please tell me that you didn’t just let some fucker do this to you. You're a good girl and deserve better than being a single mom working under a bastard like me.” I must have looked even more surprised by his hand that helped me up. Joe was never friendly, never ever, even to his nephew.

I didn’t know what to say because I did let someone do this to me, a dangerous brooding dark man that never wanted me in the first place, and before I knew what I was doing, I was bawling my eyes out against Joe's soft chest, he didn’t stop me at all just patted me on the back like he didn’t know what to do about me being a mess either.

“I’m sorry, Joe… I really am…. I’m a mess these days, it seems….” He had led me to the back, and I was holding a cup of hot chocolate in my hands and a blanket around me. Yes, of all people, Joe had put a blanket around me while sitting across the tables, looking at me with pity and anger. I didn’t know what he was angry at, probably me for being a stupid girl believing that the guy that knocked me up wanted me, Ben was a wolf, and this whole mate bond thing was the only reason he was staying or wanted me to come and live with him in a place where I wasn’t going to be accepted.

“So, who is this guy then? Who did this to you?! Does he know!?” Joe was never one to pull any punches when I just nodded. Oh, he knew…. and I wished I didn’t know when it came to his past.

“He is married, isn’t he? That’s why he doesn’t want to have a great girl like you…. you know what, marry Levi, he’s an idiot, but he likes you. I’ve seen him look at you; I can talk to him and …” I just raised my eyebrows. Was Joe seriously talking about marrying me off to Levi? I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time; sure, Levi was great and handsome, but he wasn’t Ben, not by a long shot! my whole world didn’t stop and start with him entering the same space as me, making my skin feel like it was on fire when he touched me, there was no comparison at all.

“Yeah, I’ll have to pass on that offer, Joe. I don’t think Levi’s ready for having three kids with me.” Joe's puffy face got pale for a good three minutes, with his small angry eyes widening of the pure shock of what I had told him when I smiled at him. I was feeling calm about that part. I wasn’t worried about my babies. They were a part of me; it was just their father that was a cold asshole.

“That motherfucker! He left you with triples. Is he really a dickhead or what!?” I just laughed at his rage. What the hell could I do about it? He didn’t say he didn’t want me, just that he didn’t have a choice. From the beginning, he had been perfectly clear that he didn’t do relationships, and I wasn’t going to force him because of this bond thing, no matter how much it sucked to be alone.

“Joe, I slept with him all on my own. I knew what I was doing; it was okay; I was not forcing him to have these babies with me. I don’t know what to do. I can’t go to school and work simultaneously with three kids; it just feels hopeless, that’s all….” I sniveled again, and I knew I was pathetic. I could have just accepted the fact of moving to the strange village and letting him take care of me, but I didn’t want him to be with me because I had his babies. I wanted him to want to be with me because…. Well…. Just because…. I swallowed the heavy word in the back of my head. No, I wasn’t even going to think it, three small dangerous words I could forget. He told me he loved her. I would never be Candi… still a stupid name.

“You can’t keep stocking shelves, that’s for sure, Milly. I don’t even know how long you got before you pop but let me tell you, I saw you last week, and you didn’t look pregnant then, sweetheart.” My heart got a firm pinch that made me want to hurl over and cry some more hearing him call me sweetheart, just like Benjamin did, shit I was into deep for my own good, that’s for sure.

“Yeah, I know, tell me about it; it’s like one day I just woke up and looked like this….” I made a small attempt to joke when I just got pity back from Joe's eyes. I was really screwed, wasn’t I?

“Come live with Joleen and me. She wouldn’t mind now that Darla had moved over to college. We got a room open if you need it.” I’m just baffled by Joe's sudden desire to help, he didn’t give a shit about anyone, just this stupid store, or maybe that’s what he wanted everyone to think.

“I don’t know… I don’t want to burden you, and I have my own place….” He started to laugh mockingly at me, snorting in the end, making me slightly irritated that he was thinking so little of my place, it wasn’t a big no, but it was mine.

“That rathole you’re living in, it’s the size of a shoebox. How the hell are you going to fit tree babies in there? We have room and a yard for them to play in, and Joleen would love to help you. She’s still mad at Kain for not giving her any grandchildren yet.” He was giving me a victorious smirk when I realized he was right, I was going to need help, and my place was small…. Fuck… I had to do it since I talked to Benjamin. I knew that I was screwed, and don’t even get me started on that redhead that was definitely in a catatonic state. She needed serious help, like consoling, and none seemed to care. I didn’t want to live in that place, and I didn’t want my babies to be there.

“Fine, but I’m not marrying Levi, and I’m going to help out with the household.” He just smirked even more when I sighted and drank some hot chocolate. I don’t know why. I should be happy about this, getting help from my grumpy boss. Instead, I felt abandoned even more; it should have been Ben telling me that he… that he freaking loved me and wanted me, okay?! I know I was pathetic to even believe he would, but I did, I freaking loved him, and I had no way of shielding myself from that part of myself. I wished I just went catatonic like that poor girl in that mansion.

So

Here I was, living with Joe and his wife of all the people in the world, I hadn’t even told my mom and dad I was pregnant, but a small part of me didn’t want to say to them either. I didn’t think they cared when I was sitting out in the big backyard enjoying the small talk that Joe was having with his wife giving me stupid smiles when I was sitting next to Levi, he was talking to some girl at the end of the table laughing. I just smiled when he nodded my arm with his hand trying to get me to laugh at his joke, and I rolled my eyes at his bantering.

Four weeks, did you know how much that hurt being away from the same guy who broke your heart? A long time, a very long time. I was sitting in a summer dress with flowers, already huge as a house, having trouble getting up, and was only three months pregnant; it was getting ridiculous!

“Do you want something Milly, water or?” I turned my head, smiling at Levi. God, he was such a great guy, and Joe was right. He did like me, and I never saw it because I was stupid. I just shook my head, and his green eyes radiated warmth back like he could do it, freaking marry me and raise my kids as his own. He was older than me, more in his 20s, and handsome. He really was, but I couldn’t help seeing those pure blue eyes every time I closed my eyes and cried over that he just let me go, Milly Reece, that second place, the consolation prize.

I needed to go pee again when I started to move, and Levi got up with me and offered to help me up. I took his arm gratefully and snaked around my waist, lifting me up effortlessly. I was grateful I was, but I knew in my heart that I wouldn’t want to do to him what Ben had done to me as we strolled through the backyard, and he still hadn’t let go of my waist.

I went to the bathroom, and he was standing outside waiting for me when I walked out, and he gave me a small smile. I replied, things were getting weird, and I felt it. Levi was going to make a move, and I didn’t know if I was ready for that. He took out his hand, and I just stared at it, making him laugh like I was joking with him like we had been doing for four years; he was more like a big brother to me than a lover. I wished I had fallen in love with him and not the bastard that left me with three babies telling me he still loved his first mate.

“I’m not going to bite you, Milly, unless you hurry up and Joe and dads take all the ribs, then I’m going to get you.” He laughed again, and I took it with caution. I wasn’t scared of him. I knew him. He was a good guy, and I didn’t want him to get the same idea as everyone else at this barbeque.

“Listen, Levi… you’re a good man, a great guy….” I started to talk when he stopped me with his hand and gave me a big dazzling smile like he always did.

“But you don’t want to marry me and playhouse?” his eyes were mischievous and calmed my nerves. Maybe he wasn’t as serious as Joe had been about the offer as I exhaled fully.

“No…. I hope Joe didn’t give you the impression that I wanted to get hitched and live happily ever after. You are more of a brother, and I have three babies that are not yours.” I let a playful smile through my words when he just nodded like he felt the same way. Oh, thank you, lord, for that.

“You are a great girl Milly, a treasure, but if I’m being honest… you’re not really my type….” He looked as if he was sorry. He wasn’t attracted to me when I nodded and tried not to look so damn hurt. I mean, this was nothing new to me. I knew guys wanted more stuffing in their drawers on girls, but it still felt like a slap in the face, and I didn’t even want him.

“Yeah… yeah, I get it. I mean, I know I’m not a catch. No hard feelings, Levi.” I giggle when he frowns at me like I’m crazy, I got the same look from Ben when I talked about myself, and that makes me want to die knowing whatever I do; it reminds me of him. I mean, come on, I’m even carrying his children.

“Ah, Milly, don’t talk about yourself that way. You’re hot, and I would do you in a heartbeat if I was into girls.

He winks when I stare at him for too long and feel confused. Doesn’t he like girls? That would make sense, seeming he never has a girlfriend or take someone to meet Joe; that old bastard probably disowns him for being …

“Yeah, I like guys, always have. Do you really think a hot piece of meat like me couldn’t get a girl if I even bothered you? Cause I do get numbers from women that I never will call.” He smirks at my still-stunned face. Levi is gay, and I have no idea how I could miss that!?

“Levi…. Omg… please tell me at least your mom and dad know about this and Joe being an old bastard as usual.” He winks at me again, and I feel so relieved they haven’t told Joe, and I lean into him completely, feeling like a damn fool believing he really wanted me.

“I’m sorry for believing Joe's stupid babble; I was afraid….” I’m smiling when his one falters again, and he stops me looking earnestly at me with piercing eyes that know me better than most people.

“I told you my secret, Mill. Now you tell me yours. Who’s, did this to you? Please tell me he didn’t rape you, and that’s why you won’t tell anyone….” I gasped from the wild thoughts running through his head; raping me?! That was freaking ridiculous, I loved everything I had done with Benjamin, and he definitely didn’t rape me!

“He didn’t rape me, Levi; for god’s sake, that’s ridiculous!” I snapped at him, and he just looked at me still as serious, like I was freaking lying about something like that!

“Then why the hell aren’t you telling anyone who he is, we care for you, Milly, all of us, and it’s breaking my heart to see you walk around like you’re just waiting for something.”

I didn’t know how to answer that… did I… wait for him? I did.

Levi saw my eyes lower to the ground and just wheeled me into his arms, and I pressed my face into his chest, feeling like crap. I did wait for him. Why hadn’t Ben shown up yet? He could at least tell me it was over to my face, and he still seemed happy to have babies with me, or was I going crazy?

“His name is Ben, and he is older. He is superhot, and I think I love him.” I mumbled the words into Levi’s shirt, and he saw me as this naïve stupid girl who believed in love even after being told I was just a second placer.

“They always are Mills, they always fucking are….” He squeezed me tighter, and I let out my tears. I thought that I was done, I really did, but bringing up his name made my heart break like it even was possible to do that after so many times already.

“I don’t know, call me crazy, but I really believed he felt the same way, like it was something special between us… but it turned out I was just a replacement….” I sniffled against his shirt, another thing to add to my list of stuff I ruined.

“Love, huh? That sounds serious…” he made a small smile, and I felt his hand on my bump, the warmth of his palm sipping into me, and wishing it was Ben doing this, not Levi.

I snorted in response; I was pregnant. How much more serious could you get?

“I don’t know why, but ever since I met him, my world has been tumbling around, and having these babies is the least of my worries.” He looks at me like I’m crazy now, lost my freaking mind or something, but he doesn’t know. He is just a human.

“Having three babies simultaneously isn’t tumbling enough for you? He gives me a weird smile that I know is from him thinking I finally lost it, and I laugh when we start to walk again slowly, arm in arm, and I don’t even care if Joe gets his hopes up. Levi and I aren’t ever going to happen, period.

“Oh Levi, you have no idea….” I snicker when we're at the table again, walking arms linked together, and I see Joe's approving, slight eyes glint. I give him a smile; if he only knew the truth, I’m holding a gay man’s arm for support, and the man I love is a beast, the father of my babies.

We sit down again, and I’m actually enjoying myself now that I know Levi isn’t a threat, yes that is precisely what it feels like before, a threat, any man that’s not my mate did; it was probably a werewolf thing another part I didn’t get.

I stared out into the backyard. I really wish he was here, my mate.... it sounds so stupid being human. Still, he was. a mate that couldn't even bother making me stay when I sought him out. That showed me exactly how much he really cared... I take Levis's hand in mine, and he smiles, and I snort at Joe, looking even happier like some matchmaker. Yeah right.

" Let's just leave. I can't any m take more of aunt Joleen's nagging about what a cute couple we are...." I smirk when I leave with Levi, I hope that one day, he will be able to tell his aunt and uncle what is going on, but that is not my secret to share. I do have my own ones, and I need to smarten up fast a plan, or anything, for what was going to happen. I couldn't really think that Joe, my boss, would support the babies and me. I had pride, too, I had been taking care of myself longer than I could remember, and I would manage without Benjamin If that was the case.

I didn't want to, frick!

I got into Levi's car and could feel the tiny shocks of sadness going through my body when the baby moved. I looked around when Levi talked about some guy he thought was hot, and I didn't listen. Something was wrong. I could feel it around me.... my eyes narrowing to the landscape rushing beside me in the windows, I didn't see anyone, but I could feel them...

"Hey, are you even listening to me, Milly?" I nod when Levi doesn't believe me, but he's not on my case; after what I told him, he gets it. I need time to figure things out, and my being distracted is a small price to pay.

I stare into the roadside again; the feeling is gone like it just disappeared, but I can still feel it echoing around my body, just like it did at the bar, the same night I saw Ben and that.... well... you know... skank... I bit my lip thinking about him all drenched, fudge! I sucked at not wanting him, even when he made it clear that if it weren't for the mate bond, I wouldn't be anything to him, nothing.

"you should come and stay with me instead of Joe, and I know he would love it; maybe get out of hearing Joleen's nagging all the time?" he smirks when I make a small guilty face. She means they all do well, of course, but being told what to do and eat is tiring.

" Well, I... I don't want Joe to think I'm just using him and jump ship the moment I find something better...." Levi chuckles. He thinks I'm not nice, I'm not, or I am, mostly...

" He doesn't think that, and you know it, hell. He would move out if he could. My aunt should be lucky that they seem to love each other, or they would have killed the other one year ago." he laughs some more and turns up the music, singing along; it sounds awful. Still, I'm not telling him that even if he knows it when I sing the chorus or mime it more and relaxes, I do need a break from Joe and Joleen....the sounds of wolfs howling in the distance being drenched by the music when I just turn it up more, Levi was right, I'm done waiting for him, no matter how much I wanted to.

"looks like you have a new roomie." he didn't answer, just sang louder, making my ears hurt. It didn't sound very good. This was going to be entertaining; a gay man and me having three babies sounded like a freaking disaster, but it was better than what I had; on the other hand, a guy refusing to mark me and make good on anything he had told me so far, seemed like a pretty easy choice to me.