Chapter 279

Chapter 279
A knock on the bathroom door startled me.

"I'm using the toilet," I called out, even though I wasn't.

"You're hiding," came Dominic's deep voice through the door.

I bit back a smile despite myself. Damn him for making it hard to stay mad.

I wasn't really angry, but this suffocating feeling wasn't good for anyone, especially considering how quickly my emotions changed.

"I want to go to college," I stated firmly.

"Okay."

"I want to get my degree, I know..." I paused. "Okay?" I frowned.

"Yes, baby."

I blinked. "Really?"

"Can you come out so I don't have to talk to you through a door?"

With a sigh, I unlocked the stall and opened the door, finding Dominic standing there in the middle of the women's bathroom. "You shouldn't be in here," I pointed out.

He didn't seem to care, pulling me into his arms and pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I would never stop you from doing anything you want to do. I know it might not always seem that way, but please believe it's because I care about you."

"I don't want to walk on eggshells around you."

"Baby, I..."

"Your expression gives you away."

"It's in my nature to protect my mate," he explained softly. "Especially when you're carrying our child. I will never make any decisions for you, but I will always protect my family."

I pulled back to look at him. "I shouldn't feel bad for doing things you don't like."

I didn't like the expression that crossed his face, brows furrowing as he raised his hands to cup my cheeks.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel that way," he said, his eyes sincere. "I only want what's best for you."

I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him. "We should get back before your parents think we snuck out."

"We could if you want." He smirked, pulling me closer. "We could leave early. Get ice cream, pick up some snacks, and go to bed early."

The intense desire in his gaze made my heart race. I knew exactly what he was suggesting.

He was excited.

His breath gently brushed against my face, his hands sliding lower.

"Dominic," my voice was almost a whisper as I placed my hands on his chest. "We have to go back."

He kissed me deeply before leading me back to the table, his hand possessively on the small of my back.

"Is everything alright?" Elizabeth asked as we returned to our seats.

"We have something to tell you," Dominic announced, and my heart started pounding.

I knew I had no reason to be nervous, but I still felt sick. I also noticed the looks exchanged between his parents.

William put down his fork, his expression serious. "We have something to tell you as well. Please, sit down."

Okay, now I had a reason to be nervous.

"Jessica and her family will not be returning to the pack," William stated firmly. "They never intended to come back, but I want to make something clear. I will absolutely not allow anyone who disrespects and harms my family to return. If they trespass, they will be executed."

Wow.

"Whatever your decision," Dominic replied, his voice hardening, "I'll make her leave."

"Watch your tone," William warned. "You're not Alpha yet, son."

To my surprise, Dominic laughed and playfully shoved his father's shoulder. "Soon enough, old man."

Elizabeth sighed. "Enough joking around. Now, what did you want to tell us?"

Dominic took my hand, a goofy smile spreading across his face. I couldn't help but grin back, nodding slightly.

"Riley's pregnant."

My cheeks hurt from smiling. Elizabeth practically leaped out of her chair, rushing around the table to embrace me tightly. Her enthusiastic reaction was exactly what I'd hoped for—this wasn't just any pregnancy announcement. I was carrying their first grandchild.

"Oh, Riley!" she stepped back, her eyes glistening with tears. "This is wonderful news! We must start planning right away!"

As she kept her hands on my shoulders, studying my face as if searching for physical changes, I laughed. "Planning what?"

"Everything! We should go shopping for baby items. And we absolutely must organize a baby shower."

William placed a gentle hand on his wife's arm. "Elizabeth, perhaps we should let the young ones adjust to becoming parents first."

She waved him off, too excited to be deterred. "Nonsense! This isn't just any baby—this is the future heir of our pack." She turned back to me, eyes bright with anticipation. "Would you like that, dear? A baby shower?"

I liked how excited and caring she was being. I didn't have parents to share this news with, except for Byron, who already knew.

So if she wanted to throw me a baby shower, I wouldn't stop her.

"I'd love that," I said sincerely.

Elizabeth beamed, already mentally planning.

"How far along are you? How have you been feeling lately? Any nausea?" she asked.

"Mom," Dominic sighed, "calm down. Don't overwhelm her."

"I'm sorry, I'm just so excited. Our first grandchild, the future Alpha," she reached for her wine glass. "We should toast!"

Dominic cleared his throat. "She can't drink alcohol, Mom."

"Oh! Right, how silly of me." Her smile never faded. "We'll have blueberry cake instead. Would you like that, Riley?"

I nodded eagerly, suddenly craving something sweet. "That sounds perfect."

The evening had been wonderful. His family had welcomed our news with all the excitement I could have hoped for. We'd been invited to Sunday dinner, which would also serve as a farewell for Byron and Nina before they left. Though more people would be attending then.

I yawned as I buckled my seatbelt, feeling satisfied. "That was nice."

"So no ice cream?" he asked, starting the car.

"I still want ice cream," I smiled.

"How about we take a walk first, then get ice cream?" he chuckled softly, reaching over to take my hand.

I shook my head. "Can we just get the biggest tub they have and go home? I want to eat it while watching TV."

"Tired, baby?"

I nodded.

"How are you feeling otherwise? I mean, with carrying the baby."

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. The pregnancy still feels unreal to me, I can hardly believe it's actually happening."

"Does that scare you?"

I hadn't really thought about it that way. I wasn't even sure how I felt about it at all.