THREE — Pregnancy and promises

RUBY

"Congratulations, Luna. You're a month pregnant." The doctor beamed, handing over the test result. 

I was too shocked and in tears to take it. So Killian did, with a broad smile. "Thank you so much, doctor."

"It's my pleasure." He beamed back at Killian, and then his gaze darted to me. "Your womb is a bit delicate and you might experience some complications. To avoid that, you need to be here always for checkups."

"She'll come," Killian replied energetically and placed a wad of dollar notes on the table. "Please do not tell anyone about the pregnancy. Just until she's ready to come clean about it."

"I promise, I'll be quiet about it…"

"Not even to Colt." Killian deadpanned. 

The doctor had a confused stare. Then he nodded. "I won't say a word to Alpha Colt." His reply was shaky. It must be because of Killian's rigidity. While he was nice and sweet with me, he was beastly to others. 

"Good. We'll be leaving. C'mon, Ruru."

I was still in a daze, so he helped me to my feet and we left the office. The hallway was scanty, with just a few nurses running around. 

My mind weighed the doctor's words, as I tried to make sense of it. 

My heart was sweeping in excitement. In fear. In uncertainty. In…confusion! Why now? Why did the baby come now? Why now that Colt and I weren't together anymore? Why didn't it happen sooner? It would have saved my marriage.

"What are you gonna do?" Killian asked. My steps were so slow and unsteady that he stopped to look at me. 

Tears gave way to my words. "I have no idea…"

He looked behind me and gestured. "Let's sit down for a bit, shall we?"

We sat down on a bench. My fingers were trembling. He had to intertwine our hands, making me look at him. 

"What do I do, Killian? What should I do with this child? Colt already got himself a new breeder —" I was crying from that pain again. 

It's been two weeks since I rejected him. Two weeks since I went to stay in Killian's suite. Killian had gone that night to bring my stuff from Colt's house. 

I woke up the next day and saw my things. But also saw Killian's face all bashed up and his knuckles were ripped. My first thought was the possibility that he fought with Colt. But that would be ridiculous. 

Because for one, they were the best of cousins. It wouldn't make sense that they ruined that bond over me. 

Secondly, Killian didn't care that much about me to get into a fight with his brother. We might have been close since childhood till high school but he's always been too superficial. Never fell in love. Never reciprocated the crush I had for him back then. So why would he fight for me now? Like I said, ridiculous.

But I did ask, and he said he got into an accident. I tried to believe that instead, no matter how illogical it sounded. 

The news of my split with Colt never came up. He seemed to be covering it. But he also secretly went ahead and took a breeder, just as he promised he would. 

Telling him of this pregnancy would make our lives even more complicated. But then again, I can't raise my child without a father. So what do I do?

"Is — is Colt the father of your child?" Killian stuttered out. 

"Of course, he is. I've never been with another man except Colt." 

Why would he even ask that?

He gave me a weird look. Emotions glistened in his eyes. He seemed itchy to say something but held himself. It made me a bit confused. 

Then he nodded. "Alright. I really do hope so." He mumbled too low. But I picked up every word. 

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing," he shook his head, gulping hard. He looked distressed. What the hell was happening to him?

"If you don't wanna tell Colt, then don't. The kid doesn't need a man like him as a father anyway." He said on a serious note. 

I was still confused by his facial expression and his cryptic question. But I let it slide. "I can't raise this child alone. I'm not that strong…"

"Then let me help you." He snapped, breathing heavily. I was taken aback slightly. This had to be the first time I saw him looking distraught and bothered.

"How do you intend to help me?"

"By playing the father role for your child." He blurted out. I went wide-eyed at his confession. 

"You wanna claim my child?"

"No — no, fuck. I wanna be there for your child. Whatever he's gonna need, I'll be there to provide. Money. security. Love. Education. You name it. Even my last name."

"Reinhart?"

"Yeah. I mean, if he's Colt's child…"

"He is Colt's child. What is wrong with you?!" 

He nodded vigorously. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I'm sure Colt is the only guy you've been with…" His lips trembled. Was this Killian Reinhart or was I speaking to a tacky look-alike?

"Is there something you wanna say, Killian?"

"No…" his reply was weak. "I'd rather not." He swallowed hard. "I was saying…your child is a Reinhart. So I'll be there to treat him as one."

His proposal was sweet. But then again, he knew nothing about family bonds. He is the guy who ran away from his family for years, evading his responsibilities and choosing to live recklessly. What could he possibly teach my child?

"You know nothing about being a Father, Killian…"

"Colt doesn't know shit about it, either. Yet you were considering going to him." He retorted calmly. "Please, Ruru. Let me be the father of your child. I know I'm not but let me play that role. I swear I'll be a better man. No more drinking. No more ladies. No more partying…"

"No more staying in hotels," I added and he laughed. 

"Sure, I'll check out. We can go to Moon Shine Pack. I have a house there. It's a thousand miles from here. It's also a safer and less toxic environment for your kids to grow up in."

I was low-key enthralled by his proposal. But at the same time, I was scared to trust Killian with something as huge and serious as the welfare of my child. 

"What if you get tired of us and run away like you always do? Because that's what you do. You always up and leave"

His eyes twitched. My words might have struck a nerve. "Not anymore. I would never abandon you Ruru…"

"You did once—"

"No. I didn't. I left because I was hurt about my Father's death. But I left you in good hands. I left you in Colt's hands. He promised to take care of you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. Just…please. Come with me. You won't regret it."

I thought for a while. Not like I had a choice. And he was pretty convincing. I decided to take the risk of believing him. 

"Alright. When do we leave?"

"Tonight."