CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Kate, Luna and Gem were spending some time catching up. Now that Kate's heat was under much better control, she was able to go a few hours without wanting to pounce her mate. Thorn had also reduced the security in the safe house, so now the cell was left open and only the safe-house door was kept secured. "I still can't believe you're both going to be mothers. Five months is going to pass so quickly."
"I know there is so much to do. Luc and I have been running every chance we get. Now that our wolves have 'discovered' each other there seems to be a very small window before we won't be able to run together. Then there is the nursery."
"I wanted your baby in with mine." Luna huffed.
"No way. I don't think you realise how in demand the children of our alphas will be. I certainly don't want my peanut growing up expecting that level of attention. He or she will need to be able to handle being left to themselves now and then."
"I can guarantee these two will know all about entertaining themselves and have alone time too."
"Yeah, not sure how you plan to convince the omegas of that."
"I am sure I will find a way. I'm Mother Luna remember."
"Well maybe you can tell me what my mate is up to all the time? He's avoiding me every chance he gets and is being very secretive."
"What has he told you he is doing?" Gem laughed at Kate's little growl. "Don't try and trick us Kate. He told you he was working with Glen and Luc. He also told you he was working on some stuff to be ready for leaving in a few days."
"Exactly he's leaving in a few days so he should be spending all the time he can with me." Kate pouted.
"Put that bottom lip away. Looking like a spoiled brat isn't going to convince me to interfere. Your mate is doing everything he should and balancing your many demands with his pack responsibilities, all while planning his own future. Give him a break." Luna glared at her friend.
"Fine. Well if he isn't coming back, the least you could do is get Emily to bring us all some of that delicious cheesecake she's been making."
"Now that is a plan I can totally back." Gem licked her lips. "I am eating for two you know?"
"Your little 'Peanut' is soooo not responsible for your weakness for dessert."
"True, I think Peanut likes a good steak. You should have seen what I had for breakfast, Fred Flintstone would have been impressed."
"I can relate. I woke up in wolf form with the blood of a midnight snack all over my face and paws. It was disgusting and when I changed back and threw up Thorn couldn't decide whether to laugh or try and help me."
"That is revolting Luna. Don't give Peanut any ideas."
"The cheesecake is heading this way, show Kate the pictures."
"Pictures of what?"
"Gem is decorating the old storage room next to her and Luc, and converting it into a nursery."
"Well Luc and the omega army are. Apparently I can't be trusted to do more than shop."
"Well you can focus on the finer details." After a long silence Kate continued, "He still hasn't seen how talented you are? He does know about Gem's Goodies now doesn't he?"
"Um, he may not be aware I dabble with art and craft when he isn't around." Gem blushed.
"Are you fucking kidding me? He just thinks you're his willing sex toy 24/7 and you've done nothing to encourage him to think any different?"
"He knows I do other things. I exercise, hang out with you girls, work in the cafΓ©... well used to work in the cafΓ©."
"What does he think you will be doing now he has decided you are both moving back here fulltime?" Kate was getting angry and Gem bristled ready to get defensive.
"Being a mother and Luc's mate will be a fulltime job I'm sure. As to Gem's craftwork when she chooses to share that with Lucas is up to her. Although I'm sure he will be supportive." Luna tried to ease the tension between Kate and Gem. Unfortunately it had the opposite effect.
"My mate, and my child, are not a fucking job." Gem growled.
"Gem needs to be more than just a mate or mother, she is her own person. He needs to start seeing that." Kate stood now. "Lucas Donald needs to pull his head out of his bum and see how amazing Gem is. See that she could do anything she set her heart or mind on."
"Oh, oh." Gem whispered as the door flew open.
"You have something to say to me Katie-girl?" Luc stomped into the living area.
"Oh Katie, it seems you left your walls unguarded when you lost your temper. Luckily it appears you only communicated with the object of your anger." Luna winced as Kate and Luc stood facing off against each other.
"Me? I have nothing to say to you. Your mate however needs to start sharing herself with you, and letting you know who she is, and what she needs. You need to start fucking seeing more than your 'Pet' Lucas."
"Gem is going to be my WIFE. I see her." He stepped closer, his wolf rising slightly.
"Get your wolf under control Lucas." Luna warned. "I don't want Thorn and Aaron both rushing in here."
"Yes Luna." Luc struggled briefly and they watched him subdue his wolf before continuing. "Gem what did Kate mean? What have you hidden from me?"
Gem however just moved backwards and looked at the ground, which had Luc ready to push for a response, but Luna held up her hand, and silently ordered him to wait.
"Do you have your phone on you?" Lucas removed it from his pocket and extended it towards her. "Go to your search engine," Luna paused and then asked Gem, "Gem? Please?"
"Gem's Goodies." Gem barely spoke loud enough to be heard but Lucas typed it in as soon as she did.
"The correct website should come up but make sure you click on the one that's not pornographic." Luna warned with a small smile. "Caught me out once."
"Porn? My Gem wouldn't have a porn..."
"Believe me that Gem is not our Gem, and there is nothing good about her goodies."
"Stop talking and hurry up, Gem is still freaking out." Kate growled quietly.
Luc suddenly realised his mate had moved to a chair and was looking pale. "You don't want me to look?"
"I, um, I..."
"She's worried you won't think what she does is good, well good enough, but it's awesome and her business is growing every month. She should be proud of what she can do, not constantly doubting her abilities." Kate went over to Gem. "I'm sorry for losing my temper I just want him to know how talented you are, and then he can convince you when the rest of us have failed."
"Liar. That isn't why you want me to know." Lucas was scrolling through the website.
"And I know you let me see on purpose so stop playing games."