Chapter 678
Judy's POV
The silence stretched on for what felt like hours, though I knew it had only been seconds. I couldn't tell from their shocked expressions what they could be thinking, but I knew what I was thinking. I glared at Gavin, furious that he would just blurt it out like that. We hadn't even gotten our drinks yet.
I thought maybe we'd warm up into it, small talk first. But nope... he decided to just blurt it out like it meant nothing... just meaningless words.
He didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it because he frowned at me before looking back at Irene and Matt, who were still gawking at us like we just grew a new head each.noveldrama
"Judy and I are expecting a baby," he said again, glancing between the two of them. "We are counting on the two of you to be grown about this and help out as much as you can."
"Wait, you're serious?" Irene asked, her brows raised so high that they practically disappeared into her hairline. "You're having a baby? Like an actual baby?"
"I'm going to be a big brother?" Matthew asked, his eyes wide as he stared at me in disbelief.
"You're having a baby... together?" Irene asked, glancing between the two of us. These were too wildly different responses, neither of them looked pleased... and yet, they also didn't look displeased either. Just confused, maybe.
"That's right," Gavin said without a second thought. "I know this feels sudden..." "How many months?" Irene asked, stopping his words.
“3,” Gavin replied. "Next month, she'll have the typical signs of pregnancy, and she won't be able to shift. She'll need extra care and..."
"I don't need extra care or protection," I said sharply, still glaring at him and his audacity. "I am more than capable of caring and protecting myself, even if I can't shift. Might I remind you?" I folded my arms across my chest, peeking up at him through my lashes.
He stared at me, his eyes narrowed.
"It's my duty to protect the mother of my child," he said, just as defiantly.
"Are you forgetting what I am capable of?" I asked him, raising my own brows. I dared him to challenge me; I mean, he was a Lycan, and he could definitely beat me in a fight, but he knew I was a damn good fighter.
Before he could open his mouth to reply, Irene interrupted us.
"So, are you two together or what?" She asked, staring between the two of us. "Like romantically?"
"Yes," Gavin replied. "Which is another reason we wanted to talk to you about."
Irene's eyes grew wide as she looked at Matt. He grinned and mouthed, "I told you so."
"Are you going to ask our permission to date?" Irene asked, glancing back at her father.
Just then, the
the waiter returned
without drinks. He placed our glasses in front of us, and without hesitation, Irene took a generous sip of her martini. My stomach was in knots, and I wished I could have a little liquid courage.
"May I get you some food as well?" Carton asked, glancing at Gavin.
"Yes," he said. "I'll have the ribeye with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, no
butter on those veggies, and some extra pepper."
"Right away," he said, writing that down. He glanced at Irene. "And for you, madam?"
"A cobb salad with no dressing," she ordered, handing him her menu.
'Yes, ma'am," Carlton said before looking at Matt.
"A cheeseburger, cooked rare, and a side of fries extra crispy and extra salty," Matt said confidently.
Carton nodded as he too wrote that down, and then he looked at me.
I hadn't really had a chance to look at the menu, but while they all ordered, I
quickly glanced through the pages. They had so many options, and my head and stomach were a mess.
"I'll have the fish tacos," I told him. "With a side salad."
"Splendid choice," he replied, writing that down and taking our menu. "Is there anything else I can get for you?" He turned to Gavin as he asked that last part. "Can you put in an order of fried clam bellies?" He asked. “As a starter." "Of course," Carlton replied.
With that, he sauntered away to fetch our orders, although I wasn't sure if I could eat right now.
After Carton left, there was a long silence stretching between us, practically consuming me until I couldn't breathe. let out a breath. when felt Gavin's hand resting casually on my leg, giving it agentle and reassuring squeeze. I felt myself relaxing, or he didn't look worried, which reassured me even more.
"We aren't exactly asking permission Gavin said, turning to face Irene. "We wanted you to know the facts before you heard it elsewhere. We will be announcing it at the party tonight, and I didn't want you to find out that way. You are both very important to me... the most important people in my life... but now Judy is also a part of that importance, and I hope you will still treat her with respect. You don't need to think of her as your mother, but she will soon be the Luna of this pack and ruling by my side."