Chapter 5: The Revelation

I returned to the bedroom, in need of something clean. That need got the better of my hesitation. I entered into the bathroom and washed my face. After drying it, I went back into the bedroom, my eyes scanning the large walk-in closet.

Slowly, I went toward it. Opening the upper drawer of Rick's dresser, I discovered one of his oversized white T-shirts. As soon as I was holding it, his smell overwhelmed me, piney earthiness combined with something peculiarly his. It was seductive and yummy.

Without losing another second, I put it on. The material relaxed loosely over me, almost swallowing my body. The shirt only went up to my knees, and I did not even bother to search for anything else. I knotted my hair into a high bun and was getting ready to exit the room when there was a gentle knock at the door.

Before I could answer, it opened. The omega, Lily, came in with a tray of food, and Rick was behind her.

"I brought food up," Rick stated, his voice even. "I didn't think you'd want to come down to the dining table."

"Thank you," I whispered, feeling both thankful and embarrassed. "I'm sorry for opening your closet. I just… I needed something clean to wear."

Rick's eyes warmed, and he gave a small smile. "It's all right. You suit my T-shirt. I'll get you some clothes afterward."

He set the tray of food aside on Lily and sent her away with a nod. She bowed respectfully and departed the room. Rick went to the bed, put one of the trays down, and extended the other one to me.

"Have some soup, here," he told me, his voice soft.

I hesitated, looking at the tray. Could I believe him? What if he poisoned me? My thoughts swirled with suspicions, but before I could brood over them any longer, my stomach let out a loud rumble, exposing its hunger.

Rick laughed, and the sound was unexpectedly warm, and I found myself looking at him. Mortified, I glanced away quickly, self-conscious about how drawn to him I was.

"Eat, Bella," he coaxed softly, his voice persuasive.

Even my wolf, Mira, prodded me toward food, her presence in me being oddly demanding. I picked up the spoon with a soft sigh and took a sip of the soup.

The flavor burst in my mouth, rich and savory, more intense than I had expected. Surprised, I took another spoonful, then another. But suddenly, my stomach rebelled.

Alarmed, I dropped the spoon and clasped both hands over my mouth as nausea surged through me. I rushed to the bathroom just in time to empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet.

Leaning over the porcelain bowl, gasping and shaking, I attempted to make sense of what had occurred. Then, a voice in my head, Mira's voice, clear and sure.

"Bella, you're pregnant."

I gazed at the bathroom tiles, still in shock from what my wolf had just informed me. Pregnant. The word repeated itself in my head, and shock ran through me. How could this be?

Before I could fully process it, a voice broke through my daze. “Are you okay? ”

I almost jumped out of my skin. Rick was standing at the bathroom door, his expression unreadable.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled, nodding quickly.

Rick’s eyes narrowed, and then he growled low, a dangerous sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “It must be the food,” he muttered, his tone sharp with anger.

I could see it on his face, the anger rising, the protective instincts bubbling just below the surface. He was already leaping to conclusions, assuming I had been poisoned. I knew better, but before I could call him off, he spun as if about to charge out of the room to attack the servants.

"Rick, stop!" I said hastily, my tone sharp despite the residual sickness.

He stiffened, his eyes flicking back to mine. Uncertainty shrouded his chiseled features. "Then what was it?" he growled, frustration and worry creeping into his tone.

I faltered, my heart racing. This was it; the truth would alter everything, and I wasn't certain how he would take it. But I couldn't keep it from him anymore.

Taking a breath, I went and took hold of his hand, holding him firm. He was warm under my touch, anchoring me as I fumbled for words. At last, I fixed him with my gaze and blurted out, "I only vomited because I'm pregnant."