My Hockey Alpha Stepbrother’s Secret Triplet

4

Amelia POV

Three weeks had passed since the wedding, and everything felt off. I woke up that morning with a nagging worry in the pit of my stomach.

My period was late. It had never been late before. Not like this. I stared at the calendar on my phone, counting the days again. Five days overdue. Panic crept in, mixing with memories of that night in the garden. Chase’s hands on me, the moonlight, the way it all felt so right until it wasn’t.

I couldn’t ignore it. I threw on a hoodie and jeans, grabbed my purse, and headed out. The city streets were busy, people rushing to work or shops. I walked fast to the nearest pharmacy, my mind racing. What if I was pregnant? With Chase’s child. My stepbrother’s. The thought made my chest tighten. We were werewolves, bound by that mate pull, but society didn’t care about that. It would be a scandal.

Inside the store, I scanned the aisles until I found the pregnancy tests. I picked one up, my hands shaky as I paid. The cashier didn’t even look at me twice. As I left, a prickling sensation hit the back of my neck. Like eyes on me. I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the crowd.

A woman in sunglasses ducked into a coffee shop. Was she following me? I shook my head. Probably paranoia. The full moon’s effects had lingered, making me jumpy.

Back in my small apartment—Mom had moved into the Hudson estate after the wedding, leaving me here alone—I locked the door and went straight to the bathroom. My heart pounded as I followed the instructions. Pee on the stick. Wait three minutes.

Those minutes dragged like hours. I paced the tiny space, biting my nails. Images flashed: Chase’s gray eyes in the moonlight, his body pressing into mine, tender at first, then urgent. The way he filled me, the bond snapping into place. And then his words: “This was a mistake.”

The timer beeped. I grabbed the test. Two clear lines. Positive. My hands trembled so hard I almost dropped it. Pregnant. I sank onto the edge of the tub, staring at the result. Tears blurred my vision. Part of me thrilled at the idea—a piece of him, of us. But fear drowned it out. Chase had avoided me since that night. No calls, no visits. When I saw him at family dinners, he barely looked my way. Cold, distant. Like I was nothing.

I had to tell him. He deserved to know. But what if he rejected me again? Called it another mistake? My wolf whined inside, the bond aching for him. I wiped my eyes and stood. The annual Hudson charity gala was in two days. Markus hosted it every year, a big event for the elite. Chase would be there. I could corner him then.

The days blurred into nerves. I barely ate, my stomach in knots. Mom called once, gushing about her new life, but I kept it short. She didn’t need to know yet. No one did.

The night of the gala arrived. I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the simple long dress I had borrowed from a friend. It was black, floor-length, with a modest neckline. Nothing flashy. I felt plain next to what the other guests would wear—designer gowns, jewels. But it was all I had. My hair fell in loose waves, and I added a touch of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes.

Markus had sent a car for me. “Family should arrive together,” his note said. I climbed in, the leather seats cool against my skin. The drive to the venue—a grand ballroom in the heart of City Y—felt too short. My palms sweated. What would I say to Chase? “I’m pregnant with your child”? The words stuck in my throat.

The ballroom buzzed with glamour. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, tables draped in white linen, fresh flowers everywhere. Guests mingled in tuxedos and glittering dresses, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. I spotted Markus right away, shaking hands with donors. He looked sharp in his suit, his smile warm when he saw me.

“Amelia! Glad you made it.” He hugged me gently. “You look lovely.”

“Thanks,” I said, my voice small. “It’s beautiful here.”

He nodded. “Go enjoy. Mingle a bit.” He got pulled into another conversation, leaving me alone.

I scanned the room for Chase. There he was, by the bar, tall and commanding in his tux. Samantha hung on his arm, her red gown hugging her figure, diamonds at her neck. She looked every bit the fiancée—poised, beautiful. Jealousy twisted in me, but I pushed it down. I had to talk to him.

I weaved through the crowd, my heart hammering. As I approached, Chase’s eyes flicked to me. For a second, something flashed—regret? Desire? But then his face hardened. He turned away, saying something to Samantha.

“Chase,” I said, reaching them. “Can we talk?”

He sipped his drink, not meeting my eyes. “Not now, Amelia. It’s a busy night.”

Samantha smirked, her gaze sharp. “Yes, dear. Chase has important people to speak with.” She leaned in closer to him, marking her territory.

I swallowed. “It’s important. Please.”

He sighed, still avoiding me. “Later. Maybe.”

That wasn’t enough. I needed privacy. The pregnancy burned in my mind, a secret too big to hold. “Chase, I need to tell you something. Alone.”

Samantha’s eyes narrowed. She pulled me aside slightly, her voice low and venomous. “Listen, Amelia. You’ve been pestering him enough. This is your last warning. You won’t have another chance to throw yourself at my fiancé.”

Her words stung, but I stood my ground. “This isn’t about that. It’s serious.”

She laughed softly, fake. “Sure it is. Stay away.”

I ignored her and turned back to Chase. “Please. After the gala? Come find me.”

He hesitated, glancing at Samantha’s displeased face. The room felt hotter, the mate bond pulling at me, making my skin tingle. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. After. But make it quick.”

Relief washed over me. “Thank you.”

I backed away, finding a quiet corner to breathe. The evening dragged—speeches about the charity, auctions for fancy items. I bid on nothing, just watched. My mind replayed the test, the two lines. What would he say? Would he accept it? Us?

Just as the main event wound down, the microphone crackled. Samantha’s voice echoed through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have something important about Amelia Clark to announce…”