Infinite Temptations

MHM

Theo's POV:

I followed behind Mason as he led the way outside to the birthday party. I really hadn't taken a huge roll outside of my office for the past couple of months so my presence drew everyone's attention. I tensed up a bit as my entire pack took me in. I've been pretty horrible these past two months so the wary looks were well deserved but it also kinda sucked. Mason noticed me slowing down and stopped. Waiting for me. He held his hand out to me as I got closer and I took it.

"We're good." He smiled down at me.

I swallowed and nodded. I kept my head ducked a bit. I think it was pretty obvious I had also been crying and I wanted to go back inside. Instead I let Mason keep his hold on me and followed him over to the table where my family was. I gave small smiles and nodded at everyone in greeting who greeted me as we passed. Mason took a seat before gently pulling me into place on his lap. I let out a small hiss as my ass hit his lap and he smirked up at me.

"Shut up." I rolled my eyes.

"Didn't say anything."

"Your face did."

His arm wrapped around me and he settled his hand against my stomach again. "I love you."

I let him pull me into him, quickly moving my arm to rest against the back of the chair instead of his chest and stomach. "I... Guess I love you, too."

He chuckled.

"Hey, Theo."

I turned my head. "Hey, Pen. Happy birthday."

"Thanks." She smiled at me.

"I uh... I didn't get a chance to go get you anything... But I have some cash?"

"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to see you. It's good to see you."

I watched as tears filled her eyes and glanced around the table, noticing that all the girls had tears stinging their eyes. I groaned.

"Stop. If everyone starts crying, I'm gonna start crying again and it's not gonna be fun. If I start crying again I may not be able to stop."

"Sorry." She sniffed. "I'm just glad you're okay."

I sighed and pushed myself up with the help of Mason. "Jeeze, Penny." I walked over to her and pulled her into me.

"I'm sorry. I just... when I heard that you were missing and then what happened, I was so scared and felt so bad. I also know how hard you've had it these past few months. So I'm sorry but I'm so glad you're okay." Her voice got all high pitched and squeaky like it always does when she cries.

I sighed and rubbed her back. "I'm okay. I'm getting there."

Paisley and Laelynn came over to join us and I teared up as they all hugged me. I sniffed and swiped at my eye. "I'm pregnant... you guys need to stop crying. I'm an overflowing bundle of hormones already."

They all pulled back laughing and wiping their own faces. They went to return to their seats and I grabbed Laelynn's wrist.

"Hey, Lynn?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry I made you cry. I like your haircut and I think you look beautiful. I was just being mean."

"I know. It's okay. Thank you."

"I..." I cleared my throat. "I love you. I hope you always know that."

"I do. I love you, too, big brother."

I went to ruffle her hair. And she dodged me, grabbing my wrist.