Oops… I Went Into Heat and My Alpha Daddies Claimed Me

KEISHA’S POV

The look on her face made it clear she hadn’t expected those words.

Perhaps I hadn’t expected to say them either.

It had never been my intention to deceive anyone, least of all the person I considered my closest friend. Whether I had meant to hurt her or not, she had still been hurt.

"I really am sorry," I said quietly, unable to look away from her. "There were so many times I wanted to tell you everything, but every time I tried, it felt like another reason not to. None of it was because I wanted to lie to you. I just... I didn’t know how to tell you without breaking your heart."

Nadia remained silent for a moment, absently stirring the tea she had prepared before setting the spoon aside. "I know," she replied at last, her voice calm. "And that’s why I stopped being angry."

I blinked and she smiled faintly. "I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt. It did. For a while, I couldn’t even bring myself to look at either of you without remembering everything that had happened. I kept wondering why nobody trusted me enough to tell me the truth, but I guess I understand why you hid it from me. I mean... Look how I acted when I found out." She smiled softly. "I’ve already forgiven you, Keisha."

Oh.

I gave her a weak smile, my heart feeling lighter as the conversation shifted to other stuff.

"You know," Nadia said with a soft laugh, "Father smiles a lot more now."

I couldn’t help smiling too. "I’ve noticed."

"It almost feels strange." She rested her elbows lightly against the counter. "After Mum died..." Her voice softened. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen him genuinely happy for this long."

My heart tightened.

Although I had never known Callum’s late mate personally, I had heard enough stories to understand how deeply her death had changed him. Everyone described him as a capable Alpha, but very few spoke about the man he had once been before grief hollowed him out.

"I’m glad he’s smiling again," I admitted quietly.

"So am I." She nodded.

Neither of us said anything else just as footsteps approaching from the hallway broke the silence.

Vera entered the kitchen looking as cheerful as ever, wishing both of us good morning before immediately asking whether we’d slept well. Moments later, Becca emerged carrying several plates balanced effortlessly in her arms, shaking her head in amusement after finding us already gathered around the counter.

"I knew I’d find everyone here before breakfast was ready," she muttered affectionately. "Now come and sit before everything gets cold."

Vera clapped her hands together. "Okay, guys. Let’s get some food before we start the day."

We gathered at the dining table, eating and talking about random stuff and I was grateful for the fact that all three of us could just talk without any tension.

"I miss work." The words slipped out before I realised I’d spoken them.

Nadia looked up in surprise. "You actually miss those endless reports?"

"I miss doing something." I laughed quietly. "Ever since Dane stopped me from returning, every day has started feeling the same. I wake up, eat, worry about everyone, walk around the mansion and somehow end up worrying even more."

Nadia bummed. "I mean... I’m annoyed my one week leave is coming to an end, but I suppose being confined would get boring."

"It already has." I admitted.

Vera, who had been buttering a slice of bread, looked between us before setting the knife down. "Well then." There was a familiar sparkle in her eyes. "I know exactly how to solve that problem."

Both Nadia and I looked at her.

"We’re going shopping." She announced.

Nadia blinked. "Today?"

"Why wait until tomorrow?" Vera smiled brightly. "The birthday is getting closer, and I still need both of you to choose dresses. We might as well make a proper day out of it."

I exchanged a glance with Nadia because neither of us had expected the suggestion. But neither of us disliked it either.

So an hour later we were leaving the mansion together. The shopping district was considerably livelier than I remembered. It had been weeks since I had stepped into such a chaotic environment, and although several guards accompanied us from a respectful distance, I found myself relaxing more with every passing minute.

The boutique Vera chose was at the corner of a quiet street, its display windows filled with elegant gowns in every imaginable colour.

The moment we stepped inside, she transformed completely into a seasoned stylist.

It was alnkstvimpossible not to smile while watching her.

She fussed over every tiny detail with the enthusiasm of someone preparing for her own daughter’s celebration, and by the time we finally settled on dresses we all loved, several hours had disappeared without any of us noticing.

Walking back outside carrying our purchases, I realised something — I felt much better.

"We deserved that," Nadia declared happily as we stepped onto the pavement.

"I’ll admit," I said, adjusting the shopping bag in my hand, "I haven’t enjoyed myself like that in a long time."

"I told you it would help." Vera looked immensely pleased with herself. "I wasn’t wrong."

We began walking toward the waiting car parked farther down the street when Vera suddenly slowed. "Oh."

She turned slightly, pointing toward an open field visible beyond a line of trees. "I almost forgot."

Following her gaze, I noticed a wide riding ground surrounded by wooden fencing. Several horses grazed peacefully beyond the enclosure while riders guided others through leisurely laps beneath the afternoon sun.

"There’s a riding field here," Vera said. "Why don’t we spend a little more time before going home?"

Nadia’s eyes brightened immediately. "I haven’t ridden in months." She squealed.

Neither had I.

The suggestion sounded surprisingly appealing.

We wandered over together, where one of the attendants greeted us warmly before leading us through the stable.

Only then did Nadia hesitate, and she glanced toward me before lowering her voice. "Should Keisha really be riding?"

Vera looked over curiously. "Why not?"

"Because she’s pregnant." Concern was written plainly across Nadia’s face. "What if something happens?"

I froze. Oh. That was true.

Vera smiled reassuringly. "Pregnant women ride horses all the time, provided they’re careful and everything is done properly. We’re not entering a competition. It’ll only be a gentle ride."

I nodded in agreement. "I’ll be careful."

Nadia still looked uncertain, but after a little reassurance from both of us, she finally relented.

The attendants prepared three horses, matching each to its rider before helping us mount.

Vera chose to remain near the fence, claiming she’d had enough riding for one day and would rather watch us enjoy ourselves.

Nadia laughed as she adjusted the reins. "First one around the track wins."

I gripped the reins. "You sound very confident."

"I should, I know I’ll win."

I smiled. "We’ll see."

With a light nudge, our horses eased into motion.

A cool breeze swept across the open field as our horses settled into a comfortable rhythm, their hooves striking the earth with every step forward.

I took a deep breath, smiling to myself. This was peaceful.

Suddenly, the horse stumbled slightly and I gripped the rein tighter even as it increased its pace.

There was something wrong.

There was a slight unevenness in the horse’s stride.

I frowned instinctively. The animal tossed its head once before continuing forward, but this time I felt it more clearly.

The gait wasn’t smooth anymore because one leg wasn’t bearing weight properly.

My fingers tightened around the reins as the realization settled over me.

This horse...It was injured.

Oh shit.

I pulled frantically at the reins, but it only irritated it even further and the horse switched into a gallop, the pace increasing as we barrelled down the field.

Shouts echoed behind me, and I tried in vain to stop the horse, but it wouldn’t stop.

And I knew it would collapse anytime soon.

Oh shit. I needed to find a way off immediately.