Summer’s POV
After Alexander left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Despite his reassurance that it was nothing I needed to worry about, experience had taught me that pack
business could turn dangerous in an instant.
I showered quickly and dressed in comfortable jeans and a soft sweater, my mind still preoccupied with what might have pulled Alexander away so abruptly.
I was pulling my hair into a loose ponytail when a knock sounded at the bedroom door.
“Come in,” I called, expecting perhaps Ethan with more information.
Instead, Lyra’s head poked around the door, her smile bright. “Hey there, sister–to–be! Are you busy today?
“1
“Not particularly,” I replied, studying her face. She looked cheerful enough, but I wondered if she knew
what was going on. “Do you know where Alexander rushed off to? He got a mind–link from Ethan and
suddenly had to leave.”
Lyra waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, that. Just some boring territorial dispute with the Northern Lakes
Pack. Nothing serious.”
I raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “Are you sure? He seemed tense.”
“My brother is always tense about something,” she laughed, then placed both hands on her slightly rounded belly. “Speaking of tense, I have my prenatal appointment today, and I was hoping you might come with me? Ethan had to go with Alexander, and I really don’t want to go alone.”
My concerns temporarily set aside, I smiled at her. “Of course I’ll come with you. How are you feeling?”
“Like a bloated wolf during full moon,” she groaned dramatically. “My ankles are swelling, my back hurts, and I swear this little pup is practicing somersaults in there.” Despite her complaints, her eyes shone with unmistakable joy.
“The miracle of life,” I teased, grabbing my purse.
“Easy for you to say–you’re not the one with morning sickness that lasts all day,” she retorted, linking her arm with mine as we headed out.
We took Lyra’s SUV to the pack’s medical center.
As we sat in the waiting room, I couldn’t help asking again, “Are you sure there’s nothing serious going on with the pack today? Alexander seemed… off.”
604
Chapter 129
Lyra gave me a curious look. “You really worry about him, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. He’s my mate.”
+15 BONUS
She smiled softly. “It’s nice to see. For years, we all worried he’d never find someone who truly cared for him rather than his position.” She patted my hand. “But honestly, Summer, it’s nothing major. Just Alpha posturing. You know how these men get about their territories.”
Before I could press further, a nurse called Lyra’s name.
The appointment went smoothly. The doctor–a kindly older she–wolf with graying hair and gentle hands -performed an ultrasound, showing us the tiny form of Lyra’s pup. The sound of the heartbeat filled the room, strong and steady.
“Everything looks perfect,” the doctor announced. “Your pup is developing right on schedule, and your wolf is supporting the pregnancy beautifully.”
Lyra squeezed my hand so hard I thought she might break it, her eyes wet with tears as she stared at the monitor. “Look at my baby,” she whispered. “Can you believe it?”
I felt my own eyes growing misty. Watching this new life, seeing the joy on Lyra’s face–it was a bittersweet reminder of everything I’d lost with Felix.
A hollow ache formed in my chest, threatening to steal my breath.
*summer,I feel your sorrow,talk to me, love. Don’t carry it alone.*Aurora’s voice brushed into my thoughts like a warm blanket, soft and familiar.
I swallowed hard, fighting the burn behind my eyes. Even after all this time, even after everything, the wound still hadn’t healed.
*He would have loved being a cousin,* I whispered. *Our Felix would have been so gentle with this little
one.*
*I know.But we still have each other,*Aurora said, her tone tender but steady. *And now we have Alexander. Perhaps someday…*
Something warm stirred in me, slow but certain.
*One day we will hear our own pup’s heartbeat again. When we’re ready.*
I drew in a slow breath, letting Aurora’s words settle in my chest, then turned to Lyra with a faint smile.
