"Selena, Kylie! You know what this means, right?" Milli said it with a very serious expression.
Both Selena and Kylie were excited about becoming mums soon, and they had just finished a round of light workouts. They exchanged amused glances.
"What does it mean, Milli?" Selena asked.
Milli's eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied, "It means two baby showers! Double the fun!"
Anna and Maya, who were there, joined in the fun.
"Count us in for the baby showers!" Anna exclaimed with a grin. Maya nodded in agreement, adding, "We'll make sure it's a memorable celebration for both Selena and Kylie." The group erupted into laughter, already brainstorming ideas for the upcoming festivities.
Selena stood up and put up her hands to calm everyone down. "Thank you all! We are so happy to have your help and excitement. But I need to tell you it also means work for the pack."
Kylie nodded in agreement; her eyes filled with affection for her pack mates. "Selena's right. We'll be busy with the babies, and that means the pack will have to adjust without Luna and her Beta. That's me." She pointed at herself proudly.
"But don't worry, we have a plan in place to ensure everything runs smoothly while we're occupied. We'll delegate tasks." Kylie was assured; her voice was filled with confidence.
Anna and Maya nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their determination. "Of course. We'll be there to support you, and we can manage things while you take care of the little ones."
Selena's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at her friends. "Thank you. We're lucky to have such a supportive pack."
The gym was filled with a chorus of agreements and promises. The pack members couldn't wait to welcome the new arrivals and were more than willing to pitch in and make sure everything ran smoothly in the absence of Luna.
***************************************
A few weeks later. The warm, golden light of the setting sun lit up Selena and Cayden's house as they had a party for their closest friends. It was a chance for them to chill and share stories while making memories.
Kylie's brothers were having a volleyball match with the girls in the swimming pool.
"Wish I could join them." Kylie grumbled as she watched them from the terrace.
Selena laughed. "Even though we are wolves, we must be careful during the initial months."
Kylie smiled and cradled her still-flat belly. She couldn't believe she was carrying Max's baby.
"Hey, when is your due date?" She asked Selena.
"July, when is yours?" Selena asked.
"April, I am three months ahead of you." She chuckled.
"Maybe our babies would grow up as best friends?" Kylie said.
Selena nodded with a smile. "That would be wonderful. They could run and play together, just like Cayden and Max did," Selena added.
Kylie giggled.
"Where's Jennifer tonight? Is she late?" Kylie asked.
Selena chuckled, her eyes dancing with mischief. "She is on a date with Dr. Colin."
"Again?" Kylie raised an eyebrow playfully. "Those two seem to hit it off well."
"Yeah, I am glad Mum is finally moving on." Selena added.
"You never know, you might get a younger brother or sister soon." Kylie grinned; her voice filled with excitement.
"That would be interesting! I wouldn't mind having a sibling," Selena replied, laughing. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I am just happy for my mom."
While the girls discussed their pregnancies, Cayden and Max were talking about pack politics.
"You know, it's quite remarkable. The pack has been enjoying a period of peace and stability that we haven't seen in a long time." Max mumbled, sipping his scotch.
Cayden agreed with a nod. "That's correct. It's all owing to Thalia and Ruben, who have been in charge of the werewolf council. They've done an excellent job, which has contributed to the peace we're experiencing."
Max raised an eyebrow, his eyes flickering with curiosity. "But how long do you think this peace will last? We all know that power dynamics can shift quickly in the supernatural world."
"As long as we keep trying, there will be peace, Max." Cayden replied confidently, his voice filled with determination. "We have to do this for our next generation."
Cayden said so quietly as he watched his daughter play along with others near the pool.
"I want them to grow up in a world where they don't have to live in fear."
Cayden's gaze shifted back to Max; his expression was unwavering. "We can't predict the future, but we can work towards lasting peace, one step at a time."
Max nodded, understanding the weight of Cayden's words. Max's expression turned more serious as he looked at Cayden. "You know, Cayden, I'm feeling nervous about becoming a father. It's an enormous responsibility, and I'm not sure how I'll manage."
Cayden chuckled and clapped Max on the back. "Welcome to parenthood, Max! It's a wild ride, but it's worth every moment. You'll learn as you go, and the pack will be there to help you every step of the way."
Max grinned as he took solace in his friend's words. "I appreciate that, Cayden. I just want to make sure I'm the best father I can be."
Cayden leant in; his eyes filled with warmth. "You will be, Max. Just remember to cherish the moments, be there for your child, and lean on your pack when you need support. You've got this."
The two friends raised their glasses and clinked them together, sharing a moment of camaraderie and laughter amidst the party.
***************************************
After a hearty dinner and a lot of wine, everyone was in good spirits, and slowly the party dispersed. The girls sat drinking and giggling for a while when Selena and Kylie found them.
"I love red wine, don't you?" Maya slurred.
Anna grinned, taking the glass. "It always makes me feel warm and cuddly."
"Come on, girls, it's time to go back home." Kylie said.
"Kylie!!!! my sister-in-law. Wanna have some wine?" Anna grinned at her.
Shaking her head, Kylie smiled. "No, I am pregnant."
"Well, I guess that means more wine for us then!" Maya chimed in, raising her glass.
Tilting her head and feeling completely relaxed, Anna nodded. "If you insist."
"I do," she said firmly. "Drink up, girl; we are the only single old maids left in this pack. Everyone else is pregnant."
"I am not pregnant!" Milli chimed in. She had a few glasses too, but she wasn't as wasted as the other two.
Anna and Kylie exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter.
"You will be knocked up before you know it," Anna teased, causing Kylie and Selena to join in the laughter.
Milli blushed. "Ummm, I think Sam is looking for me. I better go find him before he worries." She quickly excused herself and stumbled toward Sam, hoping to avoid any further teasing about her future pregnancy.
They both sat there, giggling like schoolgirls. Selena and Kylie exchanged amusing glances.
It was growing late when Max peeked outside to see them both grinning stupidly, sloppy drunk, with two empty bottles of wine besides them.
"Wow, what's gotten into you two?"
"Wine!" Maya chirped.
"We were just celebrating our singlehood," Anna slurred, hiccupping. "And having a good time together."
Max ran his hand through his head in frustration while Selena and Kylie laughed.
"Enough, both of you. Come on, it's bedtime now."
"Sorry about them, Selena. I am taking them home."
Selena smiled at Max. "No need to apologise."
The drunk girls were hauled off into Max's SUV, and finally the last of the guests left.
Cayden wrapped his arms around Selena's waist as they waved goodbye to their friends. The party had concluded, leaving everybody satisfied and with a pleasant, buzzing feeling in their hearts.
With a smile, Cayden turned to Selena, his eyes filled with affection. "I've put Kristine to bed. Would you like some hot chocolate before we turn in?"
Selena's eyes twinkled with gratitude and love as she replied, "That sounds perfect, Cayden. You know I've been craving your cooking during this pregnancy."
Cayden chuckled and gently touched Selena's belly. "Well, it seems our little one has excellent taste."
Selena couldn't help but giggle, her heart bursting with joy. "This time, Cayden, it's a boy. I can sense it."
Cayden's face softened as he moved in for a light kiss on Selena's brow. "I feel it as well, my love. A son to complete our family."
Selena couldn't help but ask, "What do you think we should name him?" as they made their way to the kitchen.
Cayden paused for a while, his eyes twinkling with love for his expanding family. "I've been thinking about it, and I've come up with a name. How do you like the name 'Felix'?"
Selena grinned, her heart bursting with affection for her mate. "Felix? That's a beautiful name. I think it suits our son perfectly."
Cayden nodded in agreement. "I'm glad you approve of it, Selena. Our little Felix will be a strong and brave alpha."
"Just like you." Selena kissed Cayden's cheek playfully.
"Thanks, and I love you." Cayden whispered to her.
Selena smiled; her eyes filled with love. "I love you too, Cayden. Forever and always."
The couple leant in for a gentle kiss, cherishing the warmth and comfort they found in each other's arms.