The morning sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Pack’s home, warming the polished stone floors. Mira had grown accustomed to the rhythm of her days—leading alongside Kaelan, honing her abilities, and embracing the life growing within her. She was three months into her pregnancy, and though her movements were still agile, the weight of responsibility pressed on her in new ways.
Kaelan watched her from the foot of the grand staircase. “You can’t keep running around like this,” he called out as she descended, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “The whole Pack will riot if their Alpha Queen trips and hurts herself.”
Mira raised a brow, the corners of her mouth curling in amusement. “I think you worry too much.”
He stepped forward, offering his hand as she reached the last step. “I think you underestimate how much you mean to all of us,” he countered, squeezing her fingers gently.
Mira gave his hand a playful tug, pulling him toward the hall. “Let’s see if you can still keep up with me.”
The challenge lit a spark in Kaelan’s eyes. He followed her lead, the two of them moving quickly, their laughter echoing through the halls. Mira’s steps were light, her hair streaming behind her as she turned sharply, narrowly dodging Kaelan’s outstretched arms.
But her momentum faltered, and in an instant, her foot caught on the edge of the carpet. Her body tilted, and she instinctively reached out to steady herself. Kaelan lunged forward, catching her just before she hit the ground. His arms encircled her protectively as her breath hitched.
“Mira!” His voice was sharper than he intended, the edge of fear cutting through it. “Are you hurt?”
Mira rested her hand on his chest, trying to calm him. “I’m fine. Just a stumble.”
But Kaelan wasn’t satisfied. “You’re going to the hospital,” he said firmly.
Mira opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced her. He swept her into his arms, ignoring her half-hearted objections. As he carried her, Mira studied his face—the taut line of his jaw, the way his brows furrowed with concern. She wanted to tell him he was being overbearing, but she couldn’t ignore the warmth spreading through her chest at his care.
***
At the hospital, the doctor welcomed them into the examination room, his demeanor calm and reassuring. Mira sat on the bed, her legs swinging idly as Kaelan paced behind her, his boots clicking softly against the tiled floor.
“Kaelan, stop pacing,” Mira said, unable to hide her amusement. “You’re making me nervous.”
Before Kaelan could respond, the doctor returned, holding a clipboard. “Luna Mira,” he began, adjusting his glasses, “everything looks perfectly normal.”
Kaelan exhaled audibly, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Thank you,” he said, his voice a mixture of relief and gratitude.
“There is one additional detail,” the doctor continued, glancing between them. “It’s not a concern—more of a discovery.”
Kaelan’s pacing ceased, and he stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “What kind of discovery?”
The doctor chuckled softly. “Nothing to worry about, Alpha. The Luna is expecting twins.”