The day before the Lunar Festival, the entire pack house was buzzing with excitement and activity. Rosalie and Alex were in the midst of final preparations, ensuring everything was perfect for their guests.
Rosalie smoothed down her dress, taking a deep breath. She glanced at Alex, who was adjusting his tie. “Ready?” he asked, giving her a reassuring smile.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied, managing a smile despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach. This was their first major event as Luna, and she wanted everything to go smoothly.
They walked to the main hall together, greeting guests as they arrived. Soon, a striking couple caught Rosalie’s eye. Alpha Sabastian and his mate Florantine Anderson were arriving, and they were indeed a sight to behold. Sabastian, tall and imposing, exuded a quiet strength, while Florantine’s graceful presence and warm smile lit up the room. Florentine was every bit as beautiful as her daughter, Grace. It was easy to deduce where Grace got her gorgeous blue eyes and her incredibly beautiful features. Why wouldn't Chris be content with her?
Despite their welcoming demeanour, Rosalie felt a pang of awkwardness. Grace’s marriage troubles were well-known, and Rosalie couldn’t help but feel partially responsible.
As they approached, Florantine’s smile widened. “Rosalie, it’s so lovely to see you,” she said warmly, enveloping Rosalie in a hug.
Rosalie returned the hug, albeit a bit stiffly. “Florantine, Sabastian, welcome. We’re so glad you could make it.”
Sabastian nodded politely, but it was Florantine who continued the conversation, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. “I’ve heard such wonderful things about you. And congratulations! When is your baby due?”
Rosalie’s hand instinctively went to her growing belly. “In about four months,” she replied, her smile relaxing a bit in the face of Florantine’s kindness.
Florantine’s eyes softened. “How wonderful. Children are such a blessing, though they do bring their own set of challenges.”
The two women found a quiet corner and began to chat, their conversation flowing easily.
Florantine shared stories about her daughter, Grace, with a fondness that was palpable. “Grace has always been strong-willed,” Florantine said with a chuckle. “Raising her was no small feat, but I wouldn’t trade those years for anything.”
Rosalie listened intently, feeling a mixture of emotions.
Florantine nodded, her expression turning a bit more serious. “I just found out recently that I’m pregnant again."
Rosalie’s eyes widened. “Congratulations! That’s wonderful news.”
“Thank you,” Florantine replied, her smile returning. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m excited. Sabastian and I have always wanted more children. We still miss Vince."
Rosalie was aware of the tragic fate of their son, Vince. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the mention of Vince.
"I am sorry about Vince; your new baby would bring even more love and joy into your lives."
Florantine's eyes glistened with tears as she nodded, grateful for Rosalie's understanding. "Thank you, Rosalie."
They continued to chat, sharing stories and advice. Despite the initial awkwardness, Rosalie found herself genuinely enjoying Florantine’s company. It was a welcome distraction from the worries that had been plaguing her mind.
"I'm sorry; I think I need to go to the bathroom," Florentine said abruptly.
Rosalie complied with her request and escorted her to their resting place.
"As a veteran mother, I should tell you that if you are expecting triplets or more, you will have a very unreliable bladder," Florentine stated with a chuckle. "
Rosalie looked at her with wide eyes, shocked by what she had said. "Am I going to have triplets?"
Florentine chuckled as she opened the door for the first time. "I believe so," she said with a bright smile. "Either that or they're definitely twins."
Rosalie paused for a moment, her gaze falling to her expanding stomach below her.
'How many pups were growing in me? I must see the doctor and set a date for an ultrasound, but I won't be able to have any ultrasounds until next month!' She sighed in despair.
"Rosalie, is my mate inside?" Sebastian asked from behind her. She turned and saw Alex tagging along.
"Yes," she answered as she went to Alex's side and snaked her hand around his right arm. "She just went to the bathroom."
Sebastian shook hands again with Alex. "I'll see you two later."
"Of course," Alex replied, leaving his visitors to unwind as they entered their sleeping quarters for the night. When they first started walking down the lengthy corridor, he looked Rosalie in the eyes. "Can you tell me why you're looking so pale, love?"
"Florentine said I'm probably going to have triplets or more," she whispered, still frightened by the prospect of having children.
"I'm scared, Alex," I said, looking at him. "What if I become so big that I explode?"
Alex laughed, amused by what she had said. "You're worrying needlessly," he said, clicking his tongue. "How many alien movies have you been watching?"
She pouted at him as she slowly let go of his arm. He kissed her softly on the lips and cupped her chin. Her anger went away like a fire that gets wet with a bucket of water. He put his face against hers and told her, "Love, you'll be fine. Don't worry so much. The pups won't be happy about it."
"Hah, easy for you to say!" She pouted again.
He wasn't the one whose stomach was expanding at a steady rate every week! His stomach didn't clench up in agony now and then! He wasn't the one who was going to have a very limited bladder capacity soon, after all!
He nibbled on her lips while she was still sulking. He giggled and smiled. He massaged her arms and then wrapped his arms around her, his warm embrace melting her to her very core as he wrapped her hands around his own. "You'll be alright, believe me," he whispered in her ear as he chewed on her earlobe with amusement. He gently let go of her left hand, which he was holding.
"What do you say about you and me sprinting around the forest?"
She touched his face. "But the doctor said. No racing and jumping?"
He responded with a smile and asked, "Who said anything about racing and jumping? There are better things to do." His eyes sparkled with a naughty gleam. He winked, giving her a knowing look.
It took her some time before she finally grasped what he had been referring to.
He leant in close to her ear and murmured, "You're my little wolfy vixen, love," as he grasped her hand and urged her to accompany him into the woods.
They did not change into their wolf forms until they had reached the heart of the forested area that was completely isolated. She scanned the area carefully, looking for any signs of the other members of the pack. He noticed her agitation and chuckled.
"Don't worry, my love," he whispered, "we're completely alone out here." With a mischievous grin, he took her hand and led her deeper into the woods, their wolf instincts guiding them towards their secret rendezvous spot.