Caitlyn's POV
Maybe it was what happened on Christmas Eve that made Talon realize my place in his heart. During this recent period, he would often come over to my house. Judging by how busy he was, I could easily envision him as a future family man.
"Caitlyn, what has your father been up to lately?" Talon finished peeling an apple and handed it to me with a gentle smile.
"Hey, do you have something on my father? I can't remember the last time you asked about him in the past two days." I teased, pretending to be angry, and playfully swatted at Talon. Instead of ducking, he responded with a couple of smiles.
"Just stay home and rest these days; I've already arranged everything with the hospital for you," Talon said with a smile, his hand gently stroking my stomach.
"Why did you make decisions without discussing them with me?" I looked a bit disgruntled, but deep down, it warmed my heart.
"I was afraid you might get hurt again," Talon's eyes displayed determination, and his handsome face moved me deeply.
"I've heard Leona mention that having a baby can be particularly painful, especially in a human-werewolf bond."
I looked at my bulging belly and recalled something Leona had mentioned before.
"Yes, but don't worry, I'll be by your side no matter what happens," Talon said, gently taking my hand and holding it tightly.
"Uh-huh," I nodded in agreement.
"What kind of danger could I possibly be in with you here? I have plans to meet Leona this afternoon for a walk in the Misty Forest right next to town. The whole area belongs to the Purple Moon Pack, and it's close to Alpha Shaco's mansion," I said with a smile, hoping for Talon's support. However, I didn't expect him to suddenly sit up from the couch, his face changed.
"No!"
I was taken aback by his change of heart.
"Why not? We're not planning anything dangerous. It's just a peaceful walk along the river, and she and I have been dating for a long time. There's no way I'm canceling," I protested.
I muttered as I slowly sat up, placing my hands on my swollen belly.
"I told you, no."
Talon sulked and positioned himself in front of me.
"I don't understand. Even though we're together now, I'm not your slave, let alone your prisoner in this cramped room."
With anger on my face, I lifted my head and questioned Talon.
"And, not to mention Alpha Shaco is nearby..."
"Enough!" Talon abruptly cut me off.
"I'm doing this out of responsibility. Just give me some time, and I promise I'll take care of everything."
Overwhelmed by Talon's sudden seriousness, I froze in place and let out a long sigh before sitting back down, feeling a little lost.
I realized that I was carrying a big belly now, and not even my father would let me roam freely.
"Well, if you have to go, I'll go with you."
Talon fell silent for a moment, then raised his head, looking at me earnestly.
"You? This is a girls' gathering. Why are you suddenly joining and getting involved?"
I was taken aback. I had envisioned the most intimate moments with Talon, but I could never have imagined this unfamiliar side of him.
"Nothing, I just want to ensure your safety."
Talon lowered his voice, his face showing a seriousness I had never seen before. I could tell he genuinely meant it.
But I couldn't quite fathom it. I was simply going for a walk, how could it be dangerous?
"Well then, I'll warn you in advance, girls' outings can be a bit dull."
Talon nodded expressionlessly.
Seeing that my scheduled meeting with Leona was approaching, I quickly changed my clothes. I couldn't help but sigh when I saw my fuller figure in the mirror.
It seemed that beauty was slipping further away from me since I became pregnant.
"Hey Caitlyn, over here!"
I hadn't even reached the spot where I'd agreed to meet Leona when I heard her calling out from a nearby bridge, stretched out and waving to me.
"Where's Bard? Isn't he your bodyguard? Why haven't I seen him today? Is he hiding in some mysterious place?"
Having just met, Leona was impatiently searching for Bard.
"Come on, obviously, today is an appointment between the two of us. Why are you so concerned about other people?"
Looking at Leona's eager face, I couldn't help but complain.
"Other people?"
Leona looked around curiously, her eyes finally resting on Talon, who was not far away.
"What's he doing here? So far away from you now?"
Leona lowered her voice, ensuring the conversation wouldn't be overheard by Talon.
But when Leona said it, Talon's expression suddenly turned a little stern.
"I'm sorry, I forgot he has keen ears."
Leona playfully stuck her tongue out, then crossed her legs and waved towards Talon.
Talon nodded indifferently in response.
Leona's words were a bit of a wake-up call, though; Bard had been able to climb up to our balcony that night in good shape, but why wasn't he here now?
What kind of mission did Talon have for him?
"Hey, Alpha Talon, I suddenly remembered that I have things to do, so I'll leave you to hang out with Caitlyn."
Immediately after that, Leona ran off without paying attention to my dismayed expression.
With no choice, Talon and I took a walk along the stream next to the forest, one after the other.
I listened to the sound of water gurgling around me and watched as Talon's and my shadows slowly merged in the daylight.
Then out of nowhere, I stood still, gently turning my head to look at Talon.
Talon furrowed his brow tightly, as if searching for something, startled by my sudden movement. He then looked at me and asked, "What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"
"Uh, nothing, I just wanted to ask..."
I pursed my lips, struggling internally. I was afraid that if I opened my mouth and received a different answer, I would definitely break down.
"I... What exactly is our relationship now? Do you consider me your mate or not?"
I gathered enough courage to ask in one breath.
A hint of doubt appeared on Talon's face, and he even glanced behind me as I spoke.
"What are you talking about? Let's go back and discuss all of this."
Seeing Talon's avoidance, I suddenly got serious.
"We've been uncertain for so long, and even now I'm pregnant with your child. Are you too afraid to give a clear answer?"
I subconsciously raised my voice, startling a flock of birds perched in a nearby tree. They fluttered their wings and flew off into the distance.
"Caitlyn..."
A flicker of hesitation crossed Talon's face, instantly dimming my heart filled with hope.
"You're definitely my..."
Talon hadn't finished his sentence before his face suddenly changed, and he rushed toward the nearby grass.
I stood alone, watching Talon's retreating figure, a profound sense of loss enveloping my entire being.