Chapter 32: Chapter: thirty-one

Aylin and Ezekiel were in shock. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing. After all the pain and suffering Aylin had gone through, it seemed impossible that their pup could have survived.

Even the Goddess herself had said she couldn’t guarantee the pup’s life. The only life she could promise was Aylin’s.

As they tried to process the news, a whirlwind of emotions filled the room. They were thrilled, but also bewildered.

Quill was the first to break the silence. “Why the surprised faces, you two? You’re going to be parents!”

They exchanged a glance before turning back to the doctor. Ezekiel was the one to voice their doubts. “Are you absolutely certain, doctor?”

“I am, Your Majesty.” The doctor’s voice was steady as he met the king’s gaze.

Aylin reached out and gently squeezed Ezekiel’s hand, a smile lighting up her face. “Let’s not question it. In a time of so much loss, this feels like a victory.”

He nodded, rubbing her back affectionately. “You’re right.”

They shared a warm smile, their faces close together.

—SIX MONTHS LATER—

Aylin was finding it increasingly difficult to carry her heavy, pregnant belly around. She wanted to help rebuild the pack, but everyone insisted she rest.

Ezekiel was always taking things out of her hands, and Quill would lecture her about the importance of rest.

The only one who didn’t treat her like she was fragile was Angus. His attitude was a comfort to her.

“Your Majesty,” a voice called from behind her.

She turned to see Angus. “Yes, Angus. What can I do for you?”

“The Dark Moon Pack is here to pay their respects to the baby.”

“Is Daemon with them?”

“Yes, he is.”

They started walking back to the throne room. “Where is Ezekiel?”

“He’s waiting for you with Delta Quill.”

She made her way to the throne room, her belly making her waddle. Ezekiel and Angus rose as she entered. She paused to rub her belly, letting out a sigh. “This kid is heavy,” she joked.

With the help of Quill and Angus, she climbed the two steps to her throne.

“I apologize for my tardiness,” Aylin said.

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Daemon replied. “It seems it takes you a bit longer to get places these days.”

She chuckled, rubbing her belly. “It certainly does. Thank you for understanding.”

“What brings you here, Alpha Daemon?”

As Ezekiel spoke to Daemon, Aylin couldn’t help but notice the limp Daemon had developed after fighting alongside them months ago.

His right femur had been broken and hadn’t healed properly due to the unique anatomy of werewolves.

The healing process begins almost instantly, given proper medical attention. But because of the delay, he hadn’t fully recovered.

Once he had healed as much as he could, he had returned to his rightful place as alpha of the Dark Moon Pack. He had also found his true second-chance mate.

When Aylin heard the news, she was genuinely happy for him. He deserved happiness after showing such bravery.

“Aylin?” Ezekiel’s voice brought her back to the present.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Pregnancy brain.” She tried to laugh off her distraction.

“Daemon was just saying that they came to pay their respects to the baby and to you. They brought some gifts for the nursery.”

Aylin clapped her hands together in delight. “Oh my goodness. Thank you so much, Alpha Daemon.”

“If I may, Your Majesty.” He glanced at Ezekiel, who nodded. “We have a surprise for the queen.”

Aylin tilted her head, curious about what kind of surprise they could have for her. They had just arrived, after all.

With the help of the others, Aylin slowly made her way to the nearly finished nursery. It was conveniently located just one door down from the master bedroom.

Angus opened the door, and Aylin and Ezekiel were taken aback.

The walls were painted a soft yellow with pale green stripes. A white crib with duck-patterned sheets stood in the center of the room, next to a rocking chair with an ottoman.

A large white dresser filled with baby clothes, extra sheets, and everything else a baby could need was against the far wall.

Aylin walked around the room, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I-I don’t know what to say.”

Ezekiel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We won’t forget this, Alpha Daemon. You’re always welcome here.”

Overcome with emotion, Aylin hugged Daemon as best she could. “Thank you, Daemon,” she whispered in his ear.

After the Dark Moon Pack stayed for dinner, they headed home, despite the late hour.

Daemon insisted it was because he didn’t want his pack to worry, but Aylin knew it was because he wanted to be with his mate. He didn’t want to be away from her for too long.

She understood that feeling all too well.

Later that night, standing in the nursery, she looked out the bay window, feeling the baby kick inside her.

She smiled, feeling blessed. She had a loving mate, a strong pack, and a baby on the way. She never thought she’d find herself in this position after her difficult past.

Rubbing the spot where the baby had kicked, Aylin giggled. “You’re strong, like your Daddy. I’m already proud of you.”

Aylin was ready to lead the Royal Outland Silver Blood Pack for as long as it took before her pup was ready to take the throne.

She was prepared to teach them everything they needed to know in life and would always love them, no matter what.

A new chapter in her life was about to begin.

—The End—