Page 167 of Freeing My Alpha

“Absolutely. Even after 33 years, we celebrate my big sister's passing day, along with any other pups. If wolves lose a pregnancy, we say the Moon Goddess had greater plans for their pups as stars, helping her bless us.”

I suck back tears, gazing at the starry sky enveloping the big, beautiful moon.

I choke out a sob. “That's sweet. And sad.”

“Stay right here in this moment with me, okay? This has nothing to do with us right now.” He covers my belly with his full palm, cocooning me in an extra hug. “Right now, I’m holding my mate and future pup. That’s all we know.”

I swallow hard, absorbing his words. I want to celebrate. To be happy to the fullest without anything holding me back. I just don't know if I want everyone to have to hurt alongside us if that happens.

But that sounds like a very familiar fear.

My heart picks up the pace as I cup Noah’s hand around my belly, coming to a decision. The more I lean into it, the more excited I feel.

Each word shakes as I gaze up at Noah. “I’m a little scared, but something you said when we first wondered really stuck with me. If everything goes to plan and we have this baby together, I want to enjoy it with you the whole way through. I want to celebrate this pup with you, right now, in front of everyone.”

Noah bursts with excitement, smashing his nose into my cheek just as hard as his wolf nuzzles me. “Y-yeah? We’re telling them?”

I giggle, stroking his cheek as I draw him in for a slow kiss. “I love you, adorable Alpha. Yes, let’s tell them.”

He holds his breath. “N-now?”

I break into laughter. “Yes, now! They’re waiting.”

Noah’s kisses are filled with pause, his mind whirring. It only makes me giggle harder.

His words come out sweet and soft. “Fuck. I’m shy.”

I smash my lips against him, giggling at his cute grin.

Let’s tell them together. Through mindlink, I say.

He nods, adjusting his grip to cuddle me as tight as he can manage.

By now, the wolves circle, gazing from a distance with heightened curiosity. I can’t hold back my smile.

Your Luna and I have news to share, Noah mindlinks. His chest thrums against my back, anticipatory anxiety bursting through our bond. It only makes me smile wider.

But Noah doesn’t announce it. Your turn, my gorgeous Luna. It’ll be your first mindlink to everyone as their Luna.

My heart stumbles over itself. As I gaze into the moonlit eyes around me, I feel it: they really are my family, and I’m about to tell them I’m carrying another new family member.

I choke out a laugh through my tears, smiling so wide that my cheeks hurt. We’re pregnant with our first pup.

All at once, the pack erupts into howls.

I jump, but with how elated the pack becomes in our pack bond, Noah’s scent overflows with the purest joy. It smells so decadent and comforting that the rest of my tension falls away, melting me in Noah’s shaking hands as he caresses my belly.

Noah purrs over me, kissing my cheeks, neck, and heavy-lidded eyes until I’m coated in a fuzzy warmth. My giddy laughter is watery, an endless stream of tears gracing my cheeks as Noah’s eyes pool over.

“I can feel how happy you are.” His voice quivers as he nuzzles into me. “Like you love them already. Just as much as I do.”

My heart throbs at his words. All I can do is stare at him. After all the years I agonized over having children someday, at times hating how much I craved it since it only worsened my gnawing, empty heartbreak over all those wasted years struggling to recover from Steven’s damage, I’m here. Except I never imagined it would be this beautiful. I never realized I could feel a love this strong for my partner, and that I’d have the honor of witnessing how much they love our budding baby, long before they’ve even arrived.

My tears slow, leaving me with a smile so bright that my cheeks ache. As I pull Noah in for a kiss, I press all the affection into his lips that I can, silently thanking him for sharing this dream with me. Whether he can feel it or not, he takes a deep breath like he’s breathing in the love I’m pouring over him. The sweet, touched arch of his eyebrows tells me the happy ache in his heart hits just as deep as mine.

As we pull away, I’ve never felt more joined as a unit.

Noah blinks slowly, unable to look away despite mindlinking our pack. Okay. Feel free to approach, but be gentle with our Luna.

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