Page 60 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

She found herself touching her stomach again, marveling at the miracle growing inside her. A tiny life, half her, half Articus. The product of their love, unexpected but so very welcome.

Our cub. Our little miracle.

The thought brought fresh tears to her eyes, happy ones this time. She wiped them away, laughing at herself. If she was this emotional now, what would she be like in a few months?

As she cleared away the breakfast dishes, Wren made a decision. She couldn't keep this to herself any longer. She needed to tell Articus, to share this joy with him. They had both said they’d make good parents.

I am sure he’ll be excited.

Her heart raced as she climbed the stairs to their bedroom. Articus would still be asleep—he'd had a late night with pack business. She'd tell him as soon as he woke up.

Wren stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing her shirt over her flat stomach. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

"Articus," she practiced, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have some news. We're... we're going to have a baby."

She shook her head, frowning. That sounded too formal, too rehearsed. She tried again.

"Hey, remember how we talked about being good parents someday? Well, someday is here."

Better, but still not quite right. Wren ran a hand through her hair, frustrated. Why was this so hard?

Because it's the most important thing you've ever had to tell him.

She took another deep breath, meeting her own gaze in the mirror. "Articus, I'm pregnant. We're going to be parents."

A smile spread across her face as she said the words. Simple, straightforward, perfect. She imagined Articus' reaction—the surprise in his ice-blue eyes, followed by joy. He'd sweepher into his arms, spinning her around the room. They'd laugh, maybe cry a little, and start planning for their future together.

Filled with renewed determination, Wren left the bedroom. She'd tell him as soon as he woke up. For now, she'd head to his study to leave a note asking him to find her when he woke.

As she approached Articus' study, she heard voices. Articus and... who? Who could be here so early?

Wren slowed her steps, not wanting to interrupt if they were discussing important pack business. She was about to turn away when she caught a snippet of their conversation.

"...mark her and break it, Fannar," Articus was saying, his voice low and serious.

Wren froze, her blood turning to ice in her veins. They couldn't be talking about... her, could they? He had mentioned Fannar before, he was talking to the cold and logical Alpha of the Frost Peaks pack.

Fannar Agdluak

"Are you sure about this, Articus?" Fannar's cold voice drifted through the door. "It's a drastic step."

“She needs to be marked, Fannar,” Articus was saying, his voice low and serious. “It’s the only way to break the bond. After that, I’ll set her free.”

Wren’s breath caught in her throat, the words hitting her like a physical blow. The confusion swirled into a sickening pit of dread in her stomach.

Set me free? Why would he want to set me free?

She pressed herself closer to the door, straining to hear more, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might give her away.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Fannar’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “Once the bond is broken, she’ll have no reason to stay.”

Wren’s mind raced, struggling to make sense of what she was hearing.

No reason to stay…

He’s going to get rid of me. He doesn’t want me. The realization settled like a stone in her chest, heavy and cold. Everything she had hoped for, the future she had imagined, was slipping through her fingers before it had even begun.

How could I have been so foolish?

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