Page 7 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

"I'm sorry about uncle."

"Don't be. He was a tough bastard who went out fighting as always. Come. Let me show you around."

As they released their grip, Articus took a moment to survey his surroundings. The compound was impressive. High walls surrounded the perimeter, and he could see guards patrolling at regular intervals.

The buildings were a mix of modern architecture and traditional log cabins, all arranged in a way that spoke of strategic planning rather than aesthetic appeal.

"Your pack has grown since I was last here," Articus remarked, taking in the bustling activity around them.

Cassius nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "We've had to adapt to the challenges of our side of the mountain. Come, let me show you around."

As they walked, Cassius pointed out various features of the compound. The training grounds caught Articus's eye immediately—they were extensive, with obstacle courses, sparring rings, and what looked like a mock urban environment for tactical exercises.

"You've certainly put a lot of emphasis on combat readiness," Articus observed.

Cassius's expression turned serious. "We have to. The Dark Side of the mountain isn't like your territory, Articus. Here, we're not just dealing with occasional rogue wolves. We have to be prepared for anything—other shifter species, human hunters, even some of the more... unnatural threats."

Articus raised an eyebrow at that last part, but Cassius didn't elaborate. Instead, he led him toward a large building that seemed to be the heart of the compound.

"This is our pack house," he explained. "It serves as both our administrative center and a fortress if we ever need to fall back and defend ourselves."

As they entered, Articus couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the utilitarian exterior and the warm, inviting interior. Rich wood paneling and plush carpets gave the space a homey feel despite the evident security measures.

Cassius led him through a series of corridors, nodding to pack members as they passed. Articus could sense their curiosity about him—no doubt his albino features stood out even more here than they did back home.

It was a familiar feeling, one he'd grown accustomed to over the years as the White Wolf of the White Moon pack.

They eventually came to a stop outside a door, and Cassius's demeanor softened slightly. "There's someone I'd likeyou to meet," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice that Articus had never associated with his normally confident cousin.

He opened the door, revealing a nursery. In the center of the room, a young wolf was tending to a crib. At their entrance, she looked up, bowing her head slightly in respect.

"Alpha, shall I leave you?" she asked.

Cassius shook his head. "No need, Lena. We won't be long."

He approached the crib, and Articus followed, curiosity piqued. As he peered in, he was met with the sight of a beautiful baby girl, no more than a year old. Her hair was a soft gold, and her eyes, when they opened to look at them, were a striking green.

"Articus, meet Aurora," Cassius said softly, reaching down to stroke the baby's cheek. "My daughter."

Articus couldn't hide his surprise. "Your daughter? Cassius, I had no idea you'd become a father."

Cassius chuckled, but there was a hint of something—sadness? Frustration?—in his eyes. "It's a recent development. Aurora came into my life about three months ago."

Articus stared at the baby girl, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. Cassius, the unshakable leader, now a father grappling with a responsibility that threatened to consume him. Articus felt a pang of something he couldn’t quite name—envy, perhaps, for this connection to something pure and innocent, or maybe just the weight of knowing his own solitude was as much a choice as a consequence. But this wasn’t the time for such thoughts. He buried them, as he always did.

As they left the nursery, leaving Aurora in Lena's capable hands, Articus couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "I don'tmean to pry, Cassius, but... how did this happen? Last I heard, you weren't even seeing anyone seriously."

Cassius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a complicated situation. Aurora's mother... she was a rogue. We had a one-night stand during one of my patrols in neutral territory.

"I never expected to see her again, but then three months ago, she showed up at our gates with Aurora. Said she couldn't take care of a baby while living as a rogue, and that she knew I'd give Aurora a good life."

Articus let out a low whistle. "That's... quite a situation."

Cassius nodded, his expression a mix of emotions. "It's been challenging, to say the least. Taking on the role of Alpha is hard enough, but doing it while suddenly becoming a single father? There are days I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water."

As they walked, Articus couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for his cousin. He'd known him for years as a strong, capable wolf, always in control. Seeing him like this, vulnerable and overwhelmed, was a stark reminder of the pressures that came with their positions.

As the elders don’t fail to remind me.

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