Page 44 of Bully Alpha's Pregnant Mate

“Good,” I say, grabbing the water bottle off the bedside table and handing it back to her. “Drink this, and don’t even think about trying to work on those maps you have tucked under the bed.” I shoot her a look. “Yes, I saw them.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “You’re annoyingly observant, you know that?”

“It’s a talent,” I reply, smirking as I settle into the chair beside her bed, crossing my arms like I have all day to sit here and keep her in check. And honestly, I do. Right now, everything else can wait.

She watches me for a moment, her eyes narrowing. “You’re really going to just sit there and babysit me, aren’t you?”

“Think of it as returning the favor,” I say, leaning back. “You did the same for me a few weeks ago when I was running myself into the ground. It’s only fair.”

She huffs but doesn’t argue. A faint smile tugs at her lips, even though she tries to hide it by turning away. “Yeah, well, don’t get too comfortable. Once I’m back to full strength, I’ll be back to bossing you around again.”

“Looking forward to it,” I reply, trying not to sound too amused. “In the meantime, let me enjoy a moment where you actually have to listen to me.”

Her chuckle is weak, and her smile fades as she fights another wave of nausea, her hands clenching the blankets. I instinctively reach out, holding her hand until it passes. Her breathing slows as she settles. She mutters something about being coddled, but her eyes drift shut a moment later, her breathing evening out as sleep takes over.

Once she’s out, I take a deep breath, letting myself relax for the first time since I saw her shivering this morning. I’ve seen her take on so much without a second thought, seen her work tirelessly alongside me as if nothing could slow her down. But right now? Right now, she just looks… small. Small and far too vulnerable for my liking.

I stand and take a quick walk around the room, organizing the water bottles, tissues, and the herbal teas she’s barely touched. A pile of maps peeks out from under the bed, and I slide them out to add to the organized chaos on her desk.

“Are you rearranging my life while I’m sleeping?” Her voice, slightly groggy but unmistakably annoyed, comes from behind me.

“Only the parts that look like a fire hazard,” I reply, setting down the maps and turning back to face her. “Rest, Isadora. Just this once, let me handle everything else.”

She blinks at me, still looking skeptical, but after a moment, she relents, closing her eyes again. “Fine,” she says.“But if I hear anything’s gone wrong because of this, I’m holding you personally responsible.”

“Deal.” I smirk, knowing full well that I’d take any heat just to keep her off her feet for a few hours. I pull the chair closer, keeping an eye on her as she drifts back to sleep, knowing that this time, she doesn’t have to bear the burden alone.

I’ve barely settled into my chair when my phone vibrates, the screen lighting up with a message that’s as unwelcome as it is urgent:North perimeter breach. Multiple reports of activity. Immediate response needed.

I swear under my breath, the knot of frustration winding tighter as I read. Every instinct tells me not to leave Isadora, especially when she’s sick and already looks like she’s bearing half the weight of the world. But I know what a breach means—and what it could mean if I ignore it.

Isadora stirs, squinting over at me, her voice hoarse. “Something wrong?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I say, forcing a reassuring smile. “Just another boundary check. Probably the patrols getting spooked.”

She doesn’t look convinced. Her hand reaches for mine, and her fingers curl around it with a weak but determined grip. “Be careful, alright?”

“Of course.” I squeeze her hand, hoping she doesn’t hear the lie in my voice. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

She watches me closely, as if searching for any reason to stop me, and I have to force myself to pull my hand away. “Promise you’ll actually rest while I’m gone?”

“Fine, fine,” she mutters, rolling her eyes. “Just go. You’re making me tired all over again.”

I give her a final nod before heading out, feeling the weight of my decision with every step. Halfway down the hall, I grab my phone and make a quick call, knowing there’s only one thing that will ease the gnawing worry sitting heavy in my gut.

Her father picks up after a couple of rings. “Alec? Everything alright?”

“Yes, sir,” I reply. “I’ve got to leave for a bit—another issue up north. Isadora’s resting, but she could use some company. Nothing serious, she just needs someone with her.”

There’s a brief pause before he answers. “Of course. I’m not nearby at the moment, but Janelle and Lianne can be there in a few minutes. They’ve been missing their sister, anyway.”

I let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you. Really. It makes leaving her a little easier.”

“You know we’re here,” he says, his words carrying a weight of sincerity that reminds me why I’d trust her family with my life.

As soon as I hang up, I head out toward the northern perimeter, my thoughts already racing through the possibilities of what’s waiting for us. Each step only intensifies the tension, and by the time I reach the patrol site, it feels like the air itself is brimming with a static charge.

Quincey is already there, along with Kai and half a dozen other members of our top patrol. His expression is all business, but the look in his eyes tells me this is no false alarm.

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