Raised Among Alphas

13 - Welcome Back

Alora POV

I hugged Jathred's arm as we walked back to the pack. I could hear in the distance the group celebrating the return of our Alpha and Luna. The smell of bonfire intensified the closer we got to the pack grounds.

"How did the campaign go?" I asked him as I turned my face to look up at him.

"Let's enjoy the night. Tomorrow we'll discuss politics." Jathred whispered to me, kissing the top of my head.

In the distance, Kasthor was standing beside Leila, who was shooting daggers at me. She looked different and smelled different, and something about her jealous attitude was off. She knows I love Jathred as family and nothing more.

We were still too far away from them for me to spy in her mind, and then it hit me. Her scent, she smelled like Jathred but slightly different. It was a new scent. A mix of sage with lilies, a fresh scent. A pup.

Leila was pregnant.

I stopped and turned to face Jathred, my eyes full of joy.

"She's pregnant! You are having a baby!" I tried hard not to scream as I jumped in excitement.

"As always, you surprise me. How can you tell from here?" He answered, avoiding the subject. He was going to be a father. The future of our pack was growing in Leila's womb.

"I can smell the pup. Is everything okay?" I was starting to worry about his attitude. Jathred seemed cold and concerned.

"Like I said, politics tomorrow, Terror," Jathred responded, walking toward his Luna. He was clearly done with our conversation.

I missed the sound of my nickname coming from him, but what do you mean politics? This is a baby we are talking about not politics!

"I was told you ignored my orders and avoided bed rest at all costs." Kasthor scolded me as I made my way to him.

"It's all lies." I chuckled in response and buried my face in his chest, taking a deep breath full of his fresh scent.

I missed him. Whatever feeling took over me earlier was long gone. Now, all I wanted was to be with Kasthor and fuse to his chest.

"We missed you," I smiled at Leila. She was standing beside Jathred, right by the front steps of the pack house.

Leila seemed exhausted. I can only imagine what she is going through right now. Recently mated, traveling all over the country preparing packs for war and growing a pup at the same time. The poor girl hasn't even had time to adapt to her new home.

"We missed you too." Leila's sweet tone was still there, but a hint of sadness hid in her words.

"You do want to go inside? I can accompany you to your room." I offered her.

"She stays by my side." Jathred stern tone interrupted us, his protective instincts kicking in.

Here are a couple of things everyone knows about wolves.

When a she-wolf is pregnant, the father becomes overprotective. It is extremely hard for them to stay apart. All of their instincts command them to guard their pups and ensure their safety at all times. Against all logic, an expecting couple will see every wolf as a threat, even their most trusted friends. Their wolves are constantly on high alert, and their wildest side dominates their actions.

"I can keep her safe. She needs to rest." I faced Jathred, trying my best to convince him to be rational.

Kasthor stood there, completely flabbergasted. He couldn't understand Jathred's odd reaction.