Those In The Forest

Part 101: Ivy

"Well, that's not what I expected," I said, watching everyone's reactions to Avah's news.

          Reagan looked unamused on the couch while Karina and Celia were at the front door in stunned silence.

          "You just had your rut. It seems a bit too soon to know that for sure," Karina said, slowly walking up to Avah. She didn't look happy or upset. I couldn't really read her expression.

          Lennox stood behind Avah proudly. "We knew before the rut. Before the situation with Alan."

          Karina's brows shot up.

           "That's why you wanted her to stay with Bryce," Celia said, putting everything together.

          What I wanted to know was why we couldn't tell. Usually, you can smell a pregnant werewolf. Her scent mixes with her child. It's very distinct.

           How Reagan could tell when we couldn't is shocking.

          Karina looked at Reagan. "You knew about this?" she pointed to Avah's belly.

           Reagan nodded. "I did. When you all found me that day, and I chased after Celia, I could smell all of you distinctly. The crazy part is, I could smell more than just you all."

          Still, it didn't make sense how she would know Avah was pregnant.

           "Around that time, Reagan was keeping her distant from you all. When we were watching over her, she told us about that. We were going over what she remembered from that night, and we had to confess. We told her to keep it a secret until we were ready. I'm sorry, Karina." Lennox confessed.

          A giant grin spread across Karina's face. I swear I saw her eyes water, but that couldn't be.

          Reaching out, Karina cupped Avah's face. "I've kept my fair share of secrets from the pack..." she paused. "And it has harmed us in many ways. This though... this is a secret worth keeping." Karina looked at Lennox. "You were protecting your mate. I can't fault you for that. Especially since your mate is carrying something so special."

           I stood by my mates. We all watched in stunned silence. What was there to say?

          "You aren't mad?" Avah asked hesitantly.

          "She has zero reason to be mad." Celia budded in. "In fact, I think this is cause for a celebration."

          Reagan crossed her legs over each other. "Told you, your worrying was all for nothing. Goodness, you all are so serious all the time."

          Lennox groaned. "Is moody Reagan back? I don't know if I can deal with that and a pup."

          Reagan smirked. "She never left."

          "Are we the only ones not knowing how to process all of this?" Hazel groaned. "I mean... this is huge, and you've known for weeks now." we all looked at Reagan. "Why'd you keep this from us?"

          "Wasn't my secret to tell. I am loyal to the pack, and they asked for my silence." Reagan laughed. "That, and I also really like being their favorite. I feel like keeping the secret could be a good get-out-of-jail-free card if I piss off Celia and Karina."

           Karina sighed. "Seriously? Not because you care, but because you wanted an out for a future fuck up?"

           Reagan shrugged. "I also care. I just know that my mates and I are sneaky and stubborn. Sue me for thinking of the future."