My Mate....The Alpha (new version)

23. Preston

*time skip-4 months*

The morning light filtered into our cozy home, draping the room in soft shades of gold. I blinked against the brightness, feeling warmth radiating not just from the sun, but from the familiar presence beside me. Ryker was still asleep, his strong, protective frame relaxing beneath the sheets. I couldn't help but let a smile flit across my lips. His steady breaths calmed me, wrapping me in a sense of safety that I had come to cherish.

But beneath the comfort of familiarity lay a whirling storm of thoughts and feelings, especially after last night. I couldn't shake the lingering memory of our conversation about the future, about the possibility of a life we hadn't even begun to envision yet. Today, I had an important revelation of my own.

I padded quietly to the bathroom, the cool tiles sending a shiver up my spine, and stared at my reflection in the mirror. The glow in my cheeks seemed fuller than I remembered, my eyes bright with a mix of wonder and uncertainty. I was pregnant. The realization settled like a weight in my chest, heavy and unyielding. At the same time, it sparked something deep inside me—a new hope, perhaps.

Gunnar, my wolf, stirred in the recesses of my mind, his presence brushing against my consciousness. > We are not alone in this, Preston. <

I sighed, feeling the mix of nerves and excitement spiral through me. >I know< I whispered, clutching the sink for balance. >But what if this is too soon? Ryker and I have barely begun to navigate our relationship, let alone talk about building a family.<

> Love knows no bounds, no timelines. We were destined for this. <

He spoke with such confidence, and though I adored the strength of my wolf, I couldn't shake the doubts that taunted me. >But we haven't completed the mating ritual. We don't bear each other's marks yet.<

> Those marks mean little compared to the bond we share. The pack knows we are mates; that is what matters. The rest will come in time. <

Gunnar's words lingered, settling me for a moment. The truth was, my fears went beyond our formalities as mates. The world outside was unpredictable and often cruel. It had taken longer than I wanted to deal with the shadows of our pasts, and now the thought of bringing a child into that chaos made my heart race.

I turned the tap on and splashed cool water onto my face, seeking clarity. As the drops rolled off my cheeks, I envisioned the life I wanted—filled with laughter, love, and safety. But my stomach twisted at the thought of my past nightmares rearing their heads again, threatening to strip away any semblance of peace we had fought for.

> We will protect them, Preston. We will do it together. <

With a deep breath, I gathered my resolve. I could feel a shift—the beginnings of responsibility rising in me, intertwining with my love for Ryker. I needed to tell him. There was no waiting, no postponing. We would face this together. The thought brought me a sense of calm, drawing my focus back to the present.

I made my way back to the bedroom, where Ryker lay in slumber, his strong hands resting comfortably on his chest. I couldn't help but marvel at how lucky I was to have him; he was steadfast, fierce, and loyal in a way I had never known before. The uncertainty faded slightly as I lingered, and my heart swelled with hope.

"Ryker," I whispered gently, leaning down to press my lips against his forehead.

He stirred, groggy but slowly waking up with that signature warm smile. "Mmm, morning," he murmured, reaching for me instinctively as though chasing after the remnants of his dream.