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

24. Ryker

The morning light filtered into our cozy home, illuminating the room in warm golden hues. As I lay in bed, I felt the familiar presence beside me—Preston, his delicate frame nestled against mine, radiating warmth and serenity. I smiled as I watched him sleep, the gentle rise and fall of his chest soothing my heart. In the safety of our shared space, I felt like the luckiest man alive.

But beneath that comfort lay a flurry of recent conversations and emotions swirling within me. Last night had changed everything; our talk about the future echoed in my mind. Preston was pregnant. The thought sent a current of excitement through me that was both exhilarating and daunting. I had always imagined us starting a family one day, but to think that "one day" was suddenly "now" ignited a wild thrill in my chest.

I shifted slightly, careful not to disturb him, and ran a hand through my unruly hair while gazing out the window. The world outside was vibrant and alive, a stark contrast to the chaos of thoughts in my head. I knew I needed to talk to him about it, but the enormity of the news made my stomach twist. Would he be ready? Would I be ready?

As I wrestled with my thoughts, I felt a familiar presence stirring within me. > Zeus, are you awake? < I called to my wolf, eager for his insight.

> Always, Ryker. < His voice was deep and rumbling, full of strength. > What troubles you? <

> It's going to be a massive shift for us. We're about to welcome a child into our lives, into the pack. <

> And that is a blessing, not a burden. < Zeus responded, the confidence in his voice washing over me. > A child is a legacy, a chance to build our family—a future. We will protect our mate and our pup. <

I nodded to myself, reeling from the validation. >You're right<I whispered. >It's just... what if we're not ready?<

> We'll find a way. We always do. <

Just then, Preston stirred beside me, his soft voice cutting through the haze of worry. "Ryker?" he murmured, blinking sleepily at me. The sight of him, tousled hair and sleepy eyes, made my heart swell.

"Morning, love." I smiled, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Morning," he said, his cheeks a lovely shade of pink. "You seem deep in thought. Everything okay?"

"I was just thinking about... us. About what's next," I said, keeping my tone light. But I could feel the weight of my words hanging in the air, the moment ripe for a revelation that would change everything.

As his eyes focused on me, I could almost see the gears turn in his mind. "We need to talk, too, don't we?"

"Yeah, about that," I admitted, the excitement bubbling beneath my façade. "I know you're feeling a lot right now, and I need you to know that I'm here for you, whatever it takes."

Preston's eyes widened slightly as he took a deep breath. "About the baby..."

"Yeah," I interrupted before he could go any further. "You're pregnant."

He nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I am, and I want to embrace it. I'm nervous, of course, but it's also... it's exciting."

> See, he feels it too. < Zeus added, a low growl of approval reverberating through me.

"Exciting is an understatement," I said, a wide grin breaking across my face. "We're going to have a family, Preston. We're really doing this." The revelation washed over me like a wave, and I couldn't help but pull him into my arms, holding him tight.