The white wolf

The News Spreads Swiftly

The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, landing softly across Amber's face. She stirred beneath the blankets, a strange mix of warmth and fluttering in her stomach making her blink awake. It wasn't sickness, not exactly just a feeling of difference, like her body carried a secret. Nathan was still asleep beside her, his arm draped loosely around her waist, his breathing deep and calm. She brushed a kiss against his cheek and whispered, "Wake up, sleepyhead." He groaned and opened one eye. "Mmm, morning already?" Amber nodded, smiling faintly. "Yes, and I think something's going on." Nathan sat up instantly, worry flashing in his dark eyes. "Are you hurt?Do you feel sick?" She laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, not hurt. Just different. My wolf, Star, keeps whispering that something's changed inside me." She placed a hand over her stomach, her heartbeat picking up. Nathan's gaze followed her movement, his mind instantly connecting the dots. "Amber do you think you might be" "I don't know yet," she interrupted quickly. "But I want rio find out. I'll mind-link Dr. Nora and set up an appointment." Nathan nodded, still half I awe. "Alright. I'll stay right here.'' Amber took a deep breath, closing her eyes to focus. Through the Red Pack's mind link, her thoughts reached Dr. Nora, the pack's trusted physician and one of her mother's oldest friends. Amber: Dr. Nora? It's Amber. Could I schedule a checkup tomorrow morning? Something important. Dr. Nora: Of course, dear. Tomorrow at ten? Amber: You sound nervous, sweetheart. Everything alright? Amber: I think so. I'll explain when I come in. Amber opened her eyes, releasing a long sigh. "It's set for tomorrow.'' Nathan reached for her hand. "We'll find out together. Whatever it is, I'm right here, Amber." His words wrapped around her heart like a promise. She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I know you are." After a few moments, Nathan stood and stretched. "I  should call my parents well, mind-link them. They deserve to know." Amber's eyes widened slightly. "Now? Before we're even sure?" He grinned. "You know my mother she'd find out anyway. Better from me than the grapevine." Amber couldn't help laugh softly. "True. Go ahead then.'' Nathan stepped toward the open balcony, letting the cool breeze hit his face as he closed his eyes and reached through the Royal Pack's link. Nathan: Mom, Dad are you free to talk? Bella:  Of course, son. What's wrong? Nathan: Nothing's wrong. Actually maybe something good. Amber might be pregnant. Ray: Might? Nathan: She's seeing Dr. Nora tomorrow to be sure. But we wanted you to know first. The silence on the link lasted only a heartbeat before Bella's delighted laugh rang through. Bella: Oh, Moon above! That's wonderful; Nathan! We're coming tonight! Ray: We'll tell Beta Christian to hold the pack. We'll run to the Red Pack ourselves. Nathan: It's a long trip - Ray: You think distance will stop us from seeing our children? Not a chance, son. Nathan chuckled, shaking his head."They're on their way," he told Amber, his voice full of warmth. "They'll run in wolf form to get here faster." Amber smiled, a little tearful. "That's sweet." Nathan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "You've already given them something to celebrate, even if we're not certain yet." Back in the Royal Pack territory, Alpha Ray stood tall on the porch of their pack house, watching as Bella packed a small leather satchel with clothes. "You're really coming with me?" she teased, arching a brow. He gave her a smirk. "You think I'd miss this?" They shifted seconds later two powerful wolves racing through the dense forest, paws pounding the earth. Ray's wolf, large and black with streaks of silver, carried the small satchel in his jaws, Beside him, Bella's beautiful russet coat shimmered in the fading sunlight. As they ran, Ray sent a final message through the pack link to his beta. Ray: Christian, you'll be in charge until we return. Watch over the borders and the young wolves. Christian: Understood, Alpha. Safe travels. Tell Amber and Nathan we send our blessings. They ran through valleys and crossed rivers, their fur catching the moonlight. The journey took hours, but anticipation pushed them faster. By late evening, the Red Pack was quiet under a sky scattered with stars. The distant sound of howling reached then border two familiar calls that made Amber's heart leap. "They're here," she whispered, standing on the front porch of the pack house. Nathan stood beside her, his arm slipping around her waist. Moments later, two wolves emerged from the trees. Ray and Bella shifted back shifted back quickly, changing into their spare clothes from the satchel. "Mom! Dad!" Nathan called out as they hurried up the path. Bella enveloped her son in a hug first, then pulled Amber into her arms with equal warmth. "Oh, my beautiful girl! You look radiant," she said, brushing a strand of hair from Amber's face. Amber blushed softly."It's good to see you both. You really ran all this way?" Ray chuckled, pulling his shirt over his head. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Besides, your mother needed the exercise." Bella smacked his arm lightly, laughing. "Oh, hush. You were just as eager." Nathan smiled, his heart swelling with love as his family stood together under the moonlight. "We'll go to the hospital tomorrow morning. Dr. Nora already knows." Ray nodded, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Good. It's early yet, but this could be the start of something wonderful." Amber's mother, Rose, stepped outside then, smiling softly. "I thought I heard familiar voices." "Rose!" Bella greeted, stepping forward to hug her. "It's been too long." "Far too long," Rose agreed warmly. "Come in we'll have dinner ready soon. John's inside finishing up the roast." The group followed her in, laughter echoing through the Red Pack house as old friends reunited. The air was filled with warmth and the comforting smell of home-cooked food. As they ate, the parents talked quietly about pack matters, while Amber and Nathan shared smiles across the table both knowing tomorrow could change everything. When the night wound down, Amber found herself standing outside again beneath the moon. Her hand rested gently on her stomach, the night breeze brushing her hair. Nathan came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You ready for tomorrow?" he murmured. Amber smiled softly, eyes fixed on the silver glow above. "Yes. Whatever happens, I'm ready." Nathan kissed the top of her head. "Then so am I." Above them, the moon shimmered brightly as if it, too, awaited the truth that tomorrow would bring.