Chapter 70

KNOX

Since Isa told us she was pregnant, I’ve been in full-on protective mode. Every free moment I have, I’m on the internet researching everything there is to know about pregnancy and newborns. I’ve already bookmarked a dozen articles on what to expect during each trimester and made a list of all the essentials we’ll need when the baby arrives. Diapers, onesies, a crib, bottles—it’s all swirling in my head as I try to make sure we’re prepared for every possible scenario.

Today, after we finished breakfast, I couldn’t resist the urge to check on Isa and our baby. I knelt beside her on the couch, gently placing my ear against her belly. I know it’s probably too early to hear anything, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try. I closed my eyes, concentrating hard, but all I could hear was the steady rhythm of Isa’s breathing.

Isa must’ve noticed my frown because she shifted slightly, her hand resting on the back of my head. “Knox, what is it? Do you hear anything?”

I lifted my head, a bit disappointed. “No, nothing. But I don’t know if I’m supposed to hear anything yet.”

Her brow furrowed, worry flickering in her eyes. “Should we be hearing something by now? Is it normal not to?”

I could see the anxiety creeping into her expression, and it made my chest tighten. I wished I had a definitive answer, but I didn’t. “I’m not sure, Isa. I’ve read that it’s usually too early to hear the heartbeat even for werewolves, but I don’t know.”

Before I could say anything else, Asher walked into the room, his eyes narrowing slightly as he picked up on our conversation. He came over, placing a reassuring hand on Isa’s shoulder. “Hey, don’t stress. It’s perfectly normal not to hear anything at this stage, Knox. The baby’s still really small. How about we schedule an appointment with a gynecologist? That way, we can be sure everything’s okay and put your mind at ease.”

Isa nodded, her tension easing a bit. “That sounds like a good idea. I’d feel better knowing everything’s alright.”

Asher gave her a gentle smile. “We’ll set it up for this week. You don’t have to worry, Isabella. We’re all here for you, and we’re going to make sure everything is perfect.”

I felt a wave of relief as I watched Isa relax a little. Asher’s right—we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure both she and the baby are safe and healthy. I just want to be the best for her, to be someone she can rely on, especially now. I may not have all the answers, but I’ll do whatever I can to support her every step of the way.

ISABELLA

Sitting in the waiting room, I could feel the tension in the air. We were all trying to keep calm, but the anticipation was palpable. Asher had found a gynecologist who was also a werewolf, someone who could understand our unique situation. I hadn’t realized how much it mattered until now. Knowing the doctor understood what it meant to be part of their world gave me a strange sense of comfort.

When the nurse called my name, the four of us stood up together. It was almost comical, how we moved as one, a united front. Inside the room, the doctor introduced himself warmly, his calm demeanor instantly putting me a little more at ease. But when he asked me to undress and put on a gown, I noticed a flicker of surprise in my mates' eyes. I quickly did as he asked, trying not to let my own nerves get the better of me.

As I settled onto the exam table, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The doctor explained that he’d be doing an intra-vaginal ultrasound, and my heart began to race. I wasn’t prepared for that, but I nodded, trusting him to know what was best for me and our baby.

When the screen flickered to life, showing the tiny form of our baby, my breath caught in my throat. And then we heard it—a steady, rapid heartbeat, filling the room. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard.

As the sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room, it was as if the world stopped turning for a moment. I stared at the screen, completely mesmerized by the tiny flicker that represented our baby’s life. My chest tightened with an overwhelming surge of emotions—joy, relief, love, and a kind of awe that I had never felt before. The sound was so pure, so strong, it felt like it resonated deep within me, connecting me to this little life in a way that was indescribable.

Tears welled up in my eyes, not just from the sheer happiness of hearing our baby’s heartbeat, but from the relief that washed over me like a tidal wave. All the fears that had gnawed at me since the moment I realized I might be pregnant—the doubts, the memories of my past miscarriage—seemed to dissolve in that steady rhythm. It was like the baby was telling me, "I’m here, and I’m strong."

The tears started slowly at first, just a trickle, but as I looked at the screen, watching that tiny heartbeat, they began to fall faster. I could feel the warmth of them on my cheeks, the release of all the tension I had been holding inside. I wasn’t sure if I was crying from joy or from sheer relief, maybe a mixture of both, but it didn’t matter. All I knew was that I had never felt anything so profound, so powerful.

When I glanced at Jax and Knox, I saw that they were crying too, and that only made my emotions swell even more. It was comforting to know they felt the same way, that they were just as deeply affected by this moment. And Asher, though he tried to stay composed, couldn’t hide the emotion in his eyes. He was holding back, but I knew him well enough to see the tears he was fighting to contain.

I reached out for Jax’s and Knox’s hands, needing to feel them, needing that connection. Asher’s hand on my shoulder was steady, grounding me in the reality of the moment. The bond between us felt stronger than ever, and I knew that no matter what happened, we were in this together.

The heartbeat was still echoing in my ears, and with every beat, I felt more certain that this was exactly where I was meant to be. This baby was already so loved, so wanted, and I knew we would do everything in our power to protect it. The future felt bright and full of possibility, and for the first time in a long while, I let myself fully embrace that hope.

As the doctor continued the ultrasound, explaining details I barely registered, I just kept watching that screen, marveling at the tiny miracle growing inside me. I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me, a deep certainty that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. And this baby—our baby—would be surrounded by all the love in the world.