Chapter 164: Pregnancy Preparations

Chapter 164: Pregnancy Preparations
(Gretel’s POV)

The scent of warm honey bread, eggs, and jasmine tea filled the air as we sat around the breakfast table this morning after our return to the pack yesterday.

I sipped my tea slowly, still trying to chase away the sleep from my eyes. I've been feeling so sleepy lately. And everything felt so calm now.

No dangers. No fears. Just the peaceful atmosphere of a new day.

Jazmine sat across from me, holding a buttered croissant in her hand. She stared at me for a long moment, as if trying to decipher something, before finally blurting out,

“Alright, Grey. You need to tell me—why is my brother treating you like you're made of glass lately? Or, I don’t know... like an egg that might break any minute?”

I almost choked on my tea, startled by her straightforward question. A warm blush crept up my cheeks, and I quickly looked down at my plate. How was I supposed to answer that?

I bit into my toast slowly, buying myself a few more seconds. Jazmine, of course, was watching me like a hawk, maybe expecting something juicy.

“I, uh...” I started, but thankfully, before I had to form an actual sentence, the door opened, and Devion stepped into the room.

He looked well put together, his suit sharp and his hair styled as if he hadn't just rushed out earlier. His eyes found mine instantly.

“The doctor is here to see you now,” he said gently.

So that’s where he went this morning.

I blinked up at him as Jazmine turned to face him. “Doctor?” she repeated, looking between us like she was trying to solve a mystery.

“Why would she need a doctor?” Her gaze narrowed. “Wait... are you sick?”

Devion didn’t waste much time to explain. He nodded and answered calmly, “She’s pregnant.”

Jazmine gasped so loudly the fork slipped out of her hand and clattered against the plate. “Since when?!” she asked, mouth agape.

I gave her an apologetic smile. “Since recently,” I said softly, my hand drifting to rest gently on my lower belly.

Jazmine leaned back in her chair like she needed more time to process things. “Okay, wow. That explains the special treatment.”

Then, as if flipping a switch, she grinned brightly. “Well then, we’ve got a lot of planning to do!”

Before she could rattle off any wild ideas, the doctor entered.

He looked like he’d been doing his job for years—gray at the temples, eyes looking kind, and a clipboard in his hand.

“Good morning, Luna,” he said respectfully.

“I’m Doctor Harlan. Alpha Devion asked me to check on you and make sure your pregnancy is going as we hope for. Would you mind stepping into the foyer with me for a quick examination?”

I nodded and stood up slowly. Devion stepped towards me, placing a hand on my back to help me.

Jazmine’s eyes followed us all the way, her mouth clearly itching to say something more. But after a sigh, she held back.

In the foyer, Doctor Harlan asked me to lie down on the couch. He worked efficiently, using a stethoscope, checking my vitals, gently pressing around my abdomen, and asking several questions.

He seemed pleased with what he found and began listing medical dos and don’ts with the seriousness of someone handing out cautious rules.

“Make sure to avoid raw or undercooked meats,” he began, adjusting his glasses.

“No heavy lifting. Reduce stress. Keep your meals balanced—lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Wear loose, relaxed clothing, avoid harsh chemicals, and get plenty of rest.”

I nodded at the instructions, though it was a bit overwhelming.

He scribbled something onto a notepad and handed it to Devion. “Here’s a list of prescriptions. She’ll need to take these daily for the next few months. Vitamins, mostly. Nothing complicated.”

Devion took the paper and nodded. “I’ll see to it that she follows your orders.”

Doctor Harlan gave me a warm smile. “Congratulations again, Luna. If you feel anything unusual—nausea that doesn’t stop, dizziness, or pain—don’t wait. Call me immediately.”

“I will,” I said softly.

Then Devion walked the doctor out, thanking him again at the door.

I leaned back down on the sofa with a tired sigh, already feeling a bit drained.

But just then, Jazmine flopped down beside me like a whirlwind of excitement. She grinned at me as if she'd been holding herself back this whole time.

“So,” she started, stretching the word dramatically, “what kind of baby plans do you and my brother have up your sleeves?”

I blinked at her. “Baby plans? We only found out I was pregnant yesterday,” I replied, trying to wave her off.

But Jazmine rolled her eyes. “Still! That’s plenty of time to dream up some ideas. Like what room are you turning into the nursery?” She paused and then smiled brightly.

“Oh—and if you were scared to ask, I’ve already decided to give up my room. The babies can have it. It’s bigger than most, and it has the best sunlight.”

I chuckled, unable to help myself. “Jazmine, you and your bubble of plans.”

She giggled. “Hey, someone has to think ahead!”

Then she started launching into a list of nursery painting ideas.

“Okay, so if it’s a boy, I’m thinking soft forest greens and baby blue. Or maybe an animal theme? Lions and wolves, maybe? And if it’s a girl, something floral! Light lavender with white roses, or maybe a butterfly mural?”

I leaned back, letting her enthusiasm wash over me. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the conversation. It felt... real. Joyful. Like a peek into a peaceful future I hadn’t tried to dream of before.

“I think a cartoon theme would be sweet,” I chimed in. “Maybe something whimsical. Not too loud though. Gentle colors.”

“Yes!” she nodded eagerly. “And comic styles too! We could even mix both depending on what you like best. Oooh, what about glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling?”

I laughed, fully caught up in her ideas now. “Oh yes... I think the babies will love it.” I agreed.

Just when I thought she was done, she turned to me with a mischievous smile again. “Alright, let’s talk about baby names.”

I groaned and rolled my eyes playfully. “Jazmine, didn’t you hear the doctor? I need rest.”

She narrowed her eyes at me like I had just called her a name. “And if you think you’ll have that conversation with Devion and leave me out, you better think again.”

She said before standing up with a dramatic sigh. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some friends to invite to our wedding.”

"Tell them I say hi." I called after her.

She strutted off with her phone already in hand, mumbling excitedly to herself as she disappeared down the hallway.

“Our wedding.”
The words echoed in my mind even after she left.

I smiled at that, placing a hand on my belly again. I look forward to this wedding. I look forward to this new chapter of our lives.