"Ryder," I say softly. His breathing had evened out and I thought he had fallen asleep but I still wanted to talk to him. "Hmm," he replied, shifting lightly as I woke him. "Did Reynolds tell you what I talked to him about before I wanted to be alone?" The room was dark but I was still nervous to look in Ryder's direction, afraid to see what emotion his face showed. "He didn't want to. My wolf was on edge enough as it was that you were gone but I made him. If you want to start trying Lottie so do I. It will only take day or two for the birth control to work its way out of your system." He turned so I was looking at him. Despite being in a dark room I could see that he was looking at me with a soft smile. "What about the rebels? It's not a good time." He sighed and smiled as his chest shook lightly with a laugh. "This is our life, not theirs. Always remember that. We will go through shitty times with our kingdom and we can't stop living our lives and doing what we want because of it. Given past situations you might find it hard to believe but I can protect you and any pup you carry. Reynolds, Cyrus, Theo and Charlie will never leave your side." His hands moved delicately over my hips as he spoke. Moving my fingers over his naked chest, I flatten my palm out so I can feel the beat of his heart. "What about you? Is it something that you want now as well?" Ryder shifts again, the nerves vibrate off him as I wait patiently for him to reply. "Riley thinks she's found a way to weaken the pup so it won't hurt you without effecting its growth but it'd be completely experimental." I listened to his words, he seemed hesitant to continue and he took a deep breathe before he leaned over and turned on the beside lamp so he could see me properly. He raised a hand to run his thumb over my cheek bone and his eyes searched my face. "You asked Reynolds if you'd make a good mother, which I have no doubt you will, but given my influence," his jaw clenched and he ran his thumb back over my cheek again. "I don't know if I'll make a good father." Looking up from underneath my eyelashes I shake my head at him. "You'll be nothing like your father Ryder. I've seen you with Elijah. I wouldn't want to have kids with anybody else." My voice cracks as I hold back tears. Ryder's hand slips back so he can slide it into my hair. With a soft smile he pulls me into him so he can press his lips against mine. His kiss is light and filled with utmost love as he moves his hand to slide it over my stomach beneath his shirt. Turning off the light he pulls me back in closer to him, his lips reconnecting with mine. "Please don't tell any of the guys or anyone that I told you that." Chuckling I place my hand over his that isn't hinting at ever moving from my stomach. "You're so cute." Ryder growls lightly but still leans forward and presses a quick kiss to my lips. "Go to sleep. I love you." "I love you too." I say with a laugh. He falls asleep before I do, his hand continuing to massage over my stomach, even in his sleep. I'd always known he'd make a great father and it made me sad that he didn't believe that. When I wake up again the sun is shining through the gap in the grey curtains behind the bed. I can feel that most of the cuts on my body had healed even though I still felt tense in some areas. Turning my head I look at Ryder who was still asleep. I knew he hadn't slept the entire time I was out of it and now he was only just catching up on it. I was reminded of our conversation just before we fell asleep as his hand moved over my stomach again. I'd completely repositioned myself against him in my sleep but somehow he had managed to still find my stomach and hold it in a protective manor. Gently prying his arm from around me I slip out of the bed. Ryder groaned and shifted in the bed noticing my absence but he didn't wake up. Slowly standing up from the bed, I take a few steps with my hand stretched out to my side, ready to steady myself if I were to fall. Once I was steady on my legs I walked towards the closet hoping to find something that I could change into. The rails were full of his clothes but there were some of mine folded up on the cushioned stool in the middle. Grabbing a pair of jeans and a bra I slip them on, over the bandages. I didn't want to leave Ryder alone, since he didn't leave me, but I wanted to get out of this room and I knew he needed to sleep. Giving him a look I open the door to see what's on the other side. When I see that it's a living area with a large lounge and a dining table I sigh in relief especially when I see Reynolds on the lounge watching the television. Leaving the door open, so Ryder can sense me when he wakes up, I walk over to the lounge. When I sink down into the soft cushions, I chuckle lightly at Reynolds. He was passed out and snoring lightly, his long hair was all tangled and he tightened his arms across his chest. Pushing on his shoulder, I'm barely able to move his weight. His eyebrows furrow and he just cracks his eyes open to look at me. He breathes in deeply before he closes his eyes again and sinks further into the pillows. "Morning mumma, how are you feeling?" He whispers, a smirk pulling at his lips. "I'm a bit sore but other than that fine. Did Ryder talk to you?" Nervously I started to pick at the bandages. They were itchy and I just wanted them gone but I knew that I had to keep them on for now. When I said those words he opened his eyes and looked at me with a soft smile on his face. "I told him what you told me, but did you talk to him about it last night?"