Chapter 180

Michael POV

I am overjoyed at hearing my baby's heartbeat. It makes it all so real. I can honestly say I was shocked that Shawna wanted to do the blood work to find out the sex of the pup earlier than usual. She seems excited, and I won't take that from her. I'd like to say that I don't care what we are having, but of course that would be a lie. I'm the first of the Alpha's sons to give them a grandchild, of course I want it to be a boy, a potential heir to the pack. Even if James has a boy, it doesn't mean my son can't be Alpha, or even lead the warriors like I'm going to do. My chest fills with pride. I also think about a little girl, with big brilliant eyes like her mothers, and a sweet disposition. A girl who adores her daddy, because I will be her protector. My heart is torn. What the hell am I saying? I'd be happy no matter what. "What are you thinking?" Shawna says as we stroll back towards our new house. "I can feel your turmoil."

"Oh um, just the baby. Wondering if it's a boy or a girl."

"That makes you think hard and your heart rate pick up?" she says laughing. "Wow."

"I'm just thinking that if it's a boy, he'd be the first Alpha heir born. And if it's a girl, she'd be beautiful like her mother, with a big heart. She would love her daddy," I smile down at Shawna as she stops and gives me a funny look.

"What if they like me more?" she asks. "Boy or girl."

"Well, they should like you more," I say, brushing back her hair. "You're amazing and kind, and you will be the best mother." I watch as her face morphs into a mixture of emotions. Pride, followed by a look like she might cry. Then she smiles at me and lifts up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.

"You really are the best," she says. We start to walk, and my phone rings in my pocket. I ignore it, so I can focus on my mate. It stops ringing and her phone starts to ring. "Oh, it must be Lynn," she says, looking at me sheepishly as she pulls it from her jacket pocket. "It is," she holds it up to show me the caller i.d.

"Hello," she answers. "Yes, we went to the doctor and all is well. What's going on?" she asks. I listen, only able to hear her side of the conversation. "That's good," she says low. "Um, okay. I have to ask Michael. I'm sure that's fine, but I can't speak for his father." She looks up at me and mouths, "Cedric wants to come here."

The conversation lasts for another thirty seconds before Shawna says, "Tell Clint we will call him." She pauses. "Yeah, okay, or Cedric. Bye." She hangs up and looks at me. "I guess you should have taken the call, but Cedric wants to escort them here, and then he's asking for temporary sanctuary before he has to report back. He said you'd know what that meant. You can deal with it, I don't even know what half of what she said means." I nod.

"I will definitely need to discuss this with my father and with James. I do know what he's asking. It means that he has been given a short leave or vacation from his duties, probably following his part in the investigation. They do that from time to time, especially if the Alpha has other guardians or obligations that the guardian need not be part of," I turn and grab her hand. "Come on, let's get to our new home before it gets any later. After you look around the house and get your things at least partly unpacked, we have to go to my parents' for dinner. I can make the call while you're unpacking." Shawna's small hand wraps around my fingers, and I pull her closer as we walk down the road towards the house. I really do wonder why Cedric wants to spend his vacation here, but I will find out, before I speak to my father. I've asked him for a lot of favors lately, helping out Shawna's sister and mate, and asking him to take them in. Now to take in this guardian that I don't know and don't particularly care for, that's a big step, but I was a guardian too and I know how rare leave is, so he has his reasons.

We pass my parents' house and the stretch of land between, where my two brothers will eventually build. When we stop in front of our new home, Shawna takes in a sharp breath. "Are you serious?" she asks, turning towards me. "It's huge. It is the most.....wow," she pauses. "Breathtaking and unexpected, that's what it is."

We stand in front of a two-story house with a small front yard. The huge bay window has curtains that have been left open and the lights are on, so we can clearly see inside. The living room is already partially furnished, featuring a huge leather sectional, two end tables with lamps, and a coffee table. You can't see it, but I know there is an eighty-five-inch television hanging on the far wall. I requested that. A man has his requests, too. You can see straight through to the kitchen and its massive island, the lights over it glowing bright. Stainless steel appliances adorn the kitchen.

"Shall we go in?" I ask her. She nods excitedly and rushes up the steps to the double doors, pushing open the one on the right. I follow behind her and we step into the foyer. The hardwood floors are gleaming.

"This is too much, Michael, it's just crazy," she whispers.

"Nothing is to much for you babe. We can afford this place, I assure you. I paid the contractors well to deliver exactly what I wanted and to complete the project quickly. Come on, let's go look around," I tell her. Shawna heads straight for the kitchen, running her hand over the grey slab of granite that is on the island. She spins slowly, taking it all in and then notices the stairway off to the right and runs up the stairs to the second floor. I was behind her but moving slowly, giving her time to see things, to watch the joy and shock on her face.

"Holy heavens," she screeches as she heads into the master bedroom. "Michael, this bed is enormous." I chuckle. I need a big bed, but also, the bigger the bed, the more room I have to roll around with her in my arms. Plus, when our children are big enough to climb into bed with us to cuddle and watch a movie, it's perfect.

"What do you think?" I ask, as I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her. She's standing in the middle of our master bathroom now, mouth hanging open. There's a garden tub that would easily fit us both, along with a huge walk in shower, fitted with dual shower heads. The double sinks are an added bonus and I know she will love all the counter space. I know I will, as I think about picking her up and setting her ass on the marble so I can make love to her while watching her reaction in the mirror.

"It's incredible, Michael, you have truly outdone yourself," she whispers.

"Oh you just wait till tonight," I promise, my lips brushing her ear. "I'm going to take you on as many surfaces in this house as you will let me."

"Oh," she whispers. "Now, how will I get through dinner with your parents, while thinking about you between my thighs?" she laughs. Instantly, I'm hard.