Chapter 47

ARIA

I carefully tucked the ultrasound photos into my pocket, holding tight to Jace's hand. The confirmation of my pregnancy still made my head spin a little. Six months. Not nine. Because this was a werewolf baby—our baby.

"Nervous about telling everyone?" Jace asked, his voice deep and warm.

"They're all here?" I took a deep breath.

"Everyone," he smiled as we walked the path back toward the clearing.

There they were—my adoptive father Gabriel, my adoptive brother Lucas with his mate Eliana, and my adoptive grandparents Michael and Nina. All waiting anxiously, their expressions caught between worry and anticipation.

"Little deer!" Gabriel strode forward, arms outstretched.

Jace chuckled beside me. He always found the nickname amusing—a werewolf calling his adopted daughter after a deer. But it was our little secret.

"So?" Gabriel asked nervously, his hands gripping my shoulders.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out an ultrasound photo. "We're having a baby."

Gabriel's expression transformed from tension to joy. He took the photo, his hands trembling slightly.

"My God," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "My little girl is going to be a mother."

Lucas peered over his father's shoulder at the photo. "That's awesome, little sis!" he grinned, then gave me a bear hug that nearly lifted me off the ground.

"Careful, Lucas!" Eliana scolded, though she was smiling too. "Congratulations, Aria."

Grandma Nina gently took the photo from Gabriel's hands and examined it with Grandpa. Both had tears in their eyes.

"Beautiful," Nina whispered. "A Moonchild."

Gabriel suddenly turned to Jace, his manner becoming serious. "Alpha, I need your promise. Will you protect her and the child, no matter what happens?"

Others in the pack might have been shocked by Gabriel's direct question to the Alpha, but Jace simply nodded solemnly.

"Always," he said, authority ringing in his voice. "With my life."

In that moment, I felt a strange connection binding us all together—not through werewolf mind links, but through something deeper. Family.

After returning to the Pack House, Jace led us into the small hall usually reserved for important guests. Sunlight streamed through high windows, illuminating the long wooden table and surrounding chairs.

"You must stay for lunch," Jace told my family. Not a request, but an Alpha's invitation.

Soon, servers from the pack brought out a feast—roasted meat, fresh bread, and vegetables. My stomach growled loudly at the aroma, making Jace smile at me.

"You're eating for two now," he said, adding more food to my plate.

"The Sacred Moonlight Gathering begins in a few weeks," Gabriel said while cutting his meat. "Have you selected your guardians for the competition?"

Jace nodded. "Need four of our best. Hunter will definitely compete, along with Connor and Caleb. Still considering the fourth position."

"I'm competing next year," I chimed in, my mouth full of bread. Seeing their expressions, I added, "What? I don't become useless just because I'm pregnant."

"Of course not," Jace answered, pride in his voice. "You're free to compete whenever you're not carrying. Your fighting skills would shame some born wolves."

"But this year you'll attend as Luna and my mate," Jace added, his eyes soft.

Gabriel cleared his throat. "Aria, you remember the Black Forest Pack will attend too, right? Alpha Warren will be there."

I rolled my eyes. "Let him see I'm already mated to Jace. Maybe he'll finally understand I'm not his property."

"He might become angry," Gabriel warned. "Richard Warren isn't a man who takes rejection well."

"He won't get near her," Jace stated, his voice low and dangerous. "If I'm not by her side, Hunter will protect her. I won't give Warren any chance to harm my mate or my pup."

The topic suddenly shifted as Jace turned to my adoptive grandparents. "Michael, Nina, I'd like to invite you to become elders of our pack. In your former pack, you were from a respected family. Our Elder Council needs your wisdom."

I held my breath. This was an immense honor and Jace's ultimate acceptance of my family.

Nina and Michael exchanged surprised glances, then nodded simultaneously.

"We're honored to accept, Alpha," Michael said. "If our experience can help the Moon Shadow Pack, we'll do all we can."

"Hunter's grandfather would also be a wise choice," Nina added. "His knowledge of traditions is unmatched."

Jace nodded with satisfaction at their approval.

By evening, the relatives had finally left, and Jace and I decided to show Aurora the ultrasound photo. We found her in her room, focused on arranging a collection of toy wolves.

"Aurora, we have something to show you," Jace said softly, crouching down to her eye level.

I handed her the photo. Aurora frowned at it, clearly confused.

"What's this?" she asked, her small finger pointing at the blurry shape.

"That's your brother or sister," Jace explained. "Inside Aria's tummy."

Aurora's eyes widened, and she immediately looked at my stomach. "Really? Baby in there?"

I nodded with a smile. "Yes, the baby is very small right now, but will stay in my tummy for six months until big enough to come out and meet you."

"It's a boy," Aurora stated confidently, making both Jace and me laugh.

"Could be a girl, little pup," Jace reminded her.

Aurora shook her head, golden curls bouncing. "No, it's a boy. I know." She placed her small hand on my stomach. "What's his name?"

Jace and I exchanged a glance. "We haven't decided yet," I told her. "Would you like to help choose a name?"

Aurora's face lit up with excitement. "Really?"

"Of course," Jace nodded. "Any ideas?"

Aurora considered for a moment, then said firmly: "Riley Carter."

I felt my throat tighten. She had chosen Jace's last name without asking what it would be. To her, this baby would be part of the Carter family, just like her.

"Riley Carter," I repeated. "I like that name."

"Can I help get the baby's room ready?" Aurora asked eagerly.

"Absolutely," I said, feeling warmth flood through me. "We'll need you to help tell stories and sing to the baby. You're going to be the best big sister."

Aurora beamed, clearly proud of her important role. I silently vowed that no matter what happened, she would always know she was an essential part of this family.

That night, after reading Aurora a bedtime story and waiting until she fell asleep, we quietly returned to the master bedroom. I collapsed onto the bed exhausted, feeling Jace's warm arms wrap around me.

"You were amazing today," he murmured, pulling me close.

"I'm scared," I admitted. "Not about the baby, but... everything. Warren, how other packs will react, whether I can be a good mother..."

"I love you," Jace interrupted, kissing my forehead. "Thank you for not running away. Anyone else would have."

"Don't worry about Warren," he continued. "I won't let him near you."

"I trust you," I whispered. Before I realized it, the words tumbled out: "I trust you completely, Jace."

He held me tighter, burying his face in my hair. "You're mine," he whispered, with a vulnerability I rarely heard. "You're mine."

I heard the hidden fear in his voice—fear of losing Aurora, me, and our unborn pup. I turned to face him, placing my hand on his cheek.

"I am yours, and you are mine," I said firmly. "Now and for the rest of our lives."

Our lips met in a deep kiss as his arms tightened around me. He pulled me against his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady against mine.