Chapter 161: Loric’s Reaction

Lya felt her heart clench slightly as she instinctively ran her hand over her still-flat stomach. This budding happiness was tinged with an anxiety she couldn’t ignore, and Caleb, ever attentive, immediately noticed her unease.

“What’s wrong, babe?” he asked softly, his blue eyes locked on hers with infinite care.

Lya hesitated, searching for the right words. Then, with a sigh full of emotion, she admitted, “How will Loric react? I mean… we’ve only just adopted him, Caleb. He’s just starting to adjust to this new life, this family. And now… now we’re going to tell him he’s going to have a little brother or sister. Our first biological child.”

Her fingers brushed over her stomach again, as if trying to connect with the life she was already carrying. “I don’t want him to feel left out or less loved. He’s been through so much…” Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her deep concern.

Caleb stepped closer, placing his large hands on her shoulders to make her meet his eyes. “Listen to me, babe,” he said in a low, firm voice, filled with conviction. “Loric is our son. Not just on paper, not just because we decided he is. He’s our son, and nothing and no one can change that—not even this baby.”

He paused, his hands sliding to cradle her face. “We need to help him understand that this baby isn’t a rival. It’s a gift. Something that brings us even closer as a family. And you, Lya, you have this incredible ability to love with your whole soul. Loric feels it, just like I do. He has no reason to doubt his place in this family because his place is carved into our hearts.”

A comforting smile softened his features as he added, “And besides, we’ll ask for his help—let him be the protective big brother. I bet he’ll love that. That kid has so much strength in him. Trust me, babe, it’ll be okay.”

Tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, Lya nodded gently. Caleb had this way of calming her inner storms, easing her deepest fears. “You’re right,” she murmured. “We’ll do it together. Like always.”

Caleb nodded with satisfaction, his decision made. “Let’s do it now.”

With determination, he focused on his mental link to reach Drake. “Drake, I need you to come here with Loric immediately.”

Drake’s reply was succinct but filled with respectful gravity. “We’re on our way, Alpha.”

In the grand reception hall, Drake’s sudden departure with young Loric immediately drew attention. Murmurs began to spread like wildfire. Some guests leaned toward their neighbors, whispering speculations.

“Why take the boy now? Is something wrong?”

“Do you think something happened to Luna Lya? She looked tired earlier…”

“What if she’s sick? Or worse, hurt?”

“Maybe she’s pregnant?” one wolf murmured, earning an immediate scolding from another guest.

This sudden buzz didn’t escape Elara’s notice. Always sensitive to any agitation involving Lya, she felt a knot of worry forming in her chest. She turned to Darrien, her face openly displaying her anxiety. “Lya’s okay, right? She’s coming back, isn’t she?”

Darrien, ever vigilant, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His voice, calm and steady, carried quiet authority. “Don’t let the rumors get to you, princess. Lya’s fine. If it were serious, Caleb would have told me immediately.” He paused, his gaze softening as it rested on the young girl. “And believe me, there’s nothing on this earth that would stop Caleb from bringing Lya back to us. Nothing.”

Darrien’s soothing tone seemed to calm Elara slightly, though she remained on edge, her eyes fixed on the entrance with hope. The murmurs persisted, but the bodyguard’s words managed to ease some of the tension weighing on her.

When Drake entered the room where Lya was resting, Loric rushed to his mother, arms outstretched, his innocent face marked by a worry that tugged at Caleb’s heart. Lya, though still a bit tired, sat up in bed with a reassuring smile and gently pulled Loric onto her lap. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, her movements full of infinite tenderness.

Caleb turned to his Beta, who watched the scene with visible relief at seeing Lya in better condition. “Drake, can you give us a few minutes alone? I’ll explain everything afterward.”

Drake, ever himself, cast a mischievous glance at Lya before replying. “Alright, I’ll wait outside. But Luna, I’m glad to see you’re doing better.”

Caleb couldn’t resist adding with a groan of amused annoyance, “And try not to hit on all the nurses while you wait, Drake.”

The Beta raised his hands in mock defense, a playful grin on his lips. “No promises, Alpha.” He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Caleb shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Then he refocused all his attention on his family. He approached the bed and placed a calming hand on Lya’s shoulder. “Loric, your mom and I have something important to tell you.”

Still perched on Lya’s lap, Loric furrowed his brow in concentration. He straightened slightly, unconsciously mimicking Caleb’s posture, his expression so similar to his adoptive father’s that Lya couldn’t help but smile tenderly. She gently stroked her son’s cheek.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” she began softly. “But I have some very important news to share with you.” She took Loric’s small hand and placed it gently on her stomach. “Soon, you’re going to be a big brother. Mommy’s having a baby.”

Loric’s eyes widened, his face freezing in an expression of pure surprise. He looked back and forth between his mother and father, seeking confirmation. “A baby?” he asked in a small voice, his tone a mix of astonishment and wonder.

“Yes, my treasure,” Lya confirmed with a nod. “A little brother or sister. You’re going to be a big brother.”

The boy seemed to think deeply for a moment, his small hands now resting on Lya’s stomach. Then he looked up, his eyes bright with joy and excitement. “Will I get to play with them? Can I teach them things?”

Lya felt her heart melt at Loric’s innocence and enthusiasm. “Yes, my love,” she replied, planting a kiss on his hair. “You’ll be the best big brother, I’m sure of it.”

Caleb knelt to their level, placing a steady, reassuring hand on Loric’s shoulder. “And you’ll never be alone, son,” he added gravely. “We’re a family. You, Mommy, and now this baby on the way. You’ll always be an essential part of it.”

Still overwhelmed by the idea, Loric leaned forward and gently kissed Lya’s stomach, as if welcoming the little life that would soon join their family. His innocent, loving gesture left Caleb and Lya deeply moved, strengthening their conviction that their family—different as it was—was stronger than ever.

Relieved by how smoothly the conversation had gone, Caleb stepped away to call Drake back into the room. But when he opened the door and glanced down the hallway, his Beta was nowhere to be found. The Alpha let out an exasperated sigh. Patience wasn’t exactly his strong suit when it came to Drake and his wandering habits. Without wasting time, Caleb reached out through their mental link, his voice laced with authority.

“Beta Drake, where the hell have you gone? Get back here immediately.”

A brief pause followed, but only a few seconds later, Drake appeared at the far end of the corridor, a wide, innocent—or almost innocent—grin plastered on his face. “I’m coming, I’m coming, Alpha. No need to get all worked up.” His relaxed stride stood in stark contrast to Caleb’s irritation.

Caleb rolled his eyes, caught between amusement and annoyance. Typical Drake. Still, he wouldn’t trade his Beta for anything. “Get in here. We’ve got some important news to share,” he said, stepping aside to let Drake into the room.

Drake entered, his curiosity evident as his gaze darted from Caleb to Lya, then to Loric, who was still sitting snugly on Lya’s lap. The boy was staring intently at Lya’s stomach with such concentration that even Drake, usually distracted, immediately pieced things together. A knowing smile spread across his face as he turned to Caleb.

“Don’t tell me…” Drake began, his tone teasing.

Caleb crossed his arms, his expression calm but tinged with pride. “Yes, Lya’s pregnant. She’s carrying our first biological child—and the second child in our family.”

For once, Drake was silent for a few seconds, processing the news. Then he burst into uncontrollable laughter, clapping his hands together. “Well, the Elders are gonna wish they’d held off on summoning you! They could’ve saved themselves the embarrassment. Am I right?”

Lya tilted her head, a mischievous—almost dangerous—smile curling her lips. “And deprive me of the pleasure? Not a chance.” She let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding with a sarcastic edge, “Things are finally going my way.”

Drake gave her an admiring, amused look. “You’re a real menace, Luna Lya. But damn, I’m so happy for you two. And you, Loric?” he asked, turning to the boy with genuine kindness.

Loric lifted his head, his serious gaze starkly contrasting with Drake’s playful demeanor. “I’m going to be the best big brother in the world,” he declared with conviction, making everyone smile.

Drake chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Well said, little man. But get ready—being a big brother isn’t all fun and games.”

Lya giggled softly, pulling Loric closer and pressing another kiss to his hair. Caleb, finally relaxing, placed a steady hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Thanks, Drake. Even if you drive me insane sometimes, I know I can always count on you for moments like this.”

Drake feigned offense, but his grin betrayed his pride. “I’m the best, Alpha. You know it.”

The warm laughter that followed filled the room, reinforcing the sense of unity within this unusual yet solid family.

Caleb straightened with determination, resting a hand on Lya’s shoulder before addressing her in a calm but resolute tone. “Babe, Drake and I are going back to the reception. People are probably starting to worry about us. And I think it’s the perfect time to announce the good news.”

Drake, ever true to himself, burst into loud applause, his excitement palpable. “Oh, this, Alpha, I wouldn’t miss for anything! I can’t wait to see the Elders’ faces when they hear. Their reactions will be priceless.”

His tone was brimming with amusement, and he made no effort to hide it. Lya, though still tired, couldn’t help but smile at Drake’s enthusiasm. She gave him a playful wink, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Make sure you tell me every detail! I want to know exactly how many of them nearly fall off their chairs.”

Author's Note: In this new year, I wanted to thank you for your patience and understanding. It is true that for several weeks, I have had several health problems (including my mental health). But don't worry, I don't plan to shorten or rush the ending of this story. Above all, take care of yourself. And I wish you a very happy new year 2025.