I wouldn't freak out

I wouldn't freak out
Chapter 51
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Elena

I stared at Kael's message longer than necessary.

"Can I see you tonight?"

My fingers hovered above the screen before I typed back, "Okay sure."

Not even a full minute passed before I heard a knock at the door.

I moved quickly, checking the mirror, smoothing my hair even though I knew I looked a mess. Screw it. He'd seen me worse. He might as well get used to seeing me exhausted, hormonal, and borderline feral.

When I opened the door, Kael stood there in his usual black cloths, hands in his pockets, curls damp like he just washed them. His eyes softened the second he saw me.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi."

We stared at each other for a second, then I stepped aside and let him in. The second the door shut behind us, his arms wrapped around me. Not too tight, just enough to make me feel like I wouldn’t fall apart.

"You okay?" he asked, voice low near my ear.

I nodded into his chest. "Yeah. Just a long day."

We sat on the edge of the bed, and I curled my knees up while he leaned back on his hands, stretching his legs out like he owned the whole room. Typical.

"So," he started, glancing at me, "the mating ceremony's happening the day after tomorrow."

My eyebrows lifted. "Already?"

He nodded. "Yeah,It’s gonna be small. Just the main pack and close allies. But it’ll be official. If you want the celebration to be bigger, do let me know.”

I let that sink in.

Everything was happening so fast. His voice was calm, though. No panic. No nerves. Just Kael, sitting there like he wasn’t about to step into one of the biggest roles in the pack’s history.

I nodded then turned my face to him. "And how do you feel about all that?"

He shrugged, then let out a breath. "I’m ready. I guess I’ve been ready. I’m more worried about the dancing."

I snorted. "You don’t dance."

"Exactly. So if I trip, I’m blaming you."

"Wow. I haven’t even agreed to dance with you."

He gave me that crooked smile. "You will."

We sat in a short silence. It wasn't awkward.

I watched him. The way his thumb tapped lightly against his thigh. The way his eyes kept glancing at me like he wanted to say something but didn’t want to push.

So I said it for him.

"Do you ever think about...kids?"

His head tilted slightly, surprised.

"Where did that come from?"

I shrugged, playing with the hem of my sleeve. "Just wondering. You know... mating ceremonies, future responsibilities...babies. It all kind of goes together, doesn’t it?"

Kael went quiet for a moment. Not the tensed type, just thoughtful.

"Yeah. I think about it sometimes," he said finally. "Not in a checklist kind of way. Just... what it would be like. Having a tiny human who throws things and has your temper."

"Excuse you, my temper?"

He grinned. "Yeah, that attitude didn’t come from me."

I threw a pillow at him and he caught it with ease.

Then his expression softened again.

"But yeah," he added. "I think I'd like to be a dad someday. Not just for the title, or the legacy but to be that kind of person. The one a kid feels safe with."

My heart thudded loud in my chest.

He wasn’t lying. I could see it in his face, the calm way he said it. He meant it. He meant all of it.

"So," I teased gently, nudging his side, "you’re saying you’re officially walking into parenthood mode? Is that what this is? Alpha by day, diaper changer by night?"

Kael burst out laughing, his head dropping back against the wall. "Wow. Give me some warning next time before you go full domestic."

"I’m just saying," I said, barely keeping the smile out of my voice. "If a baby showed up, you wouldn’t freak out, right?"

He leaned toward me, eyes narrowing with a playful look. "Is this you fishing for something, Elena? Should I be worried?"

"Nope. Just curious."

He watched me a moment longer.

"I wouldn’t freak out," he said finally.

And just like that, I felt my stomach twist, not in a bad way. Just... overwhelmed.

We were quiet again.

I stood up and walked to the window, arms folded across my chest. I could feel his gaze following me.

"You’re acting weird tonight," he said softly.

"I’m tired."

He stood too, coming up behind me but not touching me.

"You don’t have to carry everything alone. I mean it. Whatever’s going on in that head of yours, you can tell me. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy."

I closed my eyes.

Then I turned slowly, looking up at him. "You really mean that?"

"Yeah." I believed him.

So I just rested my head against his chest again and let him hold me.

Because maybe tomorrow, or the next day, I’d tell him.

But for now, I just needed this.

Us.