Ethan stirred awake, feeling a warmth at his side. He reached out, expecting to find Sophia beside him, only to discover her absence. The scent of pancakes and coffee drifted through the air, filling the house with a comforting aroma. Smiling, he got out of bed and headed downstairs, following the sound of light clattering in the kitchen.
When he entered, he found her humming softly, flipping pancakes with a focused look. Her hair was pulled back, her cheeks a little flushed from the stove's heat. Ethan’s heart swelled at the sight of her, pouring herself into this simple act for him.
“Good morning,” he said, leaning against the doorway, his eyes warm with appreciation.
Sophia turned, her face lighting up as she noticed him. “Morning! I thought I’d surprise you with breakfast,” she said, a touch of pride in her voice. “You’re always taking care of me, so today, it’s my turn.”
Ethan walked over, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close for a quick kiss. “I’m definitely not complaining,” he said softly, then leaned back, studying her. There was something different, something he couldn’t quite place. A familiar yet altered scent lingered around her, something that made his wolf stir within him.
As they ate, the thought kept tugging at him. Sophia smelled… almost like a wolf. It was subtle, but unmistakable, a shift so slight that only an Alpha’s senses might catch it. His mind raced with the implications. Could she be pregnant? He kept the thought to himself, not wanting to worry her until he was sure. He needed to speak with the pack doctor first.
Sophia noticed his quietness, her brows furrowing with concern. “Are you okay? You seem… off,” she asked, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand gently.
Forcing a smile, Ethan squeezed her hand back. “Yeah, just some pack business on my mind. Nothing you need to worry about.”
Her worry eased a bit, though a lingering trace of concern flickered in her eyes. Ethan knew she could feel his tension through their bond, even if he was trying to mask it. He hated hiding things from her, but he didn’t want to get her hopes up—or worse, worry her—if there was no reason to.
After breakfast, Sophia stood, her plate in hand. “I’ve got to get ready for work,” she said, flashing him a quick smile as she headed upstairs for a shower. Ethan watched her go, a sense of urgency creeping into his mind. He needed to speak to the pack doctor soon.
Once she was out of earshot, he picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Dr. Harold’s number. He fired off a quick message, asking the doctor to meet him within the hour. If his suspicions were right, this was something they couldn’t afford to delay.
When Sophia returned, dressed and ready for her shift, she gave him her usual rundown. “Lunch-to-evening shift today. I’ll see you around eleven?” she asked, giving him a soft smile.
Ethan nodded. “I’ll be there. Be careful,” he added, a touch more serious than usual.
Sophia looked at him, her expression softening. “I always am,” she said, leaning in to kiss him goodbye. She lingered just a moment longer, studying his face as if trying to sense what was on his mind, before finally pulling back. “See you tonight.”
He watched as she walked out to Lila’s car, her laughter blending with her friend’s as they greeted each other. Ethan let out a long breath once they were gone, steeling himself. Today, he’d find out if his suspicions were true—and what it could mean for Sophia, for their future together, and for their pack.