Chapter 178

Chapter 178
Erin's POV

After resting for an entire day, I did feel much better, enough to continue our trip. Alexander was still somewhat worried, but seeing that my appetite had returned, he relaxed. We proceeded as planned to the northern end of the island, where the most spectacular coral reefs were located.

However, that evening, after enjoying a special dinner prepared with local spices, my symptoms suddenly intensified. It wasn't just nausea anymore, but unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and sudden drowsiness. In the morning, the smell of coffee Alexander was brewing—normally my favorite scent—sent me rushing to the bathroom again.

"This isn't normal," Alexander stood in the doorway with his arms crossed, his face filled with worry and anxiety. He flipped through the travel guide, browsing with a furrowed brow. "Could it be dengue fever? Or malaria?"

I tried to recall. "I was bitten by some strange insects during our jungle hike." I looked down at several red marks still visible on my arm, feeling a rising sense of unease.

Alexander closed the book, his expression serious. "We're seeing a doctor. Now."

---

The island's only clinic was located in the center of the main settlement—simple but clean. An elderly healer received us, with silver-gray hair and gentle eyes. He sniffed my scent, asked a series of questions, and then performed a basic examination.

"How long have you been mated?" he suddenly asked.

"About a month," Alexander answered, his hand tightly gripping mine, knuckles white.

"Any changes in taste or smell?" the doctor continued, "Like foods you used to enjoy now smelling terrible?"

I looked at him in shock. "Yes, coffee. I've always loved coffee, but these last few days just smelling it makes me want to throw up. And I've become unusually sleepy."

The doctor smiled slightly and left the examination room to conduct further tests. Time ticked by slowly as Alexander paced restlessly, his scent permeated with anxiety.

"Could it be some serious tropical disease?" I asked softly, suddenly feeling afraid.

Alexander immediately returned to my side, pulling me into his arms. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

When the doctor returned, he wore a strange, almost smug smile on his face, holding a test report in his hand.

""Mr. and Mrs. Ravenclaw," he began, his voice gentle and cheerful, "I'm happy to tell you this isn't any disease. Congratulations, you're going to be parents."

The words hit us like lightning. The room suddenly became terrifyingly quiet; I could even hear my own rapid heartbeat. Alexander sank into a chair in shock, his mouth slightly open as if he'd forgotten how to breathe.

"Pregnant?" I repeated, my voice sounding distant. My hand unconsciously moved to my abdomen. "But we just... we only just mated..."

"Werewolf pregnancies typically occur quickly after mating," the doctor explained, "especially when the bond between the pair is particularly strong. The wolf's instinct always desires to reproduce as soon as possible."

I looked at Alexander, uncertain of his reaction. We had never really discussed the topic of children; everything had happened so fast. Will he be happy? Shocked? Or worried?

But Alexander's reaction surprised me. After the initial shock, his eyes gradually moistened, his lips slowly curving upward to form a smile of pure joy I had never seen before. He slowly knelt before me, gently placing both hands on my abdomen.

"A pup," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Our pup."

He looked up at me, his eyes full of joy and awe. "Erin, this is the best gift I've ever received."

I felt tears welling up as a new kind of happiness filled my heart. This wasn't in our plans, but it felt so right, so perfect. I cupped his face with both hands, my forehead pressed against his.

"We're going to be parents," I said softly, the thought both frightening and exciting.

---

That evening, Alexander arranged a private dinner for us on the beach in front of our cabin. Candlelight flickered, reflecting on the damp sand like scattered stars. Waves gently lapped at the shore as starlight filled the sky, creating the most romantic backdrop.

Alexander personally served food suitable for pregnant werewolves and specially prepared a non-alcoholic flower honey drink for me—a beverage recommended by the doctor to aid in werewolf pup development.

"To our future," he raised his glass, his eyes shimmering with tenderness and hope. "To our family."

I raised my own glass, gently clinking it against his. "To the three of us."

After dinner, we walked barefoot on the moonlit beach, waves gently caressing our ankles. Alexander's arm encircled my waist, his scent more intense and protective than ever before.

"Are you happy?" I asked softly. "Everything's happening so fast."

Alexander stopped, turned to face me, and cradled my face in his hands. "Erin, I've never been happier. From the moment I knew you were my mate, I dreamed of one day starting a family with you. This little life," his hand gently caressed my abdomen, "is a testament to our love, the most precious gift of my life."

He gently pulled me into his embrace, one hand protectively resting on my abdomen. "I swear I'll be the best father, Erin. Our child will never experience the coldness and loneliness of my childhood. They will have our love, our protection, and a real home."

I leaned against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat, imagining that in a few months we would hold a little life in our arms, with Alexander's blue eyes and my blonde hair.

"They'll have your protection and strength," I said, "and my stubbornness and resilience."

Alexander chuckled. "Moon Goddess help us, I hope they're not as stubborn as you. One house with two stubborn wolves is already enough to give me headaches."

"Hey!" I pretended to be angry and punched his chest lightly. "Are you calling me stubborn?"

"I'm saying I love every part of you," he lifted my hand and kissed my fingertips. "If our child is as brave, smart, and compassionate as you, that will be our greatest pride."

I raised my eyes to meet Alexander's deep blue gaze, the love I saw there making my heart flutter.

"Erin," he said softly, his hand gently caressing my abdomen, "thank you for giving me this gift—our child. I never thought I could have such happiness. You've given me a real home."

I felt my eyes moisten as I reached up to cup his face.

"Alex," I responded, "I'm the one who should thank you. Before meeting you, I was just a lonely Omega who never had a real home. But you gave me belonging, security, and a true home. This is a happiness I never dared to imagine."

Alexander held me tightly in his arms. "Our little family," he whispered, "you, me, and our pup. I swear I'll protect you both with my life."

I closed my eyes as I nestled in his embrace, feeling a happiness I had never experienced before. We were no longer just two individuals, but had become a family.