Chapter 45

ARIA

I stood in the center of the Moon Shadow Pack house, my legs shaking like crazy. The Council Elders had just left, and I was still trying to process their bombshell. Me? Pregnant? With a freaking werewolf Alpha's baby? You've gotta be kidding me.

"This can't be happening," I muttered, trying to convince myself this was just some weird nightmare.

Jace went from shocked to pissed in about two seconds flat. "Out! Everyone out now!" he barked at the remaining elders, total Alpha mode activated.

They ducked their heads and scrambled out like scared puppies. When they were gone, the silence was deafening. My mind was completely fried. Pregnant? Seriously? We'd barely been together five minutes! I mean, yeah, I knew humans and werewolves could make babies, but this fast? Come on!

When everyone was finally gone, Jace walked over and dropped to one knee. Not gonna lie—didn't see that coming. He took my hands in his, all warm and steady while I was internally freaking out.

"Aria," his voice softened, "whatever decision you make, I'll support you. If you want this baby, I'll be the best father I can be. If you don't, I understand. It's your body, your choice. Either way, I'm here."

I looked at his expression and suddenly understood the fear he wasn't voicing. Vanessa. Aurora's mother. She had left Jace and their daughter after giving birth. He was afraid I would do the same.

I felt tears gathering in my eyes. "Jace, I love you, and I'll love this baby just like I love Aurora. I'm not going anywhere. It's happening sooner than we expected, but we'll face it together."

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability rare for an Alpha.

I nodded, feeling a new resolve growing inside me. "Yes, handsome. I want this baby because it's created from our love. This is our Moonchild."

His expression relaxed, joy dancing in his eyes. "I promise, even after you give birth, I won't stop you from training. You want to be a warrior, and I'll support you all the way."

I smiled, pulling him up and guiding him to a nearby chair, then settling onto his lap. I took his hand and placed it over my stomach.

"Our little wolf might be right here," I said softly, "growing already."

Jace's eyes met mine, filled with emotion. I didn't need a mind link to know what he was thinking. He leaned forward, and our lips met.

Three days had passed since the Council Elders told me I might be pregnant. Three days of adjusting to the idea. Becoming a mother. Becoming Aurora's mother. Becoming Jace's true mate.

He had kept his promise to the elders. Because they had failed to inform him of all the details in time, he had stripped them of their positions. Now, he was searching for wise, knowledgeable older members to replace them.

To my surprise, Gabriel's reaction was unexpectedly calm. While he was unhappy that the elders hadn't told Jace everything, when I broke the news to him, he embraced me, blessed us both, and promised his full support.

Today, we planned to see Dr. Maya to confirm if I was really pregnant. Until we were completely sure, we decided not to tell Aurora or any other pack members, though deep down, I already knew the answer.

I knocked on Jace's office door, hearing him say "Come in." When I pushed the door open, I found him on a call, but his face instantly lit up at the sight of me, gesturing for me to enter.

I closed the door behind me and walked to his side, sitting on his lap. One of his arms wrapped around my waist while the other held the phone.

"Yes, Marcus, we'll be there," he said, "we've already started selecting warriors for the competition... Yes, my Luna will be attending too... Thank you, I'll tell her. We'll talk later."

After hanging up, he turned to me, giving me a gentle kiss. "That was Alpha Marcus, about this year's Sacred Moonlight Gathering."

"When is it?" I asked.

"Two months from now," he answered, "The Moon Shadow Pack attends every year."

"I remember," I said, "If we hadn't met, I was planning to participate after my eighteenth birthday. Wanted to show off my skills in the arena."

Under Gabriel's guidance since childhood, I pushed myself relentlessly. As a human, I had to work twice as hard to stand out among werewolves. But that was exactly the kind of challenge I loved.

Jace thought for a moment, then said, "You know what, if you still want to compete next year, I'm all for it. Pregnancy and having a baby shouldn't stop you from pursuing what you want in life."

I felt a surge of love wash over me, leaning in to give him a deep kiss. "That's one of the reasons I love you, Jace. You always let me be my authentic self instead of trying to mold me into someone else."

He kissed me back, then explained, "This year you'll still attend, just as my mate and Luna. The entire werewolf world will see who I've chosen as my partner."

I felt a flutter of nerves. Me, a human raised by werewolves, becoming the Luna of a powerful pack. That would take some getting used to.

"Ready to see Dr. Maya?" Jace asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I nodded. "Ready."

We left the office, and Jace suddenly bent down, scooping me up into his arms in one fluid motion.

"Jace!" I exclaimed, but couldn't help laughing.

He carried me out of the pack house, heading toward the medical area. Along the way, every pack member we passed bowed and smiled. Some looked curious seeing me carried, but no one dared to ask.

"You can put me down now," I whispered in his ear, "I can walk."

Jace chuckled, gently setting me on my feet, but immediately taking my hand. "I just wanted everyone to see," he said, "to see how much I love you."

My heart raced. Even in moments like this, he still made me feel special. I squeezed his hand, and together we walked toward Dr. Maya's clinic, heading toward confirmation of our future.

At the clinic door, I paused. "Jace," I said, my voice slightly shaky, "if I really am pregnant, what do you think a human mother can offer to a child born in the Moon Shadow Pack?"

He turned to face me and said. "Aria, you bring more to this pack than many pureblooded wolves. You're tough, brave, and you never quit. Our child will be proud to have you as their mother. Now," he paused, excitement dancing in his eyes, "let's find out if we need to prepare Aurora for the role of 'big sister.'"

His reassurance calmed my nerves. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the clinic. Sure enough, things went just as anticipated.