Chapter 162: The Grand Announcement

Drake gave a dramatic salute, as if he were taking this mission with the utmost seriousness. “Count on me, Luna Lya. I am your personal spy in this grand farce.”

Caleb rolled his eyes in amusement, but a spark of complicity gleamed in his gaze. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Drake, or I might just let you announce the news alone. And trust me, you don’t want that.”

The Beta grimaced, well aware of the dangers of such a mission without Caleb’s imposing presence beside him. “Alright, alright. I’ll stay in my role, boss. But don’t come telling me I’m not making this night memorable.”

Lya, still seated with Loric snuggled against her, watched them leave with a mix of pride and tenderness. Before they crossed the doorway, she added teasingly, “Don’t scare everyone all at once, boys. I still need to make my own official announcement tomorrow.”

Caleb turned briefly, offering her a reassuring smile. “Rest up, babe. We’ve got everything handled here. And don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.”

With those words, he stepped out of the room, followed closely by Drake, who couldn’t resist tossing out one last playful comment in the hallway. “So, Alpha, think we’ll get tears of joy? Or outright screaming?”

Caleb’s warm laughter echoed softly in response as they made their way toward the reception, while Lya sank back into her pillows, a serene smile on her lips. She knew everything would be fine. Caleb and Drake were ready to take on the world, and for once, she could allow herself to rest, confident in their strength.

Caleb and Drake’s return to the reception hall was immediate and impactful, even though they started in silence. The lively hum of conversations died almost instantly, all eyes locking onto the two men as they strode purposefully toward the platform. There was something about their demeanor—an undeniable certainty, an aura of authority—that demanded attention.

Elora, ever watchful, was the first to react. She pushed through the crowd and rushed toward Caleb, her heart pounding, maternal instincts urging her to seek answers immediately. “Caleb, is Lya alright? What’s going on?” Her voice betrayed her genuine worry, a visceral fear that something terrible had happened to her daughter-in-law.

But Caleb offered her a reassuring smile, gently taking her hands in his. “Don’t worry, Mom. Everything’s fine. Lya is fine.” His words were filled with calm and certainty, but the spark in his eyes hinted at something bigger.

Elora narrowed her gaze, sensing the tension still lingering between Caleb and Drake. Something much more significant was at play. The Alpha exchanged a quick glance with his Beta before stepping onto the platform, facing the assembly. In a strong, confident voice, he finally spoke:

“My brothers and sisters, members of Sacred Moon, our allies, and our friends. Lya and I have an announcement of great importance to share with you.” He paused briefly, making sure everyone was listening attentively. “My wife, your Queen, is expecting our first biological child. Our heir… or heiress. This is a historic moment, not just for our pack but for the entire werewolf community. Because this child will be the first ever born from the union of a werewolf and a dragon.”

Silence was instantly shattered by a wave of murmurs and astonished whispers. Some guests exchanged bewildered looks, while others tried to grasp the full implications of this revelation. But the most memorable reaction came from the Elders. Seated at a nearby table, they froze, their expressions shifting from disbelief to sheer horror. The panic in their eyes screamed: What have we done? If only they had waited a little longer before attacking Lya at the Council, they could have avoided this public humiliation.

Drake, of course, was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. His grin widened as he watched one of the Elders nearly choke on his wine. Leaning toward Caleb, he muttered just loud enough for the Alpha to hear, “Alpha, I think you just gave a few of them heart attacks. This is almost criminal.”

But Caleb said nothing, savoring the moment. He knew this announcement would forever change how they saw Lya. She was no longer just a Queen, no longer merely the Alpha’s mate—she was now the bearer of the royal bloodline, the future of their species. Untouchable. Beyond reproach. The pack would belong to her just as much as it did to him.

A joyous cry shattered the murmurs.

Elora, unable to contain her emotions, rushed into her son’s arms, squeezing him with surprising strength despite her slender frame. “Oh, my son… This is wonderful!” Her voice trembled with emotion, and Caleb felt the dampness of her happy tears against his shoulder.

A few steps away, Elara was literally bouncing on the spot, screaming in joy and waving her arms like a wildling, her excitement quickly spreading to Darrien, who—though more reserved—couldn’t hide his immense pride.

And as if that weren’t enough, the wave of euphoria spread through the entire hall. Hesitant at first, then with growing conviction, the wolves and lycans began to clap, some letting out howls of celebration. Elara’s enthusiasm was so contagious that even the most serious among them eventually joined in her jumps of joy.

The she-wolves who had secretly harbored hopes of replacing Lya as Luna felt their last dreams crumble. It was over. Completely. Never again would they have a chance to come between Caleb and his mate. A wolf—especially an Alpha—became even more fiercely protective when his mate was expecting. If Caleb had already been overprotective of Lya before, they couldn’t even begin to imagine what he would be like now.

But the best part? The most satisfying of all? Lya had shut down all their attempts herself—in the most spectacular way possible.

Soren, standing in the background, watched the scene unfold with a nostalgic smile. He had prepared himself for this moment, had made peace with it, and yet… a part of him still felt a twinge of regret. But more than anything, he was proud. Proud to see Lya finally taking her rightful place. A Queen. A mother. A protector.

Lifting his glass in silent tribute, he honored the strength of the woman who had once been destined to be his.

As the hall filled with cheers and laughter, Caleb thought fondly of Lya, who wasn’t there to witness it all. She would be thrilled when she heard the story later. But for now, he intended to enjoy this celebration—one that was already shaping up to be one of the greatest moments in their pack’s history.

Dawn was barely breaking, yet the pack was already bustling under the direction of its lieutenants. Malick, the Gamma, assisted by Darrien, ensured that every guest who had celebrated through the night had a place to rest. Caleb refused to let anyone leave exhausted or intoxicated—though shifters had a far higher tolerance than humans, he wouldn’t risk an accident tarnishing the historic festivities.

While they handled the post-celebration logistics, Caleb, accompanied by Elora and Drake, made his way to the hospital where Lya and Loric had spent the night. The fact that Lya had stayed under observation left a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew it was for her well-being, but he wouldn’t feel at ease until he saw her with his own eyes.

Upon entering the hospital lobby, they found Bastien, the hospital director, leaning against a wall, lost in thought. He seemed so deep in his reflections that he didn’t even react immediately to their arrival.

Caleb’s brows furrowed, instincts instantly on high alert. Handres growled in his mind, sensing something was off. There was something about the doctor’s demeanor that unsettled him. Bastien was a seasoned professional, a rational man who rarely let his emotions show. Seeing such an expression on his face wasn’t a good sign.

“Bastien? Is there a problem?” Caleb asked sharply, masking his concern behind his natural authority.

The director jolted slightly, snapping out of his trance. He hesitated for a moment, then exhaled deeply.

“Oh, no, Alpha. Nothing concerning for now…” But his tone suggested otherwise. Running a hand through his hair, he searched for the right words. “It’s just that… This pregnancy is a first. A completely unique event. We have no idea what to expect.”

A heavy silence followed.

Elora placed a reassuring hand on her son’s arm, sensing the growing tension within him. Caleb remained outwardly composed, but she knew. She could feel that deep, primal fear—the need to protect Lya and their child at all costs.

Drake broke the silence, arms crossed, a strained smile on his lips. “So basically, we’ve got a pregnancy with no rulebook, and we’re going to have to wing it the whole way.”

Bastien sighed, nodding. “Exactly. We’ll monitor Lya closely, but I’ll be honest, Alpha—there will be risks.”

Caleb closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, suppressing the growing anxiety threatening to take hold of him. He was Caleb, Alpha King of Sacred Moon. He couldn’t afford to doubt. When he opened his eyes again, his gaze was once more hard, resolute.

“Then we’ll do whatever it takes. Anything it takes.” He paused briefly before adding, his voice heavy with meaning, “I will protect my mate and my child—no matter the cost.”

Handres growled his agreement, and even Bastien couldn’t hide his admiration for the sheer conviction radiating from Caleb. The child to come would be the heir of a wolf and a dragon. A being unlike any other. Losing them was not an option.

Elora placed a reassuring hand on her son’s shoulder. “We’ll be here, Caleb. All of us.”

Caleb nodded silently. Then, without another word, he stepped past Bastien and made his way toward Lya’s room. He needed to see her. Needed to feel that despite all the uncertainties, they were together.

And together, they would overcome everything.