Chapter 80 Chapter 80
_Leah’s POV_
Morning light slipped gently into the dining room, painting the long wooden table in soft gold. The pack house felt calm for once. It was quiet and safe. Or at least, that was what I told myself as I set the plates down.
I adjusted the plates again even though they were already perfectly aligned. My hands needed something to do. My body still felt slow and heavy with sleep I hadn’t fully gotten.
Athena stirred gently inside me. You are tired.
“I know,” I whispered under my breath.
It wasn’t just exhaustion. It was the memory of the night before. My cheeks warmed at the thought and I quickly focused on pouring tea so no one would notice the sudden heat in my face.
Kayden sat at the head of the table. His broad shoulders were relaxed but alert, as if he never fully stopped being on guard. He looked better this morning. His color had returned and the shadows under his eyes were lighter. Still, I noticed how he rolled his shoulders slowly, testing them, how he did not move with his usual reckless confidence.
Across from us sat Natasha.
She looked fragile in the morning light. Her black hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, framing her pale face. She wore a soft dress. It was loose around her body and she rested her hands protectively over her stomach every few minutes. Her green eyes moved carefully, taking everything in.
I placed a cup of tea in front of her. “It’s chamomile,” I said softly. “It helps calm the nerves.”
She looked up at me, surprised. Then she smiled. “Thank you, Leah. That’s very thoughtful.”
Kayden glanced between us. “You didn’t even ask what she likes.”
I shrugged lightly. “It’s safe for pregnancy.”
Natasha laughed quietly. “She’s already worrying about me.”
Kayden smirked. “She worries about everyone.”
I shot him a look. “You’re one to talk.”
His lips curved into a knowing smile. “Especially me.”
My face heated again and I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on my plate. Athena’s voice carried a hint of amusement. You are still affected by him.
How could I not be?
Last night, Kayden had barely let me sleep. Not because of danger. Not because of nightmares. Because he had been too gentle...too close....too warm. His arms had wrapped around me like he was afraid I might disappear if he loosened his hold even a little. We had made love all night long.
I shifted in my chair, trying not to think about his whispered words against my ear, the way his thumb traced slow circles on my back until my thoughts melted and time slipped away.
Natasha watched us with a soft smile. “You two look very happy.”
Kayden reached for my hand under the table, his fingers lacing with mine. “We are.”
I squeezed his hand gently. “When the world allows it.”
Natasha nodded. Her expression was thoughtful. “Happiness always feels fragile when you’ve known fear.”
The words struck deeper than she probably intended.
Kayden leaned back slightly. “So,” he said, turning toward her, “how is my aunt doing? And your brothers?”
Natasha’s fork paused halfway to her mouth.
It was subtle and almost invisible. But I noticed.
Her smile stayed but it stiffened just a fraction. Her eyes flickered downward before lifting again.
“They’re fine,” she said quickly. “Busy. You know how they are.”
Kayden chuckled. “Always fighting over something.”
“Yes,” she replied. “Always.”
Athena murmured inside me. There is sorrow there.
I watched Natasha quietly. She laughed at the right moments. She nodded when expected. But something about her posture felt guarded, like she was holding herself together by force of will.
Kayden continued talking, unaware. “Mother would have loved to meet Leah properly.”
Natasha smiled faintly. “She would.”
I glanced at her. “Do you miss them?”
Her fingers tightened around her cup. “Every day.”
I reached across the table without thinking and touched her hand gently. “You’re safe here.”
She looked at me then....really looked at me. Her eyes shimmered slightly. “Thank you.”
Kayden cleared his throat. “Once the baby arrives, I’ll probably end up being the overprotective uncle.”
Natasha blinked. “Uncle?”
“Of course,” he said firmly. “You’re like my sister.”
Her lips parted slightly. Emotion crossed her face. I could see surprise, relief and something close to gratitude.
“I never imagined…” she began, then stopped. “Thank you.”
I smiled. “Have you thought about names?”
She hesitated. “Not really.”
Kayden grinned. “Strong names. Warrior names.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not everything has to sound like a battle cry.”
Natasha laughed softly. “What names do you like?”
I thought for a moment. “Something gentle. Something that feels safe. A name that means home.”
Her eyes glistened. “That sounds… beautiful.”
The conversation drifted to lighter things. We talked about pack traditions and childhood memories. Kayden told an embarrassing story about Natasha stealing his boots when they were children.
She laughed harder at that. The sound was bright and genuine.
For a moment, the heaviness lifted.
Fred appeared at the doorway. “Alpha. It is time for the meeting."
Kayden sighed softly. “Already?” He glanced down at his watch, his brows drawing together in surprise. “Time slips by so quickly,” he added with a faint smile. “I didn’t even notice it passing.”
He stood and walked over to me. He cupped my face gently and pressed a slow kiss to my lips. One that promised comfort. One that whispered I’ll come back without words.
“Take care of her,” he murmured.
“I will,” I said.
He glanced at Natasha. “This is your home. If ever you need anything, just tell Leah.”
When the door closed behind him, the house felt quieter.
Natasha exhaled slowly. “He hasn’t changed.”
I gave her a small smile. “Oh… he has always been like this. Even since childhood?”
Natasha nodded quietly. “Yes,” she whispered.
We moved to the sitting room. Sunlight streamed through tall windows. Natasha spoke more freely now.
About Ray’s jealousy. About his temper. About the fear of raising a child alone.
“I love him,” she whispered. “I just want him to realize his mistake.”
Athena’s voice softened. Love can be both a shield and a wound.
“You deserve peace,” I said.
Time passed and my eyelids grew heavy.
“I didn’t sleep well,” I admitted while yawning.
Natasha smiled gently. “Go rest. I’ll be fine.”
I nodded and went to my room.
When I woke later, hunger pulled me from sleep. I frowned when I saw the time.
I should check on Natasha. It was already three in the afternoon.
As I approached the guest room, I heard her voice. It was low and urgent.
“I told you already… I’ll do it properly. They don’t suspect anything. Just give me more time.”
My heart stuttered.
Athena’s voice sharpened. Listen carefully.
I knocked.
The door opened.
Natasha smiled nervously. “Oh....Leah.”
“Have you eaten?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said too quickly.
“I just wanted to check on you.”
She nodded. “Everything is fine.”
But her hands shook.
And I felt her fear.
The air felt heavy.
And something cold settled in my chest.
Athena whispered, Something is wrong.
And the house felt suddenly too quiet......