Words Have Weight

Emerald's POV 

Heart thumping in my chest I strode down the hallway. I was anxious but not in the way I had anticipated. 

I wasn't preoccupied with the elders, the pack, or the looming prospect of my relationship with Caden. No, I missed him more which made me more anxious. 

To sense his presence I needed to see him. The comfort of his voice and the warmth of his touch had been on repeat in my mind all day. 

Upon arriving at his quarters, I paused for a moment, inhaled deeply,, and then gently knocked on the door. Caden responded quickly, and when he saw me standing there, a smile spread across his face.

Everything seemed a bit lighter and brighter after seeing that smile. With relief in his voice, he said, “Emerald. You were just on my mind.”

He moved forward before I could respond, embracing me and putting his arms around me as though I were the most valuable thing in the world. 

I melted into his body's warmth feeling secure and at home. He whispered against my hair.“ I've missed you.”

After letting the moment linger and grinning against his chest I withdrew to gaze at him.

I muttered, “I missed you too.”Holding out his hand toward the chair next to his desk he smiled. 

“Sit with me please.”I went over to sit down, but before I could get comfortable, he quickly drew me into his lap.

I had the reassuring natural feeling that I was supposed to be here. I laughed at how abrupt it was and my hands instinctively went to his chest for support.

As his fingers lightly touch my side, he teases, “You are getting heavier.”

I chuckled and gave his chest a playful swat.

I smiled back at him and teased “Just because I'm carrying your child.”

The sound of his laughter was warm and rich.

“That’s true. I guess I'll have to adjust, won't I?” I nodded, still enjoying the moment's lightness,, but even as I laughe,d, I could feel the situation's weight pressing down on me. 

Although we haven't spoken about it yet we both knew it. As Caden's eyes grew aloof, his smile gradually disappeared, and I sensed the tension in the air—a slight change that caused my heart to race. 

He was keeping something from me but I could tell he had something on his mind. Every time he thought I wouldn't notice there was a glint of concern in his eyes as he looked at me. 

I moved on his lap putting my hands on his shoulders and bending closer. “What's wrong?” I asked quietly.

He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair, a sign that always let me know when he was anxious. 

He strained his normal composure, briefly evaporating as he said “There's just a lot on my mind Emerald… I've been pushed by the council. Pressure is coming from all directions. How long I can maintain my composure is uncertain.”

The weight in his voice made my heart hurt and I scowled. “What do you mean?”

After a brief pause, he looked directly into my eyes with a regretful expression. “The elders… They have stated unequivocally that Ivy and I must mate. I'm supposed to do it. It is essential to the pack's future.” 

At those words, my chest constricted.

I had been anticipating this. Even though Caden's heart was obviously not in it, the maids had already told me that he would have to make this choice out of duty to the pack. 

I said softly, attempting to hide the hurt in my voice. “I heard the maids talking. They claim that a decision has already been made, that there is no other option.”As though he could taste the bitterness of the words his jaw tightened and his face hardened.

He firmly stated It's not true in a frustrated tone. “I haven't decided on anything. I'm not interested in mating with Ivy. I haven't ever. It's not the life I want. I'm after you.”

A knot in my stomach persisted even after I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Even though his words were consoling they didn't alter the fact that we had to deal with.

We both couldn't ignore the heavy burden of his duty to the pack. I whispered “Caden”, my heart pounding at the thought of how hard everything was for him.“It is not my intention to cause you to lose everything, the pack. The council.”

“They will never forgive you for defying them.”His hand cupped my cheek gently causing my face to tilt so I could meet his eyes.

He whispered “Don't say that. My struggles are not because of you. I've always understood my obligation to the pack but what really counts is my obligation to you and the family. Nothing will be able to separate us.”

For a moment I closed my eyes and allowed his words to soothe me. Despite being the words I needed to hear they were not sufficient to fully calm me. 

I was aware of the council's immense power and how their demands could alter the course of events. What would happen if Caden failed to meet their expectations? Would they take away everything from him including his position and title?

Almost whispering, I said, “I don't want you to lose your position as Alpha. You shouldn't lose everything as a result of me.”

He tightened his arms around me and shook his head drawing me in.

“This isn't because of you,” he reiterated, his voice full of conviction. “I'll defend you, Emerald. For our own sake. And I don't mind if I lose the Alpha title in the process. I will not, however,, wed Ivy. I refuse to. I refuse to.”His words caused my heart to swell with emotion. 

At that moment I realized that he genuinely meant what he said because of his unwavering resolve. He refused to allow the council or anybody else to control his life. 

He would stand up for me, our child, and all of us. I gazed up at him with thankful eyes. 

With love and trust in my voice, I whispered, “I don't want you to lose everything. However, I wish for your happiness.”

“And it's sufficient for me if this makes you happy if you're happy being with me and our child.”He brushed a lock of hair out of my face and grinned softly. 

Nothing could ever make me happier than you do. And the world felt a little bit lighter in that instant when he was holding me close.

I was not an expert on everything. I was unsure of what lay ahead for us. However, with Caden's words of love and promise in his arms, I was certain that we would face whatever came our way. And that was sufficient for now.