Misguided Wolves

19. Unexpected

Kate woke the next morning, her stomach churning, hanging over a bucket as nausea gripped her. Elliott knelt beside her, his hand soothingly rubbing her back, his cedarwood-mint scent a faint comfort. Worry etched his face, his inability to ease her pain gnawing at him.

“I can cancel my meeting with Dad,” he offered, voice soft but firm. “He’ll manage the finances without me.”

Kate waved a weak hand, forcing a smile. “I’ll be fine… go to your meeting.”

Elliott hesitated, his eyes searching hers. He’d been stretched thin, picking up Sumner’s work as his brother focused on Deborah, who struggled with her Luna training. Sumner had mentioned Kate wasn’t making it easy for her, a claim Elliott doubted but couldn’t fully dismiss, stirring a pang of guilt. He kissed Kate’s forehead, lingering, then mind-linked Kyle to take her to the clinic later. With a final glance, he left.

Kyle arrived soon after, his energy infectious despite Kate’s pallor. He furrowed his brows, concern mixing with his usual charm. “I didn’t think you could get paler, but here you are.”

Kate giggled, grateful for his lightness. She and Kyle had grown closer, his support—along with Ara’s—her lifeline amidst the castle’s whispers. They took their time heading to the clinic, as the castle’s medical staff were away restocking supplies. The clinic stood stark, its white facade marked only by a red-crossed circle. Inside, two witches and a young she-wolf greeted them. The omega behind the counter beamed at Kyle. “Kyle! Good to see you! What brings you here?”

Kyle placed a gentle hand on Kate’s back. “This one’s not feeling well—needs a check-up.”

“Of course! Lie down on that bed over there!”

Kyle helped Kate settle, flirting effortlessly with the she-wolf. A witch approached, asking about Kate’s symptoms—nausea, fatigue—and took a blood sample for tests. While waiting, Kate stifled a laugh as Kyle charmed the receptionist into a date, his player reputation softened by his genuine care. He made every woman feel special, never used.

The witch returned, clipboard in hand, a wide smile on her face. “You can rest easy—nothing’s wrong, and you’ll be just fine.”

“Then what’s causing the sickness?” Kate asked, confused.

“Congratulations, mama! You’re going to have a pup!”

Kyle’s jaw dropped. “W-what?”

The receptionist squealed, clapping her hands. Kate blinked, stunned, her heart racing with joy and fear. “I’m pregnant?”

“Yup!” the witch confirmed. “We’ll schedule regular check-ups, and my friend’s shop has tea for morning sickness.”

Kyle’s excitement erupted. “Great! We’ll go there now!”

He practically dragged Kate to the shop, his enthusiasm infectious, though her mind swirled with worry—rumors, Deborah’s schemes, and how to tell Elliott. She smiled weakly, warmed by Kyle’s reaction but unsure about sharing the news yet. The shop overflowed with dried flowers and herbs, their earthy scents calming her. A witch greeted them warmly. “Welcome! Can I help you?”

“My friend’s having bad morning sickness,” Kyle said. “The doc said you’ve got something for it.”

The witch’s eyes lit up. “I have just the thing!” She bustled around, gathering ingredients with practiced ease, mixing them into a wooden container. “Drink this twice daily—no more trouble. Come back for refills.”

They thanked her and wandered through the vendors toward the castle. Kate’s eyes lingered on baby items—tiny booties, rattles—her heart swelling, yet a pit of fear grew. The rumors, Deborah’s lies, and Castiel’s schemes made her hesitate to tell Elliott, afraid of adding pressure or inviting more scrutiny. Kyle noticed her distraction. “Why not grab a few things? For when you’re ready to tell Elliott.”

Kate nodded, her resolve wavering but hopeful. They chose leather booties with colorful embroidery, painted rattles, and a soft blanket. “Kyle, can you help me plan a surprise for when I tell him?” she asked softly.

“Of course! I’d love to!”

Kyle brainstormed ideas as they returned to the castle. He suggested using Elliott’s old room—unused since he moved to the cottage—for privacy. Kate agreed, her heart heavy with her secret but lifted by the thought of a future reveal. They set to work, cleaning the room and arranging a table for two, the baby gifts displayed lovingly in the center. They planned a simple dinner and dessert, Kyle offering to help when Kate was ready to share the news.

Back at the cottage, Elliott was still working, his absence amplifying her unease. That evening, he found her in the cottage’s small garden, where glowing fireflies danced among moonlit vines, and a crystal fountain hummed with Vargr’s magic. The air carried a faint jasmine scent, soothing her frayed nerves. His cedarwood-mint scent enveloped her as he approached, his gaze commanding yet tender, sensing her turmoil. “You’re quiet tonight, gorgeous,” he murmured, his voice low, pinning her with his intensity. “What’s weighing on you?”

Kate’s cheeks flushed, her apple-cinnamon scent spiking, but she held her secret close, her hazel eyes meeting his with shy vulnerability. “Just… the rumors,” she whispered, avoiding the full truth, her fear of the castle’s judgment and her pup’s safety overwhelming.

Elliott’s eyes darkened, his hand tilting her chin, his thumb grazing her lower lip. “You don’t carry that alone,” he commanded softly, his voice a velvet growl. “Let me take it.” “Mark her now!” Leo urged, but Elliott held back, his control absolute. He guided her to a stone bench by the fountain, his hands firm, seating her before him.

“Stay still,” he ordered, his tone sending a thrill through her. He plucked a jasmine flower from the vines, its petals soft as he brushed them along her jaw, the delicate touch making her shiver. “Good girl,” he purred, his eyes burning with intent. “Let him lead,” Tove whispered, her voice soft with trust. Kate’s breath hitched, her body pliant as he pinned her wrists gently to the bench, his lips grazing her neck, nipping where her mark would go, drawing a soft whimper.

He tugged her dress up, exposing her thighs, his hands warm and commanding as they traced her skin, lingering where her pulse raced. “You’re mine,” he growled, dipping his fingers into the fountain’s cool water, trailing droplets across her collarbone, then licking them away, the contrast making her gasp. “So perfect,” he murmured, his lips teasing her chest, sucking gently on a sensitive spot, her moans escalating as she yielded completely.

His hand slid between her thighs, parting them with deliberate care, his fingers stroking her core through her undergarments, slow and controlled.

“Elliott,” she pleaded, her voice trembling, her body arching under his dominance. He peeled them away, his fingers slipping inside, curling against her sensitive spots, building her pleasure with expert precision. “All mine,” he rasped, his kiss deep and possessive, his tongue claiming hers as he deepened his strokes.

He lifted her effortlessly, pressing her against the fountain’s smooth edge, her legs wrapping around him instinctively. “Don’t move,” he commanded, his eyes fierce with desire. He unfastened his trousers, entering her slowly, the stretch delicious, his thrusts deep and measured, each one drawing a cry. “Mine,” he growled, nipping her mark spot, the fountain’s crystals flaring sapphire, pulsing with their gasps, Vargr’s magic humming. Kate clutched his shoulders, her nails digging in, her body trembling as pleasure surged, her secret weighing heavier with each touch. His fingers circled her bud, pushing her over the edge, her walls tightening as he spilled into her, their c****x crashing together, their cries mingling with the fountain’s hum, their scents—apple-cinnamon and cedarwood-mint—blending in the firefly glow.