Lena’s POV
The news came shortly after breakfast from a breathless scout, the urgency of the information knotting my stomach with worry.
"Border skirmish in the eastern lands," Lucien replied, loading his weapons. “Three packs are at play, and it’s moving fast. If I stand aside now, it could be open warfare.”
"How long will you be gone?" I replied, making an effort to sound untroubled.
"Two days, maybe three." He stopped mid-pack, reached out and cupped my face in his hands. “I don’t like leaving you, especially lately.”
I nuzzled into the warmth of his touch. His thumb brushed against my cheekbone as he held me close. I was three months pregnant, beginning to show, my body altering in ways that made us both protective and anxious.
“I will be O.K.,” I said. “The pack house is protect
