Rejected While Pregnant with the Alpha’s Secret Heir

Chapter 2: A Surprise for Tonight

The midday sun bathed the pack grounds in a warm, golden glow, bringing the bustling territory to life. Children were chasing each other near the tree line, and the scent of roasting meat drifted from the communal fire pits. It was a perfect, peaceful afternoon, but Corin was acting entirely out of character.

He walked closely beside Erin, his massive frame practically shielding her from the rest of the world. His heavy arm was wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her flush against his side. Every time someone approached them, his grip tightened.

"Good afternoon, Alpha, Luna," a young beta named Jared smiled, stepping forward to hand Corin a daily patrol report.

Before Jared could even close the distance, a low, menacing rumble vibrated deep within Corin’s chest. The sound was purely instinctual—a primal warning that sent shivers down the beta’s spine. Jared instantly froze, his eyes widening in submission as he quickly took two large steps back, lowering his gaze.

"Just leave it on my desk, Jared," Corin rumbled, his eyes flashing with a fleeting golden light as he tucked Erin even closer, burying his nose in her hair to inhale her scent.

Erin looked up at her mate in surprise, gently resting her hand on his chest. His heart was beating with a heavy, protective rhythm.

"Corin, what has gotten into you today?" a cheerful voice called out.

Silas, Corin’s younger brother, jogged up to them with a wide, easy grin. He had the same dark hair as the Alpha, but his eyes were lighter, full of warmth and mischief. Silas stopped at a safe distance, crossing his arms over his chest as he observed the couple.

"You’re like a bear over honey today, what’s with you?" Silas laughed, shaking his head. "I swear, if Jared had taken one more step, you would have bitten his head off. You’re suffocating our Luna."

"I am not suffocating her," Corin grumbled, though a faint flush of embarrassment touched his cheeks. He loosened his grip slightly, but his hand refused to leave Erin’s waist. "My wolf is just… restless today. I don't know why, but I feel like I need to keep her close. Her scent is driving me insane."

Erin giggled, a bright, melodic sound, and leaned her head against Corin’s shoulder. "He’s been like this all morning, Silas. I think he’s just being overly dramatic."

"I am being protective," Corin corrected her, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Before Silas could tease his brother any further, the crunch of rapid footsteps on the gravel interrupted them. A young pack messenger ran up, panting heavily, looking nervous to interrupt the Alpha's private moment.

"Alpha Corin," the boy bowed respectfully. "I was sent to find you. You are urgently summoned to the Council of Elders. They are waiting for you in the main hall."

Corin’s relaxed posture instantly vanished. His jaw clenched, and he let out a frustrated curse under his breath. He hated the Council’s sudden meetings, especially when they took him away from Erin.

"Tell them I’ll be there in five minutes," Corin ordered, his voice shifting back to the authoritative tone of a pack leader.

The messenger nodded and hurried away. Corin sighed, turning his full attention back to Erin. He gently guided her toward the porch of their house, clearly reluctant to leave her side.

"I have to go," he murmured, cupping her face with both of his large, calloused hands. His thumbs tenderly stroked her cheekbones. "I hate leaving you, especially today. I don't want to let you out of my sight."

"I’ll be perfectly fine right here," Erin smiled softly, her heart melting at his devotion.

Corin leaned down and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. It was slow and demanding, carrying all the unspoken love he felt for her. When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers.

"I promise I’ll make it quick," he whispered. "I’ll be back for dinner."

Erin stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pressed a sweet, lingering kiss to his strong chin.

"Come back soon," she murmured, her eyes sparkling with a secret, overwhelming joy. "I have a surprise for you tonight."

Corin smiled, intrigued, his eyes darkening with affection. "I love your surprises. Wait for me."

He reluctantly stepped back, turning to head toward the pack's main hall. Erin stood on the porch, watching his broad, muscular back as he walked away, commanding respect with every step.

As soon as he was out of sight, a shaky breath escaped her lips. Her hand slowly slipped into the deep pocket of her simple dress. Her trembling fingers traced the smooth plastic of the object she had been hiding all morning, ever since Corin had gone to the shower.

She pulled it out just enough to see it. A crumpled, slightly damp pregnancy test.

Two bright pink lines stared back at her.

A tear of pure, unadulterated happiness slipped down Erin’s cheek. She pressed her hand flat against her lower stomach, her heart soaring. Tonight, she was going to tell the love of her life that they were going to be parents.