The morning air in Kael’s house was calm, almost deceptively peaceful. Alpha Kade and Luna Mara had returned to the pack to inform the others of Asia’s condition and ensure the pack’s protection. Their presence would bring reassurance—and order—but it left Asia, Jack, and Kael alone in the house.
Kael sprawled across the living room couch, muttering about “pregnant wolf drama” before dozing off, leaving Asia and Jack to the quiet of the upstairs bedroom. The big bed, plush and inviting, had become their refuge—a place of comfort, of closeness, and of the quiet intimacy that words often failed to capture.
Jack wrapped an arm around Asia, holding her close as she leaned against his chest. “…You’re warm… too warm,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. “…Are you feeling okay, my wolf?”
Asia sighed softly, pressing her hand against her stomach instinctively. “…I feel… strange today. Weak… dizzy… everything feels off.”
Jack frowned, concern immediately overtaking his normally composed demeanor. “…We’ll take it slow. Don’t move too much… stay here. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
Kael, still half-asleep on the couch below, mumbled, “…You two are ridiculous. I need coffee.” But his voice was soft, almost comical in contrast to the tension upstairs.
For a few minutes, the two lay quietly together, Jack’s hand constantly brushing over her hair, her shoulder, her hand. Asia felt a mix of comfort and guilt—she hated feeling weak, but Jack’s presence eased her in ways she couldn’t explain.
Suddenly, her stomach twisted violently. Nausea struck like a hammer, leaving her gasping and clutching her abdomen. “…Jack…” she groaned, stumbling out of the bed. “…I… I can’t—”
Jack was immediately at her side, steadying her. “…Asia! Hold on, my wolf! Where—where are you going?”
“The bathroom!” she gasped, gripping the edge of the wall as another wave of nausea hit. Her blue eyes, wide and worried, met Jack’s. “…Hurry!”
Jack’s protective instincts kicked in fully. “I’ve got you! Don’t… don’t worry, I won’t let you fall!” He guided her carefully through the hallway, supporting her every step, his eyes filled with frantic concern.
Kael stirred on the couch, mumbling incoherently. “…Seriously… wolf drama…” He rolled over, muttering in his sleep as Jack shepherded Asia forward.
Inside the bathroom, Asia bent over slightly, gripping the counter as another wave of nausea hit. Jack held her from behind, arms wrapped around her gently, whispering soft words of reassurance. “…It’s okay, my wolf… I’ve got you… breathe… slow… you’re okay…”
Asia leaned back against him, the faint warmth of his body grounding her. “…I hate feeling like this,” she admitted, voice shaky. “…I hate feeling helpless…”
Jack brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. “…You’re not helpless. You’re carrying our child… my wolf… my fire… and even when your body struggles, you are the strongest person I know.” His blue eyes shimmered with raw emotion. “…You will never face this alone. I swear it.”
Asia blinked, tears pricking the corners of her eyes—not just from nausea, but from the overwhelming love and reassurance surrounding her. “…I… I don’t deserve you sometimes…”
Jack pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “…Yes, you do. More than you know. Always.”
Another bout of nausea shook her, but Jack held her steady, whispering small jokes and comforting words to keep her distracted. “…Remember, my wolf, you’re allowed to be dramatic… I’ll endure it. Even if Kael is asleep and missing all the fun.”
Asia managed a weak laugh, leaning against him. “…You make everything… bearable…”
Minutes passed, her nausea slowly subsiding, Jack never letting her go. Finally, she straightened slightly, resting her head against his chest. “…Thank you… for… everything…”
Jack hugged her close, his blue eyes soft and filled with devotion. “…Always… my wolf… always. No matter what happens, I’m here. Every step. Every moment. Every battle… together.”
Downstairs, Kael snored lightly, oblivious, adding a subtle touch of humor to the tension-filled morning.
Asia closed her eyes, letting herself be comforted by Jack’s presence, feeling both vulnerable and protected. For the first time that day, despite the nausea, the dizziness, and the exhaustion, she allowed herself a small sense of peace.
Because even when the world felt unsteady, Jack was her anchor—and together, they could face anything.