I wake up as sun rays tickle my eyes. As I turn to grab Alec, I meet nothing but an empty space. Well, an empty space coated with feathers.

“What the fuck?” I grumble, finally opening my eyes.

“My mum is going to kill me,” I say as I look at the surrounding mess.

The whole room looks like wolves fought each other for hours. What used to be Alec’s pillow is now a ripped cloth, its feathery guts spread everywhere on the bed and the surrounding floor. Bedsheets are scattered all around the floor, and I can tell by the torn shirts and nightgowns on the floor that the night was definitely wilder than I thought.

As I move, I sense my entire body is sore like never before. As I pinch my nose, memories of the last hours flash in my head.

Did I think I would be so demanding one day? Definitely not.

Did my family hear us last night? The entire pack probably did, as even my throat is sore.

Do I want to hide in this room for the rest of my life? For sure.

Unfortunately, I can’t, and I must face the eyes of the people who have seen me growing for the last twenty years.

Alec, where are you? Are you alive? Did my father kill you? Or Elijah?

Our room is devastated. What the hell did I do?

I sit on the bed, clenching my legs against my chest and resting my head on them.

I’m fine, Olivia. I met your father and Elijah earlier this morning. They were totally fine. I explained to Elijah first, and I told him about the significant needs that lycans could have when we meet our mates. He understood and just asked me to respect you and not force it if you did not want kids now.

Alec informs me of the last event so peacefully, like everything was normal. I can barely believe my father was so effortlessly okay with the situation.

I swear he was fine, Olivia.

Wait for him to see the room. Then, he will ground me for at least a year or two.

I mind-link my mate, my head still on my knees. I can feel the heat on my cheeks as new flashes of last night appear in front of me.

The worst thing is that I already miss Alec’s hands on my skin, and I wish he were right there with me to start an extra round of dirty domination.

You will not be grounded, Olivia. You are a lycan princess; no one can force you to do whatever you want. Except for my parents. And trust me, they don’t care how naughty you can be as long as you don’t show your numerous talent to the world.

Alec mentally laughs as he comments.

No need to tell your parents. I am embarrassed enough with my whole pack knowing about my sexual cravings.

I think, finally releasing my knees to get out of the bed.

Don’t worry. It seems we limited the sounds to the packhouse and the direct surroundings. Well, and probably the lycans, as Amber was very upset this morning, according to Paul.

I don’t know how to feel, as he states.

On the one hand, the embarrassment I feel regarding the members of the packhouse and the lycans I would have to face eventually is hard to face.

On the other hand, I can’t stop being joyful, knowing that bitchy Amber could not play as she did not know Alec and I were an actual thing, despite her stupid fantasies.

I’m going to shower. Do you join me, or are you too busy?

I move to the bathroom and turn on the water for it to warm. I need some hot water to get rid of the soreness enveloping my body.

I can’t. I’m watching my men’s training before I meet your brother, Caleb, and Jackson for last night’s patrols’ reports.

Alec answers with discernible disappointment in his voice and composure as I perceive the need for proximity he shares with me.

Go to the kitchen when you’re done. You need to eat.

Fine, Alexander. Be careful. I love you.

I answer, repressing as much as possible my own chagrin.

I love you, Liv. See you later, little sexy wolf.

I enter the shower and let the warm water massage my muscles, muscular stiffening from last night’s passionate moments easing. After a few minutes, I soap myself and rinse my body, my hands on my skin turning me on.

Five more days, and Alec and I will be marked by one another. I just need to resist these urges for five more days.

I am strong. I can certainly do it without being a burning body every second.

I get out and wrap a towel around my chest. Then I comb my hair in a ponytail and walk to the sink to brush my teeth. As I wipe the steam on the mirror, I notice red and purple marks on my neck.

Five hickeys are there, showing the world I belong to my mate.

One is placed on the spot my mark will be, and I wish it would have been the one and only real mating mark instead of this ephemeral sign.

I brush my teeth quickly before leaving our room to reach my own.

I quickly pass a lace bra and the matched panties, thinking lace underwear are not that bad on me after all. Something else appears in my reflection: a small growing bump starts to show on my lower belly.

Alec, how long is a lycan pregnancy?

I ask my mate, realizing I don’t know how much time I have left until I meet my babies.

From what I know, lycans’ pregnancies are quicker than werewolves’ because the fetuses develop faster after the first two months. Something like five or six months, I guess. I’ll ask my mother if you want.

Alec answers quickly.

Five or six months? Are you sure? Because I had an ultrasound yesterday, and the babies were bigger than the doctor expected. They’re already as big as a two months werewolf’s pregnancy pup, and we met only three weeks ago, Alec. Even if I got pregnant in the gym…

I stop as a wave of panic grows inside me.

What kind of creature is growing in me, exactly? How long do I really have before having to deal with two babies? I haven’t even told my parents yet.

Relax, Liv. I’ll call my mother. We will make it work. You’re a silver wolf, little wolf. Together, we will face everything.

As Alec sends comforting waves of love to me, I relax a little.

I stare at the mirror and stare at my body again. I can’t help talking to the two beating hearts inside me as I touch my belly.

“You must stay safe and sound as long as possible, little us. Mommy and daddy have things to deal with, so just be shy for a little longer,” I almost whisper.

Then I quickly pass a light-green summer dress over my head. The dress shows off my cleavage perfectly, the hickeys on my neck decorating my bare skin. I don’t think anything but a turtleneck jumper could hide them, and I will definitely not wear anything warm in the hot weather.

The flare dress hides my growing belly, at least for now.

I put on some black sandals to be comfortable but still feminine.

I get out of my room and walk down the stairs to the kitchen.

I enter the room and notice Sam is cooking something in a pan on the stovetop. I get closer to him after closing the door behind me.

“Hello miss, Olivia,” he says with a giant smile on his lips.

“How are you this morning? Rested?” he asks me, his benevolent smile turning into a slightly mischievous grin.

“Hello, Sam. I am wonderful, thank you,” I answer as confidently as possible, as my cheeks redden for sure.

“How are you?” I ask, hoping he would not mention anything about last night.

“I slept enough not to be sleepy today. I suppose I am grateful.” He blinks at me.

“But I like to know you are fine and happy. After the little talk I had with your brother and your mate’s Beta last night, I was worrying. But seeing how in love and caring was your mate this morning, I decided to trust them and your plans,” he answers softly.

As he speaks so openly, anxiety grows in me.

What if someone could hear us?

What if a mole was listening or if snitches were hidden in the packhouse?

“Don’t worry, Olivia. I clean this kitchen three times a day to ensure that cockroaches and rats don’t come here. It also works with hellcats,” he adds with a devilish grin.

I like this side of Sam I didn’t know. Knowing he refers to Amber and the probable moles in the pack surely helps it.

“Thank you very much, Sam. I truly appreciate it,” I say, hugging him firmly. He chuckles as he puts the pan on the counter and turns off the stove.

He pats my back lovingly, exactly like when I was sad, in trouble, or hurt when I was a young girl.

“You told me I was family, Olivia. We protect each other. How do you feel?” he asks me, still speaking really calmly.

“I hate the situation. Alec may be in danger, and the pack must face invaders almost daily. I’m tired of it. I just want everything to get back to normal,” I answer, some bitterness audible in my voice.

“And about the other thing? Do you think you can execute your all plan while taking care of our little guest?” he asks, taking a step back and looking at me.

“Nauseas are rare, probably because it goes quicker than expected. Do you think I will be a good mother, Sam? I’ve always been…” he interrupts me before I can add anything else.

“Stubborn, reckless, and unstoppable when you decided to do something. Definitely, yes,” Sam enumerates my most noticeable flaws.

As I hear his words, I look at my feet, remembering how I could easily go against orders and be a little demon, like most young alphas. He raises my head and fixes his eyes on mine.

“You’re also loving, funny, and undoubtedly one of the most incredible young women I’ve ever met. Despite your missing wolf, you’ve never lost your leader’s attitude, and the whole world recognizes your resilience. You will be a perfect mother, just like you will be a perfect Queen. The kingdom will be under the care of an outstanding leader. Never doubt that, Olivia. No matter what people say, you were born to be here today. Don't you ever change the core of you, Olivia Selene Evans-Grayson,” he declares solemnly.

Before I can add anything else, he puts the bacon, the eggs, and a slice of toasted bread on a plate and gives it to me.

“Now eat before your mate decides to check on us and notices you haven’t eaten yet.” He blinks at me and shows me one stool.

I devour my full plate and talk about funny things that have happened in the packhouse lately. Hearing that people were still living almost normal lives despite the danger made me acknowledge that life had to go on no matter what.

After almost an hour, some other cooks and waiters arrive to start today’s lunch. It is only ten, but there are many mouths to feed with the enormous appetite of the lycans and our warriors.

I wash my things and leave the kitchen, thanking everyone for their help.

I spend the rest of the morning drawing and writing in my notebook in the large garden. Because of the recent events, I haven’t felt so light for quite a long time.

I write nothing serious: only some ideas of things I could paint later, and also some ideas about how to decorate my future house to make it more welcoming for our babies.

I should ask him about his place as I suppose this is where we will live when we return to the Capitale.

Suddenly, I smell the sweetest fragrance ever. I do not need to turn to know who is standing behind me. Alec crouches behind me, and his aura already covers me with love and desire. Goosebumps and sparks go through my whole body as a hand touches my waist and soft lips kiss my neck.

“You look delicious, Miss Evans,” the sultry voice whispers in my ear. Shivers get through my body as the desire I succeeded in controlling this morning raises again in my guts.

I turn and kiss Alec’s tempting lips. Alex pushes me against him, grabbing my butt with one hand, the second one on my neck, while we still kiss passionately. Before we can go any further, Alec gets up and puts me on my feet.

“We have to go, Miss Evans. If you agree to follow me,” he says while showing me a car.

He opens the passenger door and helps me enter the black SUV. Then he goes to the other side to drive. I’m about to open his mouth when he pecks my lips.

“Surprise, Olivia. Let’s enjoy this moment before we play the shitty part,” he says, starting the engine.

What is this crazy plan?