Only 1 week remained till I went into labor, and training with Paulina was as enjoyable as ever. Having Alex back to the pack did wonders to my focus, and also to my ability to comprehend and apply what she was saying.
Anna was no longer awkward towards me, and I loved the little one to bits. She had helped us tremendously, and protecting her and doting on her was an absolute pleasure.
We were nearly done with training for the day when Paulina breathed out a long and heavy sigh.
“Is something wrong?” I asked in a soft tone of voice.
She let out a noncommittal sound in the back of her throat, even as her eyes filled with tears.
“Tell me?” I urged her as I made a beeline to her.
“I received a phone call today… I have been summoned back to the palace,” she inhaled deeply before adding, “Beta Marc will be coming tomorrow morning to take me and Anna.”
I didn’t know the man enough to know what what went on in his mind, but I could tell that he cared about her more than he let on.
Dare I tell her that her summons wasn’t necessarily a bad thing?
“Wait, Beta Marc will come himself?” I raised an eyebrow as her words sank in.
“So he said,” she nodded at me, a grave and solemn expression on her face.
“You don’t want to go back?” I asked in a soft tone of voice.
“Did you forget the Queen’s words?” She shuddered. “She didn’t even care to spare my daughter.”
“The Queen has been dealt with though,” I tried to make her see reason. “She was taken to another palace, in a far away land.”
“But does that mean it is safe for my sweet Anna to be there?” She asked, her eyes desperately looking into mine, searching for answers.
“If it helps, I think Beta Marc is smitten with you,” I assured her. “He did give you an out when he thought you and Anna weren’t safe at the palace. He sent you back with me.”
“You’re carrying the alpha of alphas,” she deadpanned, rolling her eyes at me as if to dismiss the very notion.
“Be that as it may,” I shrugged. “I still think he cares about you.”
“What I do know is I am scared to go back,” she whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
“Let’s talk to Alex about it,” I suggested. “He could help maybe.”
“I don’t think so, Jade,” she shook her head negatively. “I am bound by a contract to the Alpha King. They will take me back no doubt about it.”
“It’s not a matter of going back or not, it’s a matter of safety,” I went on. “Let’s go tell Alex. It’s worth a try.”
Paulina, Anna, and I soon left the training grounds and made a beeline to the pack house.
“Luna Jade,” Trevor nodded at me in acknowledgment upon seeing me. “You should rest. You’re due soon, aren’t you?”
“I am,” I smiled at him. “But now that Alex is back, I feel so much better. Don’t worry, Trevor.”
“You have been eating for 2 this past week,” Paulina let out in a teasing tone of voice.
“Well, I’ll have you know that I am carrying a baby,” I stuck out my tongue playfully, to which she giggled and Trevor chuckled.
“Is Alex busy?” I then asked after a beat.
I didn’t want to breach the subject here in the open. I would rather we talked about it behind closed doors.
“For you, he never is, Luna Jade,” he told me with a lopsided smile.
I could only blush at his words, knowing that Alex made it so that everyone knew exactly who I was to him. Even the elders had come apologizing with their heads bowed, their voices humble for the first time since I met them.
“What’s up with all this blushing?” Paulina teased, nudging me. “You are after all Alpha Xander’s mate his heavily pregnant mate. I would hope that he makes time for you whenever you need him.”
The door to his office opened at that moment, and I turned to the man I loved with a big bright smile on my face.
“You’re back early,” he drawled. “Is everything okay?”
“Let’s talk inside,” I gestured to him to go back inside… Instead of doing so, he merely opened the door wide for me, nodding at me to go in.
“Paulina, Anna, go in,” I gestured to the mother-daughter duo to go before me.
Alex’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, as if he was wondering what the reason could be for such an impromptu meeting.
No sooner did we all sit down, did he close the door behind him.
Instead of sitting in his usual place, he approached me, and I figured he must want to sit next to me. I moved a little bit, making space for him, and his reaction was an endearing little smile.
Instead of sitting next to me, he scooped me up in his arms, and within a few seconds, and through fluid movements, I was sitting on his lap. He nuzzled my neck, despite the audience we had, and I couldn’t help the blush that came back with vengeance.
“Tell me, mate,” he let out huskily. “What’s troubling you?”
“Anna and Paulina have to go back tomorrow,” I started talking despite my slightly labored breaths. “Beta Marc is coming to get them.”
“Why am I not surprised?” He chuckled good-humoredly.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Paulina tilted her head to the side as she asked him.
“Beta Marc seemed rather infatuated with you,” Alex declared matter-of-factly. “And that’s why I am not surprised that he’s the one coming personally.”
“Are you for real? I can’t understand your logic,” she shook her head negatively. “The man barely greets me back, and whenever he talks to me, it feels almost forced.”
“He’s not very talkative,” Alex nodded. “But what seems to be the issue? Are you here to tell me we should give him a proper welcome, love?”
“No,” I said in haste. “I am just wondering if there’s anything to be done to ensure their safety.”
I gave Paulina a look, and she soon explained, “I know that the Queen has been banished from the palace, but I can’t help but feel like the palace might not be safe.”
Alex seemed to ponder his words for a brief moment before saying, “The Alpha King was taking out all the bad weeds, Paulina. Don’t worry. I will, however, speak to beta Marc, and see what can be done.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it,” she nodded at him in a gratitude-filled manner.
“I’ll miss you,” I told her softly, my eyes misting with tears.
“I’ll visit,” was her smile-accompanied response.
“You’re welcome to visit anytime,” I assured her with a nod.