Page 43 of King Luna

“I— Um—” I tuck my hair behind my ear, glancing at Noah. “It’s still a bit early, and things are a bit rocky in our area, so Noah and I haven't decided if we’d like to advertise the news of our pup to other Alphas and Lunas yet.”

Annika gasps. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to put you on the spot! I won’t speak of it without your permission again.”

“Oh, no, I’m excited to be pregnant. But maybe it can stay between us, Tane, and Waimarie? At least for a day or two?”

“Oh, goodness, yes! It will stay between us until you give the word.” Annika squeezes my hand before nuzzling into her mate. “Although, Vik, I do have baby fever again now.”

Viktor’s smooth chuckle softens my shoulders. “Oh, Goddess. I don’t have enough limbs for another pup, my love.” He plucks a stray hair off Annika’s cheek, sweetening his voice. “But maybe we can discuss this over dinner?”

Noah's jaw drops, but Annika and Viktor are too busy making out to notice.Fuck, we’re gawking at their pheromones, but maybe our scent really does do something to other Lycans. Is everyone at the Alpha Summit going to get pregnant because of us? My mom's really going to kill me.

I can barely bite back a laugh, and when Annika meets my smiling eyes, she grins.

“Please know you’re safe with us, and so is your pup. Come to me whenever you need support from another mom, okay?” Annika hugs me again, enveloping me in a far more relaxed, nurturing scent.

I sigh. “Thank you, Annika. You’re so sweet.”

“I just know what it's like to be pregnant around all these reckless Alphas.”

Viktor laughs. “Hey! I’m not reckless!”

Annika ignores her mate, looping her arm into my elbow with a giggle. “Let's go get you warm in the car, mama. I just adore you already.”

Chapter 11

Wolves are affectionate, sure. But as Annika nuzzles me towards the car in a near-courting gesture, I have no idea what to do in response except glance back at Noah for his reaction.

Viktor and Noah are buddied up just the same, chatting about the Summit with Viktor nuzzling in closer than any man I’ve seen dare snuggle up to my mate. But Noah is staring straight at me.

I trust you, sweet Omega. Don’t worry about me.

I break into a smile at the warmth buzzing through my chest, turning my attention back to Annika.I trust you too, Alpha. Is she flirting with me?

Not exactly. She just really likes your scent, enough to want it on her. It’s a compliment.Noah pauses in his mindlink, his soft giggles filling the air as Viktor breaks into rambunctious laughter.

I’m grateful you have a buddy here too,I mindlink.

Viktor is a wild card. But Annika is a good ally for us and has an even kinder heart. I figured you'd get along well. I hope you can enjoy having her as not just an ally, but a friend. I’ve been so excited for you to be around so many other Lunas.

Thank you, sweet Alpha.My heart flips as I peek back over my shoulder, met by his loving, gentle smile.

Viktor is still chattering away, his voice low and hands gesturing wildly. Now that I can see the two Alphas from afar, I’m shocked by their similar height and build. Noah stillholds a little more bulk in his dense muscles than Viktor’s lean athleticism, but not many Alphas can come this close to matching my massive mate’s stature. It’s no wonder they’re so competitive. I can hardly resist rolling my eyes as I turn back around, leaning a little closer to Annika’s supportive hold on my waist.

After a short walk, I’m cuddled into Noah in the nicest limo I’ve ever seen. Outside, hillsides roll in and out of view, Kiruna’s country roads stretching over the land in a gentle dance as we pass sweeping lakes. Thankfully, I’m used to winding, uneven roads in Greenfield Forest, otherwise I’d feel even more nauseated by yet another car ride.

I have other things to worry about; something weird is going on between Viktor and Noah. I feel it in our bond, but they’re hiding it with playful smiles and laughter. What is it, frustration? Annoyance? It’s so muddied with our overwhelming surroundings that I can’t pick it apart for long before powerful eyes snap me back to the present in a continuous cycle.

All I know is Viktor is the current King Alpha after winning last year's Alpha Summit competition, yet he won't stop calling Noah "King." Noah seems to hate it.

And I'm feeling really out of the loop.

Annika senses my wariness—probably in my obnoxiously loud scent. She slinks from her Alpha’s arms, scooting to my side on the wide, black leather bench.

“How are you feeling?” Annika’s breezy tone softens my shoulders.

“A little spoiled. I haven’t been in a limo since prom,” I say.

Annika laughs, huddling in closer. “Prom? I know it’s a human thing, but I thought the excitement around it was mainly just in American movies!”

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