Page 95 of Curses and Casualties
Ryan’s face transforms, a mix of emotions flickering across his features—shock, wonder, joy, and finally, a fierce protectiveness that makes his eyes flash with that rainbow shimmer.
Then he drops to his knees in front of me, pressing his forehead against my stomach. I run my fingers through his hair, enjoying the silky texture and the way he leans into my touch like a cat seeking affection.
“A baby,” he breathes against my skin. “Our baby.”
“The first of the next generation,” I say, tears pricking at my eyes. “Born of a true Soul Bond.”
“Hello, little pup,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my belly.
“You’re going to be an amazing father,” I whisper, cupping his face in my hands.
He stands slowly, pulling me against him with infinite gentleness, as if I might break. “And you’re going to be the most incredible mother.” His voice cracks slightly. “I can’t believe this is real.”
“It’s real,” I assure him, going up on my toes to kiss him softly. “We’re having a baby.”
Through our bond, I feel the moment it truly hits him. The overwhelming rush of love and protectiveness that makes his wolf surge to the surface. His eyes flash that brilliant rainbow, and suddenly I’m glowing too—Luna’s joy radiating from my skin in silver waves.
“The pack needs to know,” he says, already thinking like an Alpha. “This changes everything. A Soul Bond baby?—”
“Will be the most protected child in supernatural history,” I finish with a laugh. “Between you, me, Ethan, Owen, and especially the Úlfhéðnar when they visit, this kid won’t be able to sneeze without someone checking if they need backup.”
Ryan chuckles, some of the intensity fading as humor takes over. “Poor kid doesn’t stand a chance of getting away with anything.”
“Speaking of the pack,” I say, settling into his arms, “we should probably tell them before rumors start. You know how wolves are with scents.”
“They’ll smell the change on you within days,” he agrees. “Probably sooner. Enhanced senses and all that.”
I lean back to look at him, taking in the wonder still shining in his eyes. “Are you ready for this? Really ready?”
“Are any of us ever ready to become parents?” he asks, then grows serious. “But yes. More than ready. I’ve been dreaming about this—about seeing you grow round with our child, about teaching them to shift, about watching them grow up in this new world where wolves get to choose their path instead of being separated by creation status. They could be a simple forager if they wanted, or they could work to gain respect and sit on the new council. Whatever sets their heart alight will be the path they get to follow.”
“I love that. But what about those two a.m. feedings and diaper changes that’ll come first?” I tease.
“Even those.” His grin is soft and genuine. “Especially those. Every unglamorous, exhausting, wonderful moment of it.”
My throat tightens with emotion. This man, who started as a broken, isolated wolf convinced he was nothing more than a vessel left to be consumed by madness, is now talking about raising our child like it’s the greatest privilege in the world.
“I love you,” I whisper, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
“I love you too. All of you.” His hands settle over my stomach again. “And I already love this little one more than I thought possible.”
A knock at our front door interrupts the moment, followed by Ethan’s voice calling out, “You two decent? We’ve got pack business to discuss.”
Ryan and I look at each other, and I can see the same thought in his eyes that’s in mine—perfect timing.
“Come in,” Ryan calls back, though he doesn’t let go of me.
Ethan enters the kitchen with his usual easy stride, but stops short when he sees us. “What’s going on?” he asks slowly.
“I don’t know. Do you smell something?” I ask, prompting Ethan to sniff the air. His nostrils flare slightly, and his eyes go wide.
“Holy shit,” he breathes, looking between us. “Is that...? Are you...?”
“Pregnant,” I confirm with a grin. “Surprise!”
Ethan’s whoop of joy is so loud it probably alerts the entire pack. He crosses the kitchen in two strides and sweeps me into a careful but enthusiastic hug.
“This is incredible!” he says, setting me down and immediately turning to Ryan. “Congratulations, man. Both of you. This is—this is everything we hoped for when you completed the bond.”
