Chapter 0149

Two years have passed since Adrian and I became Alpha and Luna of Blackthorn Pack.

We discovered my mother's wolf spirit. Or more accurately, she found us. Selene and I formed an unbreakable bond. But nothing compares to the joy of welcoming our daughter into this world. We named her Ivy after her grandmother - a fierce and loving Guardian.

Adrian never lets me forget he knew we'd have a girl from the start. Though he dreams of a son to inherit the pack someday, he's terrified of what another pregnancy might do to me.

My pregnancy with Ivy was brutal. War raged around us, and the stress nearly cost us both our lives during childbirth. But Adrian never left my side, and we pulled through.

Ivy is her father's entire world. He carries her everywhere, even now at two years old. She's definitely a daddy's girl - from birth, she'd only settle in his arms unless she was nursing.

Genevieve and Donovan's little boy adores his father just as much. Watching our mates take the kids for ice cream or playdates warms my heart. They've grown into wonderful fathers.

I was stunned when Genevieve finally accepted Donovan. But when she turned twenty-one a month after me and recognized him as her mate, everything clicked. Like Adrian, Donovan knew first and pursued her relentlessly until her birthday. They welcomed their second child, a girl, recently.

Adrian's trauma from nearly losing me has made him refuse to try for another baby. Selene and I were ready months after Ivy's birth, but he wouldn't hear of it. The thought of losing me - or worse, both me and our child - paralyzes him. But the Moon Goddess has her own plans about such things.

I step out of the shower, wrapping myself in a robe instead of getting dressed. Anticipation thrums through me as I prepare to tell Adrian we're expecting again. I hope he'll be as excited as he was with Ivy, ready to go "pebble hunting" again. That's what I started calling it after he nicknamed Ivy "Pebble" during my first pregnancy. Every night, he and Theron would sniff my belly before resting their heads against it, whispering about their day.

Towel-drying my hair, I exit the bathroom just as Adrian walks in carrying Ivy. His eyes darken instantly at the sight of me in just a robe. My love for this man only deepens with time.

"Mommy! Guess what?" Ivy wriggles until Adrian sets her down. She barrels toward me, and I scoop her up. "What, sweetheart?" I carry her to the window seat in our bedroom.

"Theron gave me a ride! Then Daddy showed me all the stellations!" She mispronounces constellations with adorable confidence.

"Did he now?" I feign excitement, shooting Adrian a look. He grins unrepentantly.

Turning back to Ivy, I ask, "Did you fall off this time?"

"Nope! Held on tight like Daddy said."

"Did he show you the Dolphin constellation?"

She nods vigorously. "Uh-huh! He showed the nose and tail and..." She glances at Adrian for help.

"Dorsal fin," he supplies, sitting to remove his shoes.

"Yes! That, Mommy."

"Daddy's very smart, isn't he?"

She nods emphatically.

"Want to know a secret?" I whisper.

Her eyes widen. "What?"

"Mommy knows something Daddy doesn't. If I tell you, you'll know too. Want to hear?"

At her eager nod, I whisper, "Tell Daddy it's time to go pebble hunting."

She pulls back, forehead wrinkling. "Why would Daddy want to hunt pebbles?"

So much for the surprise. Adrian's head snaps up, and now it's my turn to grin.

Keeping my eyes locked with his, I tell Ivy, "Because it'll make Daddy very happy."

Adrian's face lights up with that heart-stopping smile I adore.

Ivy suddenly pats my stomach. "Daddy would be happier if you told him my baby brother's in your tummy."

My head whips toward her. "What did you say?"

She taps my right side. "Daddy, wouldn't you like knowing Mommy's growing my brother instead of hunting pebbles?"

Adrian joins us on the window seat, settling Ivy in his lap. "Princess, why do you think Mommy has your brother in her tummy?"

"I can smell him. Don't you?"

"What does he smell like?" I ask, stunned.

"Like cocoa!"

Adrian and I exchange glances over her head. He transfers her to my left side and points where she'd touched my stomach. "Here?" Theron pushes forward in his curiosity.

Ivy guides his finger to the spot. Adrian leans down, sniffing in careful circles before pressing his nose exactly where she indicated. When he lifts his head, shock colors his features.

"She's right. I smell him too. Just like hot cocoa."

"Told you, Daddy."

I stare at Adrian. "Her sense is stronger than yours? Without even having her wolf yet?" My voice trembles. "What does this mean?"

He lifts Ivy, cradling her face. She cups his cheeks with tiny hands. His golden eyes meet mine over her head. "It means we've been blessed with another Guardian."