Chapter 0376

Perry left with a promise to return first thing Monday morning after finalizing the plans.

We found our mates outside watching the pups play in the garden. Jeremy was nearby, constructing something new.

"How did it go?" Seraphina asked as Adrian pulled Isolde into his arms.

"Good. Perry had some cost-saving ideas. He'll be back Monday to start." I nodded toward Jeremy. "What's he working on now? I thought he'd be focused on furniture or Felicity's crib."

"While we were out, Lillian found a farm selling egg-laying hens," Isolde explained. "Gwendolyn suggested raising hens of different ages. Lillian located a supplier. This way, we'll have a steady egg supply and eventually our own meat source. Jeremy's building the coop first. Said he could finish it in a day."

I stared at my mate. "Hens?"

Her lips curved. "Maybe a rooster too. We picked a spot far from shifting areas. Donovan's taking Gwendolyn and me Sunday to get them."

"You never cease to surprise me."

Adrian and Evelyn arrived before dinner. I introduced them to the pack. Alistair and Seraphina would come tomorrow—Alistair would officiate our ceremonies.

Nearly every pack member thanked Adrian and Sebastian for the reconstruction loan. As they discussed plans, I noted desired storefronts. Donovan would oversee construction with Perry, so I'd share my "main street" shop layout idea with him.

During dinner, Isolde, Evelyn and Lillian talked pregnancy and pups. Though Lillian's captivity robbed her of enjoying her pregnancy, she still laughed about hormonal changes.

I sensed melancholy in Isolde. We'd never discussed pups. With our financial struggles preventing contraception purchases, this conversation couldn't wait. If she wanted to delay, perhaps Seraphina had alternative solutions.

That night, curled around my mate, I asked, "We've never talked about pups. Do you want them?"

She hesitated. "I do. With you, with this life... I definitely do." She turned, cupping my face. "But would you mind waiting? I'm young. There's the tournament—I can't compete pregnant. Maybe after?"

I nuzzled her nose. "Perfect. I want pups with you, but now isn't right. Would you ask Seraphina about contraception options? At least until we can afford protection?"

She chuckled, pressing closer. Goddess, this woman.

"I'll talk to her this weekend."