I didn't want to leave you guys hanging for too long, so here is the next chapter! My next few days are jam packed so wanted to get an update in the second I was able to.

Hope you love it.

True to my word, the following day saw me down at the supermarket, prepared to do what I anticipate being a mammoth shop. So much so that I may have to come back again over the next couple of days. Not only do I need to buy enough to feed myself and Paul, but I also need to work on everything for Emily's wedding.

But at least I don't have to worry about the cake, and I know that Sue is also aiming to help me out with whatever she can.

I can't say I ever anticipated turning into a part-time wedding caterer, but I am more than happy to help out. Plus Sam and Emily have deliberately chosen to make it a very intimate affair, so I'll only be feeding the usual rabble, plus Emily's brother and Sam's mum.

Besides, Allison Uley is one of the nicest women I have ever met, so it's not like she will be fussy with whatever she is fed. In fact, I anticipate her turning up at my doorstep to help me with the cooking. I have only met her a few times yet she treats me like extended family already.

I really love this place.

To my surprise Paul has also invited his mum, after getting permission from Sam and Emily of course. Unsurprisingly they had jumped at the opportunity to meet Jennifer, knowing Paul's rather strained and difficult past with her.

Therefore in total we are only looking at a maximum of thirty people down at the beach this Saturday…perfectly manageable, in my eyes.

Selecting a cart I smoothly began my usual round of the supermarket, mainly on autopilot as I made short work moving up and down the aisles. When it comes to just us two these days it doesn't really matter what I buy as Paul will eat just about anything, as long as there is lots of it.

Our food bill is ridiculous for a two-person household, to say the least. To an outsider it must seem as though I have multiple children to feed and in all honesty I don't blame them!

But at least now I have the ring to placate their nosey assumptions, and I feel bloody amazing about it. Nowadays every time anyone eyes Paul up when we are out and about, it takes less than a second for their gazes to fall straight on the sparkling diamond. Especially if I 'accidentally' let my left hand linger in their eyeline for too long.

Well, a girl has to have some fun with it right? When women are hitting on their man at every possible opportunity.

We may not have been engaged long, but I sure as hell have enjoyed it.

Pulling out my phone, it took me a few seconds to pull up the list I had scribbled just before leaving the house, made up of the essential things I absolutely cannot forget. Although looking at it now Paul has definitely been making amendments along the way. After all last time I checked beer is not a store cupboard essential, yet there it is all in caps, right at the top of the list.

Honestly, men sometimes.

"Anti-sickness tablets" I murmured to myself out loud, despite the odd looks I got from passers-by "definitely don't forget those Gemma."

Humming to myself I once again pushed the cart forward, stopping just once to lug a crate of beer off the shelf with a slight curse. Next time I may pretend to not see his additions and he can come himself. I am not designed for lifting heavy objects! It's a very good thing I love him.

Now…where are those tablets?

Turning down the next aisle I paused only briefly to select more soap, before striding purposefully towards the end which appeared to contain pain relief and anti-sickness medicine. Truthfully I am only buying it on the logic that if I have some in the house, I will no longer feel the need to use them.

Odd logic, but I am going for it all the same. I felt awful last night, to the point where I was convinced there was something wrong with the chicken we had for dinner. Yet Paul was completely fine, so realistically maybe it was the sex.

It was an energetic round to perform when I wasn't feeling at my best, to say the least.

I had made it halfway down the aisle before something caught my eyes, forcing me to a stop. In fact upon seeing it I couldn't stop my jaw going slack as I turned to face the offending object which sat just in my eyeline. As I stared at the box in front of me on the shelf, a million thoughts invaded my mind at once, leaving me once again reeling.

Taking a deep breath I took a second to sift through the most prominent ones, never taking my eyes of that fateful box as I counted the days.

Two weeks.

I'm nearly two weeks late. How the hell haven't I noticed? I usually run like clockwork, after all – I tend to take that for granted. Yet I haven't had a period since before I got the flu…

Surely I must have had a period at some point? Come on Gemma think… all that time between getting the flu and now, surely something must have happened?

Oh god. It definitely hasn't. This can't be right though. I am on the pill!

That doesn't guarantee anything. The small yet significantly irritating voice echoed in the back of my mind, my thoughts jumbling together as I considered my options. I did have the flu after all, I was sick so many times over the course of that week.

That could have made my pill completely ineffective for a time, I mean who knows? And I have been so distracted recently, taking it has been the last thing on my mind. I have taken it, haven't I?

At this point I have no idea.

However I do know that realistically, there's only two available options for me. I can take the test and be done with it, or I can sit and stew until my period does or doesn't show up.

At the end of the day there is hardly any competition…peeing on a stick it is.

Taking a deep breath I quickly grabbed the box, attempting to appear at ease and confident as I quickly finished the remainder of the shopping, dumping it onto the checkout. I now have no idea what I have bought or how much of it I have managed. I am going to need to come back another day. When I am less distracted and overwhelmed.

The only thing I can now focus on is that box.

Thankfully the girl at the checkout didn't say anything about my erratic purchasing. Much to my relief she scanned it all through wordlessly, obviously getting the vibes that I was giving off.

I drove home in silence as I thought about all of the possibilities.

The box sat in my handbag next to me, glaring at me the entire way.

"I'm home!" Paul's cheerful voice had me standing from the sofa and making my way into the kitchen, half jogging in my stress "And I am starving! What are we making tonight? Did you go to the store or are we on takeout?"

I only stood in front of him, waiting impatiently as he kicked off his boots by the door having not yet turned to face me. Nervously I picked at the corner of my thumb, breath leaving my body at an unsteady rate as I considered my next words.

But thankfully I didn't have to say anything, as Paul's gorgeous smile dropped the second he turned and looked at my face.

"Oh baby what's wrong?" his immediate concern immediately alerted me that I probably look just as anxious and unwell as I feel "are you okay? You look a little tired, do you need me to make you anything? I can cook."

"Urm" my voice broke as I desperately scrambled for some kind of words, all the while aware he stared at me with worry. I hate doing that to him, making him worry. Yet now, confronted with the realisation that I am going to have to say the words aloud. It's just terrifying. Exhilarating. Unexpected.

"Gem?" his sharp voice brought me back into reality, forcing me to think of ways I can calm him down, everything from his facial expression to the way he is standing, alert and looking for signs of danger, making me want to help.

Yet I can't quite do it. Not yet.

I gave up trying to force the words out, instead heading over to the draw where I had shoved the test, having not quite worked up the courage to take it since. This evening has been an endless cycle of nerves, starting with not knowing how Paul will react. That is the thing which terrifies me the most, forget everything else, Paul not being happy with this turn of events completely terrifies me.

Silently I held up the box, watching warily as his jaw fell open, startled.

"You're pregnant?" he whispered.

"I don't know" my tone matched his, as though to raise the volume would be a crime "I only know my period is late. It could be nothing."

"Why haven't you taken the test?" he still hadn't moved towards me, or moved at all in fact. This alone sent me into further despair, my gaze stuck firmly on the box.

"Because I'm scared" I admitted, turning the little box over and over in my hands, still refusing to look up at him.

"Scared?" he repeated dumbly "Gem, I guess it's natural…but I don't want you to be scared."

I dared to lift my gaze then, only just noticing that his gaze was the furthest thing I expected. Paul looked…excited? No that's not the right word…he looks renewed.

"It's not?" I forced out "I mean you wouldn't…be against it?"

"It's a surprise I'll admit" he finally pulled me into a hug, running his hand down my back comfortingly "And I know we don't know anything yet, but if it's positive…well, I know that you will be the best mom in the world. And I will do everything in my power to support you both, and we'll give our baby the best upbringing as a family."

He took a step back, placing both of his hands on my shoulders as though to lend me his strength, as though he could feel the sheer emotion rolling off me in waves. Although knowing the strength of the bond which permanently binds us, I'm willing to bet he can. He can feel the raw panic sat in the pit of my stomach, my mind working in overdrive to try and work out if I've had so much as a glass of wine over the past few weeks.

Thank goodness we have been so busy and occupied with everything else. None of us have been drinking so that we can be on alert at all times. And I have been so tired the entire time, I didn't want to do anything which could have aggravated it.

So at least I have done something right…

But I also could never have prevented the panic which set in when I realised if it's positive… I had put our unborn child in danger, knowingly nor not, by being anywhere near that man who first attacked me.

That thought alone was enough to send my stomach rolling, leaning heavily into Paul as he immediately comforted me, pressing kisses into the side of my head.

"It would explain why I have been so up and down recently… why I'm always so tired. Why I suddenly can't stand coffee" my nose wrinkled as I thought about the stuff which may now as well be dirt to me "as well as why everything smells weird. Why didn't I see this before?"

"Gemma" Paul's voice was firm but kind as he lifted my chin with his finger, smiling at me gently "you need to take a test."

I sighed heavily, releasing a puff of air into his face, rolling my eyes as he only chuckled as pressed his lips against mine gently.

"I know I do" I muttered, reaching for the glass of water I had already partially drunk on the side "but I can't exactly pee on demand Paul…" I trailed off, daring to look at him with a smirk "I'm not a dog, after all."

"I'll let that one slide for now" he rolled his eyes in a thankfully normal fashion, rapping his fingers on the side nervously "but not to be pushy, how long do you think…?"

"I have no idea. But I have been drinking loads of water all day so undoubtedly not long."

"Good" he huffed a sigh of relief "because I know I have only been in on this secret for a few minutes but I am already impatient. How you managed to feel like this for longer I'll never know…"

I only hummed in agreement, before taking another gulp of water.

Thankfully just ten minutes and a lot of pacing around the room later I finally convinced myself I am now able, both physically and mentally, to take the test. As if sensing my sudden change Paul grabbed my hand, squeezing it once comfortingly before moving into the living room, giving me some space as I locked myself in the downstairs toilet.

Having unpackaged the test and read the instructions a few times, I am unashamed to admit I stared at it dumbly for a minute – trying to consider my options. After all I have never done one of these before! What if a pee on it wrong?

"Get over it Gemma" I muttered to myself "you have a Masters in Law, peeing on a stick cannot be that hard."

Thankfully it proved to not be too difficult a process, yet still my hands shook as I reapplied the plastic cap and set the timer. Carefully placing the stick to one side for the time being I washed my hands methodically, before once again picking it up by the end and heading back to Paul.

I am now extremely grateful I chose to do this with him. To go through it alone…I think I would have been sick with nerves by now.

Paul stood quickly the second I got out, watching as I placed the test down, before pulling me into his arms.

We took a seat on the sofa, the test sat far enough away to be out of view. Somehow, sitting watching it every second for the possibility of a positive result, is even worse than not seeing it at all. Wordlessly Paul took my hand in his, entwining our fingers as we held each other tightly, both of our eyes trained on the countdown on my phone.

Just 30 more seconds to wait.

I could be sick.

"Whatever happens, I love you" Paul reminded me once again.

I could only nod, swallowing nervously.

The countdown kept ticking.

I stood as soon as the timer went off, grateful that Paul held back as I approached the test carefully, picking it up and finally glancing down.

For a second, everything was silent. I am convinced that not even my heart dared to beat.

I turned slowly, aware that Paul leapt to his feet straight away, clearly attempting to wait for me to tell him the result in my own time. Yet it appears he couldn't wait for long, as in the next moment he spoke.

"Well?" Paul seemed as though he could barely get the word out, his face a picture of anxiety as he stood, half reaching out to me with his right hand.

"It's positive" I whispered, finally taking my eyes off the affirmative word set out in front of me "oh my god it's positive."

"What?" he whispered; eyes wide.

"I'm pregnant" I whispered.

"You're pregnant" he mirrored.

Neither of us moved for a second, both staring at the little stick held in my left hand. The one little test which has changed our lives completely, our entire world and priorities shifting to move to that one positive test.

And then in the next second I shrieked as he suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist, picking me up and spinning me around, shouting with joy.

"You're actually pregnant" he repeated as he put me down, his own eyes glassy with emotion as we both stared at my still flat stomach "I mean…there's a tiny human inside of you right now. A tiny version of us."

"We're going to be parents" I breathed, before sitting back down on the sofa, wide eyed "oh god we are so not equipped to have a child."

"Yes we are" he said firmly, crouching down in front of me, placing his hands over mine on my lap "Gem, we are. Not in terms of babyproofing or nursery decorating sure, but in terms of where we are in our relationship and how much we love each other…we are ready. And we have a whole 9 months to sort the practicalities out."

"You're ready to be a dad?" I murmured, blue eyes staring up at him glassily.

"Yes" he laughed "and you are definitely ready to be a mom."

"I mean this is just….I just…I think we need to issue a warning to all imprints" I joked breathlessly "you wolves have like, super sperm, or something. I mean imagine how fast it would have happened if we had actually been trying."

"Maybe on some level we were" he whispered before capturing my lips with his own, the little stick still clutched in his hand.

I relaxed fully against Paul's chest as we sunk into the bath later that evening, blissfully happy as I sat between his legs, the bubbles soaking the bottom of my hair which sat in a bun on my head.

"Do you feel any different?" he asked softly, running his hands over my belly protectively.

"A little yeah…" I thought about it "I mean I've been bloated and cramping, plus my boobs are sore, but that's also just normal symptoms of a period so I didn't think anything of it. Plus I have been stressed recently, which I thought explained my sudden changes in eating habits."

"Well from now on, I am taking all of that stress away" my fiancée said firmly, kissing the ring on my left hand "I know morning sickness or any other symptom you experience isn't something I can control, but I am sure as hell doing anything I can to help. Even if it's 4am and you only want chocolate."

"Well aren't you cute, but you may regret that" I teased him lightly, before sobering up almost instantly.

"My body is going to change a lot you know…" I trailed off, the worry clear in my voice "I mean say goodbye to the stomach muscles and say hello to stretchmarks, kind of change."

"And you are going to look beautiful" Paul replied without hesitation, gently rubbing a soapy cloth across my shoulders and down my arm "in fact, I reckon it will be a huge turn on."

"Really?" I asked incredulously "I mean I know my boobs will get bigger and all…but really?!"

"It's not about that" he paused for a second "it's really difficult to explain, but the idea of your body growing and adapting because you're carrying my child. It's just, ugh, so hot. Believe me, my wolf is so ridiculously happy right now I can barely contain him."

"I think once we get a little further along we should introduce your wolf to the baby" I smiled as Paul's hands rested on my stomach once again. Even though still flat, I get the feeling it brings him comfort "you never know what you may be able to hear or sense when in that form."

"I think, my darling fiancée, that is the best idea you've had in a long while" Paul murmured as he kissed the back of my neck, making me shudder.

After a long soak we eventually both climbed out of the bath, Paul insistent on making us both a healthy dinner before we went to bed early. The excitement of the evening had us both knocked on our backsides so it would seem.

Not to mention since we found out the news my wolf has been attached to me like some kind of limpet. To say he has refused to let me go is a complete understatement. The only time he has allowed me out of his arms was to go to the toilet, and even then he looked a little anxious that I would somehow trip and hurt myself.

He better not stay like this for the entire pregnancy, there's no way I could cope. But for tonight I will allow it, simply because I am too caught up in my own emotions to care about much else.

Like now for instance.

"You're actually pregnant" he said for the fifth time that evening as we lay in bed, shifting to lay between my legs and pressing one ear to my stomach.

"You won't be able to hear anything silly" I tutted, tugging lightly at his hair "I can't be more than 6 weeks after all…It'll be the size of a pea! We'll have to go for an appointment, I'm sure they will be able to tell us more about how far along I actually am."

"I don't care" he pressed three long, slow kisses to my skin "I just can't get over the fact that we made this happen, we are growing a human."

"We?" I raised one eyebrow in amusement.

"Well I helped with the fun part" he grinned at me, before coming more serious "and although you are doing all the work, I am going to help however I can the entire way through."

"Even when I get fat?" I asked only half-jokingly, poking my bottom lip out "That is going to happen…what if you don't like me?"

My eyes narrowed when he began to laugh

"Gem I think the hormones are getting to you already, because you've gone insane" he eventually spluttered "I love you. You are carrying our baby…you can turn whatever shape you like and to me, it would be the best, most beautiful sight ever."

"Okay" I conceded "but we can't tell anyone yet, our secret until the 12-week scan."

"Yes of course" he nodded, before grinning "although we are going to have to come up with some strong ass excuse as to why you aren't drinking."

"I am sure we will think of something between the two of us" I smiled as he kissed me lightly "or alternatively you can just drink double, we will swap when no one is looking."

"Ah" he stated triumphantly "I knew my inability to get drunk would help us at some point."

"Sure" I rolled my eyes "that can be your contribution to this pregnancy."

"I'll try my hardest, chief alcohol drinker and ice cream bringer. Also we've never really discussed it before…do you want a boy or a girl?" he looked at me curiously, tracing patterns into my stomach.

"I don't care" I shook my head "as long as it's healthy and happy."

"With you as it's mom, it will definitely be happy."

"How about you?" I asked curiously, smiling at his compliment.

"I've always wanted a son and then a daughter" he sighed wistfully "so that I can teach him to play football and throw and protect his mommy at all costs-"

He nudged me playfully with his nose before continuing.

"-and then protect his little sister when she comes along…so that we can both scare off any boy who dares look at her before she's 30."

"Oh god" I couldn't help the sigh that left my mouth as I brought my hand to my face "you are going to be the most overprotective father ever. No wonder I am going to be the favourite!"

"Oh you're the favourite now are you?" he grinned and laid back as he pulled me into his arms, lips automatically connecting with mine gently "we'll see about that."

"Yes, we will" was all I whispered back, sinking into his happy embrace.

Totally unashamed to admit I got so emotional writing this chapter! This one has been brewing for a while and I am sure most of you picked up on the hints. But even so, I am super excited for all this.

See you all next chapter!