So I'm sure you're wondering how the hell am I going to tell Josh. That's a great and valid question, and my answer is I have no idea. I'm not great with surprises, I am not super creative like Riley or the people on Pintrest. I'm just not, no matter how hard I try. So, ultimately as I sit on the hospital bed and stare at the little bean on the screen, I'm at a loss. "How should I tell him?"
Dr. Packwood's eyes widen dramatically, "Oh Luna I'm not sure. I'd tell him soon though, if he follows your scent and finds it in here, he'll have my head." That's an understatement . Especially if I'm not in the room. "His birthday is in two days, isn't it?"
Clicking my tongue, I process the date and nod my head. "Maybe I could get him like a 'Best Dad' shirt or something. Do they sell those aside from Father's Day? Or maybe like a picture of the sonogram! Oh I love that! Could you like get me a picture that says 'Hi Dad' on it?"
He chuckles but nods and after passing me some paper towels types some stuff in on the computer. "The pup looks great Luna. A strong and steady heartbeat and he's at the right size." He. I think he's a 'he' too. I wipe off my stomach and once I toss the paper towel in the trash the door is thrown open.
Shit.
Josh's eyes flicker from me to Dr. Packwood, slowly the pupil begins to take over his eyes. "Josh, this isn't what it looks like." Dr. Packwood angles his neck out, which only satisfies Josh's urge to rip it open. "Josh I'm here for an appointment!" I shout and after rolling my shirt down I stand in front of Dr. Packwood.
His eyes halt in their shift from Josh to Jax. "Are you unwell?" His deep husky voice sends shivers down my spine. When I don't answer right away, they lighten up into the familiar chocolate pools that I've fallen in love with. "Baby girl are you sick?"
"In a manner of speaking." I quip and reach for the sonogram. So much for giving this as your birthday gift, I think to myself. I guess it's okay considering I'm saving Dr. Packwood's life. I admit the situation didn't look good, I'm lying on the bed with my stomach exposed and I didn't tell him I was going down there, and being the overprotective Alpha male he is... it just isn't a good combination in the slightest.
Josh is in front of me within a second and cupping my face, "what's wrong? Are you okay? Why didn't you tell me?"
I manage to wiggle my arm out and hold the sonogram picture that says 'hi dad', in front of his face. He's holding me really tight, so I was lucky to be able to do that. I can see it now, when our kid asks how I told Josh about them, he'll fold his hands together and sigh, 'well I thought your mommy was having an affair with the pack doctor so she told me that she was pregnant to prevent me from ripping his throat out'. How's that for a Pintrest moment? It's one of a kind that's for sure. "Hi daddy." I say in a high pitched and incredibly annoying voice. "I'm in mommy's belly and will be here in..." I glance at Dr. Packwood to finish my question.
He stifles a laugh and says, "4 months and 1 week."
"4 months and 1 week." I repeat and hesitantly move the sonogram to the side to catch a glimpse of his face. And I don't think I've ever seen him smile so wide, I could be wrong but his face might break if he isn't careful.
"I'm going to be a dad." He whispers to himself and starts to chuckle before his chuckles turn to light sniffling and falling tears. His hand cups my stomach before lifting up my shirt and showering it with kisses. And then without warning, he howls. My hands fall on my ears in effort to prevent my ear drums from shattering, we're in a small confined space. But when he finally stops and the rest of the pack joins in – following their Alpha's lead – I just stare at him. "You're carrying our pup." I nod in affirmation and run my fingers through his hair as he places his ear on my tummy. "I should have known, I thought you scented differently."
I begin to frown and he shakes his head, dispelling any thoughts that could be negative. "Not in a bad way, you smelt or smell fertile and fresh." He hugs my stomach and gives it more kisses, I have a feeling he'll be doing this a lot for the next 4 months and 1 week. "Oh my Goddess, I'm going to be a dad! I'm calling a pack meeting. Is it a boy or a girl? Princess or Alpha? Maya Junior or Josh Junior." Nope, that is certainly not happening.
I grip his hands in mine and help him off the ground, he's reluctant but he does so anyways. "First of all no Josh or Maya juniors." He chuckles lightly and pecks my lips, "and it's too early to tell. Thirdly, let's tell your parents, Lucas and Riley and Cory and Topanga first before we announce it to the whole pack." His mother will have my neck and his if we announce it to the whole pack without telling them first. Actually my neck will be safe, I'm carrying her grandpup after all.
He groans but nods his head in agreement, seconds later he answers. "They're all gathering in my office." Oh my Goddess. I chuckle and wrap my arms around his neck after pecking his lips.
"So there's nothing going on between you and –
"Finish that sentence I'll break your face." I whisper as sweetly as possible. I should have known that he would ask that.
Josh laughs and twirls me around in a circle with a wide smile on his face. "So we'll come see Dr. Packwood every week?"
"No." I retort, Goddess is this what Lucas is like? No wonder Riley is super impatient.
"Generally, Alpha, it's once a month until the last month and then it is weekly." I nod in agreement with the doctor and glance up at Josh, "considering this is an Alpha baby I will say that more often than not he or she develops faster and about 90 percent of the time you have the pup early. I recommend a daily pre-natal and you'll want Josh around more often, you'll just want the presence of your mate to keep you and your pup content." And Josh's grin got even wider, he loves being needed and now he'll have a reason for his constant presence other than him being over protective.
"We're having a pup." I whisper and grin widely before pecking his lips.
"I'm going to be a fucking dad."
We're going to have to clean up his mouth.
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
Amy cried.
For an hour.
She cried for an hour out of happiness because she's going to be a grandma. We ended up skyping with Josh's sister – Morgan – who is thrilled to become an Auntie and will actually be on summer vacation when I'm due so that works out well. Riley cried because now that we're both pregnant, it's a dream come true for her. I laughed at that, until she started crying because I hurt her feelings and I completely agreed with her.
Lucas is thrilled, he believes that we are having a boy who will be mated to their princess. If we have a boy he wants us to name him Josh so that way we can have another 'Josh and Maya' reign. I told him he was dumb and then Riley cried because of that. I truly hope I'm not crying that much when I hit that stage.
Cory and Topanga were thrilled, literally. They smiled so wide as if I was their daughter, Topanga said 'we have another grandbaby to prepare for'. They are building a home about a mile from the pack house and Cory said he's adding another crib to the room for sleepovers. I am so incredibly happy that I am terrified that something is going to go wrong. But for once, something in the back of my mind is telling me that nothing will.
'That'd be me.'
Inwardly I laugh at Amber. Unfortunately, I won't be able to shift into my wolf while I'm carrying our pup. Which is why Josh gets more protective and territorial. I'm just hoping he doesn't get himself kicked out of the delivery room whenever it is time. Cory has had to do that a time or two. Another male being so close to their mate's private area, and handling their new born baby... plus I'm quite literally at my weakest while I'm giving birth, that is just a recipe for disaster. Hopefully, Josh and Jax can keep their attitudes and temper in check. Amber is overjoyed and Jax is still howling out of pure and utter joy. We found out about the baby 3 hours ago. Amber says if Josh were in his fur, that he'd be freaking frolicking through the pack.
Speaking of the pack we announce it to them tonight, but first Alpha Allen and Amy have a surprise for us. Allen was proud, I could feel it exuding off of him even if he didn't outwardly show it. It's kind of weird that I seek his approval, then again Josh says we've kind of had a bond of some sort though I'm not sure why. So that's what we're doing right now, Josh is carrying me down the steps of the pack house to wait on his parents. "I know what it is." He whispers, slowly I pull away from him so I have enough time to put on my playful glare.
"Do tell."
He chuckles and shakes his head. "Never." His lips crash against mine, the sparks increase tenfold as our mouths move in one another's embrace. Right when things were about to get good, and his tongue enters my mouth someone clears their throat. By someone I mean Allen... thanks bro. Josh growls and sets me down on my two feet before intertwining our hands.
"Sorry to disturb you." No you aren't, "But my mate and I are ready to show you you're surprise. This way." I nod and follow their lead down the pack trail. Pups are playing hide and seek and squealing as they do so. It's adorable, maybe one day my pup will be out here playing. Omega's are gardening, the bright colors grab my attention instantly. I give them a polite smile and wave to which they return it immediately. Warriors are training the new recruits from the 2 packs that have joined us. Kris being the new head warrior stands at the point and watches Xander and Xavier lead the session. Surprisingly, there was no controversy when he was appointed head warrior. Him being my guardian and a Beta's son was enough to win the pack over. Plus he fought for his position and won it fair and square, I was proud of him. He's redeeming his families name and making his mate proud in the process. How do I know he's making his mate proud? The red head sitting on a fold out chair about 10 feet away from the training session, making googly eyes towards him is a dead giveaway.
Kris waves as I pass by and his eyes fall to my stomach. No one is touching it, I'm not showing yet... how does he know? His orbs widen dramatically. 'Don't say anything. We announce it to the pack tonight. How do you know?'
'I won't Maya, you have my word. My wolf knows, I guess it's the Guardian in us. He felt another presence within you.'
'Ah, well just keep it under wraps. That's what the pack meeting is about tonight. We just found out ourselves. Josh just couldn't wait to tell everyone.'
I can hear him chuckle but I close off the link. My hand that is holding his, grips just a little tighter. I'm one lucky she-wolf. He's so happy to be a father and we haven't argued once since the whole me risking my life to challenge Kermit thing. We've had some discussions regarding decisions, in the end what he says goes because he's Alpha but he usually decides on the compromise we come up with together. Like, bringing the Gamma's home or even something like a pack issue that needs to be resolved. I love that he wants my input, and I love that we're communicating better as not just mates but as Alpha and Luna. "Are the Gamma's and the wolves they are watching over coming for the announcement?"
"Unfortunately, no. It's a Sunday night and there's school tomorrow so for them to drive down or up here for a meeting that could last only minutes for them to up and leave again, it's not worth it." I can understand that, it's an incredible nuisance. "However, we're going to do a live broadcast. So they'll hold a meeting where they are and put it up on a screen." If I wasn't holding his hand, he'd be floating to cloud 9. It is so incredibly cute. "Alright, surprise time. Close your eyes." I make sure he sees the fact that I'm rolling them before I do as he asks. "Don't worry I won't let you fall." I don't say anything because I know he isn't lying. I take a few more steps and am spun around twice before he grips my shoulders, bringing me to a halt. "Okay open your eyes on the count of 3, 1... 2... 3." Fluttering my eyes open, my lips begin to part, my jaw becoming slack with what I'm staring at.
"Oh my Goddess."
A white two story house with a white picket fence stares back at me. I lightly chuckle before shutting myself up by cupping my mouth. I squeeze my eyes shut and open them again before realizing that this isn't a dream, this is real. "Do you remember me saying that there's a home we could move into –
"THIS IS OURS?!" I have a hunch I'm right on the money I just need affirmation. When he nods and his smile is so wide he's forming dimples, I throw myself at my mate. "Josh it's beautiful." The second floor has a balcony, that will be my new favorite hangout spot. The shudders surrounding all the windows in the front are a forest green, a great contrast from the white of the house. There's so many windows that I know will flood the home with natural light.
"Mom and dad moved all their stuff out a few days ago. In those few days, I had it refurnished and a few volunteers are moving in our bedroom stuff within the hour." I am literally speechless; I don't think that's ever happened before. I pull away from my mate and saunter towards Luna Amy, abruptly I pull her into a hug and wipe my face dry. Unknowingly I was crying, I'm going to blame it on the baby hormones that I know aren't active yet. No one else has to know that though.
"Thank you." I whisper and pull away before nodding at Allen. I fight the urge to hug him because I'd hate to make Josh mad and ruin this moment. Even though he's my father in law, his protective instincts are on high alert. "May I?" I ask while gesturing towards the house.
Josh laughs, taking his hand in mine he opens the picket fence and we saunter up the cobblestone walkway. "You don't have to ask this is ours." The first thing I notice when I enter the home is the dark cherry hardwood, it's beautiful as if it has never been stepped on. The open concept of the living room flowing into the dining room and kitchen will be great for keeping an eye on our pup while he is playing and I'm cooking. The only thing obstructing the open plan is the staircase, which even then isn't bad.
The living room has a large beige sectional couch facing towards a large television hanging on the wall. Pictures of us together are already decorating the walls and I'm just curious as to who and when those were taken. Glancing to my left, is the kitchen and dining room. I'm already meandering towards the kitchen before anyone can stop me. Not like they would in the first place, my fingertips trace the granite countertops and the stainless appliances. The cabinets have a distressed, crackle look and I am loving it – surprisingly. The table is probably my favorite part, mostly because I can see myself sitting down with Josh and my pup for dinners every night. The horizontal side of the table has benches for its seating. While the edges have two chairs, "For expanding." Josh quips and takes my hand in his, "There are 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. So we have plenty of room for more." He whispers before opening up a door on the bottom floor, "the rest of the rooms are empty and you're more than welcome to go check those out but I want you to see this room first. This is the master bedroom."
I'm gasping. Literally, gasping right now. "It's so beautiful." There's a fireplace built in to the wall and a flat screen hanging above it. I find myself gravitating towards the French doors on the opposite side of the room.
"Ah, that was put in by my father. My mother was jealous of the balcony upstairs and wanted a place of her own to go outside without having to go upstairs." I chuckle lightly, gripping the brassy knob, I open the door and can't help but cry at the view. Allen built a little patio looking out into the forest, there's a small area, free of any trees where you can literally see the sun go down. It's like it was made specifically for viewing the sunrise and set. There's a patio swing or a table for you to sit at and just like everything else, I can picture Josh and I sitting out here drinking coffee together in the mornings before we have to leave for pack duties. I have no idea how long I stand there for, but I find myself willing the sun to go down just to get a glimpse at the beauty I know this spot will hold. But Josh pulls me away and closes the door, "Obviously our bed and nightstands will be coming later. I couldn't bring myself to replace that." I nod in understanding and saunter towards the door across from me. "The master bath."
"Holy shit!" Crap, I need to clean up my mouth. Marble countertops hold his and hers sinks and an abundance of drawers. There's a large Jacuzzi tub that I will be getting into tonight and a walk in rain shower that has a place for you to sit. Yes, sit.
"The closet." He opens the door and grins from ear to ear when I'm stumbling backwards. "I had it filled. Riley did some online shopping while she was on bed rest." I chuckle and gingerly step inside. My fingers sweeping over every type of fabric imaginable. My clothes are color coordinated and the purses I will not use as much as I should all have their own little cubbies. My shoes ranging from heels to converse, tennis shoes to flats are resting on a lit up shelf. "The drawers are all underneath the racks." True to his word, there are a total of 12 drawers that are filled to the brim. When I take a few steps forward my eyes catch hold of a vanity mirror and desk, covered to the brim in makeup and brushes. "I know you don't wear it much, but it's there. The bathroom mirror has a TV and it also has a built in radio. So you can either turn on your favorite station or plug in your phone." Where is my phone? "My mother and father did a lot of upgrades while they were here."
"I can't believe they want to leave."
He chuckles and wraps his arms around me. But I'm not kidding, this place has everything I could ever need and then some. "My parents want to travel now that they aren't obligated to the pack. We will be able to take vacations and everything but not long and that doesn't guarantee I'll be free of pack matters."
"I knew what was required of you when I found out you were an Alpha." I whisper while turning around and hugging him, "This is amazing Josh. I literally – there are no words. This is everything I could have wanted and more."
So much more.
Josh looks like a kid being praised for doing something right. But with that house, how could he possibly have done wrong? "So what do you think? Could you live here?"
"For the rest of my life." I look down at my belly and smile, "Sorry baby. I'm being selfish. Build your own home." Josh full blown laughs and pulls me tighter into his frame. "Kidding." Kind of.
He nods in understanding and intertwines our fingers, "Ready to tell the rest of the pack?"
"As long as you promise me a bath when we get back."
"Oh absolutely." My mate whispers before I feel his teeth scratching against the skin of my neck.
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
This is the last chapter before the epilogue. I really hope you love this book as much as I do. It's probably one of my favorites.