PREGNANT.

Chapter: 59.

******

The garden flowers smelled divine, it soothes the wave of nausea that had plagued him all day long. As he walked, he let his hands wander over to the topiaries that lined the path, admiring the variety of colors and patterning they presented. He felt better with every step he took forward, he felt lighter, as if all of his burdens were lifted off his shoulders for a moment in order for him to enjoy his surroundings more fully. A pleasant breeze rustled his hair and caressed his skin, his body was covered from the neck down by a heavy coat, which only served to make him feel colder instead of warmer. Even his body temperature seems out of place, just like his health in the past few weeks.

His breath rose in visible clouds and then dissipated on the autumn air around him. The sun hung low in the sky and cast its rays on his face, turning it a soft yellow hue. In spite of this, the wind persisted in picking at his sleeves, tugging gently at them as they fluttered back and forth. It reminded him how much work the past weeks had been. Each passing hour and minute of each day brought him closer to the birthdate of his pups. The happiness he saw in Conri's eyes on the day he broke the news was one that had stayed stuck in his memory ever since.

********

"You look gorgeous," Accalia said softly, her voice still hushed even as she approached him. She's smiling so brightly that it makes him dizzy. She stands next to him, her fingers intertwined with his own.

Smiling and nodding quickly to her sister's words, Blevine added. "I agree, sister... He looks radiant, like a star fallen from the Goddess's throne!"

It was the night of his Bonding Ceremony, and they being sisters to the Lycan, they and Eva were the only ones Conri permitted to get him ready, but it wasn't only the Bonding Ceremony that had him all flushed in the cheeks, he had also just learned from Dr. Creiff that morning that he was a few weeks gone.

"Congratulations Luna, you're carrying!" Creiff announced, and Caleb nodded shyly, rubbing the back of his head before giving a little giggle as his eyes met the doctor. It wasn't that big of a shocker since he felt it from the moment it happened. He only needed to be certain. Creiff gave him a bright smile and squeezed his hand gently.

"You need to rest as much as possible, I worry since tonight is your Bonding Ceremony, you must inform the Alpha at once so he goes gentle with you because of the babies,"

"Babies?!" Caleb squeaked out, eyes wide with amazement and curiosity.

"Yes, Luna," Dr. Creiff handed him a photo and he could make out the little distinction between what looked like three pups or cubs growing inside him. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, "They are very cute, don't you agree?" Creiff asked, bemused. "And you have made some Birth Omega very glad," He added, referring to the Luna Phoenix.

Caleb felt his eyes brim with unshed tears. He couldn't stop the happy laughter that left his lips as he looked over to the doctor. "Please, don't tell anyone yet."

Dr. Creiff chuckled and shook his head. "Of course, it's your news, tell it whenever you're ready," He said with a kind, understanding tone. "But I believe you should tell your Alpha first, he must go gentle with you tonight, there could be complications if he doesn't. .." He trailed off suggestively before turning to walk away.

Once he left, Caleb couldn't stop grinning. He was going to be a Birth Omega, and he will try his hardest to be the best for his pups. He was so excited about getting their names and personalities written down. Would they all be a mix of Lycan and Weretiger? His mind wandered thoughtfully. He knew he would do whatever it takes to care for and protect them. He loved them already. He hid the picture and walked back into the car. He was still beaming but was glad when neither Reece nor Mano asked him why. They just drove him home.

It's been a year since his mother's death, and he was grateful when the Lycan gave him a year to mourn before proposing their Bonding Ceremony. And in that time, he's never known more love and care. Conri spoiled him silly. He took him places, bought him things, and taught him a lot about himself. And how to be the Great Luna of a Lycanthrope. But most importantly, Conri showed him how to be loved. He never pushed him or forced him to do anything against his will; he just encouraged him.

Conri always seemed to know the right thing to say or do to cheer him up. The times they had lost in hate, Conri made up for, and soon the pain of his mother's death slowly began to slip away, and his heart began to heal. He began to open up and trust again. So many of his fears of rejection disappeared, and after that day, he found himself happier than he'd ever been. His heart was filled with peace and contentment, and he didn't want any other life if it wasn't the one with the Lycan in it. If anything, he wants to grow old with Conri, he wants him to spend every second of his life by his side, watching those colorful eyes glisten with joy, knowing that he had put them there, and now, with the pups on the way, everything has become perfect again.

And she said he would never attain this height.

The ride to Rocky Moon was smooth and by the time they arrived, both sisters and Eva were waiting alongside Luna Phoenix to welcome him into the family.

"Hey. what are you thinking so deeply about?" Eva nudged him by the side, and he shook his head, giggling softly. "Wow, look at you," She cooed. "Get up, see yourself in the mirror," She told him, and without waiting another second he stood up. As he did, he realized that the sun had completely dipped below the horizon, and the moonlight bathed the forest in an ethereal glow. The trees swayed and creaked slightly in the wind as if whispering tales of love found, and memories made. The air smelled sweet and inviting, full of magic and promises. All four stood together before taking a few steps back and bowing respectfully to him.

"Luna Caleb, please accept our congratulations on your Bonding Ceremony, we wish you great joy, and may this union keep us all together forever." They all chorused in a singsong voice. Their voices mixed perfectly with the leaves and birdsong of nature. Caleb felt at home, as though he'd been there all along.

"Thank you all," He responded, facing the mirror fully. His eyes bulged at the sight before him. The only piece of clothing he wore, was white cotton shorts, that stuck to his thighs and he thinks made his ass look bigger. He wore beautiful jewels of great worth around his neck, wrists, nipples, and belly. All of which shone brightly, the moon reflecting in the many jewels adorning his chest. He smiled widely as he stared, Conri would lose his mind if he saw him. His eyes fell closed, the sound of the birds, the wind, and the animals singing in harmony, everything was so familiar and so peaceful. When he opened his eyes, he turned around to meet their beaming faces.

"Well?" Blevine asked.

"I look beautiful," He whispered, tears glistening in his eyes. "Perfect even."

"No more tears, my love, don't ruin your makeup!" Phoenix scolded him with a chuckle. Caleb nodded and winced when he felt the Alpha's Mark begin to heat up. He looked down to find the moon glowing brightly. "It's time," Phoenix muttered and took him by the hand. "I'll walk you into the circle," He told him, and Caleb nodded.

Under the night sky, the moon blazed from above, casting a haloed silver light that enveloped the whole place in its silvery glow. Everything sparkled beautifully, and the colors danced across the dark sky; it was breathtaking. The moon rose higher in the sky, casting shadows on the ground beneath it; the woods seemed to glow, the grass, flowers, and trees; and the stars glistened brighter than ever before. He could feel the bond, pulsing through their minds like a living humming melody, and when they stepped into the Bonding Hall, the mating wolves began howling. Their cries blended to make one beautiful mate call, a song that had his entire body thrumming with excitement.

Present in the Hall were the Elders, Conri's fathers, his Soulmate, and his Betas. Even Dare was present, standing beside the Lion, Caleb smiled when he bowed in greeting as their eyes met. He bowed in return and flinched when he felt a sharp pain shoot up in his stomach, and when he returned his gaze to Dare, he saw the Rogue rubbing a hand soothingly on his belly.

Caleb knew.