The Alpha Who Feared Losing His Luna

Knox had changed. Ross noticed it most during the smallest moments. He no longer demanded to know where she was going. He asked. He no longer ordered guards to follow her everywhere. He offered protection and allowed her to decide whether she wanted it. He no longer entered her chambers without permission. He knocked. And when Ross told him no, he accepted it.

The kingdom noticed too. The terrifying Alpha King was still terrifying.nHe could silence an entire council with one look. He could make warriors tremble with a single command. But around Ross, he seemed to have learned restraint.

He didn't protect her by controlling her anymore. He protected her by standing beside her. That became especially obvious during the council meeting.

Ross sat at the head of the table. Knox sat beside her. Nash stood behind them, looking far too entertained. The meeting had been going smoothly until Alpha Marcus of the Northern Territory rose from his seat. "I question the Queen's authority." The room went silent.bRoss slowly lifted her eyes. Marcus continued. "She may possess ancient blood, but that does not automatically mean every Alpha must bow to her."

Several council members exchanged nervous glances. Knox remained silent but Ross noticed his look. It told her something. Once, he would have immediately stepped forward. He would have threatened Marcus. Perhaps he would have ordered him out. Instead, Knox simply looked at Ross and waited.

Ross understood. He wasn't going to speak for her. He wanted her to speak for herself. She turned toward Marcus. "What exactly do you question?"

Marcus straightened. "The decision regarding the eastern territories."

"Do you disagree with it?"

"I believe you are exceeding your authority."

Ross leaned back. "Then explain why."

Marcus hesitated while she waited. He finally said, "Because the eastern territories have always been governed by their own Alpha."

"And they still are."

Marcus frowned. "Then why did you command their warriors?"

"Because their Alpha requested assistance."

"I don't believe he should have been permitted to do so."

Ross's expression remained calm. "That is not your decision."

Marcus's jaw tightened. "I am an Alpha."

"So am I."

The room fell silent. Ross didn't raise her voice.nShe didn't need to. "You seem to believe that my authority comes from the fact that I am Knox's wife." Marcus glanced toward Knox. She smiled faintly. "You are making another mistake." She rose from her chair. "My authority does not come from my marriage." Silver flickered briefly in her eyes. "It comes from the blood that existed before your pack was even formed." Marcus swallowed. Ross walked toward him. "Every wolf in this kingdom recognizes my command."

She stopped in front of him. "Do you?"

Marcus's face paled. His wolf suddenly lowered its head. The man fought it. But within seconds, he was forced to one knee. A collective gasp filled the council chamber.

Ross looked down at him. "I don't need you to like me." She turned away. "I need you to respect the authority you already know is mine."

Marcus lowered his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Ross returned to her seat. Only then did Knox speak. "Council dismissed."

The room emptied quickly.

As the doors closed behind the last Alpha, Nash leaned toward Knox. He whispered, "You're completely gone."

Knox didn't look at him. "I know."

Nash blinked. "You admit it?"

Knox finally glanced at Ross. She was reading through the documents on the table, completely unaware of the conversation. "I do."

Nash grinned. "Terrifying."

Knox ignored him. His eyes remained on Ross. He had once believed strength meant commanding everyone around him but she was teaching him something different. Strength could also mean knowing when to step aside.

He wasn't afraid of her power anymore. He admired it. And he was proud of her.

Ross suddenly looked up. "Why are you staring at me?"

Knox's mouth curved slightly. "Because you're beautiful when you're terrifying."

She rolled her eyes.

Nash laughed. "He's definitely gone."

---

That evening, Ross returned to her chambers feeling strangely tired. She had barely reached the bed when a wave of dizziness hit her.

She grabbed the edge of the table. "What's happening?" Her stomach turned. She hurried toward the washroom. For several minutes, she remained there, breathing slowly. When the nausea finally passed, Ross stared at herself in the mirror. She had been tired lately. More than usual.

She blamed the recent battles. The ancient power she had used. The emotional exhaustion. But then another thought entered her mind. Her heart began pounding. She counted backward. Her eyes widened. "No."

She placed a trembling hand over her stomach. It couldn't be. Not now. Not after everything. Instantly, she hurried to the palace physician.

As soon as she got there, the elderly woman examined her quietly. Then she smiled. "Your Majesty..." Ross held her breath. The physician gently placed a hand over Ross's. "You're pregnant."

Ross froze. The world seemed to stop. Pregnant. A child. Knox's child. Her hand slowly moved to her stomach. She couldn't speak.

The physician smiled warmly. "You're going to have a baby."

Ross stared at her reflection. A thousand emotions crashed through her. Fear. Joy. Shock. She looked down at her stomach. Then whispered, "Knox..."

The door suddenly opened. Knox stood there. His expression changed when he saw her face. "Ross?"

She turned toward him. She didn't know whether to smile or cry.

Knox walked closer. "What happened?"

Ross opened her mouth. But no words came. Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach.

Knox followed the movement. His eyes widened.