CHAPTER 42: CHANGE OF PLANS

Over the past few months, things have finally settled back into a routine.

I make sure to spend individual time with each of my mates at night. During the week, they take turns staying with me one-on-one, while on weekends, we all come together. Wednesdays are my nights alone—something I initially disliked but have grown to appreciate. As much as I love my mates, they’ve become a bit overwhelming.

Every little bump or jostle sends them into a panic, checking if I’m okay. It’s like they think I’ll break at the slightest touch. I’m sure it won’t be long before they start keeping their distance alltogether to avoid hurting me.

If I need to use the bathroom at night, all four of them jump up to carry me there and back as if I’ve lost the ability to walk. Honestly, they’d probably wipe for me if I asked. My solo nights are the only time I truly get to do things for myself.

When my mates are occupied, Jackson keeps me company. We’ve grown closer, and unlike my overbearing mates, he’s learned to ask before helping instead of taking over. They could definitely learn from him.

Now at four months pregnant, I’ve mostly been on bed rest. I savor every moment I can move freely because, at five months, the doctor said I’ll likely be confined to bed until the babies arrive. They’re growing faster than expected—so fast that I wonder if they’ll come early.

“Do you think they’ll arrive sooner than expected?” I asked Cece.

“It’s hard to say,” she admitted. “Since there’s never been a tiger/dragon hybrid mated toa  wolf before, you could deliver anytime—maybe even sooner than seven months, given how quickly they’re growing. But that’s just a guess.”

I asked Cece and the doctor to keep the twins a secret—a surprise for my mates. It helps that the little ones love hiding during ultrasounds. You only see one at a time. I’ve also told my mates I want to wait until birth to find out the genders, which makes keeping the secret easier.

“Jackson?” I called out after waking from a nap, but there was no response. Where is he? I really need to stretch my legs.

I thought about linking him but he will probably intercepte me on the way. So, I decided to head to the office on my own. After struggling to sit up and catch my breath, I managed to stand—these babies are growing way too fast, likely inheriting my tiger side’s shorter gestation.

Using the wall for balance, I slowly waddled down the hall. A bench halfway there offered a place to rest, but I pushed through. I was proud of myself for not needing it but regretting it in the last few feet when I had to pause, hands on knees, gasping for air.

Once I caught my breath, I opened the office door—better not give anyone another reason to scold me for overexerting myself.

“Zane, any updates on the rogue situation?” I asked as I stepped into the office. Their heads snapped toward me, and they started to rise, but when they noticed Dean was already at my side, they settled back into their seats.

Dean sighed. “Mi alma, you should’ve called one of us. You know you’re not supposed to wander around alone. Where’s Jackson?” His eyes darted around, searching for him.

I shrugged. “No idea—he wasn’t there when I woke up. And honestly, it was just down the hall. You all act like I’ll shatter at any second,” I teased.

They didn’t seem to find it funny—four low growls rumbled in response.

Zane cleared his throat, steering the conversation back. “Since we took out Urk and the facility, things have been quiet.” Ever since our trip to the mountain, he’d been more like his old self. He still had a long way to go, but it was progress. He hadn’t shared what happened up there yet, but I knew he would when he was ready.

“Do you think our pups are finally safe?” Deek and Alexis asked as they walked into the room. I waddled over to meet them halfway, pulling Alexis and their baby into a hug—much to my mates’ irritation. Then I turned and embraced Deek.

Zane nodded. “Yeah, I think they are.”

One by one, my mates stood to shake Deek’s hand and kiss Alexis on the cheek.

“Glad to see you’re okay,” I said as their little girl, Morgan, reached for me, tiny fists waving. My tiger side had a way of attracting both the wounded and babies—not that I minded. I adored them. Alexis passed her to me, and I swayed gently, grinning as Morgan giggled at my nonsense baby talk.

“We came to give you an update and offer some help,” Alexis explained. She hesitated before continuing. “Moulsa slipped away, but we’ve got a team hunting her. It’s only a matter of time before she resurfaces—especially since you killed her husband. Honestly, I’m surprised she hasn’t struck yet. We don’t know what she’s waiting for.”

I studied her expression. “What kind of assistance?”

She fidgeted slightly. “Well… I was hoping you’d consider letting a few women from my coven stay with you—just in case Moulsa shows up.”

My mates all turned to me, waiting.

“Actually, that might be our best option,” I said quickly. “If Moulsa comes here first, we won’t know how to counter her magic. How many people would we lose before we figure it out? With coven members here, they’ll recognize the signs and alert us before anything happens. We’d stand a much better chance of holding out until reinforcements arrive.” I sighed. “Truthfully, I was going to ask you about coven help anyway. After rescuing her sacrifices and killing Urk, revenge is inevitable.”

Jason cursed under his breath. “Damn, why didn’t I think of that? Mi alma’s right—it’s better than nothing.” The others murmured in agreement.

I met Alexis’s gaze. “How much do you trust them?” Last I knew, there had been some tension in the coven before.

“With my life,” she said firmly. “The ones we were worried about left—they joined Moulsa after we failed to capture her.”

Zane nodded. “If they’re willing, we’d be grateful for their help. When can they come?”

Deek exchanged a glance with Alexis. “Actually… we brought them with us. If you’d said no, we would’ve taken them back. And for the record—this was their idea.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t trust anyone more than these two.”

Alexis slipped out and returned moments later with two women.

I stepped forward. “Welcome. I’m Luna Max—and these are my mates and Alphas: Dean, Jason, Luke, and Zane.” I gestured to each of them.

Just then, heavy footsteps pounded up the stairs. Marcus, Charles, and Jackson burst in—but the moment they rounded the corner, two deep growls echoed through the room.

Marcus and Jackson spoke in unison: “Mate.”

Oh, this is going to be interesting, I told Cece, who laughed in agreement.

I introduced the newcomers. “This is Beta Marcus, Delta Charles, and Gamma Jackson.”

The first woman, soft-spoken but confident, dipped her head. “I’m Athena, and this is my sister, Amore. We’re honored to assist however we can. Once we’re settled, we’ll start with protective wards—they’ll act as an alarm system. We can even link you to them so you’ll sense if they’re triggered.” Her eyes kept flicking toward Marcus, while Amore’s gaze lingered on Jackson.

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” I said, glancing between them. “And I think that’s a great plan.” I smirked. “Though I’m guessing you’ve already noticed… something.”

Amore smiled sweetly. “Several in our coven have found mates among the wolves in our pack.”

“Well then,” I said, grinning, “I’ll let you get acquainted. If you need anything, let me know. Once you’re ready, come find me—I’d like to go over a few things.”

“Yes, Luna,” they replied in unison.

I glanced at Marcus and Jackson. “Would you mind showing them to the guest rooms, unless they’d rather stay with you?”

“Of course, Luna,” they replied in unison, then approached their mates and guided them toward the guest wing.

“Well, that went smoothly,” I remarked, clapping my hands. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Charles’ expression dim.

I hope Charles finds his mate soon, I silently told my mates. Over the past few months, Jackson and Marcus had become close to me while my mates were occupied, keeping me company. Charles, however, had been assisting Dean with house renovations, so I hadn’t spent much time with him.

“Me too, mi alma. Me too,” Dean replied.

Turning to Alexis, I asked, “Do you want to stay longer, or do you need to head back?” as the man with her began speaking.

“We should go—oh, and congratulations,” she said, taking Morgan back from my arms. The baby had fallen asleep while I held her—she was the most serene, cheerful infant I’d ever met.

“Thank you. Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask—the first time we hugged, I felt something tug at my energy. What was that?” I asked, remembering it only now.

Alexis looked surprised. “You felt that?” When I nodded, she sighed. “I should’ve explained earlier, but never let a witch touch you. If they’re strong enough, they can drain your energy—even your life force. I hugged you partly because, as I mentioned, I was huggy during my pregnancy, but also to test your character. I’m sorry for not asking first, but I had to know if you were trustworthy.”

“It’s alright, I understand,” I assured her. We chatted a bit longer before they left.

Luke approached. “I’m heading to the office—one of the shareholders called a meeting. Charles, would you stay with Luna?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Charles responded.

“Delta Charles, could you take me outside? I’d love to sit in the sun for a while—get some vitamin D,” I requested.

“Of course, Luna. And please, call me Charlie,” he said, smiling.

After each of my mates kissed me goodbye, Charlie offered his arm, and I looped mine through his as we left the office.

“So, Charlie, tell me more about yourself,” I said as we walked toward the elevator.

“Not much to say, Luna. I was born and raised in this pack. My parents still live here, though they love traveling—last I heard, they were in Rome. I have two younger sisters and a brother. My brother and one sister already found their mates in other packs and moved away.” His tone was cheerful, but when he mentioned mates, sadness crept in.

“What kind of mate are you looking for?” I asked, catching him off guard.

“Oh, um—I’m not entirely sure. Someone strong and kind-hearted, like you. A natural leader who’d stand by my side,” he said, a wistful note in his voice.

“Mi alma, are you meddling in matchmaking?” Luke teased through the mindlink as he passed by for books.

I would never, I replied with a pretend offended gasp. I just believe Charlie will meet his mate exactly when fate intends.

Turning back to Charles, I said, “I know the waiting is hard, but don’t lose hope. The right woman will come when you least expect it.”

Somehow, I had a strong hunch he’d find her by the week’s end—but I kept that to myself.

“Bobby’s been thriving,” Charlie said proudly. “After some mentoring and shadowing our lieutenants, he’s really stepped into the leadership role we always saw in him. He picks things up fast.”

“That’s wonderful. Does he still startle Grayson and Carlos?” I laughed.

“Every chance he gets,” Charlie chuckled. “Luna, I never properly thanked you. I’m Bobby’s godfather, and I could never reach him before. But since training with you, he’s become the warrior and leader I always knew he could be. So, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I said, touched and surprised. “I didn’t know you were his godfather. What happened to his parents?”

“Oh, they’re alive. His dad lost a leg in a rogue attack. Bobby blamed himself, shut everyone out—until you straightened him out,” he admitted. “I tried my best, but it wasn’t enough.”

“You did more than enough, Charlie. You were there for him when he needed it, even when he resisted. Without you, he might’ve turned out worse. He looks up to you—always has. You’re like his older brother.”

We walked in comfortable silence to the back porch. By the time we arrived, exhaustion tugged at me again, but I kept quiet.

“Here, sit under the umbrella,” Charlie suggested, adjusting a bench. “That way, if you doze off, you won’t get too much sun.”

“Is my fatigue that obvious?” I asked with a soft laugh.

“A little,” he admitted, grinning.

Just as he reached for me, I felt a sudden pop below, followed by a burning sensation in my stomach—like heartburn but deeper.

I froze, taking slow, measured breaths as I counted to steady myself. After a few minutes, the realization hit me, and I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Change of plans, Charlie. Mind taking me to Doc? I’ll call my mates,” I said, keeping my tone even.

His face filled with worry. “You alright?”

“Yeah,” I replied coolly. “Just going into labor.”