Ares calls out orders as the servants run through the halls with everything needed. The Lunar Ball is only a week away, the pack celebration this evening. After much discussion, the pack decided on a bonfire and cook out. I feel sorry for the servants as they have to set up for this tradition once more, "Ares. I think I'll run to the kitchen for a snack."

"Let me go with you. One moment." His wolf's been completely on edge the last week, especially now that we're home. If I attempt to leave his sights, the Alpha is right behind me. Ares picks up his phone calling Tyson. As the gamma of the pack, he is in charge of all security details something that Ares is rather instructive on. Tyson reports his updates mindlessly going through the steps. All of this could be done through a mindlink, however Ares finds it bothersome unless in emergency.

I walk myself down the steps turning into the kitchen. The cook is yelling happy things at the sight of me. I give a wave heading to the cabinets in the back. Ares is speaking with a different pack member by the time I come around the corner with my pop tarts.

When the call ends he gives me a smile eyes falling to my "snack" of choice, "Pop tarts are not a snack, love."

"I'm a grown adult. If I want pop tarts I can have them." I shoot him a glare that sends him into a fit of laughter. Ares doesn't bother to argue further. I shovel the rectangles into my mouth walking us both us the stairs. When we enter his bedroom I try not to groan at how clingy he's being.

"What is going on with you?"

"Something seems off. My wolf's being rather... demanding I stay near you. Your scents changed."

Pack doctor is needed.

"Would it help your wolf if we went to the pack doctor before the celebration. Maybe get you some answers?"

Ares pinches his jaw before slowly going into a nod, "Yes that should be good. Come on, we can head there now so you have time to get ready."

I grab my shoes tossing them on and throw my hair into a messy bun. Ares holds out his arm for me allowing me to slip my hand into the bend of his elbow.

We take our time walking out to the car. He revs the engine pulling out of his estate heading towards the main pack grounds. I wanted to call it a "campus" but Ares didn't encourage it.

The pack doctor sits on the edge of the lands, a small hut that can be used as a medical ward if needed. I climb out of the car walking up to the door as the wolf sticks their head out with a grin.

"Welcome! Welcome! I don't think we've met. I'm Rachel. A healer of the pack. Come in."

Ares places his hand on my lower back walking me into the space. The healer leads to me a small cot in the back of the space waving her hand to get me to sit down. I settle myself on the covered bed letting her gather all the things she needs. She ends with her gloves snapping them onto her wrists, "So whats happening?"

"Ares mentioned his wolf is going crazy, and my scents off. Also our mindlink isn't working quite right."

"Have you marked Ares yet?" Her question seems innocent enough.

"No, I haven't." I turn red in the face at the thought. Him and I aren't that simple. It might take me a horridly long time to feel comfortable enough to do that.

"Lay down for me. I'm going to run my hands over your stomach for a second."

"My stomach?" I lean myself back letting her lift my shirt. She pads her thumbs softly over my lower abdomens taking in a deep breath. Her lips move into a small smile, one that sends me personally over the edge, "What's going on?"

"Luna I believe that you're pregnant!"

Ares spits the water across the room he was sipping on. I start laugh manically, "That's not possible."

"Has Ares knotted you before?"

The Alpha is pale, his eyes staring intently at my stomach, "I have but then we drank tea."

"For an Alpha that tea is somewhat inefficient after the mates been knotted. I can run a quick ultrasound to confirm for the human?"

I nod violently, "That would be great."

Within the half hour I have my legs spread on stirrups, the probe showing me the small fetus that's growing. It's barely a bean. A blip that's hard to detect, "Ah yes! From the looks of it you are about a week along, comparable to three weeks wolf growth."

I fall back on the bed. My heart is hammering out of my chest. Me a mom?

"We should move into the discussion of pre-natal care. As she hasn't marked you Alpha her body will struggle to bring this baby to term. I would encourage before the end of the month you both taking that next step." Ares crosses the room dropping to my side. The pack doctor waits patiently while tears slip from me.

"Can we have just a moment before we go into anything else?" Ares snaps at her. She scurries off to the outside patio allowing me to cry freely. He pulls me forward into his chest my tears staining his clothes, "I know you didn't want this, darling. I'm sorry. But I can't say that I don't want the child."

"I'm not going to do anything to end the pregnancy." Hiccup, "Just needed a moment to process and shed some tears. Just a lot all at once."

He brushes a tear soaked strand of hair from me, "You are the strongest human I've ever met, love."

"Okay. Okay. I think I'm good." I peck a kiss on his forehead letting him call her back in. She walks in slowly taking note of my puffy eyes.

"Do you want to schedule a separate appointment to discuss? I can see this isn't your expected outcome."

"No, no. It's important to know these things. I'm sorry I just needed a moment." I wave her over. She settles back into her rolling chair clicking over the ultrasounds.

"A wolf pregnancy is only six months instead of your typical human nine. You'll need to mark the Alpha and come in for weekly checks. As you are born human, your body might need help adjusting to the child. As their inner wolf is forming, you might have glimpses of them. Maybe even conversation as the baby grows. The bond between mother and child is rather beautiful in our wolf." She slaps the top of her legs pushing herself off towards a few shelves, "I am going to give you a special herb to take daily, and you must drink water. Cravings and nausea are completely normal. All your typical human symptoms should and will be present full force within this pregnancy. And Luna?"

I swallow my fear looking at her dead in the eyes, "Yes?"

"This baby is the next Alpha of our land. It is best you keep this pregnancy between your closet allies until the two month mark where you are most vulnerable. Ares is going to become extremely protective of you. It's for your safety and well being. Wolves will attempt to kill you in hope to end the future of the Alpha's line."