We remove from each other, Ares allowing me to have some space. I cover my mouth wiping off the blood that had dripped down my chin. The shower water is still warm however not warm enough to break through the chill in my bones that is getting worse by the minute, "I can't believe I did that."

"And just in time for the Lunar Ball tomorrow, love." Ares chuckles at his own joke. I pull away from the space and step into the warm bathroom followed with the slow wrapping of myself in a towel. He shuts off the water following me promptly, "You seem distressed."

"Distressed? Me? No." More like freaking the fuck out because of the control this child's wolf has on my wants. I know the human side of me could've waited for so much longer, but the child demanded their father to be claimed. Or did I? Was it me? Could I blame everything on the unborn wants of a wolf that resonates through me?

"I know it's a lot, it's okay to be overwhelmed. The next few day's your body will be going through major adjustments. I'll have a healer get you set up for bed rest and medications."

"Bed rest? Medications?"

"After the Lunar Ball it'll be imperative that you stay well rested through your change into a more wolf-esque being. Especially with our pup growing within you. The medication is to help settle your stomach, as morning sickness and new wolf sickness do not go hand in hand."

"I'm going to become like you."

"As indicated by the mark. But you won't have a wolf of your own. Just the human perks like aging, strength, healing, scent, and hearing. A few other things as well, but nothing too important to discuss right now."

I walk slowly into the bedroom and plop onto the bed. Ares doesn't bother to chastise me for settling on the clean seats with a soaking wet back end and hair. He simply drops himself on a chair he pulled over and watches my faces going through the hundreds of emotions piling up. While this is unfortunate, at least the baby will be safe. However, how will my life change? Will I still be me? What if I accidentally break the child with my new strength? What if-

"No need to worry about the what if's. You have plenty of time to train and prepare yourself for our pup. And remember, it's a wolf as well. It can handle a little... wolf love now and then."

"You can read my thoughts again."

"The bond being completed gives me a few more things than before. I can sense your emotions in much greater detail, scent the health of the pup, and I'm more in tune with your health throughout your body. Just as I can scent the potential puking you are going through."

He's not wrong. This whole situation make's me want to fall over a toilet and let out my guts, "Great. I love to hear it."

"I know this isn't ideal, Veronica, but know that it was bound to happen sooner or later. It's best that this happened before the baby wrecked your body and health beyond what a healer could assist with."

"You're not wrong, I just... I can't believe I let myself be so... consumed with you to make such a rash decision." There. The truth.

"The mate bond is very powerful. It doesn't help you have the universe against you nor the baby that has its own influences. What you experienced, that bliss... it's what I should've given you when I marked you. I'm sorry."

His apology means nothing to me right now. I'm just trying to figure out left from right and get everything straight in my head.

1. Lunar Ball tomorrow, dress is ripped, seamstress is dead.

2. Challenges. Soon enough, Ares will fight many other wolves to the death for the title of King Alpha of the states.

3. I'm fucking pregnant and just horny marked my mate, now feeling very regretful of such a rash decision.

"Let me get you some food. After, I'll give you some time to think and sort through your conflicting emotions. Jessica should be coming up with dresses she's picked out for you as possibilities for tomorrow. But to inform, she is still pissed with you about keeping your pregnancy from her."

"She acts like I learned any sooner than she did." I roll my eyes. Ares looks to want to say something, but shrugs it off walking his way to the closest door. He dresses quickly, then exits with a sad smile.

"I'll be back soon with food, love. Be safe... and... well, know I'm here if you need anything."

"Thanks, Ares. You really are pretty amazing." I throw the compliment at him in sincerity. He takes it with the largest grin I have ever seen come over his beautiful face.

"I love you, Veronica."

"And I love you, Ares. Surprisingly, I think more than I did half an hour ago."