He moves his hand under my shirt rolling at my nipple. My mumbles of pleasure slowly become louder as my body readies for him. "Get on your knees." He slips off the bed allowing me to change my position. Ares walks over to his closet grabbing something. When he turns, his hands hold a blindfold, the other a vibrator. He takes his time walking back letting me build apprehension. I haven't experienced much toy play, but from his look I know I can't deny it.

The blind fold is slipped over my eyes. Total darkness envelopes me. He drops the vibrator on the bed, helping me out of my clothes. Once I'm naked, he lays me back. I feel his hands press my knees apart then grab my wrists to hold them over my head. The feeling of not being able to see or touch drives me wild. How come I haven't done this before? Ares holds complete control over me. His free hand runs over my body, pinching rubbing anything that feels so fucking good. When I try to curl up, he sets my hips down not letting me move from my position, "Be quiet or I stop."

The buzz of the vibrator is the only confirmation I receive before its pressed against my clit. I fight the moan that wracks through me, this little devil stirring something within me I haven't felt in a while, "Quiet Veronica." He presses his tip against me, rolling his hips in a steady motion while keeping the vibrator on me. The pleasure that works through me is unbearable. I can't keep myself together as I rock my hips with me. He uses his hips to keep me contained, but it doesn't work as well as he hoped. My need is demanding, and he's more than willing to give in. My orgasm builds, my heart racing. He lets me have it, it tears through me stilling any movements. I hold still and let it take over my body. Too much. Fuck. Too much.

Ares comes with me, his pleasure filling me up, "Good girl." Who would've thought I have a praise kink.

~

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 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 oversees 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 mind link; 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 of 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 what's happening?"

"Ares mentioned his wolf is going crazy, and my scents off. Also, our mind link 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. It might take me a horridly long time to feel comfortable enough to do that simply because of the freaky thought of breaking skin with my teeth.

"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." I leave the healers office with a lack of understanding on all life decisions. Ares walks right next to me but keeps his hands off while I process everything that keeps happening.

It isn't long before we're walking back to the manor. I've become a shell of myself thinking through all the preparation I'm going to have to make. Ares made it clear that this pregnancy is my decision, and he supports whatever decision I need to make in that regard, but since I've chosen to keep the baby, I'll need to mark him soon enough for my own, and the child's safety. Can't I catch a break? It's only been three weeks together and we're already pregnant, "What do you want to do for the rest of your day?" He breaks the silence between us, I fight off a scream.

"I would like cheese dip, and a movie with a fluffy blanket." I mumble. I can't hear anything he responds while we walk together to his house. People wave at us, some trying to talk, but Ares waves them off. My feet are my only guidance, my heart wavering between slow and fast. The pack celebration is the last thing on my mind as I walk into his house. He walks me to the movie room handing me the remote, "The help are bringing the cheese dip. Let me grab you a fluffy blanket." Ares steps away from the couch pulling a large blanket from a closet. He shakes it out next to me then lays it over my feet immediately feeling the warmth.

"How fucked am I?" I mumble to him when he sits down on the couch. He scoots as close as possible without touching me. Ares knows that's the last thing I want right now. The tears return. I know some people say that it takes time to feel the joy of pregnancy, but all I'm feeling is absolute terror. What if I fail as a mother? What if Ares dies in the challenges? What if someone finds out I'm pregnant and decides to kill me? This seems like much more than most must worry about, but the biggest fear I have is the most human. What if the baby doesn't make it? How can I guarantee that nothing happens to it between now and the day I give birth? I might have wanted to wait... many, many years, but I also know that I never want to lose a child that I have a chance to bring into the world.

"All those fears, love, are valid." Ares whispers to me reaching out his hand. I let him grasp it tightly bringing me the familiar sparks of comfort.

"You can hear my thoughts again?"

"No, you were mumbling aloud." He's being gentle. I can tell that this is hard for him too, but he doesn't hide his excitement well. Since the moment I met him, he's wanted to have kids, and now he has that chance. I can't help my selfish thoughts that beat against the side of my head, "Don't worry, love. Nothing will happen to you."

"But what if something happens to you! Asshole!" I scream in return. The help enters with the cheese dip dropping it on the table then running from the room.

"I swear to you, my Luna, that nothing will happen to me as long as I have you to come home to." He sighs looking around the room before coming back to me, "However, it is more important than ever you begin work in the office. I can't protect you while I'm working, and wolves of twelfth will make sure to take care of you."

"I doubt you'd let me say no."

"I think I'd drag you there." He laughs. I don't.

"Ares, please think this through. I can't be left alone; you can't die on me. Fuck. Being alone is what got me in that diner running from all my problems. Now I have your ass-holery to deal with..."

"My ass-holery?" The smile he has breaks my resolve finally bringing me back to center. I smile back at him and lay my hands on my belly. Ares picks up a chip covered in cheese dip holding it out for me. I surprisingly allow him to feed me, an unexpected response to this crazy situation.

"You know I love you."

Ares nods, a permanent smile across his face, "I know, love. And I've already swore to you that I'll protect you. I mean it. You're my everything, and I won't let any harm come to our little family."

"Family." I whisper. My thumbs run back and forth over my abdomen. I can't believe my ears at the sound, "All it takes is one-time hm?"

"That's what the pamphlet's say at least."

I snicker, "Thanks, by the way. For making sure to keep yourself... un-fertile? It means a lot."

He frowns squinting his eyes, "But I failed, Veronica. How can you thank me when I couldn't control myself?"

"The effort I suppose. I also agreed to be fucked against a tree but knowing that you weren't planning on forcing pregnancy kind of makes this easier to accept. I feel like a teenager that forgot the condom."

"I don't know if that's a compliment."

"I don't know either." I sigh leaning in to grab another chip. Ares takes a bit for himself causing a glare from me, "Hey pregnant woman food rights!"

"You found out less than an hour ago and you're already playing that card?"

"And I will for another six months." I grin ear to ear laughing at our interaction, "Now, let me eat this and then I have a party to get ready for. It's time this pack meets their whatever."

"The word is Luna, my love. A title of power and respect."

"Bless you."

He raises his brows, I shovel cheese dip in my mouth like I'm using a spoon, "What? That was a terrible, non-thought through joke."

"But it got you distracted from the cheese dip." I end with licking the bowl.

~

My shorts scratch against my skin, the humid air making the jean material go tight. Ares walks behind with a weary expression; his wolf is being more there than normal and it's already annoying. The cheese dip I had sits well in my stomach, but the beers that people carry around are calling my name., "You will not jeopardize our pup over a beer." He scowls leading me further into the group.

"I wasn't going to; I was just envious. Now back off, let me meet the pack. They are the least likely to harm me." I whisper up to his ear. He removes himself and finds his friends talking to them with a close eye on me.

Jessica walks up to me pulling me into a big hug. I return it gladly allowing myself to wrap up in her arms. Her soft touch is so welcomed after the longest two weeks I've ever had. She pulls away moments later with a shit eating grin, "Ready to party?"

"Actually..." Ares goes in to interrupt but I stop him with an upheld hand.

"Yes. I need something like this."

She pulls me into the group everyone flocking to me. I wave at all the unfamiliar faces attempting to listen to their names, however so many surrounds me that I fight to stay standing, "Luna!" "You're the Alpha's mate?" "Luna! Over here!"

Jessica takes the stand for me, a much-appreciated gesture, "Hey! She's here to have some fun. She's had a long week, as we all know. You can meet her officially at the ball. For now, let's enjoy the night together." Their screams of joy could've been heard back to the city. Each of them raises their hands shaking their fists violently. Jessica pulls me up to a rock, maybe hundreds stand below us, and grabs my hand shaking it with hers. The energy of the pack is wild. I never expected such a blinding amount of people to stand together with us. Life is unexpected, Veronica.

Tusk and Gerald are welcome faces. They break through the crowd reaching up to help me down. Ares' growl breaks through, but we all ignore it, "Luna! You look healthy." Tusk gives me a big smile, one I return.

"Thanks. Feeling it. How are you?"

"Good, Gerald and I were wondering if you were joining the pack run tonight?" Tusk throws his arm around Gerald pulling him in. Gerald turns red at the gesture. I cover my mouth finally catching sight of the marks that adorn their necks. I wave my hand violently between them. Gerald snorts shoving off Tusk, "Yeah, yeah. You guessed it." They're mates.

Jessica coughs herself into the conversation, "Finally decided to tell her huh?"

"We had to feel her out you know, make sure she wouldn't beat me with the sin stick." Tusk laughs. I laugh with them pulling them both into a hug.

"If fate put you together how could anyone oppose? You guys are awesome." The step back and we all move over as the bonfire starts sending smoke over us. The pack members have dispersed, most enjoying a drink and dancing.

"Back to the main conversation!" Gerald rotates his hands in the air looking between Jess and I, "So yes or no to the run?"

"I haven't marked Ares yet. It'll most likely be a no." I grumble crossing my arms. This isn't a conversation I meant to broach, but now that we're here it seems somewhat appropriate. Jessica pretends punch my shoulder right as Josh walks up. He grabs her hips and flips her around laying a deep loving kiss against him lips. She responds appropriately curling into him with a smile forming over her lips.

"Oh, hey Josh." I awkwardly wave my hand at him catching his attention, "Thanks for helping."

"Anything for the pack, Luna. May I steal her for a dance?" He seems... cheerier than usual. The drinks must be helping him loosen up, a nice experience for the night.

"All yours!" Tusk sends her off, Josh not waiting a moment to whisk her away.

The couple turns their attention back to me, "And why haven't you?" Tusk is the first to speak.

"Haven't I what?"

"Marked him?" Gerald finishes. Weird.

"Still working through some things. You know, typical human reserves about biting into someone's neck I only met around a month ago. It's a weird concept. However, it'll happen soon. I just need to work my head through it." I run my nails over the rash on my neck looking around the bonfire at all the unfamiliar face.

"It will now?" Ares moves in behind me. He doesn't touch me or greet like Josh did for Jessica. I can't tell if I like or if I'm jealous. In the bedroom we have hands all over the other, nothing personal about ourselves, but in public we couldn't be more distance. And it's your fault. It's my turn to make a move. I lean into him wrapping my arm around his bicep, dropping the other hand on the front of his arm. It's the same way one would see a woman be escorted by a man she loves. When I look up to Ares his cheeks are a bright red. He likes it.

"Hey Alpha!" Tusk raises his hand out and shakes Ares's free hand, Gerald follows right after, "Congrats on the land. How's Tyson handling them?"

"Tyson is being his normal asshole self, but the wolves that remained have submitted to him and our pack."

"What's Tyson doing?" I turn my head up to Ares. He gives me a tender smile.

"As the Gamma he handles pack relations and trains wolves." I scrunch my face. I can't believe that idiot is reliable, "He's with James' old pack members helping them transition into our pay dynamics."