The morning is bright, my heart dropping at the sounds of birds breaking through our bedroom window. I haven't slept a moment, just held Veronica tightly against my side listening to her unbothered breathing. Unbothered being a light term. It took drugs approved by the healer for her to find any semblance of sleep. Her own worries mimicked my own, but I would never share such things. My job is a protector, strong, and telling my mate such dark thoughts will never fall into that category.

Her body shift against mine, eyes fluttering open. I give her a tired smile, my voice croaking from lack of use, "Ready to get up, love?" Her cheek settles on my chest. A hum of excitement comes from her. I take it as a yes dragging both of us to standing. The grunt of un-happy that leaves her is comical, but seconds later she's booking it for the bathroom to lose anything that stayed in her stomach overnight. I wait patiently on the other side of the door. I don't enjoy leaving her alone, but she'd throws things at my head. The baby's wolf making it almost deadly.

A flush is heard, then another shuffle to the sink to brush her teeth. That's when I enter. She throws a grateful smile, spitting the paste from her mouth. I give her butt a tap letting her by to the closet. No matter how much I want to drop and scream in frustration, throw myself into a wall with anger, Veronica brings me back. Her smiles, laughs, and even just the mundane of her checking her teeth in our mirror. Finishing my business in the bathroom, I walk into the closet gathering some pants to wear, "I won't be dressing today." I inform her when she gives me a weird look. Her chin drops into a nod, then goes back to the vanity to check herself over. Just her scent alone calms me. I doubt this woman has any idea the hold she has, if she wanted me to kill myself, I'd ask which gun.

"I found a potential college I might attend." Her voice is off from lack of use. I bask in the joy of listening to her sleepy voice, giving her a hmand meeting her eyes in the mirror, "There's a good business program at a southern college. They have an online program... and if you're serious about me using the office for a study space it'd be perfect." I tap into her head. She's trying to distract from the day's future events with good news and conversation. My heart swells at her care, it means the world that she's trying.

"Oh? Is that what you want? I can get you enrolled anywhere." My connections owe me. I doubt there's a school that wouldn't beg to have my future wife in their classes. I snicker to myself at the thought. There're a couple deans that would offer money for her name to come across their desk. Money is power, and sadly we have a lot of both, "And you know there's no limitations when it comes to cost." I could write it off on my taxes, potentially if we do have to pay. Investment purposes at loss?

Her ears turn bright red, cheeks huffing. For a moment I thought she's going to puke again, but it's just a fiery anger in her little body turning against me, "I will not use your power cards to get into school. I'll apply, enroll, and do things like any other student."

"And why would you do that when you have me?" Now it's just a taunt. Veronica knows she has access to everything I own, and yet she rarely uses it. I've never seen her touch my credit card, let alone take herself shopping. I've forced Jessica one too many times to get her to order things online to be sent here. And when we have the time, I plan to drop as much money, time, and food into this woman as she'll allow. She deserves the best, and I plan to give it to her.

My spirits finally pick up after the looming night of dread. Constant worry did nothing for me, but her little bits of anger and the thoughts of our future bring me back. She responds with a frown, "I just don't see the point. Where's the accomplishment if I just use you to do everything? And you offered to pay for it!" Her hands go up in the air in exasperation, "I don't want to overuse you. It just seems... well it seems too good to be true babe." I almost fell to my knees.

Babe. She doesn't use it often, but when she does..., "Veronica, love. It's my job to spend ridiculous amounts of money on you. I don't work to have you be a penny pincher, I work so you can buy anything those perfect fingers touch." Her face goes red, anger leaving her as quick as it came. I strut over to her dropping my head down to pepper kisses along her neckline, "And darling, the more you spend, the more I'll let you tie me up."

A gasp slips between her lush lips, back going straight. I let my tongue run down her neck, then use my hand on the back of her head to turn her to face me. Her eyes hold desire, a need, one that I wish I could fulfill, "You're serious? I spend your money, and you'll let me tie you up howeverI want?" My littler rigger.

"Do your worst on all accounts." With my promise I'm able to leave the room with confidence. Veronica finishes up moments later rushing out to wrap her hand in mine. She's sporting her normal hoodie and leggings combo. It's the only thing that hides the growing belly, one I hope to show off sooner rather than later. I take great pride in getting my mate pregnant, while it wasn't an ideal time. But the bugger was strong beating out the tea and lasting through the stress I constantly put their mother through, "Breakfast first, then we have to meet the men at the ring." I remind.

Her shoulders drop slightly, but she gives a nod, "Breakfast first."

~

I guide her to the side where Tusk, Gerald, and Tyson stand. Tyson holds the clipboard with all the names while Tusk stares my mate down with a protective glare. My wolf rises wanting to rip his throat forever staring at her, but many things are brought to the forefront of my mind before I do: He's mated to Gerald, and Veronica told you he found out from your mother. Those thoughts stop the massacre, but my wolf is still very unhappy with how forward he's being.

"Update?" I demand, Tyson pulling the board up and giving a quick look around.

"We have an hour to start. All the fighters are waiting, people starting to arrive. You can go in whenever, maybe start early if you wish?"

Veronica raises a hand, her lips coming together in a tight line, "And the John Doe?"

Tyson shakes his head, "More challengers than names are down there. Not that they can compete, but John Doe seems to be keeping a tight lip. I'd bet they aren't down there, but if they appear for their fight and the signature style matches, I'll be happy." The step-in beta gives me a once over. His own sadness wracks over his face, "And how are you? Feeling confident for today?"

"Ready to drench this place in blood." I remark for dramatics. Veronica looks almost pale but corrects herself once she remembers she's in front of company. With each passing day, she's attempting to 'appear' more like a Luna she's read about. The strong, but soft woman people can rely on. Her determination is hilarious, but it's a wonderful thing for her to find her place in the pack, and maybe even herself. Veronica throws her shoulders back, then takes in a deep breath. I send a soothing vibe through our connection, her stress lines falling from her face. You are so beautiful. Marry me? I whisper mentally into the nothing. Her conversation with Tusk tells me she didn't hear it. Not that I wanted her too.

"Let's attempt to start early. I wouldn't want to keep their deaths on standby." I grunt through tight teeth. It'll be a great pleasure to kill these bastards, especially when I have a goddess supporting me on the sidelines with my child. Veronica grabs my arm to stop my walk. I turn my head to give her a funny look. Without me asking, she uses her thumb and point to brush away the stress lines that had built up between my brows, "What was that for?"

"Go in calm, make it look like another day in the part. They'll feel threatened." Her voice is barely above a whisper, "I'll be silently cheering you from the sidelines. Please, Ares. Come home to me." Fear drips from her tongue. I do the same thing she had to me, my pointer and thumb lightly pushing away the worry lines on her head.

"Go in calm." I mimic. Veronica shoves into me. Her little arms wrap tightly around my body, hair flying in all directions. The sparks sizzling over us gathering right at my heart. The wolf howls for his mate, his joy coming through any barrier I have. Veronica laughs into my chest when the wolf's inappropriate (and possibly mine) sink into her own mind like an offer, "We have to go, my love."

"I love you, Ares."

Those words can't capture what I feel for you, "I love you, Veronica."

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