Pregnant

Chapter 26

Nathan

“How are you holding up, son””

I glanced up from the spreadsheets I had been staring at sightlessly to find my father regarding me with knowing eyes. Setting aside the pack business reports I could recite by heart, I attempted an upbeat smile.

“Well enough. Just reviewing the latest border territory usage agreements.”

My father raised a sceptical eyebrow. “Yes, I could see how enthralled you were by those fascinating figures.”

I sighed, leaning back in the plush leather office chair and kneading my temples. No point trying to hide my gloomy preoccupation from the wolf who knew me best.

“My apologies, Father. I don’t mean to be a poor company. My thoughts are….elsewhere today,”

He waved off my needless apology. “No need to put on a brave front on my account. This whole mess would weigh heavily on any leader’s spirit. His tone turned gentle. “But remember the sun always rises, even after the longest nights. Joy will find you again.”

I mustered a more genuine, if tired, smile. “You always know just what to say. I’ll try to shake off this melancholy”

My father nodded approvingly. “Perhaps some exercise in this fine weather is in order. We could both use some fresh air and

movement.

The suggestion was well timed. I had been cooped up finalising estate affairs for days on end. Logging miles on foot or fur through the crisp autumn forests surrounding the city penthouse would surely lift my spirits

“An excellent recommendation,” I agreed, standing to help my father into a comfortable jacket in preparation for our outing. The colour had blessedly returned to his face these past weeks as he regained strength. Terra’s tireless care had worked miracles even after nearly losing his fight for life.

Thoughts of our headstrong healer tempered my improving mood. Her frequent absences from the penthouse to attend to this mysterious “supplier” continued nagging me. Surely her skills were most needed tending my father, not gallivanting about the city on trivial errands? When confronted, she had calmly but firmly informed me her time was her own. The

nerve!

But reopening that quarrel would gain me nothing today. Better to let it lie for now, and simply enjoy this time alone with my father.

Opportunities for slow wandering conversations had been few and far between after decades of pack leadership occupying his days. I would not waste a minute of our precious reconnection harbouring frustrations with Terra’s odd behaviour. The pack was safe in Derek’s hands; she would return when needed.

Together my father and I made our way down to the building’s bustling lobby. The occasional resident shot us awed glances and murmured greetings as we passed, but none dared approach directly. Even in the human’s den, an Alpha’s bearing inspired instinctive respect. I held my head high, hoping my confident aura would balance Father’s slow careful gait.

The crisp autumn air filled my lungs like a reviving tonic as we emerged onto the busy city streets. Beside me, my father similarly straightened taller, eyes brightening in his element. Now free of the sickroom’s gloomy confines, his vigour blossomed. I nearly sighed aloud in relief. The wolf spirit in hirm yet thrived.

We set off unhurriedly, content to simply savour this time together away from sickbeds and responsibilities. The penthouse’s central location allowed easy access by foot to sprawling urban parks where towering trees with leaves in peak fall display offered welcome pockets of nature amidst the dense buildings and traffic. Strolling the rambling forested paths bathed our senses with earthy nostalgia. Crisp oak leaves underfoot, clean sharp cold air, and melodic birdsong overhead

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Chapter 26

worked their magic, loosening the tension perpetually knotting my shoulders.

92%

After some time meandering in thoughtful silence, my father spoke musingly. “I had nearly forgotten the beauty to be found here after so long focusing only on survival. He turned his face up to the dappled sunlight. “It’s good to be reminded there is more beyond the walls we build around our small worlds

I nearly stumbled over an exposed root as his simple but incisive wisdom struck me. When was the last time I had lifted my eyes to truly appreciate life’s fundamental joys beyond the compounding daily demands upon me? In my own way, I had become as isolated and purpose-driven as Terra seemed now. We both kept our gazes stubbornly fixed on the road ahead, refusing to acknowledge the light surrounding us on all sides.

My father shot me a knowing look but said nothing more. He did not need to. I resolved in that moment to heed his gentle reminder. I would lift my head again, opening my senses to beauty and meaning in small moments rather than forever rushing onward. The pack’s troubles would wait. But this precious time together would not come again. I must embrace it fully, while I am able.

By the time we circled back to the penthouse, I felt cleansed of the malaise plaguing my spirit these past weeks. No matter how Terra ignored me or how heavy my station weighed at times, connection and purpose remained all around if only I stepped back to appreciate them. I would not lose sight of this lesson as I once had.

Speaking of wayward healers, Terra herself was exiting her sleek car just as we passed through the building’s front entry. Tension instantly coiled, making my shoulders bunch. But I forced my tone to be pleasant. “Hello again, Terra. Wanted to thank you once more for everything you have done. I’m certain your tireless care is the only reason my dear father still stands beside me today.”

Terra blinked, clearly surprised by my direct high praise in the presence of strangers milling about. But she recovered swiftly, inclining her head in graceful acknowledgement. “I am happy to aid your family however I can, Alpha. Now if you’ll

excuse me.”

Before I could object that she need not rush off, Terra had slipped inside an elevator, not even favouring us with a backward- glance. I clenched my jaw in frustration. How long would this cold war between us drag on? I was making efforts to be civil, very much against my instincts. Some reciprocal courtesy would be most welcomed.

My father placed a staying hand on my arm, sending silent reassurance. I took a calming breath. As he had subtly reminded me today, I must seek the positive path forward.

Though Terra’s indifferent manner continued testing the limits of my patience, I should continue extending the olive branch. An Alpha led by example.

That resolve was soon tested over the following week’s infuriating events. Terra spent her days locked away in her suite, barely emerging even for meals. My polite knocks on her door went pointedly unanswered. But Derek informed me she was making frequent excursions into the city alone even after sunset, against all prudence.

Likely off cavorting with some new lover rather than informing me of her whereabouts, I thought darkly. Even colony wolves knew not to wander unaccompanied at night. What was she thinking?

But questioning Terra openly would likely only worsen the discord between us.

So I bit my tongue during her fleeting public appearances, struggling to remain cordial for the sake of pack unity.

She noticed my effort to smile blandly over breakfast and cocked a quizzical eyebrow but said nothing. I nearly spewed coffee across the table.

The little minx relished dragging this out, obviously!

Only pleas from Father kept me in check. He implored patience and compassion where Terra was concerned. I supposed nearly dying granted him that right. So I smothered my outrage for a while longer, focusing on my duties from a makeshift study.