Jaxon Spencer vs. Catherine 'Kate' Stevens

Pix: Jaxon

Video: Lose Control by Teddy Swims

Dedicated to: amapotelo. Mi loooooove you!

Cheers!

***

In the dynamic atmosphere of the bustling dressing room at Oak Plaza, an array of runway models moved energetically back and forth, their job... to parade their elegant ensembles before an exuberant and appreciative audience. Amidst this whirl of excitement and glamour, the designer of the moment, Agradaa, was focused on just one person; Kate, his leading model whom he affectionately called his muse.

"Did you do anything to these babies?" he murmured, his gaze on Kate's bosom.

"What?" Kate chuckled with amusement. "No."

"Well, it appears fuller."

"Really?" Kate frowned, looking down at her breasts. "Looks the same to me. Maybe the outfit is a tad tight at the bust."

"I specifically worked on these dresses for you myself, Kate," Agradaa murmured. "I'm surprised it looks so snug on you. Hey Rosie, come here for a sec," he called to his assistant.

"What's up, boss?" The petit assistant grinned at Kate. "Wow, you're spilling out of that," she observed. "Very hot."

"That's why I called you." Agradaa gestured at Kate's seductive bust line. "Too snug?"

"I like it," Rosie responded with admiring eyes. "Snug or not, it's very sexy. Whatever you're doing to those globes, don't stop." She moved away then, missing Kate's bemused expression.

"Agradaa, I..."

"Never mind." The designer signaled to someone to bring a stack of dresses. "Try to get some rest if you're not getting enough. There're bags under your eyes."

"Noted," she sighed.

"Now, work it!" he encouraged as he watched Kate begin her elegant strut onto the runway.

But throughout the performance, Kate's thoughts were on the unsettling words of the designer. The notion of gaining weight was a concern no model wished to entertain. She knew for a fact that she hadn't put on weight as she didn't even have the desire for food. Not since her mate left. She was convinced that Agradaa didn't use the right measurements. Clearly, the designer didn't want to accept that he'd made a mistake, Kate snorted. Indeed, she had noticed a slight tenderness in her breasts and an unusual itchiness around her nipples, but that certainly didn't mean they'd gotten bigger. As for the noticeable bags under her eyes, she attributed them to the recent spell of sleeplessness... a result of intermittent pains that had plagued her over the past few weeks.

Kate relegated her troubles to the furthest corners of her mind, channeling all her energy into her performance. She captivated the audience with her usual flair, earning praise from her client for her exceptional work. Despite the triumph, the toll of her efforts left her profoundly drained which was strangely unusual. Politely declining the customary post-event celebrations, Kate retreated to the sanctuary of her home to recover.

That evening, the warrior found herself in the solitude of her bed again, with tears streaming down her face...again. Jaxon's departure a month earlier had left a void, turning her nights into a cascade of sorrow that culminated in tears every evening. It had been difficult adapting to his absence initially but the pack had been amazing. Their love and solidarity had been unwavering, offering a semblance of comfort in the wake of her loss. However, the solace provided by their kindness disappeared each night when she was alone.

At some points after Jaxon's banishment, when she faced the daunting silence of the room she used to share with her mate, Kate thought she would go insane with loneliness. In her quest for solace, she threw herself into her work with fervent dedication, believing that exhaustion might dull the sharp edges of her grief. She filled her days with a whirlwind of engagements. Her commitments kept her away from the pack house, her presence becoming a rarity. Nonetheless, her friends remained a constant in her life, checking up on her through daily phone calls. Ryan, Stan, and Paige occasionally visited her at work, needing to see with their own eyes that she was okay. Jeremy and Philip went as far as regularly checking in with her superior, to ensure she was coping with the weight of her responsibilities. Kate was profoundly thankful for their efforts and the snippets of normalcy they tried to weave into her days. Yet, despite their best intentions and her own attempts to stay afloat through a sea of work, the depth of her sorrow seemed only to deepen, a relentless tide pulling her further into its grasp.

Roughly a week after Jaxon's departure, Kate began to experience intermittent, sharp twinges of pain within her chest. It was a familiar ache, one that she had first experienced when she traveled to France after being marked by Jaxon. Initially mild, the pain escalated with each passing day. Kate was bewildered by that, especially after measures had been taken to shield her from that pain. She'd kept it to herself because not only did a warrior not complain about pain, but she had declared her desire to share in Jaxon's pain on the day he was banished. Another reason for her silence was that she knew that Will and Stan were in touch with Jaxon and she couldn't risk word reaching Jaxon for fear that it might add to his own burdens.

Kate also knew about the impending visit to Jaxon. The thought filled her with a mixture of sorrow and resignation as unlike them, she would not have the chance to see her mate. But she consoled herself with the notion that Jaxon was alone and would appreciate some company especially as they, like him, were supernatural beings. In her heart, Kate hoped that through them, Jaxon would feel a connection to her, a subtle reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared, offering him a measure of peace in his isolation.

"What the..." Kate gasped when she was hit by a sudden bout of pain. "Shit!" She took deep breaths in hopes that it would pass but it didn't.

She got out of bed and went to get some water from the fridge. Besides the familiar pain that she had been enduring, Kate felt something wasn't right. For one, she constantly felt tired. The mornings were usually the worst. She had tried once to shift and go for a run just to energize herself but her wolf had refused to show up, which had surprised Kate. She was a warrior for fuck's sake. Her wolf was a warrior bitch who loved to run free and would typically seize any chance to come out. Refusing to come out was therefore deeply concerning. Maybe missing their mate was taking its toll on the wolf, she thought. She knew that if it persisted, she would have to see the healer.

By the time Kate eventually slept, it was past two. By three a.m., she was up, drenched in sweat. Her heart was pounding with something like terror. The blood was roaring in her ears. Her entire body hurt. The pain in her chest was so intense that she thought she might pass out.

"Fucking hell," she groaned as she sat up in the bed, wishing for the umpteenth time that she had even one t-shirt of Jaxon's to wear to feel closer to him.

In a cruel twist of fate, the spell had gotten rid of every item that belonged to Jaxon, including the clothes Ryan had acquired for him. Hell, even his bathrobe was gone too. The room felt emptier without the physical reminders, intensifying the void in her heart, and making the separation all the more palpable.

Gasping for breath, Kate fought desperately against the waves of pain that crashed over her, and the relentless pounding in her heart that echoed the tumult of her emotions. She summoned every ounce of her will, striving to quell the physical manifestations of her distress. By the time relief came, it was time to go to work... a stark reminder that life, with its responsibilities and demands, waited for no one's heartache to heal.

"Fuck my life!"

With a heavy heart, she prepared herself for the day ahead, stepping into the world with the weight of her sorrow concealed behind the facade of normalcy required for work.

***

"Hey, kiddo." Philip smiled when Kate stepped into his office. He'd called her that morning to see him when she got back from work. "You don't look too good." he observed.

"Just tired, that's all." Kate lied easily, going to the fridge for a bottle of water.

"I don't recall ever seeing you appear this worn-down, not even during the fashion months, which we all know are the industry's most hectic and demanding periods," Philip murmured as he watched Kate drink the water. "Hell, if anything, you looked even more chic at those busy times. Anyone ever told you it's an offense to lie to your alpha?" He scowled.

Kate chuckled as she dropped the empty bottle into a bin. "I'm fine, Lip. The project I'm working on is draining." She settled herself into one of the chairs across the desk from him and gave him a tired smile.

"Maybe you need to slow down." He advised. "I know what you're trying to do, kiddo. You think drowning yourself in work will help you forget. It usually doesn't."

Kate sighed. "I know."

"So, what are your plans?" Philip asked.

"What plans?" Kate frowned, confused.

"This punishment will eventually end, Kate. I want to know what your plans are regarding your future with your mate. Do you intend to join him in Australia, will he be joining you here, or will you be visiting each other on weekends? I need to know."

Kate sighed. "We didn't really have that talk as we didn't know he was going to be sent away."

"I know you have thought about it. What do you want?" Philip asked.

"I...I need to be very objective about this, Lip," she rubbed the back of her neck as if it felt stiff. "He's a business owner. I'm not. It will be selfish on my part to ask him to leave his business and move to the States. And the last thing I want is to live apart from him. I'm suffering enough as it is." She gave a humourless laugh.

"I know." Philip gave her a sympathetic look. "So you would rather move to Australia." It wasn't a question.

"I broached the subject with my boss the other day." Kate sighed. "I just wanted to know her thoughts. So I casually asked her what she would do if I decided to move to Australia. Without batting an eye, she said she would pay me big to manage our branch there and model at the same time."

"Damn." Philip couldn't hide the pride in his eyes. "I'm not surprised. That shows how highly they rate you. She was serious though, right?"

"Oh, yes. She said it would be good to have my expertise over there since she spends more time in the States."

"That's great. I want the very best for you, kiddo," Philip said quietly. "We all do. So do what will make you happy."

"Thank you, Lip." She began to tear up. "It's scary. Stanwood is all I know. How do I cope out there?" She wiped furiously at her cheeks. "What if..."

"Be positive," Philip said. "I know there is a fear of the unknown. Leaving home is a journey from the familiar to the unknown. But it doesn't mean you are cutting off your family or rejecting the past. It's rather an opportunity to explore what is out there and to apply the lessons learnt in Stanwood in broader, more diverse contexts. The bird leaves the nest not because it no longer needs its shelter, but because it is equipped with wings strong enough to soar. Allow yourself the space to encounter new challenges and meet people from walks of life different from ours. Of course, the strength and love from home will remain with you, like a beacon guiding your way. See it as an advantage, Kate." He smiled fondly when she nodded. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll be pissed off if you don't," she said with a tremulous smile, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"Aw, Kate." Philip left his seat and came around his desk to hug his head of warriors.

"I will miss you all so much." She cried softly.

"You will be seeing us often, don't you worry." He led her to the couch in the office and sat beside her. "We've been putting off the trip to Australia because we felt seeing us might do Jaxon more harm than good."

"I think it would do him good," Kate whispered.

"Well, I hope you're right because at this juncture, we don't have any choice but to go. We need to ensure that you will be okay there before you actually go."

"Aw, Lip," Kate leaned in to hug the alpha. "What would you do if it's not up to your standards?"

Philip chuckled at the question and then answered with all seriousness. "Jaxon would have to put things in order before we allow you to move there or..."

"Or what?"

"Relocate to the States." The alpha said with finality.

***

Two weeks after that conversation, Philip, Jeremy, Ryan, Stan, Amber, Troy, Paige, and Will left for Australia. After Kate declared her intentions to the alpha, the trip had become even more necessary to the squad.

"Hey, come here," Jeremy said as he embraced a sad-looking Kate. "Take good care of yourself."

"Try not to miss us too much, darling." Paige called out as she opened the back door of Stan's Hammer H6 SUVT for Amber. After she closed it, she went to hug Kate. "And don't cry too much," she whispered.

"I can't promise that," Kate said in a small voice. "Tell him I'm okay."

"I will." Paige tightened her arms around Kate.

"And that I love him so much," Kate added.

"He knows that," Paige assured Kate. "And remember to eat, babes," she added sternly before going back to the Hammer to sit beside her mate in the back seat. Stan and Will were already seated in front as they'd already said their goodbyes to Kate.

Philip picked up Kate and twirled her around until she was laughing. "That's more like it." He told her when he finally dropped her. "Don't look so sad."

Ryan was the last to hug Kate. "Can you do something for me, Ryan?" Kate asked quietly.

"Anything."

"Please bring me his shirt." Kate saw Ryan's amused smile and groaned. "Or a t-shirt. Anything he's worn. Please, Ryan."

"Say less. I've got you." Then, giving her a quick kiss, Ryan ran to sit by Jeremy in the back seat of Troy's Audi Q8. He served as their chauffeur to the airport, a role his brother and mate insisted he take on, given his excitement about their trip.

"We will call when we get there," Philip called out to Kate from the front passenger seat as Troy moved to follow Stan.

Kate and a few others who were there, waved as Stan honked loudly to their amusement. All four couples seemed very excited about their trip. They were going to spend the entire weekend and return on Monday. They were to travel on Jeremy's private jet. Equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, it made long flights more enjoyable. They were to take off at nine a.m. and arrive in Sydney at approximately five p.m. local time, on Friday. The perks of using a private jet was that there were not going to be layovers or unnecessary delays. They had already sent their luggage ahead to the airport to avoid any delays. Now, all that remained was for them to get there and embark as their pilot was poised and ready for immediate takeoff.

Kate hoped they had fun, but most of all, she hoped Jaxon would get some respite from his pain.

***

"This is so cool," Troy exclaimed, his grin broadening as he swiveled his head to take in the entirety of the helicopter that Jaxon had arranged to transport them from the airport to his house. "A chopper is way better than a car," he declared, eliciting laughter from the others with his enthusiastic endorsement.

"Well, the guy owns Air JAX," Paige chuckled. "What did you expect? I'm loving the VIP treatment."

They were on the chopper, waiting for their luggage to be loaded onboard. Jaxon had insisted on hosting them at his home for the weekend instead of staying in a hotel which had been their original plan. Philip had pointed out that it wouldn't be feasible to accommodate everyone in what he assumed was Jaxon's modest studio apartment. But Jaxon, aware that the pack had done their homework on him, chuckled at the misconception. He'd assured Philip that his new residence had ample space for all of them. But when he said they would be met at the airport, they'd assumed a car would pick them up. So the helicopter waiting to whisk them away came as a delightful surprise.

"Yeah, what a welcome," Will grinned.

"You know what, you two can be used for a sex commercial?" Stan addressed Jeremy and Ryan who were kissing. "Y'all fucked on that flight right from the States to Sydney and yet you clearly still want more."

"That's not true." Philip laughed.

"It was a sixteen-hour flight, Stan." Jeremy released his mate's lips to respond. "We were together in that suite for only four, remember?"

Jeremy's Airbus ACJ220, which was customized to his preferences, had incredibly luxurious features. It had a master suite complete with a comfortable full-size bed and a bathroom, which he'd shared with Ryan during the flight. A second bedroom, which should have been occupied by Philip and his mate as he was next in rank, had been assigned to Paige and Amber instead as they were ladies. There were however six spacious living areas that had room for additional sleeping arrangements, which the others used. After spending some time with Ryan, Jeremy returned to join the others in the living area and Troy had then gone to join Ryan in the master suite. So contrary to what Paige said, the alpha of alphas hadn't spent the entire trip with his mate.

"Don't you mean Paige and Amber?" A chuckling Ryan asked Stan. "Those two pretty much spent the entire trip inside the room."

"That's not true," Paige and Amber laughingly protested in unison. "Paige spent more time with the guys," Amber added. "As usual." She rolled her eyes, making her mate groan.

"Hey, come here." Paige drew Amber close.

"I'm not complaining," the witch purred, a smile in her voice. "You know I have mad love for you and your boys."

"Oh, I know." Paige murmured as she leaned in to capture Amber's lips in a sweet kiss.

Amber had grown accustomed to the close relationship between her mate and the boys. She actually admired it. Despite Paige's responsibilities as a lecturer, her duties within the pack, and the time she spent with the guys, Amber found it remarkable that Paige still managed to make time to give her the attention and affection she needed.

"I love you," Paige paused long enough to murmur. Then she was back to kissing her mate. As the two kissed, the pilot announced that they were about to take off.

It was a short flight. They landed on the lawn of Jaxon's beautiful property around six forty-five p.m. When the blades stopped whirling, the four couples from Stanwood Pack emerged from the chopper, all eight pairs of eyes filled with admiration at the stunning lit-up scenery.

"This looks like paradise," Troy gushed, his eyes wide with admiration as he surveyed their surroundings.

As the pilot and two others opened the hatch and began unloading their belongings, Jaxon emerged, looking utterly forlorn. His appearance struck Ryan immediately, prompting him to gasp and bring his hands to his cheeks in shock. Jaxon had visibly lost weight and appeared haggard, dressed simply in shorts and a t-shirt. The entire Stanwood squad halted, taken aback by the drastic change in Jaxon's appearance.

"Jesus fucking wept!" Stan exclaimed, bringing a shadow of a smile to Jaxon's face.

"Hi, guys," Jaxon said quietly. It was obvious that he was not a happy person.

"Oh, Jaxon," Ryan groaned, moving forward to meet Jaxon. They hugged like long lost friends. "I'm not going to ask whether you're okay because it's obvious you're not. Don't give up."

'That's not an option," Jaxon sighed. "How's she doing?"

"She's hanging in there. And missing you like crazy."

"She's not in pain, I hope." Jaxon breathed.

"She's not." Ryan assured him.

"Good." Jaxon stared back and finally managed a smile. "I have missed you."

"As you should." Ryan laughed.

"Welcome," Jaxon said to the others, stretching a hand to shake their hands.

"This is some place you've got here," Stan said as he gave Jaxon a one arm bro hug. "Magnificent."

"Thank you. I didn't think the studio apartment was appropriate for your Kate," he said cheekily, smirking at Philip.

"Touche," Philip chuckled. "We approve."

"Thank you." Jaxon nodded and then turned to face Will. Without a word, they shook hands, Jaxon's eyes filled with guilt and Will's, with... pity. "Are we good?" Jaxon asked quietly.

He'd paid a generous amount to cover what he destroyed including Will's jeep as Stan had already replaced the destroyed jeep with the newest version.

"We're good. You look terrible, man," he added with a concerned look.

Jaxon chuckled at that. "Yeah, fuck you." Both laughed. "Troy." Jaxon started toward the young man but the pilot called out to him;

"Boss, it would be great if we could know which luggage belongs to whom to enable us send each to their assigned rooms."

"I'll show them," Will offered and jogged off.

Jaxon shook Troy's hand. "Anyone ever told you, you look a lot like your brother?" Jaxon asked.

"I've been told," Troy chuckled. "But mum says I'm more good looking." He smirked at his amused brother which made Jaxon laugh.

Jeremy threw an arm around the neck of his laughing brother and drew him to his side. "What can I say? He's a mummy's boy," Jeremy chuckled. "Jaxon," he shook Jaxon's hand.

"Hope you had a good flight."

"We did. Thank you for having us," Jeremy responded. "I love the serenity of this place."

"Thank you," Jaxon seemed distracted. "I hope Kate would like it too. Is Paige..."

Jeremy followed the direction of Jaxon's gaze and realized they were focused on Paige who was on her phone with someone. Her demeanor was focused and soothing as she attempted to calm the person on the other end of the line. It was clear from her gentle tone and measured responses that she was dealing with a tense situation.

"She's just informing your woman that we've landed," Jeremy murmured with a sigh.

Jaxon nodded and waited, his gaze fixed on Paige. The look on her face when she ended the call was indication enough that Kate had been upset. Jaxon approached Paige and enveloped her in a fierce hug, his embrace conveying deep emotion. It seemed as though he was channeling his need to console Kate through Paige, perhaps finding comfort in the connection because Paige had just been speaking to his mate. This gesture hinted at his longing for closeness and support in a moment of vulnerability.

"She says I should tell you she loves you," Paige whispered. "She doesn't want you to worry about her."

"But she's obviously upset." Jaxon's voice was hoarse. "Maybe you shouldn't have come. I'm sure it's killing her that she can't be here too." His voice grew rougher with each statement, and, with each sentence, he successfully blinked the threat of tears away.

"She wanted us here, Jaxon," Paige whispered, feeling how close the rogue was to breaking down. "You have no one. She felt that having some connection to her and some company, would give you some relief. We think so too."

"Thank you." He kissed Paige on the cheek and then let her go. Then he addressed everyone, his deep voice scratching like sandpaper. "I'm sure you're all famished. Would you want to freshen up before you eat?"

"We freshened up just before we got off the plane," Will said. "And the flight here wasn't long so I vote we eat."

"Did you cook or order in?" Stan asked as they filed into the grand entryway that opened into a massive living room.

Jaxon chuckled. "Hired a chef for the weekend. Wouldn't wanna kill you lot with my cooking."

"Well, good to know we're not dying today," Paige drawled, making the Stanwood squad laugh as they stepped fully into the living room which radiated elegance and warmth.

The opulence of the living room was evident in every detail. Every piece of furniture and decor seemed to have been carefully selected to create a harmonious and inviting space. As they stepped into the room, their eyes were immediately drawn to the three plush sets of seats with their uniquely designed throw pillows which invited comfort and relaxation. Each set had its own center table and side tables with a different décor scheme. On each center table stood a simple yet striking vase filled with fresh, white peonies which added a touch of natural beauty. The room was anchored by soft, intricately patterned rugs that blended seamlessly with the overall colour scheme of pale blues and neutral tones. Elegant, sheer drapes accentuated the beauty of the carefully chosen décor while the sparkling crystals on the chandeliers added a touch of sophistication. The room exuded an air of class, luxury, and meticulous attention to detail.

"Guys, take a load off and enjoy these cocktails before you eat," Jaxon said, signaling to the two ladies hovering nearby with trays of chilled cocktails, to come over. "It will refresh..." he trailed off when he realized that no one was listening to him. Something seemed to have captured the attention of all eight of them. Jaxon followed their gaze to the large, black and white framed photo of him and Kate on the wall above the fireplace. "Oh, that." He smiled.

The photograph captured the two of them in a candid, tender embrace on a bed, embodying a moment of pure connection and affection. A topless Jaxon sat in a relaxed yet engaging posture with his back slightly reclining against the plush pillows stacked against the headboard. Kate sat in his lap, wearing an oversized shirt that was clearly Jaxon's. With her hand trapped under Jaxon's on his chest, and his other hand gently cradling her head, they gazed into each other's eyes. The affection and contentment in their posture are palpable. The photograph was a beautiful representation of love and intimacy.

"Fuck!" Paige breathed. "When your mate is a professional model... This is absolutely beautiful."

There were ten other pictures of them in smaller frames on the mantle above the fireplace. And the poses were simply stunning. In one, their foreheads were touching and in another, both had their eyes closed in contentment, sharing a tranquil moment of silent communication. One particular photo that brought smiles to the faces of the onlookers was one which showed the couple laughing, clearly loving the comfort and joy found in the simple act of being together. All the photos were fabulous. Their poses suggested not just romantic love but a profound sense of trust and safety in each other's presence.

"Oh you two have been busy," Stan drawled, eliciting laughter from the others.

"Well... it's not as if I had anything doing." Jaxon shrugged. "And I must admit, my mate is damn good at capturing moments," he murmured, unconsciously rubbing at his chest.

"Oh my god, these are amazing." Amber's gasp drew everyone's attention to something else.

The walls in between the floor-to-ceiling windows were adorned with exquisite paintings and pictures of Kate. They were some of Kate's most beautiful professionally taken images.

"How did you..." Will's shocked expression was mirrored by the others.

"I purchased them online," Jaxon answered before Will could complete his question. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"That's my Katie," Stan grinned.

"Kate will love this, Jaxon," Ryan said, so thrilled with what he was seeing. To him, all the images were more than just visual representations; they were a portrayal of the beauty of love in its purest form. "Thank you," he said softly.

"Thank you." Jaxon mouthed to Ryan, the look in his eyes one of sheer gratitude.

"Dayum!" Will breathed.

"Do we get a tour now or after dinner?" Troy gushed.

"After dinner, Troy," Will responded, drawing Troy to his side as he downed his cocktail. "It's seven p.m. and this soldier is famished."

"This way," Jaxon chuckled, leading the way to the dining room.

***

STANWOOD

Meanwhile, at that very moment in her room within the Stanwood Pack in the United States, Kate lay weeping in her bed. She had just spoken with Paige, and her heart was breaking. This time, however, the pain stemmed from more than just the absence of her mate. She felt a deep, pervasive ache throughout her body.

"Oh, god," she gasped as she rolled off the bed onto the floor. Even as she tried to breathe through the pain, her stomach began to cramp painfully. "Fuck!" Kate cried out as she rolled into a foetal position, rocking against a pain she had never felt before, hoping to ease it. It didn't work.

Overwhelmed with fear and pain, she sobbed, haunted by the possibility that her agony stemmed from something far worse than mere separation from her mate. The sudden urge to throw up was intense. She barely managed to stand and stumble towards the bathroom. She retched violently, but nothing came up because her stomach was empty. Chilled to the bone, she shivered uncontrollably, her mind teetering on the brink of hysteria. She felt as if her life were slipping away. She knew she desperately needed assistance, but the clock showed just past one a.m., and she didn't want to disturb anyone. Moreover, she lacked the strength to even reach out for help.

"Help," she whispered. "Anyone. Please help."

"Kate?"

Kate froze when she heard the voice beside her. The surprise momentarily distracted her from her pain.

"Syl?" Her eyes went wide as she stared at the little boy rubbing his eyes. His tousled hair gave him an adorable look. It was obvious he'd been sleeping. "What are you doing here?"

"You called," the little boy mumbled, reaching out to touch Kate.

***

SYDNEY

"Smells orgasmic in here," Stan breathed, his eye shut as he savoured the blast of aromas in Jaxon's dining room.

The sophisticated floral arrangement in the room emitted a fresh, sweet natural fragrance, which blended with the delectable aroma of cuisine to tantalize the senses.

The huge dining area combined style and comfort to provide an ambiance of sophistication. The walls were adorned with elegant, floor-to-ceiling drapes which added a layer of warmth and texture to the space. And between the windows, the walls were graced with tasteful art pieces that added cultural depth and interest.

At the heart of the dining room stood a magnificent, long twelve-seater dining table crafted from rich, dark mahogany, its glossy surface reflecting the soft glow of the two overhead crystal chandeliers. The table, which stood on a plush area rug, was set with fine bone china, each piece delicately edged in gold, complementing the shimmering silver cutlery and sparkling crystal glassware.

A buffet table, crafted from the same dark mahogany as the dining table, lined one wall. On it, an array of assorted dishes was beautifully displayed, each contributing to a vibrant mosaic of culinary delights.

"Wow!" Paige said loudly as like the others, her eyes widened at the feast before them.

In the middle of the table sat a gleaming, oven-roasted chicken, its skin a perfect golden-brown, resting on a bed of aromatic herbs and citrus slices. Flanking the chicken was a large, earthenware dish which had a rich, creamy potato gratin. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes were enveloped in a velvety sauce, topped with a golden crust of grated cheese, and browned to perfection. Next to it, a vibrant green bean almondine added a pop of colour and texture, the beans tender-crisp, tossed with toasted slivered almonds and a hint of garlic.

A sleek, white porcelain bowl held a salad that was a masterpiece of contrasts: mixed greens, juicy slices of pear, crumbled blue cheese, and candied walnuts, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction that gleamed under the soft lighting. Beside the salad, a basket lined with a linen napkin overflowed with freshly baked bread rolls, their crusts golden and crackling, emitting a comforting, yeasty aroma. It was accompanied by a small bowl of whipped herb butter.

"Fucking hell!" Will breathed as he stared.

In one corner of the table, a delicate seafood paella presented a treasure trove of flavours, the saffron-infused rice glowing a warm yellow. It was adorned with plump shrimp, clams, mussels, and chunks of chorizo, each ingredient perfectly cooked and harmonizing with the others. To the far left on the table, a cast iron skillet held a succulent beef bourguignon, its rich, savory sauce glimmering under the light, with tender pieces of beef, pearl onions, and mushrooms peeking through.

Also on the table was a delicate porcelain bowl, offering a refreshing fruit salad, with perfectly cut pieces of mango, pineapple, strawberry, and kiwi, drizzled with a light honey-lime dressing. Completing the display, was a tall, elegant glass stand, featuring a tiered selection of desserts: miniature lemon tarts with a dollop of meringue, chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder, and delicate macarons in pastel colours, each a small bite of heaven. It was not just a feast for the stomach, but a feast for the eyes.

"You shouldn't have, Jaxon," Jeremy said. "This is too much food."

"I didn't know what each of you would prefer so..." Jaxon shrugged. "I requested a variety."

"To think we threw you into a dungeon in our home," Amber murmured.

"I did deserve to be in that dungeon," Jaxon chuckled. "And to be fair, Ryan did give me scrumptious meals to enjoy every day. One good turn deserves another, right?"

"I had to resort to threats to persuade you to begin eating," Ryan snorted as the others started dishing food onto their plates.

"You were incredible, I won't lie about that," Jaxon chuckled. "You made me forget at times that I was actually a prisoner."

"Same here," Jeremy agreed as he filled his plate with some salad and bread. "At times, I believed you were royalty instead of a prisoner." He ignored his mate's groan. "All those lunches, showers, clothes, and the times he spent with you. Hell, I got jealous at a point." They all laughed.

"You would have been even more jealous if you had come to see me then," Jaxon drawled.

"Why's that?" Jeremy took his seat at the head of the table.

"I had the most comfortable mattress and pillow."

"In our dungeon?" Stan asked, shocked. "Who the hell gave you that?"

"I did," Ryan responded. "The stone looked hard," he murmured.

"Well, stones are meant to be hard?" Philip chuckled as he took his seat. "You did good, Prof." He threw his boss' mate a smile.

"Do you have any idea what a perfect human being your mate is, Jeremy?" Jaxon asked with a curious look.

"Oh, he's well aware that he's not even worthy of cleaning his boots, buddy." Stan's words drew chuckles from everyone and a groan from Ryan.

"I know, Jaxon," Jeremy said quietly, casting a tender look at his mate.

"He's an angel," Jaxon added, almost as if he were speaking to himself.

"Angel," Stan scoffed. "Wait till you see him smashing pissers." Everyone burst into laughter.

"Well, who wants an angel in their bed?" Jeremy drawled. "An angel in the street and the devil in the sheets works perfectly." He kissed his blushing mate.

"These two don't even need beds or sheets." Stan snorted.

"Must there always be a bed?" Jeremy shot back. "Will, I'm sorry but from your mate's utterances it appears you two have the most boring sex," he drawled to more laughter.

"Oh shit, there's no coming back from that one, Stanley." Paige laughed, pulling Ryan to the buffet. "Which one should we try first?" she asked her friend.

Everyone, except Jaxon ate as according to him, he wasn't hungry. They were not fooled. It was obvious he had no appetite for food. The air was alive with the soft clinking of cutlery against plates, the murmur of conversation, and occasional bursts of laughter that rippled through the group, adding warmth to the room. Amidst all that, an attentive lady ensured their glasses were always full and everyone had what they needed. Dinner was a fun affair. Everyone ate till they couldn't eat anymore.

***

STANWOOD

"I did what?" Kate looked as though she thought she was being pranked.

"Where is Jaxon?" Sylver asked with a yawn.

"What?" Kate breathed.

"Jaxon." The little boy repeated. "I can smell him here but I don't see him. The baby wants him. Where is he?"

Kate went still. She could feel the blood draining from her face. "What baby?" she whispered, her eyes widening in shock even as her hand moved to cover her flat stomach. The pain had stopped.

"The one in there." Sylver pointed at her stomach.

Kate knew how powerful Sylver was. If he said there was a baby, then there was a baby. Her face transitioned through a cascade of emotions as the news sank in, with shock being the most prominent.

"What's her name?" Sylver asked, his expression reflecting genuine curiosity. However, he didn't linger to hear the answer.

"Her..." Kate whispered as she watched Sylver leave the bathroom.

"Do you have any snacks?" he asked over his shoulder.

A dazed Kate went to the sink to wash her hands and brush her teeth. Then as if in a trance, she entered the room. Sylver was sitting on the couch with the TV's remote in his hand. Kate went to the fridge and poured some apple juice into a glass.

"Do you want macaroons?" Kate asked, setting down the juice in front of Sylver, who was absorbed in the TV, tuned to the National Geographic Channel.

"Does it have chocolate chip?"

Kate nodded. "And coconut too."

"Yes, thank you." With a delighted grin, he picked up his juice and took a sip.

Kate poured a glass of juice for herself and filled a plate with macaroons for both of them. Then she went to sit with Sylver to watch TV. But of course she couldn't concentrate on what was showing on the screen. A baby? So that was why she hadn't been able to shift into her wolf form, Kate realized, groaning silently to herself.

As the initial shock waned, a smile slowly spread across her face, reflecting a mixture of joy and wonder. Her hands instinctively touch her stomach, a tender gesture of connection and protection. She was filled with anticipation at the thought of her body changing to nurture the life growing within her. She wasn't nervous or upset over the changes that were bound to occur in her body or the impending motherhood and responsibilities it would bring. All she could think about was the new life she would soon bring into the world, a living testament to her and Jaxon's love.

Kate wished she could share the news with Jaxon but circumstances made that impossible. She knew that Jaxon would be thrilled with the news. She couldn't wait to tell him. The idea of raising a child with Jaxon infused her with a serene confidence and joyful anticipation. She couldn't stop smiling.

An hour later, the warrior and her little visitor were both fast asleep on the couch with the boy lying comfortably on top of the pregnant warrior.

***

SYDNEY

Exited howls could be heard coming from Jaxon's forested property around midnight. He'd sent all the staff home for the night to return in the morning to prepare breakfast for his guests. Werewolves have always been known to have big appetite. He planned on living vicariously through his guests by ensuring they had the very best of meals.

Ryan joined them in the woods but not in his wolf form. He stayed suspended midair, with Amber by his side, eagerly watching the activities unfolding below with excitement. Jaxon had some good security systems installed in the house but not in the woods. Although he'd gone for runs since moving in, he hadn't felt the need to secure the place. Stan, the security expert, had given him a thorough explanation of why it was important to secure the forests and the appropriate systems to use. Not only did he own one of the top security companies in the States, but he was also a preeminent security consultant. Jaxon was grateful for the pointers and promised to take the necessary actions in the shortest possible time. To ensure there was maximum security for the alpha of alphas, however, Ryan had warded the entire property.

The wolves flanked Jaxon during the run and cajoled him to frolick with them. Jaxon didn't think he'd ever had that much fun as a wolf. That was the first time he'd gone for a run with a group of wolves. He'd only ever gone for a run with Gloria. For the first time since his banishment, Jaxon felt free. Although he still felt the pain, it was just a dull ache. He let himself go and had fun. Those were the kinds of quirky, fun moments where people strengthened their bonds, and it wasn't any different for Jaxon and the squad from Stanwood. They had so much fun that they lost track of time. The group went back into the house around three a.m., tired and yet very energized.

"Fuck, that was amazing," Philip said as they all noisily headed for the kitchen to drink water.

"The fridges in your rooms are fully-stocked," Jaxon informed them as he watched Paige dish some of the leftover food from their dinner onto a plate.

"I noticed," she murmured with a naughty grin as she put the heaped plate into the microwave. "Ever heard the saying opportunity comes but once?" she asked an amused Jaxon.

"I have."

"Good." She took the plate out of the microwave. "This is for you." She set the food on the huge kitchen island and slowly pushed it in front of Jaxon. "Eat."

"But I'm full," Jaxon chuckled. "The squirrels we..."

"You're in high spirits right now," Paige said quietly. "Take the opportunity to stuff yourself. You didn't eat any dinner last night."

"Actually, we will all join in," Ryan said, grabbing some cupcakes and a bottle of Coke out of the fridge.

The others quickly joined in, dishing food for themselves excitedly. They felt like kids being naughty. Doing things together at an hour when the world was quiet felt like a group of friends against the world. The act of bending the rules, even in such a harmless way as raiding the fridge at night was thrilling. There was something about sharing laughs and the collective excitement of finding something good to eat that often turned such moments into cherished memories.

"Hell, the food even tastes better than it did before," Stan chuckled as he ate with relish.

After satisfying their appetites and ensuring that Jaxon had done justice to his food, they finally retired to their respective warm, plush rooms as the clock neared four thirty in the morning. Drained yet content, they each took soothing showers before succumbing to the comforting embrace of sleep.

To Jaxon's surprise, he managed to sleep continuously for three hours, a significant improvement over the mere ten minutes of sleep he had been struggling with since his banishment. Too bad his guests were only staying for the weekend, he thought. He definitely cherished the company and the brief respite it provided from his usual solitude. And for the rest of their stay, the alpha of alphas and his team delved deeply into Jaxon's world, got to know more about him, how he lived, what made him tick, and generally had a great time. As the Stanwood squad prepared to depart on Monday evening, a sense of longing filled Jaxon, already missing the camaraderie and connection they had formed.

The pain, which had been quietly lingering in the background throughout the weekend, surged back with overwhelming intensity, magnified a hundredfold.

Fuck!

***

Kate looked up into the eyes of the healer who had a finger pressed against the side of her neck, waiting patiently for her diagnosis.

"You're with child," the healer pronounced.

No shit, Kate thought. She crossed her legs, trying not to squirm at the pain wracking her body. "I know." She didn't have any reason to doubt a powerful kid like Sylver. "Can you do anything about the pain?"

"Where do you feel pain?" the healer frowned.

"Everywhere," she responded evenly.

"When did it start?"

"Been there for a while now."

"Where is the baby's father?"

"Outside the country."

"He needs to get back A. S. A. P."

"Why?" Kate frowned.

"Most supernatural babies crave the energies of both parents so the father needs to be around," the healer explained. "If the father is not around, they feel discomfort which translates into pain for the mother."

"Shit!" Kate muttered. "Are you saying all fathers stay with their mates twenty-four-seven?"

"They can't be separated from their mates for more than six hours at a time."

"What?" Kate gasped. "Surely that cannot be accurate." She reached up to rub her chest as the pain in there intensified.

"It's the truth." The healer took her seat. "Pregnancy usually heightens a woman's senses, leading to an intensified experience of sensations such as pain. Both emotional and physical. As pregnancy progresses, pains that were initially dull would become significantly more intense."

"Fuck!" Could that be why she'd started to feel the pain that was supposed to be numbed, Kate wondered. Way to go, kid. "Can't you give me anything to relieve the pain?"

The healer shrugged. "I could give you something. But the relief will only last for about two hours. Whatever comes afterward will be even worse. I would advise against it."

"I'm so fucked!" Kate muttered, her hand going to her chest to rub at the painful tightness. "Listen, if a spell is cast to numb pain, could changes associated with pregnancy override the spell and..."

"Bring the suppressed pain to the forefront?" The healer completed Kate's question. "Of course. The supernatural foetus has its own needs. It doesn't care about your spell. As it develops, its needs develop as well. And once it's uncomfortable, the mother bears the brunt. Were you spelled?" she asked.

"Yes." It was a whisper.

"To dull which kind of pain?"

"Being apart from my mate."

"Oh, that will do it," the healer chuckled. "As they grow, the potency of that spell would diminish. I bet the pain wasn't this bad initially."

"I couldn't even feel it at first. Then, at some point, it began."

"You need to call your mate to come back or join him wherever he is because trust me, whatever pain you're feeling now is just the tip of the iceberg."

"I'll take whatever you can give me for some relief, please."

"It will only last for about..."

"Two hours, you've said that." Kate got to her feet. "I want it anyway."

"Alright, give me a moment."

While Kate awaited the healer's arrival, she found herself pacing restlessly. It had been a week since Philip and the others returned, brimming with tales of their adventures and assuring her of the wonders of Australia... a place they were convinced she would adore. Among the highlights for Kate were the gifts Ryan had brought back from Jaxon: two t-shirts, two pairs of sweatpants, and two hoodies. She cherished the items, choosing to wear one to bed each night. She found great comfort in their connection to him. For the initial two nights, wearing Jaxon's clothes seemed to soothe her into peaceful sleep. However, as the days passed, the pains began to intensify, overshadowing her brief respite.

Kate was trying to conceal her suffering from the others, but it was becoming increasingly challenging. Gloria, had noticed her distress during a visit two days earlier and remarked on her haggard appearance. Concerned, the elder strongly recommended that Kate consult with the healer. Kate had assured her that she would follow through with the visit. However, despite her promise, she had not sought the healer's aid. She only came this time because she didn't want to risk Jeremy and the others noticing her distress.

Ryan had invited her to a dinner gathering that evening with twelve other people, who were noted for their fun-loving personalities. They fondly called themselves the fun crew. Normally, Kate relished these occasions, but this time she was dreading it. She didn't want anyone to witness her pain. A formidable warrior like her would not welcome pity from anyone, nor would she complain about pain—especially not when she had explicitly requested to share in whatever her mate was experiencing. Therefore, she was counting on the healer's potion to help her get through the dinner without revealing her true state.

Fingers crossed!

***

The penthouse was filled with the laughter and joyous voices of thirteen individuals. The aroma of sumptuous home-cooked dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses and shared stories that sparked waves of laughter.

In her chic short royal blue loose-fit backless dress, Kate looked relaxed and sexy. She had even been able to indulge in the delicious feast to her own surprise. Of course, the group that had traveled to Australia regaled the others with vivid tales of the adventures and fun they experienced during their trip. They were encouraged by the way Kate's eyes lit up when a question was asked about their trip. Clearly, she loved hearing about their trip.

"Oh, my god, we had an amazing time," Paige gushed. "I mean, money talks and bullshit walks right? Jaxon did show us a great time."

"Facts!" Stan chuckled. "On our first morning, we were all served breakfast in bed."

"Even for you two?" Pete sneered, gesturing at Will and Stan, who were well-known as morning workout enthusiasts.

"Well, we did have our own kind of workout in that bed before enjoying breakfast," Will drawled to groans and laughter from the others.

"To be fair, we went to bed around five a.m. so we were too exhausted to wake up for breakfast," Troy explained. "The next morning, breakfast was in the garden," he added. "It was just beautiful. You will love his home, Kate."

"It's her home too," Amber corrected. "That house is a dream," she purred, making Kate laugh. "It is opulent and yet surprisingly so homely," she sighed. "And the meals were so on point."

"He did hire a chef specifically for our benefit." The grin Philip threw at George was downright teasing, filled with playful mischief.

"Fuck, dude went all out for you guys." George gave a mock growl. "We need to go there too Pete."

"Oh, we definitely will. Did you explore the club scene?" he asked.

"We did," Philip answered. "Stan has plans of opening something there."

"Great." The head of the hunters nodded his approval, his expression conveying a silent endorsement.

"It was hands down a fun trip." Jeremy said. "We will definitely be doing it again."

The energy in the penthouse reached another level when Pete decided to plug in his playlist. He and George decided to wow everyone with some dance moves, which they'd learnt from watching dance challenges. When the two did the Krutch challenge, the cheering was deafening. Of course, the others joined in to learn the moves. It was fun. The place buzzed with energy as the friends took turns showing off their dance moves, some graceful, others playfully clumsy, but all radiating happiness. Kate was enjoying watching the others dance until Stan went to pull her from her seat to dance, ignoring her protests.

"Stan, please," she laughed, their antics amusing the rest.

"You need alcohol in your system to loosen you up, babes," Stan murmured as he gave Kate multiple spins, drawing cheers from the others. Then, supporting Kate's back, he executed a classic dip that had her squealing and the others clapping in amused admiration.

Clearly, they all wanted to see Kate have some fun. Amidst the dancing, spontaneous bursts of singing broke out. Classics and new hits were belted with joyous abandon, creating a chorus of voices that filled the room with warmth and vibrancy. Kate was enjoying the evening immensely—until a sudden, sharp pain slammed into her. Oh shit! It was worse than usual. She gasped and doubled over. She remembered the healer's words and hastily stood up, intending to offer a quick excuse to Ryan and leave. However, a surge of even more intense pain struck her, causing her to collapse to her knees with a cry.

"I'm okay," she quickly said when she saw the others rushing to her side. She hated that they would witness her pain.

"What is wrong, Kate?" Stan asked as he carefully picked up a groaning Kate and gently placed her on the couch.

"It's nothing," she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Oh fuck!"

"It's not nothing," Philip growled.

"It's the baby." Everyone turned around to look at the little boy in pyjamas, rubbing his eyes.

"What baby?" Jeremy asked, his gaze fixed intently on his son. "And what are you doing out of bed?"

"I heard Kate, so I came down to help," Sylver said as he went to sit beside Kate and began to rub her on the stomach. "It's alright, baby," he said soothingly as the grown-ups looked on in shock. "I told you she wanted Jaxon, Kate. You will keep getting sick if you don't..."

"What the fuck is..."

"Uncle Pete, you shouldn't use the f word," Sylver chided.

"Yeah, Uncle Pete watch your mouth," Jeremy managed to keep a straight face. "Now tell me what's going on."

"Who?" Will chuckled. "Sylver or Kate?"

"Clearly, the two of them have discussed whatever this is before." Philip drawled. "When did you know about this baby, Sylver?"

But before Sylver could speak, Kate did. "I'll answer all your questions." Then to Sylver, she said; "You can go back to bed now, darling." She sat up and gave the little boy a quick hug. "Thank you once again."

"Anytime, Kate." Sylver stood up to leave then. "Dad, can I get some snacks, please?"

"Of course, baby." Ryan reached for his son's hand. "Come on."

All eyes were on Kate at this point. She sighed. "Can everyone stop staring as if I've suddenly sprouted horns?"

"Better start talking because it's clear this baby news isn't a surprise to you." Jeremy said as he sat beside Kate on the couch.

"When you were in Australia, I was hit by a bout of pain," Kate said.

"Just out of the blue?" Philip asked.

"It started about a week after Jaxon's banishment."

"Really, Kate," Paige sneered. "You've been in pain all this while but kept it to yourself? Come on, sis."

"Well, she did say she wanted to feel what Jaxon was feeling," Will chipped in.

"Does that mean the spell didn't work?" Troy voiced the question that was on everyone's mind.

"The spell worked because I didn't feel any pain for the first week," Kate explained. "When it started, it was mild but worsened as the days progressed. When Paige called to tell me you had landed..." she paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "It was difficult. I was in so much pain that I didn't even have the strength to call for help. But I guess I must have or something, because the next thing I knew, Syl appeared." She smiled. "He told me the baby in my stomach wanted Jaxon. You can imagine my shock. We watched TV, munched on some snacks, and eventually fell asleep. That's all there is to it."

"And the baby?" Jeremy asked.

"The healer confirmed it today," Kate said quietly. "She explained that the presence of the baby overrode the spell."

"Wasn't that baby already in there before the spell though," Will pointed out. "I'm thinking the spell shouldn't have worked from the get-go."

"For all you know, that seed was planted the night before the banishment," Stan drawled. "After Will scrambled dude's brains, this damsel decided to kiss it and make it better. I just knew it was going to be some damn powerful kissing."

"I think the spell worked for that first week because the foetus was yet to make its presence felt." Ryan chimed in as he joined them. "According to Deloris, some babies make their presence felt very early, while others take some time."

"But how come none of us has heard the baby?" Jeremy asked with a frown. "I mean with Syl, I heard his heartbeat imme..."

"You heard his heartbeat when he was developed enough, baby." Ryan said. "And it was in the quiet of the night, remember? Jaxon would have heard that heartbeat if he had been around. Not us."

"But Sylver..." Amber began but got cut off by her mate;

"That boy is on a different level, love," Paige drawled.

"Didn't you catch the part where I mentioned that once pain overrides the spell, the banishment ends?" Jeremy growled at Kate. He was struggling to keep his anger in check.

"Jer, I'm a warrior," Kate sighed. "The council agreed that Jaxon needed to suffer that punishment as a lesson. What kind of warrior would I be if I came crying to you because I'm in pain just to get my mate off the hook?"

"She has a point," Philip grunted.

"Well, my decree still stands." Jeremy said. "The banishment from Stanwood still stands. But you will join him in Australia tomorrow. And that is final."

"Yass!" Will bellowed in excitement and slapped his palm against Stan's raised palm. "That's what I'm talking about."

"Paige, you did say that if the punishment was meant to end before its time, it would," Ryan said softly with a fond smile at Paige.

"Good things come to those who wait," Paige said, pulling an emotional Kate into her arms. "Congratulations, babes. I'm so happy for you."

"I will convene a meeting with the council of elders in the morning," Philip declared. "You can pack the things you'll need. Then, after I've informed them, you will..."

"I'll take her," Ryan quickly offered.

"Won't the magic be too much for the baby?" Paige asked.

"I don't think so but I'll ask Deloris," Ryan grinned at Kate. "That flight is too long. And she's a pregnant lady so..." he shrugged.

Kate laughed softly through her tears. "Thank you, Ryan."

"Wanna tag along, baby?" Ryan gave his mate a naughty look which made Jeremy laugh.

"Sure, why not." Jeremy grinned. "Can't wait to see the shock on Jaxon's face when he sees his mate."

"Oh, shit I'm going to miss that," Paige groaned. "You've gotta film it, Ryan."

"I will."

"It's settled then," Philip said. "You leave tomorrow with Ryan and Jer. "I suggest you speak to your boss in the morning. You can take some time off to familiarize yourself with the area before you start work."

"You mean time off to have marathon sex," George drawled, hugging a laughing Kate.

"Thank you for showing that you're a true warrior," Stan said as he hugged Kate. "I'm so proud of you."

"I will miss you so much, Stan," she whimpered.

"We have rooms in your home, darling," he drawled. "You will be seeing us too often you might even think we're part of the furniture." The others laughed.

"Hey, chill," Pete growled. "It's mine and George's time next."

"I'm sure Mum and Deloris would be eager to visit and see where Kate will be living, so it would be a good idea for you guys to start planning the trip," Ryan said.

"That's true," Philip nodded. "It's important to coordinate everyone's schedules and make arrangements to ensure a smooth visit. Speak to Mama G and settle on a date, Pete."

"Sure alpha." Pete gave the alpha a thumbs-up. The heads of assassins and hunters were visibly thrilled. "Hey, mom-to-be, we will give you a week to clear your orgasmic arrears. Then we will be storming your home." The teasing glint in his eyes was downright mischievous, prompting a laughing Kate to respond with a finger.

"Ready or not, here I come..." George sang.

"You can't hide..." Pete joined in to groans from the others.

"Gonna find you, and take it slowly." Paige dropped the next line, much to the amusement of everyone.

And for the rest of the evening, Kate kept pinching herself to confirm the reality of her joy. She prayed it wasn't just a dream. She could hardly believe that the ordeal was finally over. She would be reunited with her man the next morning; a moment she had been longing for. Silently, she thanked the new life inside her for being the beacon during her times of trial and for bringing about such happiness. At that very moment, however, she was filled with eager anticipation to see her mate.

I'm coming, baby.

***

Just one more chapter to go, guys.

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Jah bless!