The One 57

THE ONE 57

Chapter 57: News Hunter My mind is all over the place. First, I’m worried about Sophie. She and I had been side by side when we left the dining hall, but she hadn’t shifted and come with me. I knew the moment she arrived with Nikki, but she wasn’t in her wolf form. As worried as I am about her, I have to put it aside as I have two Beta females who rushed past me begging for sanctuary, and right behind them are three ranked wolves and another powerful wolf. I had assumed that once Nikki knew her brother was here, she’d remain quiet, but I quickly learned that I was wrong. If anything, she seemed quite antagonistic toward her brother. At first, I thought she was instigating a war, but then she made the comment about her brother’s pack being unprotected. I need to make sure I never underestimate this woman. She strategizes like an Alpha, an Alpha who runs a pack. I’m not sure if anyone else would have threatened to overtake Alaric’s pack and as his sister, she would have an easy claim, although she’s right, the laws are against her. I can tell that Robin isn’t happy with the Beta who tries to stake. his claim on Nikki. While the two of them sort it out, I need to find out what’s wrong with my mate and deal with these Betas. “Tiffany and Tammi, the two of you are now under my protection. Are you both okay?” I ask, coming up and pulling my mate to me. I need to touch her, make sure she’s alright. Her mind is swirling around, but nothing that makes sense to me. 0.00% 12:04 285 Moochere They stare at Sophie, not answering me. It’s okay. I told you Hunter claimed me differently. Our relationship is very different than what you’ve experienced before,” Sophie tells them. “Trust me, it is,” Letti says, shifting. I nod to one of my warriors who quickly gets some shirts in one of the many spots in the pack where we keep them for times when they’re needed, like this. I toss one to each of the twins, one to Letti, and one to Kayce who is standing over Allison’s wolf, his hand

stroking her fur. I’m assuming he doesn’t want her shifting in front of all of us, since there are a lot of males around. “So, are you both okay?” I ask again. “Yes, thank you, Alpha,” they say. As soon as Allison shifts, Kayce has the shirt over her head. “Tiffany! Tammi!” Allison says, hugging the twins. “Ali! Oh my goddess, Ali! We didn’t know you were here!” “Why don’t you take them inside and get them something to eat,” I say. Sophie and I will be right there and then we’ll find you a place to sleep and talk about what you’d like from us.” “Thank you, Alpha. Thank you for not letting them claim us publicly,” one of the twins says. I’m not sure who is who. Their scents are similar, but just a bit different. They both have a sweet citrusy smell to them, one is vanilla and lemon, the other is vanilla and orange. Once I connect their scent to their name, I’ Il be better able to tell them apart 12.05 “You’re welcome and I meant what I said to Alpha Alaric. You’re both under my protection now.” They nod and begin walking inside, Kayce following behind like a warrior protecting his queen. I wonder if that’s what I look like. with Sophie. “Probably,” she says, turning in my arms. “Can we sit? I’m guessing you’re worried about me not shifting?” “Yes. Are you okay. Is something wrong?” I ask, stroking her hair out of her face so I can see her more clearly. She chuckles. “You could say that. Come on, let’s sit.” She takes my hand and pulls us even farther away from the others. I sit on a tree stump and pull her into my lap. “What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask her. “So, Hedda swears that she didn’t know until that very moment, but…” she stops, looking at me and I see Hedda shining in her eyes. Shaw pushes forward, wanting to be here for his mate, no matter what they tell us.

“I’m pregnant.” I blink. I blink again. I watch as a frown begins to form on Sophie’s face. “Hunter? Did you hear me? I said I’m pregnant.” “With a pup?” I ask. Okay, it’s not my finest moment. But the first time you hear that you’re going to be a father, especially when it’s only a couple of weeks after finding your måte, after wanting her and not finding her for years…well, you might sound 1205 As wou sykes wing beams to spread was van bok dowiat ber that stomach, laying my SWAYS NOIg berhard over 7’s very early if thedda You te bevoNG YOU’RE HAVING MY PUPY SAV jumping up and swinging Sophie around in my arms! She begins laughing her sweet Shphie laugh. Then I stop stigate and kasing this anazing woman who lets gling me outs in my e I pull back abrug). You need to eat! You need to eat more And no more training! You can’t gain if you’re pregnant.” Hurter.” she says warningh “You’re carrying my pup, Sophiel “Yes, and I was carrying your pup this morning, yesterday, and the day before and I was able to train,” she growls. “But that was before I knew… She puts her fingers over my mouth. “Why don’t we ask the doctor what they think before you start putting restrictions on me that are going to cause us to have an argument,” she says, as if this is the only reasonable solution. “Sophie…” “Are you a doctor?” “No, but..” “Have you ever had a pup before?” “No, but…” © - All rights reserved.

“Do you know what’s best for me?” I open my mouth and quickly close it again. It had been on the tip of my tongue to say yes, but I know my mate well enough to know she won’t accept that answer. “That’s a trick question,” I say instead. She smiles. “I’ll make an appointment to see the doctor. Until then, if Hedda says I can do it, then I’m doing it.” “Doctor, today or tomorrow, and I want to be there,” I insist. “Where else would you be when I get confirmation that I’m having our pup,” she says, cupping my face in her hands and lifting up on her toes to kiss me. I growl possessively, now not just for my mate, but for the pup that she’s carrying. My pup. I’m going to have a pup. F**k! We’re going to war and I’m going to have a pup. That adds an entirely new level of stress to an already stressful situation. Now, there’s no option of defeat, no choice that I could possibly lose. I had too much to live for before, but now? Now, there’s no alternative. I have to win the battle with the Committee of Alphas, and I have to win this war for Sophie and for our pup. I lift my mate into my arms and carry her into the packhouse. I 74 42% 1203 News 1 298 Vouchers should probably wait, the doctor hasn’t confirmed it yet, but I’m too excited. I step into the dining room that is full of our pack members and our guests. “Attention everyone! Your Luna has just informed me of some exciting news!” “Hunter…” Sophie says, looking at me. “It’s too good not to share, Soph,” I say, kissing her nose. I can feel the excitement in the pack. It feels like the stronger my bond is to Sophie is, the stronger my bond is to my pack, “Your Luna and I are going to have a pup!” I say, leaning in to kiss Sophie as the room erupts into

deafening cheers all around US.