MasukI nestled deeper into the nest of pillows my kings had insisted on arranging around me, watching the last light of Boxing Day fade beyond our windows. My body ached pleasantly from the celebrations—not from any strain, as they'd barely let me lift a finger, but from the constant, joyful tension of containing emotions too large for my frame. Two days of knowing I carried twins, of watching revelation and wonder bloom repeatedly on four beloved faces, had left me simultaneously exhausted and more alive than I'd ever been. Artemis hummed contentedly within me, her presence a warm blanket wrapped around the tiny sparks of life nestled beneath my heart."Comfortable?" Noah asked, his voice a low rumble as he settled beside me, one hand automatically reaching to adjust a pillow that didn't need adjusting."Any more comfortable and I might melt into the mattress," I replied, smiling as Oscar flopped dramatically across the foot of our enormous bed, his blonde hair still d
I couldn't stop grinning. Even as I helped Theo arrange the silverware on our private dining table, my face ached with the strain of a smile that refused to fade. Twins. Ava was carrying twins. After five years of waiting, of watching hope flicker and dim in her beautiful green eyes with each disappointment, our queen was pregnant with two pups. The knowledge buzzed through my veins like the finest champagne, making my movements jerky with barely contained excitement. Dionysus prowled restlessly within me, his joy manifesting as a constant, pleasant pressure against my consciousness."Oscar, the forks go on the left," Noah reminded me, his voice gentler than the correction would normally warrant. Even he, our most composed king, couldn't hide the tremor of excitement in his hands as he folded napkins into elaborate shapes."Right. Left. Same difference," I replied, quickly swapping the utensils while throwing a glance toward the bedroom door. "Shouldn't Callum be b
Silence fell over the bed as they processed the clues, each looking from their box to the others', piecing together the fragmented riddle. I held my breath, watching comprehension spread across Oscar's face first—his eyes snapping to mine, lips parting in shocked delight."Ava?" he whispered, the single word loaded with question.I nodded, tears already gathering in my eyes.Callum caught on next, his steady gaze locking with mine as understanding transformed his features. His hand moved instinctively toward my stomach before freezing mid-air, as if afraid to touch me.Noah and Theo realised almost simultaneously—Noah with a sharp intake of breath, Theo with a sudden stillness that seemed to stop time itself."You're pregnant," Noah said, the words not a question but a statement filled with wonder. "You're actually pregnant."Tears spilled onto my cheeks as I nodded again. "Six weeks," I confirmed, voice breaking with emotion. "I
I woke to warmth—complete, encompassing warmth that I had missed for far too long. The familiar weight of bodies surrounded me, a living fortress of love. Theo's arm draped possessively across my waist, Noah's steady breathing tickled my neck, Callum's leg tangled with mine, and Oscar's hand rested on my hip. All four of my kings, home at last, arranged around me like the points of a compass with me at their center. Christmas morning light filtered through the curtains, painting our bed in soft gold, and for the first time in weeks, I felt whole.*They're all here,* Artemis purred contentedly within me, her joy mirroring my own. *Our pack is complete again.*"I know," I whispered, the words barely disturbing the quiet of the morning.I lay perfectly still, savoring the moment, memorising the weight and warmth of them. Theo and Noah had arrived just as Christmas Eve tipped into Christmas Day, exhausted but triumphant, their faces bearing the marks of their
I wished I shared her confidence. The meal progressed through multiple courses – roast venison with winter vegetables, poached fish in a delicate sauce, a selection of cheeses from every territory in the kingdom. I ate sparingly of each, using conversation to distract from my unusually modest appetite.At precisely ten o'clock, the orchestra positioned in the corner began to play, the lilting notes of a traditional wolf dance filling the hall. Oscar was on his feet immediately, extending his hand to me with a theatrical bow."My Queen," he said, eyes sparkling with mischief, "would you do me the honour?"I allowed him to lead me to the center of the floor, where other couples were already forming for the dance. His hand rested lightly at my waist, the other clasping mine as we began the familiar steps."You've been quiet tonight," he observed, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Are you still feeling unwell?""Just missing Theo
In our chambers, I surveyed the dresses laid out across the bed, trying to determine which would best conceal my condition. Not that there was anything to show yet – my stomach remained flat, my body outwardly unchanged – but paranoia had made me hypersensitive to anything that might cling too closely to my midsection.I selected a deep burgundy gown with an empire waist, the fabric flowing loosely from just beneath my breasts. Festive enough for Christmas Eve, but not so dramatic as to draw undue attention. As I slipped it on, I caught sight of myself in the full-length mirror – cheeks flushed, eyes bright with secret knowledge, the silver crown of my position glinting in the lamplight as I settled it atop my curls.Queen Avelina Wroblewski, ruler of wolves and Lycans, uniter of ancient enemies, and now, finally, mother-to-be.The thought brought fresh tears, which I hastily blinked away as I heard footsteps approaching. Oscar's distinctive stride, quick







