“I’m happy for you both,” Hilda says. And through the bond, I can feel she means it. No jealousy. No bitterness. Just genuine joy for Snow’s happiness.
She really has changed. Our omega. That mirror tried to destroy everything. It tried to take our mate, kill our pups, ruin Snow’s happiness. But we hunted it and killed it. And now our omega sits here, round with our young, genuinely happy for the girl the fucking parasite wanted her to hate. We won. The evil spirit lost. And it’s never coming back.
They talk for a while…about Snow’s upcoming wedding, about the twins, about kingdom business. Through it all, I stay vigilant, watching for threats.
Can’t help it. Pregnant omega. Must protect.
Eventually Snow and Caspian take their leave. As soon as they’re gone, Hilda laughs.
“Baylin, you need to relax.”
I shift to my human form, moving to her side. “Just making sure.”
“Of what?” She touches my face, smiling tenderly, eyes lost in mine.
“You’re pregnant,” I reply simply. “I protect what’s mine.”
“Ours,” Callum corrects, and I know it’s to piss me off.
“Ours,” I amend gruffly, flipping him off.
“And I love you for it. All of you. My overprotective, possessive wolves.”
“Damn right,” Arkan says, finally putting down his reports and coming to join us. “And we’re about to get worse. Wait until the pups are born.”
“I can only imagine.” Hilda rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling.
She tries to stand, and both Callum and I immediately move to assist her.
“I can stand on my own,” she protests.
“Humor us,” Callum rumbles.
She sighs but accepts our help.
We walk slowly back to the castle, surrounding our omega. People move out of the way, smiling. They’ve gotten used to us. To the Queen’s wolves. To her happiness.
When we reach our chambers, Hilda settles on the bed with a sigh.
“My back hurts,” she complains.
Arkan’s already moving behind her to massage her shoulders.
I settle at her feet, rubbing them. Callum sits next to her and rests a hand on her belly.
“They’re active today,” he observes as the pups kick.
“Very.” Hilda winces as a particularly strong one hits her ribs. “I think at least one of them is going to be a fighter.”
“Takes after his fathers,” I nod with pride. “They’ll be strong and fierce.”
“Even our daughter?” Hilda asks teasingly.
Arkan chuckles. “Especially her! But also beautiful, sharp-tongued, able to bring alphas to their knees.” He winks.
Hilda laughs. “I like that.”
We spend the afternoon caring for our omega. Massaging her sore muscles and making sure she’s comfortable.
