Of course he has.
Jade's mate approached everything with the same controlled intensity that had first drawn her to him—whether planning battle strategies or preparing a baby shower menu. The Alpha in him demanded perfection in all things, especially when it came to protecting and providing for his family.
The baby chose that moment to deliver a particularly enthusiastic kick, and Jade gasped, her hand flying to her side. The movement was getting stronger each day, more insistent, as if their child was already eager to meet the world that awaited them.
"Everything alright?" Brenn was at her side instantly, her green eyes filled with concern.
"Just an active little one," Jade said, rubbing the spot where tiny feet had made contact. "I think they're excited about today."
The sound of approaching footsteps made her look up, and her breath caught as it always did when Raikar entered a room. Six months of marriage hadn't dimmed the impact of his presence—if anything, seeing him move through their shared space with that predatory grace only intensified the pull she felt toward him. He'd changed from his High Commander attire into dark jeans and a black shirt that clung to his broad shoulders,but he still carried himself with the calm authority of a man accustomed to being obeyed.
"How are my girls doing?" he asked, crossing to her chair with purposeful strides.
"We don't know it's a girl yet," Jade reminded him, though her pulse quickened at the possessive warmth in his voice. "That's what today's for, remember?"
"My panther knows what my panther knows," he said with characteristic alpha confidence, dropping to one knee beside her chair. His large hand settled over hers on her belly, and immediately their child responded with another strong kick.
Raikar's eyes widened, and a smile transformed his usually sharp features into something breathtakingly tender. "Someone's eager to meet their parents."
"Or they're protesting your assumption about their gender," Jade teased, but her voice caught slightly at the reverence in his touch. This powerful man who commanded respect from an entire clan melted into something soft and vulnerable whenever he interacted with their unborn child.
The doorbell chimed through the house, and Raikar's head lifted with alert attention. "That'll be our first guest. I'll get it."
Jade watched him stride toward the front entrance, admiring the confident set of his shoulders and the way he moved with unconscious authority. Even performing mundane tasks, he radiated the kind of alpha energy that made her panther purr with satisfaction.
My mate. My Alpha. The father of my child.
The transformation in her life still felt surreal at moments like this. Six months ago, she'd been a woman who avoided deep connections. Now she was part of something larger—a bond so profound it had literally unlocked parts of herself she'd never known existed.
"Well, well, well." A familiar voice preceded the click of designer heels on hardwood. "Look at you, glowing like a woman who's found her destiny."
Jade's face broke into a genuine grin as Gerri Wilder swept into the living room, resplendent in a lavender pantsuit that somehow managed to be both elegant and playful. Her snow-white bob was immaculately styled, and her eyes held that familiar glint of mischief that had first appeared in Jade's dojo all those months ago.
"Gerri." Jade pushed herself up from the chair, accepting the matchmaker's warm embrace with surprising emotion. "I can't believe you're here."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, darling." Gerri stepped back, her keen gaze taking in Jade's rounded figure with obvious satisfaction. "Couldn't skip this opportunity to see my favorite High Queen stepping into motherhood."
"Even if you did trick me into getting here," Jade said, but there was no accusation in her voice, only grateful affection.
Gerri's laugh was pure delight. "Trick? I prefer 'creative problem-solving.' You were far too independent to accept being brought here as anyone's mate outright. But I knew once you and that stubborn Alpha of yours actually met, sparks would fly."
Raikar approached them, his intense blue eyes fixed on the woman who'd orchestrated their entire relationship. "Gerri. We owe you more than we can ever repay."
"Nonsense." Gerri waved a dismissive hand, her expression growing unexpectedly serious. "You two did all the hard work—the trusting, the choosing, the fighting for each other. I just provided the introduction."
"Still," Raikar insisted, his alpha nature demanding he acknowledge debts properly. "Name your price. Whatever you need."
Gerri's eyes softened, and for a moment, the supernatural energy that always hummed around her seemed to pulse with particular warmth. "Raise that child with love and warmth. Teach them that emotions are strengths, not weaknesses. Show them what true partnership looks like." Her gaze moved between them with knowing intensity. "That's all the payment I'll ever need."
The simple request hit Jade with unexpected force. She thought of her own childhood—the instability, the feeling of never quite belonging anywhere, the walls she'd built to protect herself from abandonment. Their child would know none of that uncertainty. They would grow up surrounded by fierce love, unshakeable security, and the knowledge that they were wanted, chosen, and cherished.
"Done," Raikar said simply, but the weight of promise in his deep voice made it a sacred vow.
Gerri beamed and moved toward where Talia and Brenn were arranging the last of the decorations, immediately engaging them in animated conversation. Within moments, she had both women laughing at some story that involved dramatic hand gestures.
As the minutes passed by, more guests began arriving—clan members who'd once viewed Jade with curiosity or skepticism but now approached her with genuine respect and affection. She watched them filter into her home, marveling at how natural it felt to play hostess to these people who'd become her community, her family.
This is what belonging feels like.
