(Florian’s POV)

    The morning sunlight filtered through our territory den windows as I watched Audrey prepare for another consultation session. At seven months pregnant with twins, her movements had be more deliberate and careful, but she refused to slow down her healing work.

    “You’re staring again,” she said without looking up from her herb preparations.

    “I’m observing,” I corrected, moving closer to inspect her breakfast te. “Making sure you ate enough protein this morning.

    “Florian,” sheughed, turning to face me with that exasperated fondness I had grown to love. “I’m pregnant, not made of ss.”

    I reached for the honey cake on her te, taking a small bite to test it. “Just making sure the baker didn’t add any questionable ingredients.”

    “You taste-tested my lunch yesterday too,” she pointed out. “And my dinner the night before that.”

    “Security protocols,” I said seriously. “These pups are precious cargo.”

    Audrey shook her head, but I could see the affection in her emerald eyes. The truth was, I couldn’t help myself. Every day brought new protective instincts I didn’t know I possessed.

    Every client consultation required pre-screening for potential threats. Every territory trip needed additional security measures. I found myself checking on her constantly throughout each day.

    “Sarah’s bringing three new apprentice healers this afternoon,” Audrey said, settling into her favorite chair with visible relief. “I want to observe their formtion techniques.”

    “I’ve already had Beta Kael run background checks on all three,” I admitted.

    “Of course you have.”

    “One of them has a cousin who once worked for Nathan Snowfang’s distant rtives,” I exined defensively. “We can’t be too careful.”

    Audrey reached for my hand, squeezing gently. “Our daughters are safe, Florian. They’re surrounded by pack protection and family love.”

    “Daughters,” I repeated softly, still marveling at the word.

    Dr. Moonhowl had confirmed the twins’ gendersst month. Two little girls who would carry the Stormhowl name and inherit their mother’s healing gifts.

    “Have you given any more thought to names?” I asked, settling into the chair beside her.

    “I keeping back to Grace and Hope,” she said, her hand moving to her rounded belly. “After everything we’ve survived to get here.”

    “Grace and Hope Stormhowl,” I tested the names aloud. “They’re perfect.”

    A knock at our front door interrupted the peaceful morning moment. I rose immediately, instinctively positioning myself between Audrey and any potential threat.

    “Expecting someone?” I asked.

    “Leo was supposed to arrive for his preparation duties,” Audrey said with a smile.

    I opened the door to find not only Leo but also a delivery wolf carrying an enormous package wrapped in silver ceremonial paper.

    “Special delivery for Luna Stormhowl,” the messenger announced. “From the Eastern Coastal Pack Alliance.”

    Leo bounced excitedly beside the delivery wolf. “Another present for my cousin sisters! This is the biggest one yet!”

    The gifts had been arriving daily for weeks. Word of our pregnancy had spread throughout the werewolfmunity, and pack allies were sending everything from traditional blessing charms to the most advanced pup care equipment avable.

    “Where should we put this one?” I asked, epting the massive package.

    “The nursery ispletely full,” Audrey said, struggling to rise from her chair. “We might need to convert another room for storage.”

    I helped her up carefully, noting how she favored her lower back. Dr. Moonhowl had warned us that twin pregnancies caused additional physical strain.

    “Uncle Florian,” Leo announced importantly, “Great-grandfather Wolfgang is here!”

    My grandfather emerged from his territory vehicle with his usualmanding presence. Wolfgang Stormhowl had traveled specifically from the Northern Territories to oversee nursery construction preparations.

    “My grandson’s offspring deserve the finest amodations,” he dered, embracing me with rare emotional warmth.” I’ve brought craftsmen from our ancestral territories.”

    “Grandfather, that’s incredibly generous, but-“

    “No arguments,” Wolfgang interrupted firmly. “This nursery will be a masterpiece worthy of future Stormhowl Alphas.”

    He turned to Audrey with gentle respect. “How are you feeling, granddaughter?”

    “Honored by your attention and slightly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” she replied honestly.

    “Good. My great-granddaughters should be overwhelmed with love from the moment they arrive.”

    Leo tugged at my grandfather’s formal coat. “Great-great-grandfather Wolfgang, I’m the Chief Preparation Officer for the babies. Want to see my progress reports?”

    Wolfgang’s stern expression softened as he looked down at the earnest eight-year-old. “Report, young officer.”

    Leo straightened with military precision. “I’ve interviewed twelve potential pack nannies using myprehensive questionnaire. Only three passed the initial screening.”

    “Excellent work. What were your primary evaluation criteria?”

    “First, they had to know proper luby techniques,” Leo exined seriously. “The babies need to learn correct pack songs from birth. I can’t let them grow up musically ignorant.”

    Audrey covered her mouth to hide herughter, but her eyes sparkled with delight.

    “Second,” Leo continued, “they had to demonstrate appropriate toy safety protocols. I tested forty-seven different rattles for durability and entertainment value.”

    “Very thorough,” Wolfgang approved solemnly.

    “And third, they had to pass the Uncle Florian grumpiness test.”

    My grandfather raised an eyebrow. “Exin this test, officer.”

    “When Uncle Florian gets worried or tired, he gets grumpy,” Leo said matter-of-factly. “The nannies need to know how to make him smile so he doesn’t scare the babies.”

    I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “I don’t get grumpy.”

    “You got grumpy yesterday when Aunt Luna wanted to walk to theke by herself,” Leo pointed out urately. “Andst week when she insisted on climbing the stairs alone.”

    “That’s not grumpy, that’s protective concern,” I protested.

    “Same thing,” Leo said cheerfully. “But don’t worry, I taught the nannies special techniques for handling grumpy uncles.”

    Wolfgang chuckled, clearly enjoying this character assessment. “What techniques did you teach them?”

    “Remind Uncle Florian that Aunt Luna survived dangerous adventures before they were mated,” Leo recited. “Also, bring him coffee and ask about his business projects. Distraction works very well.”

    “Smart strategy,” Wolfgang acknowledged. “You’ll make an excellent pack advisor someday.”

    That afternoon, I watched from the territory den window as construction crews began specialized nursery preparations. Wolfgang had indeed brought master craftsmen who worked with precision and artistry.

    Sarah arrived with three apprentice healers, each carrying carefully organized supply cases. I intercepted them at the entrance for the standard security briefing.

    “Background checkspleted,” I informed Sarah quietly. “But the one with Snowfang connections bears watching.” “Florian,” Sarah sighed. “Nathan’s been exiled to African wilderness. His distant rtives pose no threat to anyone.”

    “Better safe than sorry.”

    Sarah shook her head but didn’t argue further. She understood my protective instincts, even when they bordered on paranoia. Inside, Audrey was already reviewing the apprentices’ formtion samples with professional interest. Her teaching had evolved to focus on training the next generation of healing specialists.

    “Your nightshade extraction technique shows promise,” she told the youngest apprentice. “But try reducing the concentration by half. The goal is therapeutic effect without toxicity risk.”

    “Yes, Luna Stormhowl,” the young healer replied eagerly. “Should I also adjust the moonflower ratio?”

    “Excellent instinct. Test both modifications and document the results carefully.”

    I settled in a corner chair where I could observe without interfering. Watching Audrey mentor young healers reminded me why her work had gained such widespread respect.

    “You’re creating a legacy,” Sarah observed quietly, joining me in the observation area. “These techniques will help wolves for generations toe.”

    “She’s remarkable,” I agreed, pride warming my chest as I watched my mate work.

    “Your daughters will inherit her gifts,” Sarah said with certainty. “And your protective instincts.”

    “Goddess help us all if they inherit my stubbornness too.”

    Sarahughed softly. “They’ll inherit the best qualities from both parents. These pups are going to be extraordinary.”

    Later that evening, Audrey and I met with pack counselor Elena Wiseheart for our weekly emotional preparation session. We had decided to work through lingering trauma from our separated years before our daughters arrived.

    “How are you both feeling about bing parents?” Elena asked gently.

    “Terrified and excited in equal measure,” I admitted honestly.

    “I want to break the cycle of loss and separation,” Audrey added, her hand resting on her belly. “Our pups will always know they’re loved and wanted.”

    “That’s a powerful intention,” Elena acknowledged. “Tell me about your specific fears.”

    “I’m afraid I’ll be overprotective to the point of smothering them,” I said after a moment’s hesitation.

    “And I’m afraid they’ll experience the abandonment and uncertainty I felt growing up,” Audrey continued. “Even though logically I know our situation ispletely different.”

    Elena nodded thoughtfully. “Both fears stem from your past experiences of loss. How can you address these concerns constructively?”

    “Communication,” Audrey said immediately. “Making sure we talk through our worries instead of acting impulsively on them.

    “And trusting that love doesn’t require control,” I added, though the words felt difficult to speak.

    “Those are excellent foundations for healthy parenting,” Elena assured us.

    As we walked home through the moonlit territory paths, Audrey moved slowly but peacefully beside me. The weight of her pregnancy made her movements more deliberate, but she radiated contentment.

    “Do you ever think about how different our lives might have been if Nathan’s ns had seeded?” I asked suddenly. The question had been haunting metely – imagining all the ways our story could have ended in tragedy instead of joy. Audrey stopped walking and turned to face me directly. Her emerald eyes held steady certainty that immediately calmed my restless thoughts.

    She took my hand and ced it on her growing belly, where our daughters were actively moving. The sensation of life beneath my palm sent warmth flooding through my entire being.

    “We’re exactly where we’re meant to be,” she said simply, her voice carrying absolute conviction. “Everything else was just the path that led us here.”