CHAPTER 129: CHAPTER 129 HEIR OF SHADOW PACK

Victoria

Leo pulled the sleek black SUV through the imposing gates of Shadow Pack territory, his protective instincts visibly heightened since learning about my pregnancy. His large hand remained possessively splayed across my thigh during the entire drive from the airport, occasionally drifting to my still-flat stomach with a look of primal satisfaction in his eyes.

"Tiny has arranged for Dr. Eliza to see you first thing tomorrow morning," Leo said, his tone brooking no argument as we approached the main house. "She’s the most respected wolf healer in the Northern Territories and specializes in mixed-heritage pregnancies."

I smiled, placing my hand over his. "I’m perfectly healthy, Leo. Our little pup is strong—I can feel it."

His eyes flashed gold momentarily, the wolf inside him responding to my words. "Nevertheless, you’ll be monitored closely." The fierce possessiveness in his voice sent a delicious shiver down my spine.

The moment we pulled up to the main house, Rosa burst through the front doors, her normally composed demeanor abandoned as she rushed to embrace me.

"Luna!" she exclaimed, pulling back to examine me with motherly concern. "Tiny called ahead. Is it true? We’re expecting a little one?"

Before I could respond, Leo’s deep voice answered with unmistakable pride. "Yes. Victoria carries my pup."

Rosa’s eyes filled with joyful tears as she hugged me again, whispering, "The Goddess has blessed us all. A child born of true mates is the greatest gift."

The house had been prepared for our arrival, with fresh flowers—carefully selected non-fragrant varieties that wouldn’t trigger my newly sensitive nose—and a special dinner that accommodated my current aversions. Leo insisted I rest while he attended to urgent pack business that had accumulated during our absence.

"I won’t be long," he promised, pressing a possessive kiss to my forehead. "Stay within the house."

I understood his concern. News of the Shadow Pack heir would spread quickly, and not all would welcome it. My mixed heritage still raised eyebrows among traditionalists, and now I carried the next generation of Moretti leadership within me.

I had barely settled into our bedroom when my phone chimed with a message from Emma.

*Just heard the news! OMG!! On my way over—don’t you dare keep details from your bestie!*

I smiled, immediately texting back: *Gate guards have instructions to let you through. Can’t wait to see you!*

True to her word, Emma arrived in record time, practically bouncing with excitement as Rosa showed her up to my room. The moment she entered, she squealed and rushed to embrace me.

"You’re pregnant!" she exclaimed, pulling back to examine me critically. "You don’t look different yet, but there’s definitely a glow. How far along? When did you find out? Was Leo excited? Of course he was—that wolf has been practically desperate to get his DNA all over your family tree since day one!"

I laughed, pulling her to sit beside me on the chaise lounge. "Slow down! I’m about six weeks along now. We found out in Greece, right before we came home. And yes, Leo was... intense about the news."

Emma waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "I bet he was. Nothing makes an Alpha more primal than knowing his mate is carrying his young. Tiny says male wolves get even more possessive and territorial during pregnancy."

"You’ve been discussing wolf pregnancy behaviors with Tiny?" I asked with a knowing smile.

Emma blushed prettily. "Maybe. Speaking of the honeymoon though—spill everything! The pictures you sent were gorgeous, but I want details."

For the next hour, I shared stories from our time in Greece—the reconciliation after our beach misunderstanding, the painting lessons with Nicos, the little tavernas we’d discovered, and the moment we learned about the pregnancy.

"It was like something shifted in Leo," I explained, remembering the raw emotion in his eyes. "All his walls came down in that moment. He kept touching my stomach and whispering to the baby in Italian."

Emma’s eyes softened. "That’s beautiful, V. And these paintings—" she gestured to several canvases I’d unpacked "—they’re incredible. You’ve really captured something special here."

I showed her my favorite piece—a simple sketch of Leo asleep, his usually guarded expression peaceful, vulnerable in a way few ever witnessed.

"Enough about me," I said, squeezing her hand. "What’s been happening with you? How are things with Tiny?"

Emma’s cheeks flushed again as she twisted her fingers nervously in her lap. "Actually, that’s partly why I was so eager to see you. I have news too."

She extended her left hand, where a beautiful ring now adorned her finger—a hammered silver band with a single moonstone at its center, elegant and unique.

"Tiny asked me to complete the mate bond with him," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "We’re having a formal binding ceremony next month."

"Emma!" I gasped, throwing my arms around her. "That’s wonderful news!"

"It’s not exactly common, you know," she said, pulling back with a mixture of excitement and anxiety in her eyes. "The traditional packs are still giving him grief about it. But Tiny says if his Alpha can mate with a half-wolf, he can certainly claim a full human as his mate."

I laughed at that typical Tiny logic. "You two are perfect together. Anyone with eyes can see it."

"It won’t be easy," Emma admitted. "Human-wolf marriages face unique challenges. I’ll age differently than him, for one thing. And children..." she trailed off uncertainly.

"But you’re ready to face those challenges," I finished for her, recognizing the determined look in her eyes.

"For love? Absolutely." Her voice strengthened with conviction. "Watching you and Leo—seeing how two people from different worlds can build something beautiful together—it gave me courage. If my best friend can become Luna of the most powerful pack in the Northern Territories and carry the next Alpha in her womb, I can certainly handle being mated to her husband’s Beta."

We embraced again, both of us teary-eyed. In that moment, I felt profound gratitude for Emma’s unwavering friendship through every impossible turn my life had taken.

"Leo wants Tiny as the pup’s godfather," I revealed, smiling through my tears. "Which means you’ll be godmother, of course."

Emma’s eyes widened. "Really? That’s—wow, V. That’s a big deal in wolf culture."

"You’re my family, Emma," I said simply. "You have been since long before I found out I was half-wolf. Nothing will ever change that."

We spent another hour discussing wedding plans and baby preparations until Leo’s distinctive footsteps sounded in the hallway. The door opened to reveal my mate, his powerful frame filling the doorway as his eyes immediately sought me out, softening visibly when he found me safe on the chaise.

"Emma," he acknowledged with a nod, though his attention barely left me. "I trust you’re not tiring my Luna?"

Emma stood, recognizing the possessive edge in his tone. "Just girl talk, Alpha. Besides, I need to head back—Tiny’s waiting for me." She winked at me. "Luna duties and wedding planning soon, okay?"

After Emma departed, Leo gathered me into his arms, nuzzling against my neck where his mating mark stood out against my skin. "Your scent changes more each day," he murmured, inhaling deeply. "Sweeter, richer. It drives my wolf mad."

His hand slipped under my shirt to rest against my stomach. "How are you feeling? Any nausea? Discomfort?"

"Just tired," I admitted, leaning into his strength. "But happy, Leo. So incredibly happy."

His eyes softened as he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to our bed. "Rest then, my Luna. Tomorrow we announce to the pack that Shadow’s heir grows strong within you."

As he settled beside me, his large body curled protectively around mine, I felt complete peace wash over me.

Leo’s hand remained splayed possessively across my abdomen as we drifted toward sleep, his lips against my ear whispering Italian endearments to both me and the tiny life we’d created together.