Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Nadia straightened slightly, the quiet morning seeming to hold its breath with her. “What?”
“I'm not really telling anybody else yet, but guess what?”
“What?” Nadia’s voice dropped without her meaning it to, sliding into a hush as if the walls might overhear.
Happiness burst across Emily’s face. “I’m pregnant.”
“No way.” Nadia grinned, her heart doing a strange, full twist in her chest. “That’s wonderful.”
“It’s a little before the wedding,” Emily added, already smiling wider, “but that’s okay.”
It was nice to see her sister so happy. “You’re mated, so who cares? This is fantastic. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Emily leaned closer to the screen. “So you know what this means, right?”
Nadia didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I’m going to be an aunt.” That, somehow, felt like the most important thing in the world right now.
Emily snorted. “Yes, you are. Very true. Very, very true. And don’t tell Dad yet. He’s still on that cruise and I don’t want him worrying.”
“Okay. I won’t tell a soul.” The promise came easily, and warmth settled low in her ribs at the trust in it. She wished, not for the first time, that they’d known each other growing up. That this closeness hadn’t come so late. “Is Jackson over the moon?”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Actually, he’s being a complete pain in the ass. He thinks I need to sit all the time. I am not a sitter.”
Amusement bubbled through Nadia. “That’s kind of sweet.”
“It is. Annoying. But sweet.”
“You’re getting married at the end of the month,” Nadia said. “So hopefully things settle by then.” She glanced around the quiet kitchen, snow still pressing against the windows.
Emily nodded. “I want the wedding in Slate Pack territory, like we talked about. Pretty much all of Jackson’s pack will come, so it’ll be a good mixer. A good way for everyone to meet.”
“That will work perfectly. I’d like to talk to a couple of your city planners,” Nadia went on. “If we’re serious about developing shared farming land, we need to start now.”
“Sure. I think that’s a great idea. The closer the packs get, the better.”
Nadia reached for her tea and took a careful sip before nudging one of Gail’s journals farther from the edge of the table. The last thing she needed was a spill on it.
“Anyway,” Emily said, clearly waiting to drop the rest, “Mia, Luna, and I are all pregnant.”
Nadia blinked. “Well. That’s kind of amazing.” The Alpha females of each pack. “That’s actually really cool.”
“I know,” Emily said. “Hopefully the kids grow up close, uniting the packs more than ever.”
Something thoughtful settled over Nadia. Anything that strengthened the coalition was a good plan.
“You know what would be even better?” Emily asked.
Nadia leaned back from the phone, instincts already flaring. “No. No. Uh-uh. Absolutely not. I am not ready for that.”
“Oh, come on.” Emily rolled her eyes. “You and Caidrik have been explosive from the start. The tension’s been ridiculous. I knew you’d end up together.”
“We’re in the middle of challenges and fights to the death over here,” Nadia said dryly. “Let’s worry about progeny later.” Although, the image of a miniature Caidrik with his dark eyes and firm jaw flashed through her mind. He’d make adorable pups.
Emily’s eyes twinkled. “How great would it be if the Alpha females of all four packs had kids around the same time? They’d all be connected. If they grew up together, that kind of bond could keep things strong.”
Nadia exhaled slowly. “I see what you’re saying. One thing at a time, Em.”
“So long as you’ll think about it,” Emily said lightly. “It’s just a thought.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Nadia called, already frowning. Solomon was late.
“Oh, hello.” Taryn stepped inside.
Nadia glanced at her phone. “Oh—hey, Em, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“All right,” Emily said. “Just keep what I said in mind.” The screen went dark.
As if Nadia could think about anything else right now. She set the phone aside and shook her head once, trying to clear it. “Taryn. How are you?”
“I’m great.” Today Taryn wore black pants and a soft blue sweater that brought out the color of her eyes. Snow still clung to her boots, melting slowly onto the entry rug. The air followed her in, cold and sharp, stirring the faint scent of pine and smoke already lingering in the house. “I wanted to check on you.”
Nadia lifted her wrist slightly. “I’m fine. It finally healed.”
“That’s good.” Taryn’s gaze flicked to the bandage and then away.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Oh no, thanks. I’m not drinking tea in this territory,” Taryn said dryly.
Fair enough and not dumb at all. Nadia cleared her throat. “I wanted to thank you for the rescue last night. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you, Caidrik, and Solomon hadn’t shown up.”
“Well, we did,” Taryn said lightly. “So everything’s okay.” She shifted her weight. “I checked on Luca. He’s fine. Pretty pissed off, though. He’s still sorting through how many of the Ravencall wolves actually turned against him.”