Chapter 404

[ 921 words ]

Talia’s POV

Nolan flashed a grin at me. “We have a lot of work to do for the babies,” he announced, his tone both serious and excited. “We need to start buying supplies, decorate the nursery, or maybe even build a playground near the packhouse.”

I couldn’t help but smile and roll my eyes while finishing my juice. “Nolan, I’m just two months along,” I said, giving him a playful look.”You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

He didn’t even flinch, his grin only growing. “That’s exactly why we should start early. If we have time, we can prepare everything carefully and not have to rush.” He sounded so sure, like he was planning a mission, not just getting ready for babies.

I felt a rush of warmth at how excited he was. Only Nolan could turn something simple into an adventure. ‘He is right. We should prepare early,’ my wolf agreed.

“All right,” I said, giving in. “Where do we start?”

“Shopping,” he said, his voice suddenly lighter, as if he’d been waiting for my agreement. “As soon as you finish eating.”

I pouted. “This is really too much food.”

“You don’t want it to get cold. Then, Clara will have to remake everything and probably give you more.”

That was all I needed. I started eating fast.

The drive to Fangvale was quiet. It felt peaceful, the kind of calm you only get with someone who knows you. Nolan hummed off-key. I looked at him, surprised and proud at how much he’d changed. There was a time not long ago when people would run from his glare, when his temper kept even the boldest wolves at a distance. The Alpha everyone once feared was about to be a dad, and he wanted to get it right.

‘As he should,’ my wolf said. ‘Having pups changes everyone.’

When we pulled into the market’s parking lot, Nolan turned the car off and handed me a folded piece of paper. “Here,” he said. “I made a list last night after you fell asleep.”

I took the paper and looked at it in surprise. The list was neat and color-coded, packed with things like bottles, diapers, cribs, baby monitors, toys, and books. Nolan had even added notes about the safest brands and drawn cute little pictures next to the sections for nursery décor and playground gear.

I stared at him, then back at the list. “You did all this… last night?”

He looked a little sheepish, but proud. “I want us to be ready,” he said. “I watched a bunch of videos online and read some parenting blogs. I hope it’s not overkill.”

I felt a wave of affection for him. My wolf pressed closer, clearly approving. It was strange to think the Alpha who once scared everyone now stayed up late reading about baby wipes and crib safety.

I nudged him with my shoulder, smiling. “You’re going to be a great father, you know that?”

He grinned, the tips of his ears turning red. “And you’re going to be an amazing mother.”

Even my wolf preened at that, stretching lazily in my chest.

We got out of the car and stepped onto the busy market path. Right away, I could feel eyes on us. Some even bowed to us as we walked past. That left me confused.

‘Have you forgotten?’ my wolf asked, amused. ‘We are the Alpha Queen. They should bow to us.’ With everything going on, I didn’t realize I had completely forgotten.

Being Alpha Queen was still new to me, and sometimes I forgot what it meant. People expected a lot from me now. I was supposed to be strong, kind, and set a good example. Everyone looked to me for answers or comfort, watching how I handled everything.

Nolan’s hand rested gently on my back, bringing me out of my thoughts. He leaned

in, his voice low just for me. “We can go back if this is too much.”

“No, no, I am okay. Just wasn’t expecting this kind of response,” I said.

People from all different packs nodded or greeted us as we passed.

“Congratulations, Alpha. Alpha Queen,” someone called politely. Another woman smiled and said, “We’re all wishing you a safe pregnancy.”

“Thank you,” I replied. Nolan nodded, looking proud but humble.

Someone else teased, “Shopping for baby clothes already?”

Nolan grinned. “Of course. I need to keep the Queen happy.”

The market was busy, but people were kind everywhere we went.

Nolan guided me through the crowded stalls, double-checking his list. At one booth,

he asked, “Which baby soap would you trust for a newborn?”

The vendor replied, “Alpha, the chamomile one is gentle. A lot of first-time parents pick it.”

A mother from another pack added, “Don’t forget to get plenty of burp cloths. You’ll thank me later.”

Nolan nodded and wrote it down. Watching him listen and open up made me smile. Not everyone saw this side of him. He was gentle, careful, and all in. For a moment, doubts crept in. Was I ready for all this? Could I measure up as a mother, as Alpha Queen, the way everyone seemed to expect?

‘Worry about that later. You are to enjoy today,’ my wolf scolded.

We finally reached the biggest baby store. It had big glass windows and murals of wolf pups playing in wildflowers. Balloons moved in the breeze outside. Nolan opened the door for me. Inside, it smelled like new fabric and something sweet. Before I could look around, a woman in a blue dress hurried over. Her eyes were bright with excitement. She looked me up and down, hands clasped in front of her. “Alpha Queen Talia!” she said, her voice ringing out. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

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