The celebration spilled late into the night, the courtyard alive with howls, laughter, and the crackle of bonfires. Pups chased fireflies under watchful elder eyes, warriors toasted with raised goblets, and Jaden—flushed with excitement—demonstrated prodigy shifts to an admiring crowd. Akira circulated among her pack, hand often resting on her belly, accepting congratulations with a radiant smile that made Leon's chest ache with pride.
But his gaze never strayed far from her. Every laugh, every touch of her hand on another's arm, every glow of moonlight on her skin fueled the possessive fire that still burned hot beneath his devotion. She was his mate, his queen, carrying his child—and tonight, the world knew it.
As the fires burned low and the pack began drifting to their quarters, Leon found her at the edge of the courtyard, gazing up at the full moon. Snow had melted into spring grass; wildflowers Akira had coaxed with subtle Moonthorn magic bloomed around her feet.
He approached silently, wolf-quiet, until his arms slid around her from behind. She leaned back instantly, melting into his chest as if they were made to fit this way.
"Escaping already, my queen?" he murmured against her ear, lips brushing the sensitive spot below.
Akira tilted her head, offering her throat. "The celebration is perfect. But I wanted a moment with my king."
His hands splayed over her belly, protective and reverent. "Our pup is quiet tonight."
"Listening to its father's heartbeat," she whispered, turning in his arms to face him.
Moonlight painted her silver—wild hair loose, emerald eyes luminous, lips curved in a smile meant only for him. The simple gown she wore clung softly to her changing curves, and Leon's breath caught at how breathtakingly beautiful she was—fierce warrior, powerful queen, now the mother of his child.
He cupped her face, thumbs stroking her cheeks. "You gave me everything I never dared dream, Akira. A mate who challenges me. A pack united. And now… this miracle."
Her hands covered his. "We gave it to each other."
The kiss began slow—lips brushing, tasting mead and smoke from the fires. Then deeper, hungrier. Leon backed her gently against an ancient oak at the courtyard's edge, its branches sheltering them in shadow. His mouth claimed hers with the same intensity that had marked their first hateful kisses, but now layered with love—tongue stroking, fangs grazing just enough to draw a soft moan.
Akira's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. "Take me to our chambers," she breathed against his lips. "I need you tonight."
Leon growled low, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. She wrapped legs around his waist, trusting him completely. The bond flared hot, desire echoing between them.
He carried her through quiet corridors, nodding briefly to late-reveling guards who averted eyes with knowing smiles. The chamber door shut behind them with a soft click, firelight welcoming.
Leon set her down slowly, hands sliding up her sides to untie the gown's laces. Fabric whispered to the floor, leaving her bare in the golden glow. His breath hitched—her body, always perfect to him, now carried the soft new curves of pregnancy: fuller breasts, the gentle swell of her belly. She was life itself made flesh.
"You're staring," she teased, stepping close to tug his shirt over his head.
"I'll never stop," he rasped, shedding the rest of his clothes under her eager hands.
They tumbled to the bed in a tangle of limbs and laughter—Akira on top, straddling him, hair cascading like midnight silk. She kissed him fiercely—throat, chest, the mating mark she had given him—fangs scraping just enough to make him groan.
Leon's hands roamed—cupping her breasts with exquisite care, thumbs circling sensitive peaks until she arched with a gasp. Lower, stroking the curve of her belly before sliding between her thighs, finding her already slick and ready.
"Akira," he growled, voice rough with need. "Tell me what you want."
"You," she whispered, positioning herself over him. "Slow. Deep. All of you."
She sank down inch by inch, eyes locked on his, both moaning at the exquisite joining. The bond sang—pleasure shared, amplified. Akira set a languid rhythm, rolling hips in a way that drove him mad. Leon's hands gripped her waist, guiding but letting her lead.
Moonlight spilled through the window, silvering their joined bodies. Sweat glistened; breaths mingled. When she leaned forward, breasts brushing his chest, Leon captured a nipple gently between lips, sucking until she cried out softly.
"Leon… closer."
He sat up, wrapping arms around her, thrusting deeper from below. Face to face now—foreheads touching, gasps shared. His hand slipped between them, fingers circling where they joined until she trembled on the edge.
"Come with me," he commanded softly, fangs grazing her mating mark.
The bite was tender—just pressure, no break—but it shattered her. Pleasure crashed through Akira in waves, inner walls clenching around him. Leon followed with a guttural groan, spilling deep, arms crushing her close as the bond blazed white-hot.
They stayed locked together long after, Akira's head on his shoulder, his hand stroking her back.
"I love you," he whispered into her hair—words he said often now, but never less meaningful.
Akira lifted her head, kissing him softly. "And I love you, my obsessed king."
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through her. "Still obsessed. Always will be."
She nuzzled his throat. "Good. Keeps it interesting."
Outside, the moon watched over a peaceful keep. Inside, the alpha pair drifted toward sleep—bodies entwined, hands linked over the swell of their growing legacy.