Five Years as My Mate's Stand-In

"Atta girl, Lauren! The pack's got high hopes for you. Keep it up," Michael says, his enthusiasm practically buzzing through the phone.

I mumble a quick thanks and hang up, then dial another number without thinking. It picks up almost instantly.

"Lauren? What's got you calling me out of the blue?" My dad's warm, familiar voice hits me like a lifeline.

I choke up, unable to speak for a moment. He prods gently, worry creeping into his tone, and I force myself to sound light. "Just wanted to tell you I got a promotion, Dad. But it means moving to Norlan Town. Come with me, okay?"

He chuckles, relieved. "These old bones aren't up for that kind of move. New pack's pricey, pup. Take care of yourself. My illness. I'm just living day by day."

"Dad!" I cut him off, my voice sharp. "We got through the worst of it. I'm earning now. Once we find a kidney match, you'll be fine. I'm counting on you to walk me down the aisle when I form my sacred bond."

He goes quiet, then sighs. "Lauren, when do I get to meet this mate of yours?"

He's scared he won't live to see me bound, scared I'm with the wrong wolf. But he doesn't say it. He knows I've been carrying too much already.

"Soon," I say, forcing a smile into my voice. "This weekend. I'll bring him to meet you."

Dad's voice lights up, and I can hear the grin in it. We hang up, and I head to the guest room, collapsing into sleep just before dawn.

I don't know how long I'm out before a damp sensation on my forehead jolts me awake. My eyes snap open to Cole's familiar jawline and the faint, clean scent of his shower gel. He notices I'm up and leans down, chuckling softly as he goes for my lips.

I jerk my head away.

He pauses, smirking. "What, still shy?"

I shove him back, scrambling for an excuse. "You hungry?"

He doesn't call out my dodge, just props himself up on one elbow, his gaze playful. "Starving," he says, his voice husky from the shower.

"I'll make something." I bolt up, desperate to get away, but he grabs my waist and pulls me back to the bed.

"First, I'm eating you."

Before I can protest, his lips are on mine, his warm breath trailing down my neck, lingering there with a teasing edge. I clamp my lips shut, fighting the nausea rising in my gut. Is this how he is with Alexis? The thought makes my stomach churn.

I shove him off and sprint to the bathroom, heaving into the sink.

Cole's behind me, his expression unreadable in the mirror. "When was your last cycle?"

I freeze, splashing cold water on my face. "My stomach's just been off lately," I lie.

His tense expression softens slightly. "Alright, after breakfast, I'll go with you to see a healer."

I nod, hesitating before I speak again. "This afternoon. can you come with me to see my dad?"

He's leaning against the doorframe, scrolling through his phone, and gives a distracted "Mhm."

His easy agreement catches me off guard, stirring a flicker of something-hope, maybe, or just confusion. True or not, I can't confront him yet. I need Dad to feel at ease.

I head downstairs to the kitchen. By the time I bring out a bowl of noodles, Cole's already dressed and heading for the door.

"Something came up," he says. "Go to the healer on your own. Call me if you need me."

"What about this afternoon-"

"Text me the address."

The door slams shut before I can finish. I sit at the table, picking at the noodles, but my appetite's gone. I push the bowl away and head to the pharmacy downstairs, grabbing a pregnancy test.

When three red lines appear, my face goes ashen.