Seven Miscarriages For My Mate

I took a deep breath and opened the envelope. Julian's words were as warm as ever.

"Sophia, how's our pup? I'm out on a mission, missing you like crazy. Hope you and the pup are safe. Words fall short, but I'm sending you a thousand kisses."

Missing me. Kisses.

I laughed, tears spilling again. Minutes later, I wiped my face and marched into the healer's den. First, I booked an appointment to end the pregnancy. Second, I applied to the Repin Academy of Dance.

"Sophia," said William Grant, the pack's overseer, "Repin's a lifelong commitment. You graduate, you stay there to work. Coming back won't be easy. You sure about this?"

"Dead sure," I said.

He noticed my swollen eyes but swallowed his words. "If your application's approved, you'll fly out in ten days. Square things with your parents and mate."

"Will do."

I signed the papers without a second thought.

By evening, I pushed open the door to our den. Laughter hit me like a wave. Julian was on the couch, cradling a sleeping pup with the care of a wolf guarding his pack. A man who'd stared down death without flinching was now jumpy at the pup's tiniest twitch. Mom came out of the kitchen, spoon-feeding Chloe mushroom soup.

Chloe grimaced, whining, "Mom, it's too rich. I can't."

Dad pulled candies from his pocket, coaxing her like a pup. "Finish it, and you get a treat."

"Grown she-wolf, still so fussy," he teased.

My legs felt like lead, rooted to the floor. Julian spotted me, handed the pup to Chloe, and strode over, pulling me into his arms. "Where've you been? You look pale. Is the pup giving you trouble?"

His concern was the same as always, but it felt hollow. I turned to Chloe, who shrank under my gaze. The warm vibe in the room fizzled out.

Dad cleared his throat. "Chloe's been drifting, got mixed up with the wrong wolf, and had this pup out of wedlock. He's too young to be dragged around, so we're letting her stay for a bit."

Mom nodded. "The pup's innocent. It's hard to see him suffer."

Chloe stood, clutching the pup, her voice small. "Sophia, I was a fool before, hurting you like I did. Please, for Mom and Dad's sake, let us stay."

I didn't answer, turning to Julian. "They've spoken. What about you?"

His eyes had been glued to Chloe and the pup until I spoke. "It's up to you," he said softly. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."

Sure he was.

I gave a bitter laugh. "Fine. Let them stay. One big happy pack."

The tension eased. Mom scooped up the pup, bustling off to prepare a room. Dad called for a light meal for Chloe's recovery. Julian handed me a mug of hot tea, patting my back like he always did when I was upset.

Then the deliveries started-toys, formula, diapers, even a fancy foreign breast pump. Workers asked where to set up the stroller. I picked up a receipt that had fallen, Julian's name glaring back at me. I smiled faintly.

Julian snatched the receipt, his voice tight. "It's too noisy out here. Let me get you to your room to rest."

I didn't argue, letting him guide me back. He tucked me in, meticulous as ever. "There's mushroom soup simmering, your favorite. I'll check the fire. Be right back."

My eyes followed him as he left, heading straight for Chloe's room. My heart didn't even twinge. What was the point of clinging to a wolf whose heart was elsewhere?

I got up, started packing, clearing out anything tied to Julian. It felt. freeing.

Then the door swung open. Julian and Chloe stood there, his gaze locking on my suitcase. "What's with the packing?"

I closed the case, voice calm. "What's up?"

He hesitated. "Mom thinks the east room's too dim for the pup, no sunlight. So-"

Mom walked in, cooing at the crying pup. "Sophia, your room gets the morning sun, plenty of space for the pup's things. Chloe and the pup can stay here. We'll get you a new place."

I looked at them-Chloe cowering behind Julian, him leaning forward like I was some threat.

"No need," I said softly. "It's just a room. They can have it."