(Amber's POV)

I fidgeted in the stark white waiting area of Silvercrest Hospital, my fingers absently scrolling through my phone to distract myself. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils as I waited for Dr. Mills to return with my test results.

Three missed calls from my mother. I'd call her back soon.

My thumb froze mid-scroll as Isolde Sterling's newest social media post appeared on my feed.

She was my mate's Alpha Caspian's childhood sweetheart.

My stomach tightened as I read her caption: "Officially dissolving the mate bond with Beta David. Time for new beginnings! #FreshStart #MovingOn"

The glossy photo showed her looking somber yet beautiful, as always. Comments flooded in with sympathy and support. Everyone loved Isolde.

"Mrs. Thorne?" Dr. Sarah Mills appeared in the doorway, her white coat pristine and her smile wide. "I have your results."

I tucked my phone away and followed her into her office, my heart pounding against my ribs.

Dr. Mills sat behind her desk, her blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun. "I have wonderful news, Amber," she said, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "You're pregnant!"

My hand flew to my mouth. "Really? After trying for so long?"

"Yes! About six weeks along. Everything looks perfect." She handed me a folder of papers. "Here's your prenatal vitamin schedule and first ultrasound appointment."

Tears blurred my vision. After a full year of disappointment, of watching Caspian's face fall each time I shook my head, we finally had our miracle.

"Thank you, doctor." My voice cracked with emotion.

Dr. Mills squeezed my hand. "You've been so patient throughout this process. I'm truly happy for you and Alpha Redwood."

Caspian. I needed to tell him immediately.

I practically floated out of the hospital, clutching the folder to my chest. Our pack would finally have its heir. My wolf, Ember, purred with contentment inside me, her presence warm and satisfied for the first time in months.

"To the pack house, please," I told my driver, Robert, as I slid into the back seat of the black SUV.

"Yes, Luna." He nodded respectfully in the rearview mirror.

As the car pulled away from the hospital, my phone rang. Mother's face appeared on the screen, her warm amber eyes crinkling at the corners from her smile in the photo.

"Hi, Mother," I answered, unable to keep the excitement from my voice.

"Little wolf," she said, using my childhood nickname. Her voice sounded weaker today, I noticed with a pang. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm good. How are you feeling today?" I asked, concerned about the fatigue in her tone.

"Oh, the same." She dismissed her condition like always. "I was thinking about you and Caspian. Have you discussed the formal mating ceremony yet?"

I bit my lip. The traditional ceremony should have happened shortly after our official mating, but Caspian's grandfather had fallen ill, and then there were always pack matters, business deals, territory negotiations...

"We haven't set a date yet," I admitted.

Mother's sigh was soft but filled with longing. "I would love to see you both participate in the ceremony before I..." She trailed off.

"Don't talk like that," I said quickly. "You'll be fine."

"Dear, we both know my condition isn't improving." Her pragmatism was gentle but firm. "It would mean everything to me to see my daughter properly celebrated as Luna before I pass."

My throat tightened. "We're planning it, Mother. I promise."

"Good," she said, sounding relieved. "I love you, dear."

"I love you too."

After hanging up, guilt gnawed at me. I hadn't exactly lied, but Caspian hadn't mentioned the ceremony in months. Now with the baby coming, though, surely he would want to make everything official.

My phone rang again. Caspian's name flashed on the screen.

"Caspian!" I answered eagerly. "I have amazing-"

"Amber," he cut me off, his voice pitched low and professional. "I'll be working late tonight. Don't wait up."

I frowned. "But I have something important to tell you."

A feminine laugh sounded in the background. My spine stiffened.

"Sorry, can't talk now. Important meeting. I'll see you tomorrow." He hung up before I could respond.

I stared at my phone in disbelief, then reopened social media. Isolde had posted again just two minutes ago: "Visiting the pack house" with a photo of a man's back by a large window. The broad shoulders and golden-brown hair were unmistakable. Caspian.

"Robert," I said, my voice harder than before. "We're still going to the pack house."

He hesitated, eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "Luna, perhaps we should-"

"The pack house, Robert. Now."

He nodded, concern evident in his expression as he turned back to the road.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to the imposing glass and stone building that served as the Redwood Pack's headquarters. My chest tightened as I stepped out of the car, noticing the massive LED display on the building's facade.

Isolde's face beamed down at me, her perfect smile announcing her as "Chief Healer of Redwood Pack's New Healing Institution."

When had that happened? Caspian hadn't mentioned any new appointment.

I marched through the lobby, ignoring the curious glances from pack members. As Alpha's mate, my presence wasn't unusual, but my obvious agitation was.

"Luna Thorne," the receptionist greeted me nervously. "Alpha Redwood is in a meeting-"

"I know," I cut her off, striding toward the elevator.

My heart hammered as the elevator climbed to the top floor. The pregnancy test results felt heavy in my hand. Would Caspian be happy? Would this change things between us?

I pushed open his office door without knocking.

Caspian stood by his desk, leaning over some documents. Isolde sat comfortably on the leather couch, her legs tucked beneath her as if she belonged there. Both looked up at my entrance.

"Amber," Caspian straightened, surprise flickering across his handsome face. "I thought I told you I was working late."

"You did." I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. "But I needed to see you."

Isolde's smile was honey-sweet as she stood. "Amber! What a lovely surprise. Caspian and I were just discussing my new position."

I ignored her, focusing on Caspian. "I need to speak with you. Alone."

Caspian frowned. "Isolde is our chief healer now. Whatever you need to say-"

"Is private," I finished firmly.

Isolde placed a hand on Caspian's arm, the gesture casual yet possessive. "Don't worry, I understand mate things." She winked at me. "Though you should know, Amber, there's no need to be territorial. Caspian and I have been friends since we were pups."

More than friends, I thought bitterly, but kept my expression neutral.

Caspian stepped toward me, finally giving me his full attention. "What is it? You look... different."

I felt a flutter of hope. Maybe he could sense the change in me already. I took a deep breath and reached for his hand.

"Caspian, I-"

A sharp crash interrupted me. Isolde had knocked over her crystal water glass, sending shards scattering across the hardwood floor.

"Oh!" she cried out, bending to pick up the pieces. "I'm so clumsy!"

"Don't touch that!" Caspian immediately released my hand and rushed to her side. "You'll cut yourself."

Too late. A small gasp escaped Isolde as blood welled from her index finger. The scent hit the air-sharp, tangy, distinctive.

Caspian's protective instincts flared instantly. He crouched beside her, taking her hand in his with a gentleness that made my wolf whimper in confusion.

"What were you thinking?" he scolded, but his tone was soft with concern. "Let me see."

I stood frozen, watching as my mate tended to another woman with care that should have been reserved for me alone. The scene felt surreal, like I was watching from outside my body.

Isolde looked up at me through her lashes. "Sorry about that, Amber. Don't be jealous-Caspian's always been overprotective of me since we were little. It's just his nature."

I managed a strained smile, my heart fracturing along invisible fault lines.

"I should get this cleaned properly," Isolde said, making no move to withdraw her hand from Caspian's. She stood, and he rose with her, still holding her injured finger. "You two continue your... show of affection. I'll see myself out."

The way she said "show of affection" carried a subtle challenge, as if she knew perfectly well there had been none to interrupt.

As the door closed behind her, I was left alone with Caspian and the lingering scent of Isolde's expensive perfume mixed with her blood. The combined smells suddenly hit me differently-my wolf's senses heightened by pregnancy.

Nausea rolled through me in a violent wave. I clapped a hand over my mouth and bolted for the private bathroom connected to Caspian's office.

I barely made it to the toilet before emptying my stomach. Caspian appeared in the doorway, watching with a frown as I retched miserably.

When I finally straightened, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, his expression had shifted from confusion to dawning realization.

"Amber, you..." Caspian looked at me with a frown, "You...are you pregnant?"