(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?"