The Prince’s Unwilling mate

204 Ayla

We needed to rush to Isabella and Rodrick to get to the airport in time. Rodrick gave us a knowing wink. But it was fine, we were on time and if anything my parents–in–law were happy to see how strong we still were. Isabella had an idea of why we wanted to have a family lunch. So she was teeming with excitement, to the point where Rodrick asked her what was going on with her twice.

“Nothing sweets, I’m just happy to spend time with my family. You know how much I loved my family. My big family” Isabella beamed, making me giggle and making Rodrick shrug in confusion.

He looked at Griffin for help, but my wonderful mate stared straight ahead. Like he didn’t see his father’s unspoken question. Even talking about work and politics to stop Rodrick from asking too many questions. And with the drive to the airport being short. Soon there was no room to ask any more questions. We got lucky my parents and grandparents loved Rodrick and Isabella. And the rest of the royal family. With me being Griffin’s mate and Dan being Krystel’s mate it was good both families loved each other.

“What’s with the welcoming committee?” Grandpa joked it was light-

hearted.

Still, ever since my kidnapping every one was a little on edge with unexpected situations like this. And I hated it, maybe us surprising them with this news would be their new references. Where they would think back to this joyous they when there would be an unexpected situation.

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“I am wondering the same thing, but since my wife and daughter–in–law asked me too?” Rodrick shrugged. It was clear he was more than curious. to know what this was about. But like his son, he would do everything for his mate. And his family, and I was incredibly lucky, because not only did the families get along great. Rodrick and Isabella loved me as their daughter. Amidst all the chaos, of needing to recover in a pack I had not bounded with yet. They were a lifeline. I loved my parents and we had a great relationship. But the reality of my life now was that I could not see them every day. When my pregnancy progressed and I would go on pregnancy leave my mother could not be here for me every day. I know Isabella could be and she would be just as supportive.

U V Z Z W Y Z

“We just wanted to surprise you with a family lunch,” Griffin said, I was happy he did. With an even voice too as if he was almost unbothered by it.

“Then it’s a good thing your family decided to surprise you too” A familiar voice that I hadn’t heard for far too long sang over the arrival hall.

“Aunt Katie, what are you doing here?” I jumped into my aunt’s arms. She was my father’s older sister. She was the second child, her mate was French. She had been extremely lucky to have met him. Pierre was the Alpha of one of the biggest French packs. Of course, Aunt Kate moved to his pack. The family missed her terribly but traveling between France and the States was difficult.

“Your aunt missed her family, especially after all that happened,” Uncle Pierre told me. I had always liked him.

Back when we were kids we would go to France and stay at the Lune des Pins pack for three weeks. We slept in the pack house and those

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summer holidays were one of my best childhood memories. As busy as they were as the Alpha and Luna of the pack, they always made time to do things with us and my three cousins. We still e–mailed and texted a lot. We even video-called sometimes. I would have called them to tell them the news of my pregnancy. Now being able to tell them as I told my parents and grandparents was amazing.

“If this is a family lunch then where are the others?” Kate asked.

I looked at her big pregnant belly, It was so good to know that our pups would be close in age. Even with the distance between us now that we were living in separate packs. They would grow up together. We had traveled back and forth so often, and while I never wanted to take advantage of the perks that came with being the future Queen. It did make it easier to keep seeing my family.

“He’s already at the restaurant so are the others” I answered my little sister.

My voice cracked because I was nervous. I knew my family would be happy about the news. They would celebrate the news with me. But still telling them about my pregnancy made it so real. Grandma seemed to notice, but she didn’t say anything. She just took her hands in mine and squeezed it.

***

Something was off, when we entered the restaurant all eyes were on me. On us, like they knew what we were. Griffin however was so very relaxed that he eased my worries. He always does, He doesn’t

need to use his words to do so. He doesn’t even need to touch me, even if it helps when he does. Just his presence and his comfort would always be

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enough for me.

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The others were already seated at the table where we were supposed to have lunch. They were casually chatting. I was scared they knew what this was all about.

We sat down, glad the restaurant didn’t have an issue with two extra people. Looking at the smiling faces of my friends and family my nerves, disappeared. As did my worries about what was going on with Griffin. All I wanted now was to share my news, our news with them. It was my biggest joy, my greatest happiness. Finding out I was pregnant was the most beautiful day of my life. Even better than finally accepting Griffin. Even better than finally being marked, or proposed to. Because this pregnancy would not have happened if it was not for all those beautiful days before the day I was told I was pregnant.

It did not take away from the happiness I felt on those days. It added to it, those days had all been the first chapters of our story. Being pregnant now started a new chapter, one where we would raise our family like we both had always wanted to. Our family and friends would be elated for us, and their happiness would only enhance ours.

“Thank you all for joining us for lunch. The reason we wanted to have all of you together before I went wedding day shopping is because we kept something for you. We are getting married in six months from now. Even with us being marked we are aware it seems a bit rushed. Today we can finally tell you why we are in such a hurry to get married.”

All eyes were on us, following my hand as I gently placed it on my stomach. Eyes full of question everyone here at the table knew I had gone into heat weeks ago.

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“Griffin and I are ten weeks pregnant. So we are the reason we are

getting married so soon. Is because we wanted to be married when our little pup comes into this world. So that we will all share the same last name” Griffin wrapped his arm around my shoulders as I told our loved

ones.

He kissed my temple as everyone rushed to congratulate us. And our world felt safe, complete, and full of love. If only Griffin could feel it. too.