"Tougher!" Kyle shouted at a pair of boys learning to attack and defend. He hadn't slept for weeks. The last decent sleep he'd had was with Ashlee beside him. It was almost astonishing he'd slept so soundly—something rare in his life since becoming an Alpha.

"He shouldn't be that tough on the newcomers," Derion muttered, watching Kyle through a window. He was about to rush over when Esyn stopped him.

"Let him be. These days have been harder on him," Esyn said, sipping sour berry juice.

"What do you mean?" Derion tilted his head, confused.

"He hasn't seen his mate for weeks, and he doesn't even know how she's doing. Even though he hides it, he still cares about her." Esyn smiled softly at Derion, licking her lips to wash away the sour taste.

"And why's that?" Derion wrapped his arms around Esyn's waist, pulling her closer, suspecting her influence.

"Maybe because I told him he needs to mature a bit more to be worthy of her," Esyn said, looking away and taking another sip.

Derion raised an eyebrow, bending his head to her level. "You're becoming a little devil," he murmured, looking her up and down.

"Someone had to tell him," Esyn bit her lip, still avoiding Derion's eyes.

"And it had to be you?" Derion sighed, half-amused. He was more than done with Esyn's tendency to speak harsh truths and Kyle's inclination to take everything seriously, pushing himself and others too hard.

"What did I do to deserve you, then?" Derion spun her around slowly, making her laugh and nestle into him, easing the tension.

"Maybe the heavens blessed you." Esyn chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing a kiss to his lips.

As they kissed, Derion sensed something odd. Breaking the kiss, he studied her face, noting a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

"Why have you been drinking sour and sweet juices lately?" He looked suspicious, narrowing his eyes.

"Why do you think?" Esyn giggled, pointing to her belly.

"No... Are you just messing with me?" Derion, weary from her pranks, found it hard to believe.

Esyn leaned closer and whispered, "I'm pregnant, honey." She nibbled his ear, making him squirm.

"Are you serious?" Derion was too stunned to react. He looked at her belly, wide-eyed, with a huge, goofy smile.

Esyn nodded, and Derion let out an ecstatic shout, loud enough for the entire hall to hear.

Soon, Esyn was surrounded, the center of attention, with everyone congratulating her and pampering her like a queen. Her mother sat beside her, rubbing her belly, as joy filled the room. The whole pack was swept up in celebration—everyone except Heather, of course. Her irritation with Esyn hadn't faded a bit.

"Congratulations, man," Kyle said, with a faint smile. Despite his serious expression, he was genuinely happy for his sister as he congratulated Derion on becoming a father.

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"Thanks." Derion accepted the gesture. Both men stood quietly, watching Esyn bask in her happiness.

"So, when are you going to man up?" Derion asked, raising a brow at Kyle.

"What do you mean?" Kyle took a sip of his scotch, keeping his gaze on the crowd.

"You know exactly what I mean. Stop acting like a child and bring her back. Grow up a bit." Derion patted Kyle's shoulder before walking away.

"Who does he think he is? I'm only letting him off because he's married to my sister," Kyle muttered, though he knew Derion was simply being a friend—the only close one he had besides his sister, not that he'd ever admit it.

"Where's my gift?" Esyn approached Kyle, extending her hand expectantly.

"Is this a baby shower or something? Why do you need a gift?" Kyle huffed, moving his drink away from her.

"Everyone's giving me something. You're my brother, isn't it your responsibility to give me something, too?" Esyn rolled her eyes, folding her arms.

"Fine. What do you want?" Kyle sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Esyn dared him with a smirk.

Kyle scowled. "What is it? Just tell me."

"I dare you to bring your mate." She poked his chest, grinning widely as Kyle's face fell, his expression growing serious as he thought of Ashlee.

"See, I knew you couldn't do it," Esyn taunted, triggering him even more.

"There's nothing I can't do," Kyle growled before storming back to his study. Esyn chuckled, rejoining Derion, who'd been watching from afar.

"What did you do now, love?" Derion asked, holding her hand as she bounced with excitement.

"Just gave him a push, like you wanted." She grinned, poking out her tongue. Derion cupped her face, chuckling, and kissed her forehead.

Kyle tried to see Ashlee but couldn't get through it. So he waited for dawn when everyone would be resting, planning to sneak out without needing to explain his whereabouts.

Time passed as he worked through paperwork and enemy reports, waiting for nightfall. By nine, the night was dark with no moon—a perfect time for him to go without fear of losing control.

Excitement mixed with worry as he left, eager to see Ashlee yet uncertain of what he would say.

He soon reached her home, scanning the area for anything unusual but finding none. Moving to her window, he spotted her sitting at her study table, looking at the ceiling and murmuring to herself. Hidden, he strained to catch what she was saying.

"Why would someone like me be liked by someone so mature?" she murmured, absently waving her hand in the air.

'Who is liked by whom?' Kyle clenched his jaw, focusing on her words.

"Was he even in his right mind telling me that? Am I being crazy? Maybe he just meant it as a teacher. Of course, every teacher tells their students they like them. I'm just overthinking." She continued loudly, as if convincing herself.

'Did someone confess to her?' Kyle's jaw tightened as irritation bubbled.

"Then why would he take me to an empty classroom just to say he likes me?" she groaned, ruffling her hair in frustration.

'He took her where?' That was the final straw. Kyle couldn't contain himself and knocked on her window, catching her attention.

Ashlee rubbed her eyes, cursing under her breath when she realized it was really him. What on earth was he doing here after all these days?

"What the hell do you want?" she whispered loudly, annoyed, without opening the window.

"Open. Now!" Kyle demanded, his Alpha authority and jealousy seeping through.

"No! Go back." Ashlee refused without hesitation. While others feared him, she wasn't intimidated in the least.

"I said open it, or I'll ring your doorbell," Kyle threatened, giving her a daring look. With a sigh, Ashlee relented, unlocking the window.

Kyle entered immediately, making Ashlee stumble as she stepped back. She blinked as he kept advancing.

"Why are you here now? What do you want?" she demanded, expecting a straightforward answer.

"That's for later. First, tell me who took you into an empty classroom?" Kyle's eyes locked on hers, his voice a low demand.

"Wha... What?" Ashlee squinted, baffled. How did he know?

"I heard everything you just said. Now, tell me who it was," he insisted, his tone firmer.

"How?" Ashlee blinked, then brushed it off. "It's none of your business, anyway." She shrugged.

"It's all my business. Now, are you going to tell me, or should I make you?" He dared her to stay silent, and she gulped, speechless, unable to form a response.