The Guardian Wolf And Her Alpha Mate
The Blessed Ones – A Blessing Or A Curse? Chapter 35

Jax POV:

I wake up early, as the first rays of the morning light begin to filter through our curtains. Looking down, I see Nova still sleeping as her long hair fans out on the pillow behind her, her warm breaths even against my chest. "So perfect" Zeus purrs as his chest puffs out in Alpha pride, the both of us still basking in the joy of knowing our mate is pregnant with our pup.

Checking the time, I see its approaching 6am, the time we agreed we needed to be up for. First on our agenda was visiting the pack hospital, Laurence had linked me last night after we had shared our news saying he had agreed with Dr Norton for us to go in early so Nova could have a check up before we visited Lizzie. But first, we had to replace Alex and Ophelia. They had been noticeably absent last night, I presume it was because they were perhaps visiting the witches and spending some much needed time together while our pack gathered for the burnings. I couldn't fault them for either, after all Alex still has his pack back home to think about, although its in safe hands I'm well aware of how involved both his mate and himself are despite the distance.

"Nova love" I whisper as I gently kiss her forehead. "I hate to wake you, but we have to get ready. We have our hospital appointment remember."

With that, her eyes fly open as a wide smile spreads across her face. "Our pup" she whispers, her voice hoarse from sleep as she stretches adorably. Seeing the swell of her breasts peak above the sheet, my breath hitches as I struggle tearing my eyes away. "Did you not get your fill last night?" Nova teases as she peaks up at me through her lashes.

Breathing out slowly, I force my eyes to look away as I ignore the throbbing of my hardened member. "I'll never get enough" I answer gruffly as I gently remove my arm from under her head and swing my legs off of the side of the bed. "If I didn't know you were so tired and we didn't have such a busy day, I would most definitely be keeping you busy in the bed a while longer." I chuckle as I turn and give her a cheeky wink, loving the way her cheeks still flush lightly from my words.

"Don't give me ideas" she whispers quietly as I smell the whiff of her arousal.

Stiffening, I turn to her with darkened eyes, "Nova" I growl.

"You're not helping."

"I'm sorry," she whimpers. "It's pregnancy hormones, I've heard all about them. I'll go get ready."

"Temptress," I mutter playfully as she giggles before gracefully rising from the bed.

"It's your fault" she retorts as she slips into the bathroom.

Shaking my head at her playfulness, I quickly head to the closet and get myself dressed. As I busy myself waiting for Nova, my thoughts wander back to Mila. Axton hasn't reported feeling any pains suggesting any mistreatment of her by Bruno in that manner, but it doesn't fill me with confidence that she isn't suffering elsewhere.

"Do you think we are doing the right thing, Nova?" I ask her quietly as I hear her walk into the closet behind me.

"With Mila?" She asks knowingly. Nodding at her, I wait for her to reply as she pulls on a pair of leggings and a relaxed jumper. "I don't know" she admits looking troubled. "I don't like the fact we aren't chasing after her, but at the same time I understand how unpredictable Bruno is. I want Mila out of danger, but I don't know how we can do it quicker without risking her."

"Yeah" I sigh as pulls my shoes on. "If you go though, surely we could just command them all or something."

"Then let's replace them, we will figure this out Jax. I still don't understand Bruno's game plan" Novas admits. "I've been thinking it over and I just can't understand a plausible reason. Everything seems a bit far fetched, even with him wanting to become the next Alpha King...is Mila necessary for that?"

Pausing as her words suddenly make my mind race, my eyes widen as I come to a realisation. "Is there any way that Bruno would know of Alex planning to put me forward as a candidate for the next Alpha King?" I ask her slowly.

Frowning as she brushes her hair, Nova looks conflicted. "I have no idea" she admits. "I mean, on paper you are a perfect candidate so I imagine that's not too hard to figure out. But the timing? Noone knew Alex was planning on stepping down before he informed Elder Martin shortly before speaking to us. that I'm aware of that is."

"You're right" I admit. "But if he did know, then perhaps the combination of Axton being her second chance mate and her being my sister is the reason."

"We could guess and guess and guess, let's figure that out once we have got Mila home" Nova says softly, her eyes sympathetic as she understands my need to understand.

Lifting my phone, I call Axel as I had sent him a text last night saying I had to tell him and Evan some exciting news.

Listening to it ring, I frown as I realise he didn't even text back last night. For a tech geek who normally has his phone glued to him whenever he's not in wolf form, that's unusual. "Ma, you awake?" I link her quietly.

"I am," she replies instantly. "Struggling to sleep these days."

Blowing a shaky breath, I pause before responding. "I know, perhaps you would fancy joining Nova and I for the check up this morning if you're up already, we are going in 45minutes?"

"I'd love to," she replies, her voice sounding more enthusiastic than previously.

"We will meet you there," I link her. "Have you heard from the twins at all? Ive seemed to miss them whenever they're free, and I'd like to tell them our news."

"Oh they said they wouldn't be free until this afternoon dear, something about helping Henry" she replies.

"Ah that explains it, well we will see you shortly ma" I chuckle.

Turning, I see my pregnant mate waiting patiently by the door, a mixture of excitement and nerves on her face. "Are you ready?" She asks eagerly.

"Let's go" I chuckle. Taking her hand, I all but drag her down the stairs, carefully still though as my protectiveness is kicking up a notch. I want to replace Alex quickly so we can get to our appointment. "Where are you?" I link Alex, happy that my ability to link anyone is coming in handy. "You better not be sleeping" I joke.

"I'm here man" his deep voice chuckles as he appears from the downstairs lounge looking tired. "I've heard your news...congratulations!"

"Thank you" Nova beams as Alex lands a kiss on her cheek before pulling me into a big hug, the happiness clear in his eyes.

"I actually was looking for you" he admits as he steps back.

"Oh yeah?" I ask intrigued.

"Yeah." he says quietly.

"So..?" I prompt.

He looks at me with an unreadable expression as I wait impatiently, when finally he opens his mouth, the words that he says take our breath away. "We have Mila"