Chapter Eighty-Four
Axe, look at this,” I shout. Axe's loud footsteps rush to the room.
“He's walking.” Axe grins.
We watch as Cash takes slow wobbly steps around the living room. I make sure I film it.
“He's getting too big already,” I say sadly, missing my baby who was always in my arms. Now that he can walk, he's going to be running and I'll be chasing.
“Aw you miss him being a baby.” Axe kneels down to where I am on the floor and wraps his arms around me. “Wait till he starts talking.”
“I don't want him to grow up,” I mumble.
“Elora, he's not even one yet. Stop overreacting,” Axe says.
“Shut up. Mothers are different. We want our babies to stay babies. Fathers can't wait till their sons grow up.”
“That's because we get a guy to hang out with that looks up to us,” Axe says.
“Cash, come to mummy.”
I open my arms for him but he just continues to wander around the living room. I just want to scoop him up but I shouldn't interfere with him walking for the first time.
There's a knock at the door and Axe answers it. Ryleigh walks in and sits down.
“He's already walking,” Ryleigh says, stunned. “Isn't it too soon?”
“He's a wolf,” I say, just as Axe says, “he's an alpha's son.”
“How are you and Dash?” I ask.
“We're good. I think he's consumed by this pregnancy. I'm not even showing yet his hand is always on my belly,” Ryleigh says.
“He can sense his pup in there. He's just going to get more protective,” Axe says.
“I think you mean possessive. Like damn, you wouldn't leave me alone,” I say, remembering Axe's constant presence.
“I let you go on a weekend trip. I don't think that's possessive.” Axe gives me a pointed look.
“That's the one time you weren't possessive because I was angry.”
“Well, I'm getting morning sickness. Any advice?” Ryleigh asks.
“Stay home?” I suggest.
“I have work.”
“Quit,” Axe says like it's so simple.
Male wolves just seem to think they'll take care of everything. Ryleigh is a human, though, so she isn't going to quit.
“Make a journal of the time you get morning sickness so you can work around it,” I tell her.
“Yeah, I'm just freaked out by this whole thing. I didn't think I'd have a baby until after marriage.”
“Trust me, Dash is the sweetest man to exist. Anything you need, he'll be there,” I assure her.
“Sweeter than me?” Axe asks.
“Umm yes.”
I don't know if he's being serious. No one would describe Axe as sweet. He's been kind to me but if someone had to describe him, they would use the word powerful or dangerous.
“I can be sweet.” Axe pouts.
“Only to me,” I say.
“Well, you're the only person I should be sweet for,” he says factually.
“Whereas Dash is sweet to everyone,” I point out.
“No, Dash is only sweet to women who mean something to him, hence Ryleigh, you, my sister, his mother.”
“What if I have a girl?” Ryleigh asks, her brows furrowed.
“So?” Axe draws out.
“Well, I know Dash is hoping for a boy. And from what I've heard from Olly, male wolves like their first born to be a son.”
“No, it's mainly alphas that want a son first because a son will take over being alpha. Alphas don't want a daughter first because when she meets her mate, he will become alpha. Who knows who the fuck her mate will be? That's why sons are just easier to take over being alpha,” Axe explains.
“Oh, I thought it was more about sexist bullshit,” I say.
“Possibly, but think about it. If we had a daughter first, whoever her mate turned out to be would take the alpha position.
If he wasn't from this pack, or if he was a rogue, he would gain the power to change this pack how he saw fit.
Since we had a son, he'll grow up with my values, so he'll just carry on the leadership like I did.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
The door opens and Dash walks in, visibly relaxing when he sees Ryleigh.
“Why didn't you tell me you were going somewhere?” He sits next to her.
“Jeez, I'm really going to be on a leash for this pregnancy, aren't I?” Ryleigh groans.
“No, but...”
“I should have you on a leash. You're technically a dog,” Ryleigh mutters. I burst out laughing while Dash stares at her dumbfounded.
***
I wake up and see Axe is already out of the bed.
I sit up and see Cash isn't in his cot. That gives me time to relax.
I want to stay in bed but then my stomach flips so I go to the bathroom and lean over the toilet.
I clutch onto the toilet seat until I finish.
My forehead is clammy. Ugh, what the fuck?
I stand up and brush my teeth and splash my face.
What did I eat? My stomach is still sensitive so I go back to bed.
I know I've been running myself off my feet with Cash, and Olly's wedding.
I close my eyes, figuring rest will help my exhaustion.
“Elora.” Axe walks in holding Cash. “Why are you still in bed? It's twelve.”
“I think I'm getting sick.”
“Oh, are you okay?” His eyes show concern.
“Yeah, probably just overdoing it.”
“Well, I'll keep Cash in the guest room in case you're contagious. Do you need anything?”
“No, but that's a good idea. We should be moving Cash out of our room at this stage.”
“I'll invite Dash to move the cot. You rest, honey.” Axe leans over and kisses my forehead. “You're sweating. I'll get you a wet cloth.”
“Thank you.”
Axe gets me a wet cloth and puts it over my forehead and then leaves the room. Dash comes in shortly after and moves the cot, checking to see if I'm all right, then I'm alone for the day, so I sleep.