"A banquet for a grand celebration?" Sophie's brows furrowed. "Grand celebration for what? Aren't you supposed to be busy?"
They were amidst war. That was the reason Sophie wanted to convince Axel. So, she could be released from Axel's orders to keep her inside the lair, and go back to what she was doing. To practice. To continue with her progress.
"Sophie, I called a physician to check you up when you were sleeping." The Alpha caressed her back, looking down at her with honest affection. "I learned the reason why you were unwell."
"Isn't that fatigue? I overdid the training."
"That's one thing. But the symptoms showed something else."
"What?" Sophie's forehead rumpled, curious. "Something else?"
Sophie had been working really hard to make progress. To make sure she could get herself acknowledged by the Elders, she chose a befitting tight schedule, thinking it was a way to fasten the results. But what she got after a few days of practicing was fatigue. Although the practice did not require physical efforts, it still took a toll on her. Mentally and Spiritually. The constant practice of healing was draining something inside her. Something she was not sure what, since she lacked knowledge and experience.
At some point, Sophie knew it was the reason. So, when she fell ill, she immediately thought it was because of the training. Luckily, a whole day of rest was what it only took. Had the fever stayed, she would have little chance to continue because, surely, Axel would not allow her.
"Axel?" Sophie called the Alpha, who looked captivated. "I recognize that look. But I just got better--"
"You're pregnant..." From Sophie's back, Axel's right hand slid into her stomach. He looked down as his eyes followed his hand's movement. "You're carrying my child inside your womb, Sophie."
Carrying his child? Sophie's mouth hung open. For a moment, she was speechless. Her face reflected perplexity, as she tried to determine whether the Alpha's declaim was a bluff, an assumption, or the simple truth. Because what were the odds?
"I'm..." Sophie tilted her head, still in the process of understanding what she had just heard. "I'm pregnant?"
Sophie did not know if this was a dream, or whether Axel had suddenly turned into a wolf capable of cracking a joke. Pregnant? He said she was pregnant? How was that even possible? Weren't the headaches and drowsiness just the side effects of using too much of her prowess?
Axel smiled at her warmly. The kind of smile she rarely ever saw on Axel's lips. She had seen him smile from every angle, for different reasons, but this one had a genuine sense that she had never seen before. It wasn't only happiness.
It held... gratitude. Warmth. The feeling of finally having something he had long wished for...
"I...." Sophie's lips trembled. "I'm pregnant?"
"You are..." With Axel's left hand, he tucked the few strands of Sophie's hair behind her ear. Allowing himself to get a better look at Sophie's bare face. He afterwards caressed her cheek, worshiping her features with his gaze. "You have no idea how much your pregnancy made me happy, Sophie."
Axel's tamed look. His tone. The way his hands would softly touch her. Sophie felt like she had seen an unbelievable creature, as she fully understood the news Axel had just told her. This wasn't a dream. She really was pregnant!
Sophie felt her knees weaken with joy. Her eyes immediately displayed an incredulous look. She felt immensely moved. She was pregnant. Sophie repeated the same phrase in her mind over and over again. Still stunned by the fact that inside her womb was a baby she and Axel had... made.
Sophie drew a deep breath. "Is that really true?"
"Mr. Roce confirmed it, Sophie."
The Alpha's wish had been heard.
Sophie felt as if her heart jumped. She carefully laid her eyes on Axel, whose eyes radiated serenity. He had such calmness in his eyes. Sophie knew it was something Axel had long wished for, even before they got together. A child. An heir. One he could call his own flesh and blood.
"I'm so... happy." Sophie gripped tighter at Axel's arms. "But why do I have to be the last wolf to know?"
Before he informed her about this, he said he was going to throw a celebration. Which meant the others were already aware. And if he came from the base, that must have meant he had already announced it.
Sophie's shoulders slumped down, before she threw a light punch at the Alpha's shoulder. She had regained her composure. But still held captive by the aftershock.
The Alpha stayed with Sophie after he had informed her about her pregnancy. He intended to stay with her until nightfall, as he had already told his beta to prepare the banquet. Many were going to help, since the training of both healers and warriors was both on hold. On top of that, he proposed a deal where those who would contribute big time would be rewarded.
The Alpha spent his time attending to Sophie's needs. He relieved Flora of her duties to be the one to watch over the pregnant Luna. It was his first time, so he was enthusiastic.
They talked about how it was going to be after the banquet. How the Alpha intended to make Sophie stop her training. Sophie was against it. But the Alpha had a point. If she won't be careful to her actions, she might put both herself and the baby in danger. Sophie had to make a choice, and she chose the better option.
To keep her and their baby safe.
However, in return, Sophie asked for a favor. Sophie asked the Alpha to grant her sister and aunt permission to live in the Palace. She figured the Alpha would be busy after the banquet, so she'd have to be alone with Flora again. Not that it was an issue, since Flora was good company. But whilst he would be busy with his responsibilities, Sophie wanted to be with her relatives. Especially when she was pregnant.
"Whatever you want is fine, Sophie." The Alpha gave Sophie a soft kiss on top of her head. Hugging her body and feeling her warmth. "You don't need to ask permission. Just tell me when so I can inform Hansel."
"Hansel?" Sophie looked up to him. "Isn't he joining the war?"
"He is. But while Hugo is still not here, he will attend to your needs."
"Is Hugo coming back?"
Sophie hadn't heard of that name for a while. Hugo. He was a good friend of Axel's. He was very nice and trusting, if she was to describe him. Like Flora, Hugo also lived in the Palace. But he suddenly disappeared before her crowning. He hadn't really asked Axel why, but there was one time she heard him talking about Hugo with a beta who was in charge of transmission and communication outside the Palace.
Sophie might not know what it was for, but she was certain Axel had sent him out.
"Hmm." Axel nodded his head. "But it's unfortunate both he and Efraim won't be able to join us this evening."
"We can just celebrate again... but only after the war."