Nikolai rolled over in the sheets, reaching out to see if Elle still lay next to him. When his strong fingers grazed her soft ones, he pulled her closer, snuggling into her and smelling her hair. Although they had only been together for about three years, Nikolai could still feel the love he had for her raging in his blood.
Some members of the pack had grunted in disapproval when they had gotten married as he hadn't even imprinted his mark on her. At first, Nikolai had believed it would happen as soon as he was sure she was his soul mate. But when months passed and nothing had happened, the reality that she was not his mate began to seep in.
Elle had been heartbroken and thought it best to break off their relationship but Nikolai would hear no such thing. Yes she wasn't his mate, but he really didn't care. He loved her with all he had in him and that was all that mattered.
Unable to stop himself he leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the cheek, rousing her from sleep. After a while of blinking herself awake, Elle opened her eyes. "Hey," she stage whispered. "Thank you for waking me. I haven't slept all night, it was refreshing," She smiled, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Nikolai smirked, giving a small shrug. "It was the least I could do."
Elle nudged him in the ribs, laughing.
"Why couldn't you sleep though?" He asked, concern quickly taking over his countenance.
Elle rolled over, downing some water from the bottle she always kept on her besides table. "Remember I told you I'd been feeling sick for a while."
Nikolai's frown deepened. He remembered that Elle had been complaining of not feeling well for a while now. "We'll have to see the doctor today," he decided, grabbing her and unleashing kisses to every part of her face with the intent of making her laugh.
It worked the magic as Elle squealed, laughing and trying to break free from his grip. "I booked an appointment already, baby." She reminded him.
"Good. Now all we have to do is take a shower and prepare for the day," Nikolai said, a look of innocence playing in his eyes.
Elle narrowed her eyes, looking her husband over suspiciously. "Since when do you let me get out of bed this early?"
Nikolai shrugged.
"We're just taking a shower," Elle deadpanned. "Just a shower."
Nikolai smirked, deliberately fondling her full hips as he placed her on his lap and whispered into her ears. "If you say so, Mrs Slade."
Elle only laughed, snuggling into him as they began to discuss their plans for the day.
***
Elle watched in amusement as Nikolai tugged on her shirt for the millionth time today. "I'm really going to be a father?" His voice was high pitched than usual and seeing just how excited he was warmed Elle's heart. Nikolai usually had on a tough exterior which he put on display for everyone except her, so seeing him openly show this much emotion even in front of the doctor was surreal.
Elle nodded in reply, nudging his arm. "Watch the road," She joked. Nikolai laughed, excitement making his face flush.
"I'm going to be a dad. With twins?!" He asked once again, a huge grin creeping into his face. All of a sudden a look of alarm was visible on his face. "Baby, shit. This is real. What am I gonna do? We'll need to get diapers and stuff and a cot." He paused thoughtfully. "I can make a very nice cot with my own hands but I'd need to make two, which means I'd have to start as early as possible and I don't really—"
"Nikolai Slade!" Elle nearly choked with laughter. "Calm down for one fuc—fudging second."
They exchanged looks and Nikolai bellowed with laughter. "I'm not allowed to swear in front of the kids now," She defended, running a hand over her stomach.
The car filled with laughter for a while as Nikolai squeezed his wife's small hand. He knew it wasn't easy for her. But he would be by her side the entire time.
As Nikolai drove through a bend in the road, he suddenly hit the brakes, lurching the car to a stop. As he looked over at Elle who still held a hand to her chest in fright, fury raged through him. Kicking the car door open, he gazed toward the cause of disturbance; an older man whom he recognized as Jonas Verbeck. Jonas was the alpha of the Monhowl pack; the most brutal pack of wolves he'd ever come across and a rival pack of his own pack, Selene. Jonas had always sought instances to get into a fight with Nikolai as he had sworn to take over the title of the most powerful alpha.
"What the hell," Nikolai growled, getting to where Jonas stood in a few seconds, and grappling him by the neck. Jonas only laughed, raising two fingers in some kind of signal. Infuriated, Nikolai landed a blow to his cheek. He was confused as to why Jonas was chuckling hysterically. Until he saw why.
From behind the surrounding bushes, Nikolai saw about eight other werewolves emerge. His heart stopped when he saw three others emerge from behind his car and toward the passenger seat where Elle sat.
All of this was planned out, he realized with a sinking heart. How hadn't he been aware of their movements being watched? He'd been so excited for the news that he hadn't been paying attention to anything else.