Cayden was going through the pending paperwork when he heard a soft knock on the door. He didn't need to know who it was.
"Come on in!" He yelled out nonchalantly.
Selena walked in, smiling at him. Cayden's face lit up when he saw his mate.
Hey, what's up?" Selena approached him and said, "I just wanted to check in and see how your day is going. I brought you a coffee." Cayden gratefully accepted the coffee, appreciating Selena's thoughtfulness.
"You aren't having anything?" Cayden asked.
Selena shook her head and replied, "No, I can't stand the smell of coffee. I just wanted to make sure you were fuelled for the day." Cayden smiled at her and took a sip of his coffee, feeling grateful for Selena's presence in his life. It seemed unreal to have a casual day and a casual conversation with his mate. They had been through so much together, and now they could finally enjoy some peace and normalcy. Cayden couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that Selena was by his side and that their pack was thriving under their leadership. He couldn't have asked for anything more at that moment.
"So how was your day?" Cayden asked while pulling Selena into his lap. Selena smiled, leaning into Cayden's embrace. "It was actually quite eventful," she replied, her voice filled with excitement.
"I had a pleasant time with the girls and Max in the common room. They are planning something."
Cayden raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Selena's words. "Planning something? What could it be?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. Selena chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm not sure yet, but they seemed pretty excited about it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see," she replied playfully.
"Oh! and the pack wants a party." Cayden's eyes widened with anticipation. "A party? That sounds like a great idea! It'll be a perfect opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy each other's company," he exclaimed, kissing her cheeks.
They talked for some time about their lives, their future, and the party.
"Dr. Colin has said he will do my first ultrasound tomorrow." Selena said it excitedly.
Cayden's face lit up with joy. "That's amazing news, Selena! I can't wait to see our little one on the screen," he said, placing a gentle hand on her growing belly. The anticipation of seeing their baby for the first time filled them both with a sense of overwhelming happiness and love. Wolf pregnancies lasted 6 months, and Selena was approximately 8 weeks along, so they still had a few more months to prepare for their new arrival.
"We should start planning the nursery." Selena nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've already started looking at nursery themes and colours. Let's also think about getting some baby essentials like a crib, a changing table, and maybe even some cute wall decorations. We can start making a list of everything we need to ensure we're fully prepared when the time comes."
Cayden smiled at her enthusiasm and reached out to hold her hand.
"You can do whatever you wish. I trust your taste and know that you'll create the perfect space for our little one. " He leant in and kissed her forehead, feeling grateful for the journey they were about to embark on together.
Another knock on the door broke their happy reverie, and Cayden looked up.
"Damm it, I forgot Thalia and Ruben were supposed to arrive."
"Oh! I will leave then." Selena said, and she got up from his lap.
Cayden shook his head, realising his mistake. "No, no, please stay. I want you to meet them too," he said.
He quickly glanced at the clock and realised they were running late. Cayden rushed to open the door, excited to welcome their friends.
"Oh, hi Selena!" Thalia said. "Nice to see you again."
Selena smiled and greeted Thalia warmly, saying, "It's great to see you, too! I'm glad I didn't miss the chance to meet you and Ruben." Cayden ushered them inside, apologising for the delay: "Sorry about the mix-up earlier. We were just caught up in our conversation. Please make yourselves comfortable."
They all settled down on the cushy sofas, and Thalia updated Cayden about the formation of the new wolf council.
Cayden listened attentively, nodding in understanding. "I'm glad to hear that progress is being made. It's important for the packs to have strong leadership."
"Cayden, there is one more thing."
"What's this about, Thalia?" Cayden asked.
Thalia's voice was steady; each word weighed with the gravity of their mission. "We're going to visit the oldest oracle, Nicholas, in the Dark Moon Pack."
Cayden's eyebrows furrowed, and his curiosity piqued.
"Nicholas? Why?"
Thalia exchanged a glance with Ruben before continuing.
"Nicholas is rumoured to possess knowledge that goes beyond our understanding. We need answers, Cayden. Answers about Jennifer and her connection with Hawk."
Cayden's eyes narrowed, a flicker of understanding lighting up his features. Selena leans forwards, her voice filled with urgency. "You think the oracle can tell us how to sever that connection?"
Thalia's gaze bore into Selena's, her voice holding an urgency that matched the weight of their predicament.
"Yes, and perhaps provide us with a way to eliminate Hawk without harming Jennifer."
Cayden's fingers drummed thoughtfully against the arm of his chair. The tension in the room was palpable.
"If there's a chance that Nicholas holds the answers we seek, then we must go."
Thalia's shoulders relaxed; the weight of the decision was shared between them.
"That's not all, Cayden. We need to hurry. Jennifer's safety hangs in the balance, and every moment counts."
"Mum insists she doesn't feel any connection with dad. Do you think it's already severed?"
Ruben furrowed his brow, contemplating Selena's question. "It's hard to say for sure," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "That is why we are going to visit the oracle tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Cayden asked. "What about the security of the prisoners?"
Ruben paused, his eyes narrowing with concern. "We'll have to trust that the security measures we've put in place will hold for one more day," he said, his tone filled with determination.