(Florian’s POV)
The morning sunlight filtered through our territory den windows as I watched Audrey prepare for another consultation session. At seven months pregnant with twins, her movements had become more deliberate and careful, but she refused to slow down her healing work.
“You’re staring again,” she said without looking up from her herb preparations.
“I’m observing,” I corrected, moving closer to inspect her breakfast plate. “Making sure you ate enough protein this morning.
“Florian,” she laughed, turning to face me with that exasperated fondness I had grown to love. “I’m pregnant, not made of glass.”
I reached for the honey cake on her plate, taking a small bite to test it. “Just making sure the baker didn’t add any questionable ingredients.”
“You taste-tested my lunch yesterday too,” she pointed out. “And my dinner the night before that.”
“Security protocols,” I said seriously. “These pups are precious cargo.”
Audrey shook her head, but I could see the affection in her emerald eyes. The truth was, I couldn’t help myself. Every day brought new protective instincts I didn’t know I possessed.
Every client consultation required pre-screening for potential threats. Every territory trip needed additional security measures. I found myself checking on her constantly throughout each day.
“Sarah’s bringing three new apprentice healers this afternoon,” Audrey said, settling into her favorite chair with visible relief. “I want to observe their formulation techniques.”
“I’ve already had Beta Kael run background checks on all three,” I admitted.
“Of course you have.”
“One of them has a cousin who once worked for Nathan Snowfang’s distant relatives,” I explained defensively. “We can’t be too careful.”
Audrey reached for my hand, squeezing gently. “Our daughters are safe, Florian. They’re surrounded by pack protection and family love.”
“Daughters,” I repeated softly, still marveling at the word.
Dr. Moonhowl had confirmed the twins’ genders last month. Two little girls who would carry the Stormhowl name and inherit their mother’s healing gifts.
“Have you given any more thought to names?” I asked, settling into the chair beside her.
“I keep coming back to Grace and Hope,” she said, her hand moving to her rounded belly. “After everything we’ve survived to get here.”
“Grace and Hope Stormhowl,” I tested the names aloud. “They’re perfect.”
A knock at our front door interrupted the peaceful morning moment. I rose immediately, instinctively positioning myself between Audrey and any potential threat.
“Expecting someone?” I asked.
“Leo was supposed to arrive for his preparation duties,” Audrey said with a smile.
I opened the door to find not only Leo but also a delivery wolf carrying an enormous package wrapped in silver ceremonial paper.
“Special delivery for Luna Stormhowl,” the messenger announced. “From the Eastern Coastal Pack Alliance.”
Leo bounced excitedly beside the delivery wolf. “Another present for my cousin sisters! This is the biggest one yet!”
The gifts had been arriving daily for weeks. Word of our pregnancy had spread throughout the werewolf community, and pack allies were sending everything from traditional blessing charms to the most advanced pup care equipment available.
“Where should we put this one?” I asked, accepting the massive package.
“The nursery is completely full,” Audrey said, struggling to rise from her chair. “We might need to convert another room for storage.”
I helped her up carefully, noting how she favored her lower back. Dr. Moonhowl had warned us that twin pregnancies caused additional physical strain.
“Uncle Florian,” Leo announced importantly, “Great-grandfather Wolfgang is here!”
My grandfather emerged from his territory vehicle with his usual commanding presence. Wolfgang Stormhowl had traveled specifically from the Northern Territories to oversee nursery construction preparations.
“My grandson’s offspring deserve the finest accommodations,” he declared, embracing me with rare emotional warmth.” I’ve brought craftsmen from our ancestral territories.”
“Grandfather, that’s incredibly generous, but-“
“No arguments,” Wolfgang interrupted firmly. “This nursery will be a masterpiece worthy of future Stormhowl Alphas.”
He turned to Audrey with gentle respect. “How are you feeling, granddaughter?”
“Honored by your attention and slightly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” she replied honestly.
“Good. My great-granddaughters should be overwhelmed with love from the moment they arrive.”
Leo tugged at my grandfather’s formal coat. “Great-great-grandfather Wolfgang, I’m the Chief Preparation Officer for the babies. Want to see my progress reports?”
Wolfgang’s stern expression softened as he looked down at the earnest eight-year-old. “Report, young officer.”
Leo straightened with military precision. “I’ve interviewed twelve potential pack nannies using my comprehensive questionnaire. Only three passed the initial screening.”
“Excellent work. What were your primary evaluation criteria?”
“First, they had to know proper lullaby techniques,” Leo explained seriously. “The babies need to learn correct pack songs from birth. I can’t let them grow up musically ignorant.”
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