The Mark of Betrayal (by Cooper) novel Chapter 71

Samara

Movie night was much needed. Slade stayed attached to Roman like he was a suckerfish until he finally fell asleep and Sloane was nearly the same with me. She pressed her body so close to mine that I’m pretty sure air molecules couldn’t pass between

us.

But they needed it. It was important. And while it didn’t seem like Sloane was really watching the movie, I kept an arm wrapped around her, alternating between hugging her and rubbing her head while we ate popcorn and drank sodas.

Pierce kept up a low-level purr to help Slade relax and even after he fell asleep, Roman continued to rub his back and Pierce continued to purr at him.

Sloane fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. Since she also seemed restless even in sleep, Roman and I stayed on the couch long after the movie ended, letting both of our children fall deeper into sleep.

When Aria started to stir, Roman took Slade to bed, but I stayed with Sloane. Ayla purred at her, keeping her asleep, but I know Sloane’s struggling. Even in sleep she’s restless.

I continued to hold her while Roman fed, burped, and changed Aria, then I carried her to her bed and tucked her in. “Sleep well, beautiful,” I whisper in her ear before leaving her. It’s one of the first nights that she and Scarlet haven’t been together. But between us being gone and our Betas leaving tomorrow to take over my family’s pack, both our families needed some together time.

As tired as we both are, my mate and I still want our time together, to connect, to confirm our love, and to strengthen our bond.

In the morning, Roman once again wakes me in the best possible way before heading out to warrior training.

“After breakfast, we have a date with a doctor,” he says, his grin so wide I’m surprised it doesn’t split his face. He’s sitting on the edge of the bed as we talk.

“Let me guess, you’re hoping it’s a boy,” I say.

“What I’m hoping for is a healthy baby that I get to watch grow in my mate’s stomach, that I’ll get to feel kicking me like the Alpha pup he or she is, and that one day, I’ll get to hold in my arms like I am with Aria,” he says.

I sit up, putting myself at his level. “And THAT is just one more reason why I love you,” I say to him, taking his mouth in a dominant kiss.

He growls possessively, taking control of the kiss and pushing me back on the bed, dominating my mouth thoroughly before releasing me.

“I’ll be finishing that later,” he growls.

“As always, I can’t wait,” I say.

I get up and shower and I’ve just gotten dressed when I hear Slade moving around on the baby monitor that we have in his

room.

I go get him ready for the day and then get Aria before heading downstairs. As soon as Slade sees Roman, he takes off running. Roman scoops him up easily, coming over to kiss me and Aria before taking Slade to get breakfast.

“Sloane?” I ask.

“Still out running,” he says.

Rather than get food, I decide to drop Aria off at daycare and then go wait for Sloane. I’ve just returned to the dining hall when she comes in, pouring in sweat and panting like she’s about to pass out.

“How far today, Sloane?” Roman asks her.

“Twelve miles,” she pants.

“She’s not exaggerating Alpha. I was on patrol this morning and we saw the young Alpha pushing herself hard,” one of our warriors says.

She smiles at him appreciatively before coming over to me.

“Ready for breakfast?” I ask her.

“Water first,” she says, getting a bottle and chugging it down in less than a minute. Her eyes look glassy when she’s done, then she looks at me. “Ready.”

As we walk through the buffet line to get our food, I look at her. “Ready to go to the doctor’s appointment with us today?”

She smiles at me. “Is it still okay that I go?”

“Of course. You’re family.”

Her smile wavers, but she still nods.

“Your uncle is sitting with the Betas. Scarlet’s family is leaving today. Do you think she’ll be okay hanging out on our floor this week until we take them to the new pack?” I ask.

“She’ll be fine. Do I have to go next weekend?”

I realize that going back to my family’s pack holds more pain for Sloane right now than it does for me.

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