My Claimed Mermaid Queen

Chapter Four

Alpha Nate

After Ayla was asleep in our bed, I made my way to the office. I still can’t believe she is pregnant. And with everything going on, I needed to make her and our child my number one priority.

“Alpha Nate, I thought you’d be with the princess,” Ryan greeted me. He was coming out of Xander’s office, which was across from mine.

I motioned for him to enter my office and I closed the door behind us. I needed to call Xander and I needed Ryan to always be with Ayla if myself or Xander weren’t with her.

“Sir, is everything okay?” He questioned as I leaned against my desk.

“I need to call Xander,” I breathed out before pulling out my phone. I dialed and put it on speaker so Ryan could hear.

“Nate, I’m almost there.” He answered the phone.

“Xander, something has come up here, how fast do you think you can have this handled at get back here?’ I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose. I was excited but also terrified. And guilty for everything that had happened to her. She’s been growing my pup.

“Nate, where’s Ayla?” He retorted.

“She’s resting. She’s pregnant.” I said, and they both gasped.

“Nate, I don’t understand, she just claimed you?”

“I needed you to call your mom and ask her to come here. The ultrasound is showing eight weeks, and it would be six in wolf weeks. How long are mermaid pregnancies?”

“Twenty-five, sir,” Ryan answered.

“Wolves are thirty,” I told them.

“Nate, keep her safe and I will have my mother there by tomorrow. I should be back in a few days. In the mean time, don’t go anywhere. I don’t know how real this threat is. And if the ultrasound is correct, she was pregnant during everything she endured.” He sighed.

“I already feel guilty enough. I just want to know how the hell this could happen. She told me she had her period after the first full moon we were together.” I asked him.

“I don’t know, Nate. She is both a wolf and a mermaid. Everything about her is new, but hopefully, my mom can give you more answers. I’ll see you in a few days. And remember, give her chocolate,” he ended the call.

“Sir, congratulations,” Ryan said, as I flopped back in my seat.

“Thanks, Ryan. I need you to watch over her while I’m working and Xander is away. I don’t trust her safety to just anyone. And I know her being in the ocean will help with morning sickness. Also, don’t say anything to anyone about this.” I told him.

“I will keep her safe.”

“Good, go up to the alpha floor, I have some work to finish here.” He gave me a nod before leaving my office.

“Why are you not happy?” Duke chimed in.

“I am happy. I’m so happy, but I must keep her and our child safe. I can’t celebrate just yet. As soon as we have a foolproof plan, then I will celebrate.” I assured him.

“I know you are worried, but our mate is strong. She endured so much and our pup is still there, growing big. Enjoy this moment with her,” he said before retreading.

I linked my wolf beta and gamma, knowing Duke was right. Ayla and I are having a baby. This is one of the happiest days of my life and I should be sharing it with her. And if she’s with me, she is safe.

Once they were in my office, I explained their Luna wasn’t feeling good, and that I was going to go take care of her. I left them with a mountain of paperwork, and I've already put my alpha duties on hold for longer than I should have, but everything can wait until tomorrow.

I stopped by the kitchen and got us some lunch before I made my way up to the alpha floor. I asked Ryan to go help the others while I was with Ayla. But I would link him when she wanted to go to the ocean for a swim. That’s the one place I need to get better at protecting my mate.

I placed the tray down on our dining table before heading into our bedroom.

“I’m surprised you’re awake,” I said, walking over to the bed. Ayla was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling.

“I think I’m hungry but then when I try to move I feel like I’m going to be sick, so here I am,” she sighed. I laid down on my side beside her.

“I brought us some lunch and I took the rest of the day off,” I told her. She looked at me and smiled.

“Thank you, Nate,” she reached out and caressed my cheek. I leaned into her warm touch.

“I should have stayed with you, but I need to keep you and our child safe.” I moved closer and rested a hand on her lower belly.

“I know. I want you to know that keeping our child safe is my number one priority. And if that means staying in the pack house until they are born, then that’s what I’ll do,” she promised, kissing my cheek again. I moved to peck her lips.

“Thank you for keeping our surprise baby safe,” I smiled as I wrapped her in my arms.

“Surprise baby is hungry, and I’m hoping a swim will help with the sickness.” She sighed.

“Come, try and eat something. If you can’t, we will go down to the beach and have a picnic.” I helped her to sit up and she covered her mouth.

“In a minute,” she mumbled before rushing to the bathroom.