The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 51

Cory's POV: "Me?! Pregnant?!"

I can't help but wonder what was going through Lucas' mind when he mentioned that. I mean, it could happen, but we only did it once without protection. Is it possible for me to get pregnant? This is unbelievable! "Yes, Cory."

"W-what?"

"You might be pregnant. I couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in your scent over the last few days. I thought it was just the perfume or cologne you were wearing."

"Oh. I, uh, what now?" I am at a loss for words.

"We'll wait for the doctor to confirm your situation."

"Lucas, what do we do if I really am pregnant?"

He gave me a big smile, "then, I will be the happiest alive! We'll do what we have to do, babe. You have nothing to worry about."

"Alright."

Upon my return, I noticed that the halibut had been taken away from the dining table. I must say, the absence of that pungent fishy odor is quite refreshing. I tried to eat even a small amount of food. By the time we were done with dinner, the doctor came in. "Your Majesty," she dipped her head low to give respect to the King.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Doctor Miranda. This way." Lucas warmly welcomed the doctor and ushered her into the living room.

"What can I do for you, Your Majesty?"

"Well, you see, I think my mate is pregnant." He pulled me beside him.

"Her Majesty, I am Doctor Miranda. Do you mind if I do a little check on your body?"

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Cory. And yes. I'll be in your care."

Doctor Miranda took her stethoscope with a graceful movement and gently placed it on her ear. As part of the routine check-up, she placed one end of it on my chest.

"When did you last have your menstrual period?"

"Hmm. About three weeks ago."

"Alright. Currently, it is still too early to tell, so I suggest going to the clinic after next week to check via ultrasound. It is still early to hear a heartbeat using a stethoscope. You have the symptoms, but we can't say for sure." "Alright, what time are your clinic hours?"

"I start from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon. Feel free to come through that window, Her Majesty."

"Hopefully, we'll hear a heartbeat by next week. As werewolves, our pregnancy is different from a human's. Ours are faster than humans; they must carry the child for nine months. Whereas werewolves have their pups for only 2-3 months." "Thank you, Doctor Miranda."

"The pleasure's all mine. I will take my leave for now and see you next week!"

****

Early in the morning, Lucas and I set out from the chateau to visit Doctor Miranda. Honestly, I must admit that I'm feeling quite anxious right now. If I am pregnant, I will carry the heir to the throne... the next King. Lucas couldn't contain his excitement at the possibility. I could feel his happiness radiating the whole week!

"Don't get too excited until we have the ultrasound."

"But I just can't help it! Kali is also excited about having pups!"

"You're too excited! We'll see what Doctor Miranda has to say first."

We arrived at the hospital at around 11 in the morning. The nurse asked me to fill out the patient's information first, and when I was done, she asked us to sit in the waiting area. We patiently waited a few more minutes as Doctor Miranda attended to another patient. A lot of female werewolves were here, and they took note of the fact that the King was here. We engaged in a few conversations before the nurse called us.

"Good morning, Your Majesties. Please have a seat." Doctor Miranda greeted us as we entered her office.

"Good day, Doctor Miranda."

"Like I advised last night, it would be best to have an ultrasound. So, Her Majesty, please lay on the gurney and lift your blouse just before the bra line."

I did what she instructed. Later, she turned on a machine and applied a cold gel to my belly. Then, a "scanner," or what she called a probe, was placed on my stomach. She started from the bottom and up, then left to right. Lucas was sitting beside me, holding my hand. Suddenly, we heard a faint lub-dub sound.

"Heard that, Your Majesties?"

"Y-yeah..."

"That's your baby's heartbeat. Congratulations!" I

Lub-dub...Lub-dub...Lub-dub...My, I mean, our baby's heartbeat. I-I'm pregnant! This is incredible news! We're expecting a little one! Lucas's expression was one of complete wonder and amazement as his gaze met mine. His eyes were glassy from the overwhelming feeling of knowing he would be a father.

"Cory...is, is this real? This is real, right?"

"Yes! Yes! It's all real! We're going to have a baby!"

"A baby...Oh, goddess! Thank you!"

My emotions overwhelmed me, and tears streamed down my face as the realization set in. The news was overwhelming, but I am happy! Mom, Dad, I'm going to be a mother soon! They would have been so happy if they were here. I am also thankful Hotah will be with me on this journey.

Hotah, we're going to have pups soon!

I know! I can't wait to meet them! Me too!

Lucas and I left the hospital when Doctor Miranda gave me vitamins to take, a list of dietary restrictions, whatnot, and what to do. Lucas mind-linked Silas and asked everyone to meet us in the living room of the chateau, and they were all eager to hear about the news. Ellie, Iris, and Lola opened the door for us and were already jumping in excitement.

"So...are we going to be aunts?"

"Calm down, ladies! Let Cory and my pup sit down first."

"Lucas! You just told them!"

"Oops! Sorry!"

Everyone was too stunned to speak. They stood frozen, their mouths agape in stunned silence. The room was silent, but I couldn't take it anymore. I had to break the ice.

"So, I'm pregnant. You're going to be aunts and uncles! Hooray!"

"Oh my goddess! Congratulations! We're happy for you!" Silas was the one who spoke first-then, followed by high-pitched squeals from the ladies.

"Congratulations!" Everyone said as they reached out to us for a group hug.

"Thank you, everyone!"

"When do you think we will know the gender?" Ellie asked.

"We don't know yet. I have to return to Doctor Miranda in a few weeks."

"We hope it's a girl! It will be fun to shop for cute dresses, hairpins, bows, and oh! Baby shoes!" Those three were already planning where to shop and what to buy for the pup if it's a girl. "It's funny that you're more excited than I am!"

"Well, everyone is. If it were a prince, I would personally teach him everything I know about horseback riding and sword fighting." Tommy said.

"I will be the one to teach him about war strategies and basic combat!" Silas said.

"Why, you? If there is someone who should teach the future King or Queen strategies and fighting stance, it should be me." Surprisingly, Elias was on this too.

"Alright, alright. Why not me, the father, and the King do it? That would be better, right?"

Here, I thought Lucas would be stopping them from arguing. I touched my belly and thought, Oh, little one, this will be your family. You're not even here yet, but everyone already supports and cares for you. You are one blessed pup. Not long after informing everyone, Lucas asked Alfred to fetch the vitamins I needed to take from the pharmacy. We also talked to Chef Linguini about my pregnancy.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! I will only cook the healthiest and best meals for you and the future ruler."

"Thank you, Chef! I will hang out often in the kitchen, I guess."

"You're always welcome here, Your Majesty."

Following the announcement, I swiftly made my way out of our quarters to take a much-needed break. Lucas told me he would announce the news to the council tomorrow.

"We will also have to inform your professors about this. And also Renee. We have to minimize your exposure to anything tedious and stressful."

"I can still attend my classes and help Renee somehow."

"Yes, but your priority is to take care of yourself and the pup. I can allow you to attend classes and meetings. Everything else will be done by someone else."

"That's fine with me."

He fell quiet. Lucas stood by the doorway with a thoughtful expression. I could tell he felt a mix of nervousness, worry, and excitement.

"Come here."

I lightly tapped the empty spot next to me, beckoning for him to join me. He joined me on the bed and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I took his other hand and placed it on my stomach. "You're going to be a good father. I just know it."

"And you'll be the best mother!"

"But I do hope it is a boy. How does Lucas Dacre II sound?"

I laughed at how he was already thinking of names! Oh, peanut, we're excited to meet you!