" This is what I've been trying to avoid." I turn to him and what he expresses is both concern and frustration. " It's evident that I was right, these news have made you tense."

" And you frustrated." I point out.

He sighs, running his fingers through his hair.

" I'll be fine." He says, getting off the bed.

" No you wont, until you talk it out."

He sighs once again, this time knowing that he can't avoid this.

" I don't like how involved the elders are in our business."

" They are elders, they know that none can avoid this fact."

" They are taking advantage of their titles. Titles most in which are not earned."

" Question their roles and they will question yours." I sigh, rising to my feet and walking over to him.

I wrap my arms around his waist from behind.

" Something is not right." He says.

I kiss his back, right on his spine. The touch of my lips on his skin, never fails to get a reaction out of him. He shivers at my touch.

" They want to show interest and support through their visit tomorrow. This is what they want to display to the people, take this as one of the people, show no difference."

He turns around to face me and I never let him go.

I can see the wheels turning as he looks down at me.

" You are saying something to me." He says.

"My love, at times it's better to be seen as a fool especially at a time like this. Our focus shall be on Ulana and the celebration in the sight of many."

He looks at me for a while, letting my words to sink in.

I hear Ulana through the baby monitor.

" Someone is asking for me." I kiss his chest before heading out of our room.

A fluttery feeling moves throughout my chest when I enter her room. I attend to her needs at this hour and before I know it, I find myself relaxing on my rocking chair, with her laying on my chest. I let my hand softly rub on her back as I hum a tune.

After a while, being convinced that she has fallen asleep yet again, I reach out to adjust her carefully against me, so I can go and place her back in her crib.

My hand stops within reach of her, when I feel it shaking slightly. I frown a little when this occurs on both my hands, I blink a couple of times when my vision slightly gets blurry.

It's almost similar to what I had experienced when I was pregnant with Ulana.

I talk myself into remaining calm and waiting until this sensation passes. I worry for my Ulana, that this might transfer to her. Seconds close to a minute or so pass before my vision clears again, a sigh of relief releases from my lips when my hands remain still.

My gaze quickly falls to my baby, who is still sleeping soundly and this alone, calms me. I wouldn't be able to think straight if something happened to her.

Anything can happen to me but not my Ulana. Never her.

I know that I will have to look into what has been happening to me lately, the shaking, the cold sensation and now the blurriness. This must be a sign of something. I can't figure it out now, I need Niana's communication.

She's been silent for too long and I am not pleased by this.

"My little Butterfly." I murmur as I look down at her.

She is so beautiful and watching her sleep, fulfills my heart.

" She won you over just by existing." I glance to the door, where Mica stands, watching us.

A soft smile takes over my face when I glance back down to her.

I hear him enter and come over to us, before he offers to take her and lay her down. I watch him the whole time, getting lost in thought.

He didn't get a sense out of what I was experiencing just a few moments ago. This is something to frown upon.

" Belle." I snap out of my thoughts and watch as he crouches down infront of me, resting his hands on my knees.

" You're blocking me out again."

" Forgive me my love, it was not my intention." I say, touching the side of his face.

" It's okay." He says, despite his scanning eyes all over my face.

Without a word said, I lean into him, meeting his lips for a soft and slow kiss. We speak through this kiss, though we are unclear of what we say, these messages we transfer to each other, but our lips do the talking and what is being said is well received from both sides.

I sigh against him when we pull back.

" You're tired." He points out.

" So are you."

He chuckles, bringing my hand to his lips. " You'll never let me have my way with words won't you?"

I shake my head with a smile, pecking his lips twice before leaning back again.

" I'm not ready to sleep just yet and I want to spend a little more time with my mate. So little mate, would you like a cup of coffee?"

" Are you asking me out for coffee alpha O'Connell?" I raise my brow.

" Yes I am."

" I would love a cup of coffee." He smiles at my answer.

The sudden intrusion of a mindlink, interrupts Mica. I wait patiently as he comes back and yet the tension in his body doesn't leave him.

" Someone is here isn't it?" I speak out when I sense another presence close.

" Travis."

We hear the doorbell sound downstairs, confirming our words.

I nod for him to go attend to Travis.

He nods before rising to his feet, I close my eyes when he kisses my forehead before walking out. I sigh and get off my rocking chair, walking over to watch Ulana for a little while. I feel proud as I look at her, being proud of the fact that despite all we've been through, when it seemed most likely that she wouldn't make it under such strain and stress my body went through, she defined the strength of new life and now here she is.

Here is my beautiful baby girl, who I love more than life itself. I promise as I look down at her that I would do everything in me, to keep her safe, to shield her from danger. She will never have to feel as if she is alone, she has me and Mica and a whole lot of people, who would lay their lives on the line for her.

She will never have to go through what I went through, not my baby. If it had to come down between me and her for happiness, it would be her first.

" I love you Ulana, more than you'll ever know." I say, touching her skin.

I wish her goodnight before leaving the room with the baby monitor in hand.

" Does it have to be this soon?" This is what I walk into, as I come down the stairs.

" Yeah, unfortunately." Travis responds.

I stop halfway and Mica glances over his shoulder to look at me.

" Evening Luna." Travis says.

" Evening Beta." I offer a kind smile.

" Thank you for informing me, you're dismissed." Mica says.

Travis nods and takes his leave.

Mica turns around to face me but I wordlessly lower myself on the stairs.

" There's something you should know." He speaks up.

" I believe that coffee was on the table. " I say with a small smile.

He suddenly chuckles and he nods, before heading for the kitchen.

" Maybe you can add milk now!" I call after him, making him to glance at me with a raised brow.

I give him a sweet smile and he shakes his head with an amused smile. While he gets busy with making coffee for us, I think of maybe telling him of what has been happening to me lately, but I decide against doing that now.

I need to first identity what exactly is happening before I tell him. I do not wish to worry him for no particular reason. I snap out of my thoughts when he returns and hands me a cup. I murmur a thank you and he settles down beside me.

" I want to really take you out for coffee." He says and I turn to him. " I may be an alpha and father, but I am a mate too. My mate deserves to be spoilt."

" You already spoil me with your love. " I reassure him.

" My mate needs my attention too." He argues softly.

" Your affection is never less towards me Mica. My heart agrees with my words." I add.

" You know what I mean my love. " He sighs, still not satisfied.

I place my hand on his cheek. " Mica, trust in my words that I have no reason to complain. You are the best mate for me. You don't need to worry." I say with a soft smile.

" I just - I never want you to feel that you are never a priority to me." He lets out his concern, his eyes reflecting it too.

" Never. I could never feel like that. My love, you are only one person, a leader who is in high demand. There is no fault in prioritizing one thing over another, to get the job done."

" That doesn't make me feel better." He shakes his head.

" Okay then my handsome Alpha, how about we make plans soon after Ulana's welcoming ceremony?......Does this sound pleasing to you?"

A smile lifts on his face but as quick as it came, it drops.

" There is something I need to tell you."

"Hmm?"

" Soon after Ulana's welcoming ceremony, I will have to leave. I have been called for a leaders meeting outside town."

" How soon?"

" In two weeks time and it'll take 3 days."

I don't say anything, taking his hand in mine as I let this information to sink in.

" We expected this to happen soon."

" Doesn't mean my heart is in this though."

" Mica....."

" Catherine, nothing is ever simple anymore. Things are different now. My little princess is here, how can I leave her so soon when I've just held her in my arms?"

I awww at him.

" We'll call you everyday."

He pouts at me.

I kiss his pout away. " Alpha O'Connell, you know your presence is in high demand."

" Oh, how you praise me." He says in a teasing tone, leaning towards me.

" Mmm." I meet him halfway for a kiss. " I mean you are the best." I smile against his lips.

He chuckles, leaning back after placing a kiss on my forehead.

" But truly sweetheart, this is too soon. I was just getting used to all of this."

" I know." I say, touching his arm, before resting my head on his shoulder.

He sighs, kissing the top of my head.

" You know, my coffee is now cold. You've distracted me."

He chuckles again. " Well you're hot, so that's good enough for me."

A small laugh passes through my lips as my face warms up.

                            *******

' It's time my baby, it's time for the little Butterfly to meet her people. It's your day princess.'

Those are the words I said earlier as I held her to my chest. She is my most precious and the purest part of me. As I stand amongst the pack, watching Mica come down the aisle with our little princess in his arms, my heart flutters at the beautiful sight.

My family.

Those are the words that ring into mind as I watch them. Mica looks so confident yet proud as he holds his pup in his arms. This moment is usually done by both Luna and alpha but I let this happen, I wanted this moment to belong to Mica.

And in my hearts of hearts, I know that I didn't make a mistake, even though I may be breaking protocol.

Tears  prick the corners of my eyes as I watch them. Mica looks so handsome in all white while Ulana is an angel. So many emotions come from the pack and it makes the moment all the more special.

When they make it to the end of the aisle, Mica goes on to the stage where the same elder of the pack, who had led my welcoming ceremony, along with grandmother Athena stand.

I notice Mica's eyes move quickly over to where I stand and my body becomes aware of the certain eyes I earn. I know that they hold question for my next move, after the decision I'd made earlier.

I simply smile at him, telling him to go ahead and have this moment. This is the moment he deserves as her father, her guardian and protector. I know that through this moment, his heart will be satisfied, happiness will increase tenfold and he will cherish it for the rest of his life.

I will have many moments with my babygirl, but this one, my heart chose for him to take it and just by being a part of it through witnessing, fulfills me.

" Midnight Range Pack, a glorious moment has befallen us as the pack, as well as the werewolf nation. We have learnt from generations to generations that new life, is light unto a pack.

Each and every one of you, be proud witnesses because a new day has come. Nothing could compare to a moment like this.

Midnight Range Pack be proud today, because your leaders, have gifted us with an heir, the next generation and yet another leader. "

The pack erupts in cheers and applause, showing off their excitement.

" Alpha O'Connell, please do step forward." The elder says, after the applause has died down.

Mica steps forward with Ulana and hands her over to the elder. A moment of silence takes over as the elder looks Ulana over, his eyes scanning all over her.

He closes his eyes for a few seconds before opening them up again. Expecting him to say something, he doesn't but instead, glances my way. An indescribable emotion moves through him and I am quick to notice, its transparency through his eyes.

His movements were so quick that just about anyone, could have missed it, but I didn't. Before I know it, he is speaking again.

" What is the name of your heir alpha?"

" Ulana Avery O'Connell." Mica answers.

The elder nods before speaking again.

" Ulana Avery O'Connell, we as the Midnight Range Pack are gathered here, not only because we are a pack and it's our duty, but because we are a family, welcoming a new edition to our family.

Ulana Avery O'Connell, today you are to be known and acknowledged as not only, alpha O'Connell and Luna Catherine's pup and offspring, but as the family member of the pack.

You are now a part of us and we proudly welcome you to the Midnight Range Pack!" The applause erupts again.

The elder hands Ulana back to Mica and the elder turns to face the pack.

My eyes watch Mica with Ulana the whole time, as the elder speaks. I hear him mentioning about the responsibilty the pack has for Ulana, just as the pack does for every other child. The duty of the pack is laid out for them and it's not long, that Mica steps forward, taking over.

He takes his spot as the alpha and announces very loudly, with his alpha voice, that behold, before their very eyes is his heir and pup.

He announces her name so beautifully, adding with so much pride in his tone, that all honour is laid at the feet of the luna.

My face heats up at those words, especially when eyes return to me.

The pack, with one voice declare that they shall serve, protect and support Ulana. My heart feels heavy with happiness, feeling relief because of their commitment and acceptence of her.

Mica gets down from the stage and comes over to where I am standing.  Our eyes connect then as he closes the distance.

He stands infront of me, a proud look taking over his eyes as he looks down at me.

' Thank you Belle.' I hear him mindlink.

I smile in response, receiving Ulana back in my arms.

Expecting Mica to go back on stage, he surprises me with his next act. He gets down on one knee infront of everyone, making my heart to stop beating for a few seconds.

My eyes are quick to look around me when one by one, individuals follow suit until I am the only one left standing.

My head whips back down to Mica, who I am quick to mindlink.

' What are you doing Mica?'

He doesn't answer me yet his eyes speak so much.

" Honour to our Luna!!!" He says outloud, the alpha in him announcing those words with so much confidence and authority.

" Honour to our Luna!!!" A chorus of voices follow.

My heart races at the sound of everyone, declaring honour to their Luna. Declaring honour to me.

***********************************

Another chapter done.

I do hope you enjoy.

What are your thoughts on Mica as a mate?

Ulana's welcoming ceremony has finally arrived. Tell me your thoughts on the chapter and characters.

Love to hear your thoughts.