"My stepmother?"

"Yes," Lonnie said, "She seems to have taken a great interest in your wellbeing, but only to keep you in her sights."

"I am not the soul bearer of my father's inheritance."

"But you are," Sven said, "And...we..."

"No," Stella shook her head, "I am most certain I am not. My stepmother was put in my place."

"No, Alpha Omar wanted you to have it all.." Sarai said, "We've been overhearing some things from the tribes. It's been a rumor for quite some time. Surely you would have thought it, as well?"

Stella sighed, "I always have."

Caleb snarled, "So what do we do?"

"You do nothing, but keep each other safe—especially that pup."

"Did you know what was happening?" Stella asked, "Have you known all the while? Are our friends in danger?"

Sven looked to Sarai, "We aren't sure. Considering your adoptive father is still the leader, it doesn't make their lives any different—if anything, it eases their minds."

"Their son was a runt, wasn't he?"

"A runt who was murdered," Lonnie scoffed, "As if you didn't have a inkling."

Caleb sighed, "I did, but I had no proof. My parents...they.."

"Killed your parents, Caleb," Sven said, "Took you right after their little pup was dead."

"Oh!" Stella gasped, "How awful!"

Both Stella and Caleb were appalled at what they were being informed. It was torture enough that their lives had taken a wild turn even before the tumble over the waterfall.

"What can we do?" Caleb huffed, "Sure, I needed a breather, but I wasn't expecting all of this."

"The bind will hold. The fae will protect you, as well. When travelers pass through, no one will be able to see you unless they wish for them to."

Sven and Sarai knew that Caleb was hesitant about leaving his pack with the newer revelations, but when Stella rubbed her stomach, he knew it was the right thing to do.

"Alright," Caleb sighed, "Tell us everything we need to know and we'll follow your lead."

As the night rolled on and the newlyweds were briefed, Sarai and Sven made sure they were escorted back to Stella's cabin.

"Nothing will touch you and we will fight for you and with you when the time comes," Sven reassured them, "We will leave you these amulets to link us."

He handed over two necklaces with sapphire gemstones on them.

"Use them as much as you wish."

"Thank you so very much," Stella said.

"For everything.." Caleb nodded as the fae turned back towards home.

"Can you feel the baby?"

Stella smiled, "I knew it would be quick, but this is astonishing. I never thought I'd ever feel a pup growing in me."

Caleb picked her up and carried Stella over the threshold of their temporary home.

"This is our wedding night..." Stella said as if the realization hit.

"It is..." Caleb smiled, placing his bride on the bed, "And I plan on filling you over and over again if you'll allow it."

Stella blushed, "Always, my big, bad Alpha.."