Caleb held her close.

He knew she couldn't escape his clutches, nor would she want to.

The mate bond had completely intensified during their lovemaking.

Stella felt it, too.

She ran a hand over her belly and wondered if pups would begin to grow.

"This...stillborn? Is he,-"

Caleb nodded, "He's buried, but the grave has my birth name on it, Solomon."

"How...when...?"

"My parents were killed," he said, "Niles decided he was going to tell me during a drunken game of poker. How he found out, I don't know. He's probably my worst enemy or my best friend right now—well, except for you."

"Huh?"

"Mates are best friends."

"But,-"

"My apologies for acting like an asshole," Caleb sighed, "I can't take back how rude I was to you in the car and my defense is only because I was...contemplating why I was even going to the event."

Stella smiled, "Forgiven."

Caleb nodded, "I don't know how long we'll last out here and I am,-"

"I don't want to go back either."

"But..your schooling? Your business?"

Stella sighed, "You're my mate, Caleb. If you feel like something is wrong then so do I. My mother—stepmother, is not the best person and I don't know if she will tan my hide when I am home."

"I will never let anyone hurt you," Caleb said, "You know that."

Stella smiled, "I do and that's my promise to you, Caleb...Alpha..My Alpha..always..I can't even think straight right now. I have never been so ready for anything in my life....Even though I have a feeling we'll be going through some rough patches.."

"My Luna."

"I am just a little beta, remember?" Stella winked, stroking his chest with her fingers.

"Luna," he said, "I marked you."

"Huh?" Stella felt her collar where Caleb had nibbled on her, "You've got more power now. I know you were in school for nursing. I was so excited when I felt the bond with you and knew you were an ambitious woman—a kind, wonderful woman. Making you mine—making you a Luna...I couldn't help it."

Stella beamed, "You..you made me a luna?"

"I am happy you're not mad," Caleb breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mad? I am so happy!" Stella said, snuggling closer to her mate, "I can truly heal people now if needed. I can do so much more! Caleb, I can't thank you enough. I..."

"We'll find the fae and marry tonight if you wish," Caleb said, "I wouldn't want to wait too much longer, little bug. You saved me."

Stella smiled, "I know where they are. It won't be long now before...we..."

A cramping in her stomach caused her to wince, "I think I took more of a tumble than I thought."

Caleb ran a hand over her stomach, "Are you certain it's from the fall?"

Stella's smiled faded, "I can't..we can't be.."

"You most certainly can be," Caleb said, "All it takes is one time for me to fill you."