The Mystical Attraction of Alpha
Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Chapter 76 – Hormones

Ella

It’s been three weeks since the ball, and though I can scarcely believe it, it seems like all the campaigndrama passed with Solstice. There has been nothing but calm since the holidays, and I’m beyondthrilled that I’ve been able to relax a bit, even though part of me is waiting for the rug to be pulled outfrom under us.

I’ve spent my time pouring over baby books, making plans for our nursery, and brainstorming babynames – and the best past is that I’ve felt less nauseated and achy every day. In fact, yesterdaymarked the beginning of my second trimester – since shifter pregnancies are so short – and it seemsimpossible to think my baby will arrive in four short months. My stress has already eased knowing I’mleaving the most vulnerable phase of my pregnancy behind, and I don’t even mind that I’ve beenseeing Sinclair less now that he’s gone back to a regular work schedule.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I miss him. I miss him much more than I should, but I’m also grateful forthe space. It’s much easier to resist our attraction to each other when we’re not constantly together andtaking part in intimate rituals and romantic outings.

I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn. The little voice in my head mutters. If you’re going to give ineventually, why not throw in the towel now and enjoy being together in the last months before the babycomes? You do realize that in another four months you’ll never be alone again.

I’m not having this argument again. I decide. We agreed it’s better for the baby if we can co-parentwithout our own relationship drama getting in the way.

You mean you decided and he went along with it because he doesn’t know it’s such a st upid reason.My conscience snipes.

It’s not st upid! I insist. I’m going to be a mother, I have to put my baby first – that’s what being a parentis all about.

You keep telling yourself that. The voice derides. We both know you’re just a big scaredy cat.

Oh put a sock in it! I exclaim, losing my patience. “St upid conscience.” I mutter aloud, sorting throughthe clothing racks in my giant closet and trying to choose an outfit for our parenting class tonight.“Uppity, annoying, impossible…”

“Talking to yourself, trouble?” Sinclair’s deep voice breaks through my angry diatribe, and I jump aboutten feet in the air.

Whirling around, I replace him leaning in the closet doorway, watching me intently. “Dominic, you scaredme half to death!”

The big wolf tsks, coming forward and pulling me into his arms, petting me gently. “I’m sorry.” Hecroons, kissing my hair. “Sometimes I forget how weak your hearing is.”

“My hearing is fine!” I object, feeling irrationally angry all of a sudden. “It’s your ridiculous shifter stealththat’s the problem. It’s not right that anyone as big as you should be able to move around so quietly.”

“Alright.” He agrees, and I have a sneaking suspicion he’s smothering a smile. “It’s my fault, I’m a bighulking beast and I need to do a better job of stomping around.”

I pull away from him, narrowing my eyes. “Are you laughing at me?”

Now Sinclair does smile, “Is there any way I can answer that question that won’t annoy you?”

I huff, deciding not to dignify that question with an answer. I turn back to my closet, beginning to riflethrough trouser options. “Nothing fits anymore.” I complain, eliminating every pair of pants I comeacross. “I can’t button any of these!”

Sinclair’s palm rubs over the gentle curve of my belly. The changes are still very slight, but my clothinghas gone from being a bit tight to entirely too small. My breasts might not be so tender anymore, butthey spill out of all my bras, and my favorite fitted tops now stretch and strain to cover my growingtummy. “That’s a good thing, Ella.” Sinclair reminds me gently. “It means the baby is growing big andstrong.”

“Oh enough of that!” I argue, not sure why I’m so determined to disagree with everything he says. “Allthat means is that your giant pup is coming closer to pushing my body past its limits. Normal womendon’t show this much at this stage you know.” My throat is stinging with the threat of tears, even thoughI know I’m being unreasonable. I feel like I’m on a roller coaster, I can see exactly what’s happening,but I also can’t get off the ride.

Sinclair clucks sympathetically, “You’re having a rough day, aren’t you, sweetheart?” I can hear the guiltin his voice, and it makes me want to cry all the more. He’s been working from home a lot and I can tellhe feels like he’s neglecting us, but there’s also nothing to be done. He bears so much responsibility,and it’s only going to get worse if he wins the crown. Suddenly I feel terrible for being so grumpy withhim, when he’s already blaming himself despite doing everything he can to take care of me.

“I’m sorry.” I sniffle. “I shouldn’t be giving you a hard time.”

“You’re allowed.” He promises, pulling a wrap dress from the clothing rack. “Here, no buttons, nozippers. You don’t even have to wear a bra.”

“Thank you.” I murmur, sliding my arms around his middle and squeezing tightly. Sinclair purrs andsnuggles me until I’ve had my fill, and half an hour later we’re back on the padded floors of our monthlybirthing class, listening to the instructor explain precisely why I’m slowly losing my mind.

“Moms, you’ll be feeling physically better now that you’re out of the first trimester, but this is the timewhen your hormones really kick into high gear. You may already be experiencing some intense mood

swings, as well as physical changes to things like hair growth or skin pigmentation.” She looks aroundat the couples spread out on the mats, and I see I’m not the only expectant mother looking sheepish oranxious.

“You’ll also experience heightened libidos – something I encourage you all to take advantage of, as youwon’t have time for much fun after your pup arrives.”

Oh great. I think bitterly. As if it wasn’t already hard enough to resist Sinclair. I’d known this was part ofpregnancy, but I also hadn’t understood how powerless I’d be to my hormones. I’d assumed it would belike PMS mood swings, not these constant extremes. The instructor is still speaking. “Bottom line,mates, it’s your job to keep Mom satisfied and relaxed during these next few months. She’s going toneed you to be her rock while she weathers these stormy seas, so I encourage you not to go overboardcoddling her – tempting as it may be. Her wolf needs to feel your strength now more than ever.”

Somehow I really don’t think they give the same advice in human birthing classes. I mutter to myconscience.

A warm chuckle rumbles against my back and Sinclair’s voice sounds in my mind. You should see thelook on your face.

I look up at Sinclair, wondering how he was able to see my expression in the first place. He grins downat me, then steals a kiss from my pouting lips.

“You also need to create a birthing plan you’re both comfortable with.” The instructor carries on. “Byshow of hands, who here is considering a home birth rather than a hospital birth.”

I raise my hand hesitantly. I haven’t decided which option I feel most comfortable with yet, but I’m opento either and want to hear what she has to say. However, almost as soon as I put my hand up, a low

growl sounds in my ear. “Put that lovely little hand down. You’re going to deliver in the hospital and thatis not up for discussion.”

I turn to glare at him. I might not be decided yet, but I don’t appreciate him taking away my options.“You’re supposed to be keeping me relaxed and listening to my instincts.” I state fiercely, mimicking theinstructor in a saccharine tone even though the whole class can probably hear us, “trusting my body’swisdom.”

“Ella, you’re high risk.” Sinclair reminds me sternly, the rugged contours of his face set in a forebodingexpression. “We need to be at the hospital in case the doctors need to make an emergencyintervention.”

I know he’s thinking of my high blood pressure, not to mention the fact that I’m going to be the firsthuman in recorded history to give birth to a shifter. I also know this makes sense, but his high handedmanner is making me gnash my teeth in frustration, “It’s my body.”

His wolf flashes in his eyes, “You’re mine – and so is this baby. I’m not going to let you endanger him oryourself, Ella.”

Without thinking, I offer him a snarl – which on my lips sounds more like the grumble of an angry kitten,but I”m sure my intentions are clear.

Sinclair’s hands tighten around me. His power washes over me, and I wish I had a tail to tuck betweenmy legs. “Did you just growl at me, little mate?”

Despite my trembling spine, I tilt my chin up defiantly. “Why not? You growl at me all the time.”

Before he can respond, the instructor laughs, breaking the tense silence in the rest of the room andreclaiming control over the class. “You see, this is the perfect example of why it’s important to talk

about these things together early on. You might assume you’re on the same page but discover youhave different ideas.”

It’s also an example of why naughty humans need just as firm a hand as she wolves. Sinclair intones,speaking through his bond with the baby. His mouth is at my throat, his lips grazing the spot where he’llone day pretend to mark me. I feel a nip from his fangs, and my anger abruptly slips away. All of asudden my entire body melts, and I realize that the instructor had been right – I do need to feelSinclair’s strength right now. Then again, maybe this is more hormonal insanity, because why else am Inow wishing he could mark me for real?