Chapter 48: Issues Vanish
It is 10 am and the morning sun shone brightly through the large kitchen windows, filling the space with a warm, golden light.
The servants stood in shock as they watched their head alpha Anastasia, standing in the kitchen with her phone in hand.
Claire walked over, eyes wide in disbelief. "Alpha, can I help with something?" she asked.
Anastasia did not look up from her video, focused intently on the pancakes sizzling in the pan. "No, it’s okay. I can do it myself," she replied calmly.
Claire nodded in understanding, still stunned by this unprecedented turn of events, and stood back to observe.
She remained nearby in case her assistance became needed.
After plating the fluffy pancakes and topping them with butter and syrup, Anastasia moved to the fridge and retrieved eggs along with cottage cheese for extra protein.
She then began blending vegetables to create a smoothie, looking robust yet healthy.
Finishing her preparations, Anastasia called out "Claire, hand me the tray."
Claire snapped to attention and hurried to offer the tray, upon which Anastasia carefully arranged the pancakes, eggs, and both smoothies.
Lifting the now full tray, Anastasia swept from the kitchen, leaving all present servants, Claire, and the maids struggling to believe what their eyes had just witnessed - their head alpha, cooking for herself, for the very first time.
Anastasia took the tray of breakfast from the kitchen and quietly carried it to her room, where Liam was still soundly asleep.
She stood at the doorway, her gaze fixated on the center of the room, allowing her eyes to wander over his slumbering form.
The room was bathed in a soft, dim light, set that way to ensure Liam could continue his peaceful rest.
His muscular arms, rippled with strength, were tucked beneath the pillow upon which his head rested. freёweɓnovel.com
He lay on his stomach, affording Anastasia a view of his broad, muscular back that had driven her wild during their passionate encounter which caused the life to grow inside Liam.
She approached the bed with slow, cautious steps, placing the tray on the nightstand before taking a seat.
Her hand trembled slightly as it caressed the small of his back, feeling the firmness of his muscles and the velvety softness of his skin.
She let her hand glide upward, tracing the contours of his broad shoulder.
Liam remained bare-chested, the covers pulled down to reveal his form, clad only in underwear.
This allowed her a clear view of his physique.
Gently, she woke him from his slumber, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Liam grumbled and squirmed, attempting to bury his face deeper into the pillow, but she leaned in and planted a tender kiss on his lips.
"Good morning," she murmured, her fingers brushing through his hair.
Liam emitted a contented hum, his eyes still heavy with sleep.
He reached up, sweeping his hair back with his hand, and without hesitation, pulled Anastasia into his arms as he sat up.
Nestling his nose into the crook of her neck, he inhaled deeply, his voice filled with delight. "You smell amazing, my God."
She returned his embrace, her hand continuing to stroke his hair, and softly hummed. "Thank you. Come on, you need to eat."
He nodded, his eyes widening when she mentioned that she had prepared the food. "I-I made this for you... I’m not a cook like you, but I think it’s edible, and it smells decent," she said, her voice tinged with shyness and uncertainty.
Anastasia watched him intently, both him and the food, waiting for his reaction.
However, he made no move to try the food, leaving her feeling a pang of rejection.
"Don’t you want to taste it...?" she gasped when he suddenly pounced on her, pressing her onto the bed and showering her with kisses, expressing his gratitude.
She smiled at him, her lips brushing against his cheek. "I just hope you like it."
Placing the tray on his lap, she began to feed him, eagerly awaiting his response.
"Is it horrible?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Liam’s smile widened, his eyes sparkling with appreciation. "I love it. I really do. Thank you."
Anastasia hummed in response and decided to taste a small portion herself, just to ensure it wasn’t as bad as she feared.
Surprisingly, it turned out to be quite decent.
She continued to feed him, serving him almost every morsel on the tray.
Finally, she handed him the small veggie smoothie.
"You should drink this every day. It’s a healthy veggie smoothie for you... and our baby," she said, her voice tinged with shyness as she mentioned "our baby."
The mention of their unborn child filled Liam with happiness, his heart fluttering with joy.
He nodded, his smile unwavering. "I will."
She paused for a moment, tasting the smoothie herself, only to grimace at its taste.
"Agh. It tastes awful, but please tolerate it for the sake of our son and yourself."
Liam nodded, a smile still playing on his lips, his heart racing with anticipation.
He gulped down the glass, chuckling as Anastasia’s jaw dropped in disbelief. "It’s not that bad," he reassured her.
-Liam’s POV:
My smoothie tasted strange, but she watched with such concern for my well-being that I assured her "It’s really not that bad, I promise." Her sudden and new care for me lifted my spirits.
When I stood to return to my duties, a wave of dizziness overcame me.
She grasped my wrist instinctively, the room spinning. "Where are you going?" Anastasia asked gently, already at my side.
Her steadying touch grounded me.
Smiling warmly, I knelt before her, taking her soft hand in mine.
"I have training this afternoon," I replied, leaning my cheek into her palm’s comfort.
She chuckled and brushed back my windswept hair, confusion washing over me at her response "Training? No."
"No? Why not?" My weary mind could not comprehend her meaning.
As she helped me stand, her hand lingered on my still-flat abdomen, and suddenly I understood.
My training would have to wait, for now, there was another whom I must protect.
Anastasia stated her instruction clearly yet caringly "Because you, mister, are pregnant. There is no way you are training with a baby growing inside you."
I glanced down with conflicted emotions, then met her resolute yet loving gaze. "Are we clear?" she asked.
Though it went against my instinct to yield, I knew she spoke the truth.
My pup’s life depended on my patience and care now, not prowess.
And yet... "But I’m an alpha, I can take it," I protested weakly, wishing my usual strength had not fled me so.
Her soft kiss and smile quieted any further argument. "No buts, Liam," she said, and I relented with a sigh, leaning closer to her as she dragged me gently through our home.
Inside the steamy bathroom, Anastasia’s skilled hands soon had me forgetting all worries in the comfort of the bath’s warmth.
As she checked the water and scents, I admired her ability of caring and nurturing, feeling blessed beyond words.
When she turned with a playful smirk, as she asked. "Are you shy or something? You know you can’t bathe with clothes o..." she teased, expecting me to be shy or be embarrassed of getting naked in front of her.
Before she could finish talking, I slid down the only piece of clothing I was still wearing which was underwear, and I stood in the he middle of the bathroom butt naked with a smirk on my face before giving her 360 view of my body.
She chuckled and did not hesitate to look at my body up and down " I’m impressed." she commented.
I stepped into the water, feeling its warmth envelop me as I settled against the edge of the tub.
My back rested against it comfortably.
Anastasia approached me, her fingers gently caressing my big arm before giving my muscles a playful squeeze. freeweɓnøvel.com
I looked at her with a smile, asking, "You like my muscles?"
Instead of answering, she leaned in closer, her hand finding the back of my neck, and planted a soft kiss on my cheek.
I couldn’t help but giggle at her affectionate gesture.
She then started shampooing my hair, her fingers massaging my scalp with care.
"You know I’m not a baby," I playfully remarked, enjoying the sensation of her hands in my hair.
Anastasia responded with a soft hum, continuing to wash my hair.
I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.
As she rinsed away the shampoo, I spoke again, my voice calm and introspective, "You know, it feels strange to become a parent. And new."
She hummed in agreement, mumbling "New for you." her hands now soaping my chest after finishing with my hair.
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean, it’s new for me? You said it as if you had kids already."
Anastasia chuckled lightly, but her expression turned serious. "That would be crazy, right?"
I nodded, still a bit perplexed by the sudden change in atmosphere. "Yeah, a little."
The room grew quiet, and I felt a shift in Anastasia’s vibes.
Negative energy seemed to surround us.
I glanced at her, my confusion deepening.
After a while, I broke the silence. "The water is getting cold. I think it’s enough."
I attempted to get up, but Anastasia stopped me with a firm command, "Don’t get up. You’ll need this water. Stay still."
My confusion heightened as Anastasia continued to soap my body, repeating the action for what felt like the tenth time.
I couldn’t shake off the growing unease within me.
"I feel weird," I admitted, trying to hold myself together as a wave of dizziness washed over me.
Anastasia’s face remained devoid of emotion as she responded in a monotonous voice, "You’ll be fine."
Struggling to focus, I asked, my voice wavering, "Why do I feel like this?"
Anastasia didn’t answer my question.
Instead, she rinsed the soap from my body, her gaze fixed on me without any hint of action or explanation.
My mind raced, searching for a reason behind my sudden illness.
I considered the food I had consumed, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for one possibility—the veggie smoothie I had inquired about earlier.
"What was in the veggie smoothie?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
Anastasia hummed softly, attempting to recall the ingredients. "A mix of vegetables, and... there was one herb that I forgot the name of."
I narrowed my eyes, the dizziness intensifying. "What herb? Could I be allergic to it?"
Anastasia shook her head. "You’re not allergic. That herb is great for health. It can make issues vanish instantly, particularly... this one here." She placed her hand on my stomach, her touch unsettling.
Silence enveloped us, leaving me with a growing sense of unease and a host of unanswered questions.
Something was terribly wrong, and I feared I was running out of time to find out what it was.
The water changed into red.