Free Web NovelChapter 81: Chapter 81
Kyra’s POV
I woke up late the next day, my senses immediately flooded with a mouthwatering aroma wafting up from downstairs. Despite the massive size of Nathan’s territory house, its layout was straightforward enough that I had quickly learned my way around. Dressed in a flowing white dress that hid my growing baby bump, I padded into the kitchen where I found Nathan standing at the stove.
Sylvia stirred inside me as we both watched Nathan move around the kitchen. Even in simple sweatpants and a black t-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, he looked devastatingly sexy. His dark hair was delightfully tousled, giving him that irresistible appeal that once would have made my heart race.
I leaned against the doorframe, watching his powerful back. The sight of him still affected me, but not as much as before. My heartbeat remained steady. The bond between us had changed. I still loved him, but I was no longer consumed by it. Whether staying here would help me heal or just prolong the inevitable, I couldn’t say. But maintaining emotional distance seemed the wisest choice.
"You’re up," his deep voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I could smell his special mint scent before I reached the counter. I sat down on a seat and gave him a polite smile. There was a counter between us, but I could still feel how strong his Alpha presence was. The air between us felt tense.
"How’s your sleep?" His intense gaze searched my face.
"I had a good sleep," I answered honestly. The pack doctor he’d called yesterday had assured me our baby was developing perfectly, which had finally allowed me some peaceful rest—the first since I’d learned of my father’s death.
Nathan’s expression softened. "I’m glad. I thought you wouldn’t be able to sleep when I’m around."
How could I not sleep beside him when his scent had once been my greatest comfort? When we’d shared a bed countless nights as chosen mates, even if he’d never completed our bond with a claiming mark?
Rather than voicing these thoughts, I simply offered another smile and began eating the breakfast he’d prepared. The food was delicious; Nathan had thoughtfully considered my preferences, just as he always used to.
"I’ll go out to buy some groceries later. I also need to buy you some clothes and the vitamins the doctor prescribed," he said.
"I’ll go with you."
He immediately shook his head. "You’ll get tired. It’s not good for you or the pup."
My chin lifted slightly. "I don’t want to stay here and stress myself out thinking about what happened to my father."
"Will you be okay wearing that dress, though?" he asked, eyeing my attire with concern.
I looked down at my dress and shrugged. He had bought me this dress, a pair of slippers, and underwear early this morning. I thought he must have been in quite a rush, as he somehow picked out a dress designed for a woman seven months pregnant.
"This is just fine. Comfortable," I assured him.
After breakfast, he insisted on cleaning up by himself. When he finished, we headed to the mall together. He stayed close, watching everyone who passed by, like he was protecting his pregnant ex-mate from danger. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
We tackled the grocery shopping first. Nathan grabbed a cart and headed straight for the toiletries section. I watched as he carefully selected items: a pink toothbrush for me, blue for himself. He still remembered our habits from before we split up.
I stood behind the cart while he browsed body washes, pushing it toward him when he turned to face me, products in hand.
"What do you prefer?" he asked, holding up two bottles.
I studied the options—raspberry and grapefruit—and pointed to the berry-scented one. "I like that one."
After selecting his own body wash, he stepped behind me, his warm chest nearly touching my back as he placed his hands beside mine on the cart handle. My breath caught in my throat as his scent enveloped me, my wolf Sylvia whimpering at the familiar closeness we’d once shared.
This was exactly how we used to shop together when we were happy. He was protective and possessive, guiding me through the store.
When he suddenly stepped away to examine shampoos, I nearly gasped with relief, placing a hand over my racing heart.
"Will this do?" he asked, holding up a strawberry-scented bottle.
I nodded, hardly paying attention to his choice while trying to steady myself. I might have convinced my mind I was over him, but my body seemed to disagree.
To distract myself, I focused on selecting household items while he followed dutifully behind me. When we finished, he insisted on loading the purchases into the car alone.
"Wait for me here. I’ll just put these in the car," he instructed, his tone brooking no argument. Pure Alpha.
While waiting, I wandered to the mall’s railing, watching shoppers below. A young family caught my eye: a father with his toddler and wife, walking hand in hand. The sight made my chest ache. My baby would never have that perfect family life. Like many others in our world, I was a chosen mate discarded when he found his fated one.
When Nathan returned, he guided me toward an upscale maternity boutique. I hesitated at the entrance. "This is an expensive brand."
He smiled gently. "You can just pay me soon if you feel like this is too much."
"Okay," I agreed, following him inside.
"You’ll look good in this," he said, selecting a flowing maternity dress clearly designed for a woman in her final trimester.
I couldn’t help but chuckle. "I’m still in my second trimester."
He shrugged, his expression softening. "It’s better to be ready."
I smiled despite myself and turned to the saleswoman. "Do you have any other color of this dress?"
In the mirror, I caught Nathan’s pleased expression. He’d always enjoyed shopping for me, selecting clothes that would emphasize my status as his Luna. Old habits died hard, apparently.
While browsing through dresses, I noticed an older man and his adult daughter entering the boutique. They laughed together as he helped her select outfits, their easy affection evident in every interaction.
This sight made me feel very sad. I tried to stay calm, but I couldn’t. Tears came to my eyes as I thought about my father. I had tried to be strong and had kept myself busy. But I couldn’t run away from the pain of losing him forever.
Just before I started crying, Nathan stood in front of me. He held up a maternity dress and pretended to check if it would look good on me. I knew he was trying to help me. He blocked my view so I wouldn’t feel sad about my loss.
"This is good too," he said softly.
I gave him a smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. "Hmm..."
He said nothing, just embraced me from behind and buried his face in my neck. His embrace was so comforting that I found myself biting my lip hard, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall again. When he felt my shoulders start to tremble, his embrace tightened.
"It’s okay to cry if you need to."
