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Alpha Rylan looks at him. “So I should leave the pillows alone.”

“Yes.” I cough into my hand. Alpha Rylan gives me a look.

The doctor continues. “At four months, Selena's pregnancy is progressing quickly. Her body is changing, and the pup is drawing on her Lycan's energy. That can leave her more tired and increasingly vulnerable as the pregnancy progresses.”

Alpha Rylan's expression sobers. “What should I expect?”

The doctor explains the physical changes Selena is experiencing, the increasing demands of the pregnancy, and the importance of allowing her to rest when she needs to. He answers Alpha Rylan's questions about her nesting instincts and what he can do to support her without interfering with them.

Alpha Rylan listens. Actually listens. When the doctor finishes, he gives Alpha Rylan several books. “Read these. They'll help you understand what Selena is experiencing and what to expect as the pregnancy progresses.”

Alpha Rylan takes them. “Thank you.”

*****

We leave the hospital together. Outside, he looks down at the books.

“I really didn't know.”

“I know.”

He looks at me. I nod toward the pack house. “Go make up with your mate.”

He lets out a breath. “Yeah.”

I start to turn away. “Darian.” I look back. He hesitates. “Are we good?”

I look at him for a moment. Then I nod. “We're good.”

35

Rylan's POV

Istand outside our bedroom with the books tucked beneath my arm. My Lycan is quiet. Too quiet.

“You could say something.”

I've been saying something for weeks.

I close my eyes. “I know.”

Do you?

I open the door. Selena is on the bed, surrounded by pillows and blankets. One of my shirts is tucked beside her, and another lies beneath her arm. I stop. My clothes. She's been keeping my clothes in the nest. My Lycan stirs.

She missed us.

I look at Selena. She looks at me. Then her eyes drop to the books. And immediately narrow. “Rylan.”

I raise both hands. “I'm not touching your pillows.”

She watches me. “Good.”

I almost smile. Then I look at the nest again. At my shirts. At the space she's made for herself. And I finally understand. “Selena…” She looks up. “I'm sorry.”

Her expression changes. I move closer, slowly. “I didn't understand what you were doing. I thought I was helping when I moved things. I wasn't.”

She looks down at the pillows. “No, you weren't.”