Dominic's POV
I stood at the doorway of our room, my chest tightening at the sight before me.
Ashen was curled up on the bed, his body trembling as quiet sobs escaped him.
The strong, stubborn omega who had fought against everything against me, against himself now looked so... fragile.
My mate.
My pup's carrier.
And yet, he was breaking right in front of me.
I closed the door behind me and slowly approached the bed.
"Ashen..." I called softly, but he only curled tighter into himself.
I lowered myself beside him, reaching out to gently brush my fingers against his hair.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice cracked with emotion. "I... I don't reject you, Dominic. I don't reject this pup... I just—"
He broke off, his body trembling harder.
"I'm just... confused. I fought so hard to hide what I am. To survive. And now... this. Is this why my uncle hated me? Is this why he tried to sell me off? Because I was meant to be... this?"
His words sliced through me like a blade.
This wasn't just about the pregnancy.
This was years of pain. Years of being told he was weak. Unwanted. Less than.
My wolf growled in rage at those who had broken him, but I pushed it down.
Right now, Ashen needed more than my anger.
He needed me.
I leaned closer, wrapping my arms around his trembling body and pulling him against my chest. He resisted for only a moment before finally giving in, his body melting into mine as he cried.
"You've always been strong, Ashen," I murmured into his hair. "Stronger than anyone I've ever known. You survived things that would have destroyed others. You fought against this bond, against this world that tried to break you... and you're still standing."
His breath hitched, and he buried his face in my neck.
"I don't know how to be... this," he whispered.
"You don't have to know," I said softly. "You're not alone anymore. You have me. You have this pack. And now... we have a pup on the way."
His body tensed at the mention of the pup, and I tightened my hold on him.
"I'm scared, Dominic," he admitted, his voice trembling. "What if I'm not enough? What if... what if I can't protect this pup? What if I end up like my mother... weak and helpless?"
My heart twisted painfully at his words.
I pulled back slightly, cupping his face and forcing him to meet my eyes.
"You are not weak," I growled. "And you will never be helpless again. You are mine, Ashen. And this pup... our pup... will grow up with two parents who will burn this world to the ground to protect them."
His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and I felt the bond between us pulse with raw emotion.
"You're not alone anymore," I whispered. "I've got you. I'll always have you."
A tear slipped down his cheek as he finally let himself lean into me, his hands clutching my shirt like I was the only thing holding him together.
"I'm trying," he whispered brokenly. "I'm trying to believe that... to accept this part of me."
"And I'll be here every step of the way," I promised.
I pressed my forehead against his, letting the bond between us soothe him.
For the first time, I felt Ashen truly surrender—not in weakness, but in trust.
In acceptance.
Of himself.
Of me.
And of the life growing inside him.
"I'm yours, Dominic," he whispered against my lips.
My wolf howled in satisfaction.
"And I'm yours," I replied.
As long as I was breathing...
No one would ever hurt him again.
"Can we not tell anybody in the pack for now?" Ashen asked me, his voice trembling slightly. "I feel kinda... embarrassed. A male with a child. Omg. I really brought drama into your life." He let out a small laugh, but I saw the pain behind it.
My wolf growled in frustration.
He still didn't see it.
He didn't see how much he meant to me. How much strength he carried, even when the world tried to crush him.
I stepped closer, grabbing his chin gently and forcing him to meet my eyes.
"You think this is drama?" I asked, my tone dark. "You think carrying my pup is something to be ashamed of?"
Ashen's eyes widened slightly, and he tried to look away, but I didn't let him.
"You survived everything they put you through, Ashen. You fought against a world that wanted to break you. And now, you're carrying something no other omega in this pack could ever give me... a future."
His lips parted, his breathing shaky as he stared at me.
"You brought chaos into my life?" I smirked. "No, baby... you brought purpose."
Ashen's eyes glistened with tears, but he quickly blinked them away, shaking his head.
"I... I just don't want them looking at me like I'm weak," he whispered.
I let out a low growl.
"You're not weak. And anyone who dares to look at you that way will answer to me."
Ashen's breath hitched as I leaned closer, brushing my lips against his ear.
"You're mine, Ashen. And this pup growing inside you? That's proof of how strong you are."
He swallowed hard, his body trembling against mine.
"Please, Dominic... just for now... I want this to be ours. Before the pack finds out. Before... everything changes."
I sighed, running my hand through his soft hair before resting it on his stomach.
"If that's what you want... then we'll keep it between us," I said quietly. "But you'll never have to hide from me. Ever."
Ashen leaned into me, his body relaxing against my chest.
"Thank you," he whispered.
I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close.
If the pack wasn't ready to know... fine.
I tightened my hold on Ashen, feeling his small body trembling against mine.
"Okay," I murmured against his hair. "I won't tell the pack. but Ryker needs to know."
Ashen tensed instantly, pulling back to look at me with wide eyes.
"Ryker?" He blinked. "Why?"
"Because," I said firmly, "you're carrying my pup. That makes you a target. And I can't be everywhere at once. I trust Ryker with my life... and now, I need him to protect yours."
Ashen bit his bottom lip, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
"I don't want anyone treating me like I'm fragile, Dominic," he said quietly. "I've fought my whole life to survive. I'm not some... helpless omega."
I cupped his face, my thumb brushing over the scar near his cheek, a reminder of the battles he fought long before I found him.
"I know how strong you are," I said, my voice low and raw. "But strength doesn't mean facing everything alone. You're mine now... and this pup you're carrying? It's ours. I'll protect you with my life, Ashen. And Ryker? He'll die before letting anyone touch you."
Ashen's breath hitched, and I saw the internal war in his eyes.
He wanted to be strong. Independent. Untouchable.
But deep down... he was scared.
Not of me. Not of the bond.
But of being vulnerable. Of being loved.
"Fine," he finally whispered. "But... only Ryker."
I smirked. "Only Ryker."
I pressed a kiss to his forehead before pulling out my phone and texting Ryker to meet me at the pack house.
30 Minutes Later In My Office
Ryker stood by the door, arms crossed, confusion written all over his face as he glanced between me and Ashen.
"You called me here for what exactly?" Ryker asked with a raised brow.
I sighed, glancing at Ashen, who looked ready to disappear into the floor.
"Ashen's... pregnant," I said, cutting straight to the point.
Ryker's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
"Wait... WHAT?!"
Ashen groaned, covering his face with his hands.
"Great. This is exactly why I didn't want to tell him," Ashen mumbled.
Ryker blinked, completely stunned.
"How the hell is that even possible? I mean, I know he's an omega, but... damn."
I shot him a warning glare, and Ryker instantly coughed awkwardly.
"Sorry. Uh... congrats?" Ryker said, rubbing the back of his neck.
I sighed heavily.
"I need you to watch over him when I'm not around. No one can know yet, not until we figure out who's still loyal in the pack. Adam might be dead, but there's still someone who wanted Ashen gone. I can't risk this getting out."
Ryker's expression hardened as he stepped closer to Ashen.
"You don't need to worry," Ryker said, his tone serious. "Anyone who tries to get near you... they'll have to go through me first."
Ashen's eyes softened slightly, though he still looked uncomfortable.
"Thank you," Ashen mumbled quietly.
Ryker smirked. "Besides... I've always wanted to babysit the future Alpha's pup."
Ashen groaned while I fought the urge to strangle my best friend.
"Ryker..." I growled.
"Sorry, sorry! I'll be serious," Ryker chuckled. "But seriously... congratulations. Both of you."
Ashen's gaze flickered to me, and for the first time in days... I saw a small, genuine smile on his lips.
We may not have planned this.
But this was our future.
And I'd protect it with everything I had.