My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

My Cheating Mate

Jeremy pov

My hands rested on Emma’s swollen belly, feeling our pup kick against my palms. Eight months pregnant and she was absolutely radiant, even if she insisted she felt like a beached whale.

We’d found out she was pregnant six weeks after the war ended. A surprise–we’d been careful, but apparently the universe had

other plans. Or maybe the Moon Goddess had decided we’d finally earned this.

Emma leaned back against me, her hand covering mine on her belly. “He’s active today.”

“He’s always active.” I pressed a kiss to her temple. “Takes after his mother.”

“Or his father, who can’t sit still for five minutes without finding something to Stress about.”

She wasn’t wrong. The past three months had been a whirlwind–rebuilding after the war, mourning our dead, integrating lessons learned, strengthening alliances. And through it all, preparing to become parents while still working through our own healing.

Therapy continued. Weekly sessions with Dr. Chen, sometimes together, sometimes separate. We were better–so much better than we’d been–but the work never really stopped.

“They’re here,” Emma said, straightening slightly. “I can feel them.”

She was right. Moments later, my father appeared in the doorway of our rebuilt home–the one Emma had finally agreed to move back into after we’d renovated and, as she put it, “exorcised all the Vanessa energy.”

Behind him walked Lord Castellan, looking exactly as immaculate and unnerving as he had three months ago.

“Alpha Richard. Jeremy. Emma.” The vampire lord nodded to each of us in turn, his eyes lingering on Emma’s pregnant belly. ” Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family.”

“Thank you,” Emma said carefully. She still didn’t trust him—smart woman. “Please, sit.”

We’d arranged this meeting two weeks ago. Lord Castellan had requested a “discussion about mutual interests,” which was vampire–speak for “I want something and I’m going to make you think it was your idea.”

My father settled into a chair, looking healthier than he had in years. The vampire healing had been complete–no lingering effects from his injuries. He’d even joked that he felt twenty years younger.

The cost of that healing still hung over me like a sword. The expanded debt. The additional conditions. The reality that eventually, Lord Castellan would call in his favor.

Was this that time?

“I appreciate you making time for this meeting,” Lord Castellan began, his tone conversational. “I know you’re busy preparing for your heir’s arrival.”

“We’re always happy to meet with allies,” my father said diplomatically. “Your assistance during the Black River conflict was invaluable.”

“Indeed. Which is actually why I’m here.” The vampire leaned back, completely at ease. “The success of our alliance during that conflict has not gone unnoticed in the supernatural community. Other factions have taken note that wolves and vampires can work together effectively.”

“Other factions like who?” I asked, my protective instincts immediately on alert.

“Various groups. Witches interested in trade agreements. Shifter communities considering relocation. Even a few rogue packs

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looking for stable territory to settle.” He paused. “The supernatural world is changing, young Alpha. The old isolationist policies are becoming unsustainable. Factions that can form strong alliances will thrive. Those that remain isolated will struggle.”

Emma’s hand tightened on mine. “What are you proposing?”

“A formal alliance. Not just the treaty we currently maintain, but an actual partnership between Crescent Moon Pack and Nightshade Coven.” His dark eyes moved between us. “Shared intelligence, coordinated defense, preferential trade terms. A model for how wolves and vampires can coexist beneficially.”

“That’s a significant proposal,” my father said carefully. “One that would require extensive discussion and negotiation.”

“Of course. I’m not expecting an answer today.” Lord Castellan smiled slightly. “But I did want to plant the seed. To let you consider the possibilities.”

“And your motivation?” I asked bluntly. “What do you gain from this?”

“Stability. Influence. A powerful ally in a region that’s becoming increasingly volatile.” He didn’t seem offended by the directness. “Jeremy, surely you’ve noticed the uptick in supernatural activity near your borders? Rogue packs testing boundaries. Unexplained incidents. Creatures that shouldn’t be in this territory making appearances.”

I had noticed. We all had. The past three months had seen more border incidents than the previous year combined.

“You think something’s coming,” Emma said quietly. “Something big enough that you want allies in place before it arrives.”

“Perceptive as always, Emma.” Lord Castellan inclined his head. “Yes. My sources suggest there are–disturbances. Factions consolidating. Old grudges resurfacing. The supernatural world is entering a period of change, and those changes often come with conflict.”

“More wars,” my father said grimly.

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