My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105

My father stood to show him out. After they left the room, Emma and I sat in silence for a moment.

“What do you think?” she finally asked.

“I think he’s right about the increased supernatural activity. And I think forming stronger alliances is smart strategy.” I paused. “But I also think he has motives he’s not sharing. Something he’s preparing for that he hasn’t told us about.”

“Agreed.” She shifted uncomfortably, one hand on her belly. “Jeremy, what if the debt he calls in is related to this? What if he wants us committed to this alliance before he reveals what he really wants?”

“Then we’ll deal with it when it comes.” I helped her stand, supporting her back. “Emma, we knew going in that the vampire debt was going to be complicated. This is just the beginning.”

“I know. I just—” She looked at me, worry clear in her eyes. “We have a pup coming. I want them to grow up in a stable, peaceful world. Not one full of vampire politics and supernatural conflicts.”

“So do I.” I pulled her close, careful of her belly. “But Emma, we can’t control everything. Can’t predict every threat. All we can

do is make the best decisions we can with the information we have.”

“When did you get so wise?”

“Therapy. Lots and lots of therapy.” I kissed her forehead. “Plus having a mate who calls me on my bullshit helps.”

She laughed, the sound easing some of the tension. “Someone has to keep you grounded.”

My father returned, his expression thoughtful. “Well. That was interesting.”

“Thoughts?” I asked.

“I think Lord Castellan is playing a longer game than he’s revealing. But I also think he’s genuine about the increased supernatural threats.” He settled back into his chair. “We should convene the council. Get their input. See what Silverbrook and Moonshadow think about a vampire alliance.”

“They might see it as us overstepping,” I pointed out. “Making alliances without consulting them.”

“Then we consult them. Politics 101.” My father smiled slightly. “Jeremy, you’re going to be Alpha soon–probably within the year, given the timeline we discussed. You need to start thinking like an Alpha, not just a warrior.”

He was right. We’d been discussing transition plans—my father stepping down gradually over the next year, giving me time to take on more leadership responsibilities before the pup arrived and demanded all our attention.

“I’ll set up meetings with our allied packs,” I said. “Get their temperature on a vampire alliance. See if they share Lord Castellan’s concerns about increased supernatural activity.”

“Good. And Jeremy?” My father’s expression turned serious. “Whatever Lord Castellan’s endgame is, whatever debt he eventually calls in–remember that you’re not alone in this. The pack will support you. I’ll support you. We face this together.”

“Thank you.” The words felt inadequate but I meant them,

After my father left, Emma and I moved to the couch. She curled against me, one hand on her belly, the other holding mine.

“Do you ever wonder if we’ll just get to have a normal life?” she asked quietly. “No mercenaries, no vampire debts, no supernatural politics? Just us and our pup and regular, boring pack business?”

“All the time.” I pressed my hand over hers on her belly, feeling our child move. “But Emma, I don’t think normal is in the cards for us. Not with everything we’ve been through. Everything we’ve survived.”

“I know. I just—I want our pup to have a better childhood than we’re setting up. Want them to grow up without constant threats and danger.”

+15 Bonus

“They will. Because we’re going to make sure of it.” I tilted her face up to look at me. “Emma, we’ve survived an affair, a betrayal, mercenary attacks, a war, and vampire deals. We can handle whatever comes next. Together.”

“Together,” she agreed, kissing me softly. “Always together.”

Our pup kicked hard enough that we both felt it, making Emma laugh.

“I think they’re reminding us they’re here,” she said.

“Good. Let them. This pup is going to grow up knowing they’re loved, wanted, and protected by the strongest mother and the most devoted father we can be.” I paused. “Even if their father made some really stupid varapire deals.” 1

“Especially because their father made stupid vampire deals to keep their mother safe.” Emma’s expression softened. “Jeremy, I know the debt scares you. Scares both of us. But you did what you had to do. And when Lord Castellan calls it in, we’ll face it. Like we’ve faced everything else.” 1

“How did I get so lucky?” I wondered aloud.

“Lucky? You cheated on me, destroyed our relationship, and spent months in therapy learning how to be a decent partner.” But she was smiling. “Though I guess you’re lucky I’m incredibly forgiving and deeply in love with you despite your catastrophic life choices.”

“Very lucky then.”

We sat together as the sun set, my hands on her belly, her head on my shoulder. Our rebuilt home around us. Our pack safe. Our future uncertain but full of possibility.

The vampire debt loomed. Lord Castellan’s alliance proposal would complicate our political landscape. Threats were gathering

on the horizon.

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