The Professor's Mate Clause novel Chapter 127

She catches me staring one morning while she’s getting dressed.

“What?” she asks, self-conscious.

“You’re beautiful.”

“I’m getting fat.”

“You’re growing our baby. That’s different. That’s incredible.” I cross to her, placing both hands on her stomach. “Every change is purposeful. Your body is doing exactly what it needs to do.”

She relaxes into my touch. “I feel huge.”

“You’re sixteen weeks. You’re supposed to be showing.” I kiss her temple. “And you’re gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”

Through the bond, I feel her pleasure at the compliment, the self-consciousness easing slightly.

The first time I feel the baby move, we’re in bed reviewing notes for the upcoming continental gathering.

Freya gasps softly, her hand flying to her stomach.

“What? What’s wrong?” I’m instantly alert, already reaching for her.

“Nothing’s wrong. The baby moved. I felt them move.” Wonder fills her voice. “Here, give me your hand.”

She presses my pain flat against her stomach For long moments, there’s nothing Then-there A flutter, gentle and unmistakable Movement from inside

Our child

Artive Alive Real

Oh my God, I breathe

Freya’s eyes are bright with tears. That’s our baby’

We stay frozen like that, hands pressed to her stomach, waiting for another movement. When it comes. stronger this time, we both laugh with pure joy.

This is real. This is happening. We’re going to be parents.

At eighteen weeks, Dr. Chen offers us the option of learning the baby’s sex.

We’re in his office for a routine check-up, the ultrasound machine humming beside us.

“Do you want to know?” he asks, the wand paused on Freya’s stomach.

I look at Freya. “Your call.”

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. “No. I want to be surprised. We’ll find out when they’re born.”

“Agreed,” I say, relieved. Somehow knowing feels like it would make the threats more real, more specific. This way, the baby is just a concept, a possibility. Harder to threaten something abstract.

But Dr. Chen’s next words shatter that illusion.

“I can tell you that the heartbeat is strong, growth is exactly where it should be, and all markers indicate a healthy pregnancy.” He hesitates. “But I should mention that the baby is showing some… unusual characteristics.”

Freya tenses. “What kind of unusual?”

“Nothing dangerous,” he assures quickly. “Just unique. The bone density is higher than typical for this stage. Neural development is accelerated. These could indicate Alpha bloodline inheritance, or they could be something we’ve never seen before given your combined genetics.”

“But the baby is healthy,” I press

“Completely healthy. Just strong. Very strong.” He smiles. “This child is going to be remarkable.”

After the appointment, Freya is quiet again.

“Talk to me,” I request

Tm scared they’re going to be too different,” she admits. “That the combination of our genetics will Create something people fear. That our child will face even more prejudice than I did

I pull over turning to face her fully Then we prepare them We teach them to be proud of who they are We surround them with people who love them regardless. And if anyone tries to hurt them for being different, they’ll have to go through us first

Promise?

“Promise Our child will grow up knowing they’re wanted, valued, perfect exactly as they are Whatever as they are turns out to be.”

She kisses me, fierce and grateful.

At twenty weeks, we’re halfway through the pregnancy.

Freya’s energy has returned somewhat, the exhaustion of the first trimester easing into something more manageable. She insists on maintaining her full schedule, attending meetings, leading training sessions. refusing to let pregnancy slow her down.

I admire her determination even as it terrifies me.

“You need to rest more,” I tell her after watching her run a three-hour diplomatic session without sitting

once.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re pregnant. And we have credible threats against you. Fine isn’t good enough.”

Her eyes flash. “Don’t you dare use this pregnancy to sideline me. I’m still Luna. Still Alpha. Still capable of doing my job.” 1

“I know that. I’m not trying to sideline you. I’m trying to keep you safe.”

“Then trust me to know my limits.” She softens slightly. “I’ll rest when I need to. I promise. But I won’t disappear just because I’m carrying a child. That’s not who we are. That’s not what we’re teaching them.”

She’s right, of course.

Our child needs to see that pregnancy doesn’t mean weakness, that motherhood doesn’t require giving up identity or purpose. That’s the whole point of what we’ve built.

“Okay,” I concede. “But if I see you pushing too hard, I’m calling it. Deal?”

“Deal.”

The continental gathering looms, now just two weeks away.

Over two hundred Alphas will attend, all curious about the equal bond couple, all watching to see if we’re really as strong as the stories claim. And now they’ll see Freya pregnant, visibly carrying the child that represents everything we fought for.

The pressure is enormous.

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