To protect what's mine (Amalie) novel Chapter 174

**Guard 174**

**Chapter 174: Amalie**

“Sweetheart, Uncle William is waiting for you at the hospital for your checkup,” Cal whispers softly into my ear, his breath warm and inviting against my skin.

“Just five more minutes, please,” I groan, my voice thick with the remnants of sleep. The blankets cocoon me like a comforting embrace, making it all too easy to slip back into the bliss of slumber.

Cal chuckles, a light, playful sound that fills the room with warmth. “Markus is already up with Rose, and she’s practically bouncing off the walls in excitement to see you before we head out,” he teases, his tone a mix of playful insistence and genuine affection.

“Five more minutes,” I repeat, cracking open one eye just enough to catch a glimpse of his charming smile, which threatens to melt my resistance.

“Come on, Amalie. It’s our one-month checkup,” he says, his familiar charm working its magic, coaxing me out of my sleepy haze.

“Ten more minutes,” I negotiate, my voice muffled as I burrow deeper into the pillows, clinging to the fading echoes of my dreams.

“Nope,” he laughs, a rich sound that resonates in the air. In an instant, he scoops me up, lifting me effortlessly from the cozy sanctuary of the bed.

“Calyx!” I squawk in surprise, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck as he cradles me against him, my heart racing with a mix of shock and delight.

“Shower first, then breakfast,” he instructs, pressing a gentle kiss on my lips that sends a delightful shiver coursing through me.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” I grumble, though the corners of my mouth betray me, twitching towards a smile.

“I prefer handsome,” he replies with a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Keep laughing, and I might have to downgrade your adjectives,” I warn him, shooting him a mock glare that lacks any real malice.

“Oohh, big word,” he teases, his laughter ringing out like music, filling the space with lightness.

“Fine, you’re adorable and oh so pretty,” I fire back, a smirk playing on my lips as I relish our playful banter.

“You know, I can get my revenge?” Cal’s eyes glint with a playful challenge, and I raise an eyebrow, daring him to make a move.

And move he does—successfully. He shifts us both so that I’m straddling his lap, his lips finding their way to my neck, right over the mate mark he’s claimed for himself.

His tongue flicks over the mark, teasingly, before he grazes his teeth against it, applying just the right amount of pressure.

A groan escapes my lips as waves of pleasure ripple through me, igniting a fire deep within. I can feel his smirk against my skin, and I sense his own arousal growing beneath me. I tilt my head back, succumbing to the moment, and begin to grind my hips against him, lost in the intoxicating connection we share.

“Our wolves are going to be furious if we let this escalate again,” I moan, the rational part of my mind trying to assert itself even as desire clouds my thoughts. I know we should stop, yet a part of me yearns to continue, to lose myself in this blissful connection.

“Then we don’t go all the way,” he replies, his voice deepening as he loses himself in the pleasure of the moment, his breath hot against my skin.

“You say that as if I’m not seconds away from tearing our clothes off and taking you right here,” I growl, pushing his head away from my neck momentarily, my heart racing.

“Well, when you put it that way, consequences be damned,” he smirks, sealing his lips over mine with a fervor that sends shivers down my spine.

‘I will take over, even if it is in your form,’ Beren huffs, his voice a low growl echoing in the back of my mind.

—

**7:13 PM**

**Chapter 174: Amalie**

‘I want our first time in our forms,’ Zviad growls, both a warning to us and a reminder of the boundaries we must respect regarding our shifting and mating.

‘It’s settled then, no more,’ Beren snaps decisively, his tone brooking no argument.

‘Go take a cold shower or jump in the creek,’ Zviad commands Cal, his authority clear and unmistakable.

“Alright, alright,” Cal concedes, taking a deep breath to cool the lust that has ignited within him, along with the undeniable erection that has grown beneath me.

“I was going to invite you into my shower, but after this little escapade and the warning from our wolves, I think it’s best to reconsider,” I say with a teasing smirk, rubbing myself against his erection one last time before I climb off his lap.

Cal lets out a groan of frustration, casting me a glare as I step away. I wink at him playfully before disappearing into the bathroom for my shower.

“Fucking tease,” Cal mutters under his breath, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and exasperation.

I turn on the shower, the sound of water cascading down soothing my racing thoughts. I take several deep breaths, trying to reign in the heat that lingers from our earlier encounter. I was not joking about being on the brink of wanting Cal to claim me completely.

Stepping into the shower, I let the warm water wash over me, drowning out my thoughts and enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility. I take my time, enjoying every drop, relishing the sensation of the water cascading over my skin, letting it wash away any remnants of tension.

Once I finish, I reach for my fluffy towel, wrapping it around myself before stepping out. I run a hairbrush through my long hair, taking my time to braid it for the first time in what feels like ages. My fingers deftly weave the strands into a French braid, a skill that comes back to me effortlessly. Satisfied with my appearance, I nod at my reflection and exit the bathroom.

As I enter the dining room, I hear Rose’s voice, bright and curious. “Mommy coming with?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looks up from her sketchbook filled with colorful drawings.

“Mommy and daddies brought me,” Rose replies proudly, puffing out her chest, her innocence shining brightly.

“Dad wants a checkup,” I add, my heart swelling with affection for my little family, the love we share palpable in the air.

“Okay, head on to room seven, and he’ll be right in,” Gretchen instructs, pointing towards the hospital rooms. “Do you want to stay here with me?” she asks Rose, her voice warm and inviting, a safe haven for my daughter.

Rose hesitates, torn between staying with us and spending time with her grandmother.

“You can stay here, and we’ll come get you when we’re done,” I encourage her, hoping to ease her decision, wanting her to feel secure.

“You tell me?” Rose asks, her eyes wide with anticipation, her excitement bubbling over.

“We’ll tell you all about it,” Markus promises, giving her a playful boop on the nose that sends her into a fit of giggles, her laughter ringing through the air.

As Rose makes her way around the counter to sit with Gretchen, I feel a sense of relief wash over me, knowing she’s in good hands.

“Alright, we’ll see you when we’re done,” I say, glancing back at them both, my heart swelling with love for my family.

“We’ll be right here,” Gretchen assures, pulling Rose into her lap, their bond evident as they settle in comfortably.

**7:13 PM**

To protect what’s mine

**Conclusion**

As we step into the hospital, hand in hand, the warmth of Cal’s grip reassures me amidst the uncertainty of the day ahead. The earlier playful banter and the electric moments shared between us linger in the back of my mind, a reminder of the passionate connection we have forged. I glance back at Rose, nestled comfortably in Gretchen’s lap, her laughter echoing in the sterile hallways, and my heart swells with a profound sense of love and responsibility. This journey is not just about a checkup; it’s a testament to the life we are building together—a life filled with laughter, challenges, and the unwavering bond of family. The anticipation of what lies ahead is tinged with hope, and I find solace in knowing that no matter the outcome, we will face it together.

With each step toward room seven, I feel the weight of my worries begin to lift. The playful teasing, the tender moments, and the laughter shared with Cal and Rose serve as a reminder of the joy that exists even in uncertainty. I take a deep breath, embracing the present moment and the love that surrounds me. Today, we are not just navigating a checkup; we are reaffirming our commitment to one another, ready to face whatever challenges may come our way. Together, we are stronger, and as I look into Cal’s eyes, I see a reflection of the future I desire—a future where love, laughter, and resilience intertwine to create a beautiful tapestry of our lives.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

As Amalie and Cal step into the hospital, the air is thick with anticipation, not only for the checkup but for the revelations that lie ahead. With Rose safely in the care of her grandmother, the couple will find themselves navigating the complexities of their relationship amidst the backdrop of family and responsibility. Will the tension from their earlier encounter resurface, igniting a spark that could lead to deeper connections, or will the weight of their duties pull them back into the realm of caution? The promise of a checkup holds more than just medical significance; it could be a turning point for Amalie and Cal as they confront their feelings and the expectations that come with them.

Moreover, the looming presence of their wolves—Beren and Zviad—adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative. Their voices, filled with both desire and caution, will undoubtedly influence Amalie and Cal’s choices as they strive to balance their human emotions with their primal instincts. Will they heed the warnings of their wolves, or will the allure of their bond push them to the brink? As the chapter progresses, readers can expect to delve deeper into the dynamics of their relationship, exploring the delicate dance between love and responsibility, longing and restraint.

With the hospital setting serving as a catalyst for change, the stage is set for revelations that could reshape their lives. Will Amalie discover something unexpected during the checkup that challenges her understanding of family and love? Or will the day bring new challenges that test the strength of their bonds? As the clock ticks and the moments unfold, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and perhaps, a glimpse into the future that awaits them all.