After the meeting, Sinclair and I retreated to the privacy of our bedroom. I began to remove my dress. As soon as the delicate fabric pooled at my feet, Sinclair approached, sliding his arms around my bare waist. "I can't decide what I'm most proud of," he growled in my ear. "Watching you put those Alphas in their place, or watching you go after James like that."

I leaned against him with a satisfied sigh, resting my cheek against his chest. "I don't like people criticizing you when all you've done is serve and sacrifice for your people."

He purred, kissing my neck. "Leaders who can't take criticism are worthless, little wolf."

"I don't mind," I sniffled, placing my hands over his on my stomach. The baby was sleeping, but her heartbeat was strong and regular. "You don't deserve to be treated that way."

He laughed. "Your wolf is really pissed off, isn't she?"

"Can you blame her?" I answered harshly. "After you've been gone so long, and then all those cold-hearted Alphas and attacks? That would drive anyone to the edge."

Sinclair kissed my shoulder as his wolf appeased my own in our shared mind space, lavishing her with affection. "Such a feisty fellow," he murmured. "Your spirit has always been one of my favorite things about you, but it's not good for the baby that you get so excited. I can't let you avenge my honor if it means stressing your body and the baby."

"Well, I don't want to stress Rafe either," I replied, feeling my mood shift, leaving me guilty and dejected. Tears welled in my eyes, and I stamped my foot in frustration, annoyed that I was crying again and hating the Alphas and James for teasing my wolf. "It's their fault, Damon, James, and every pack leader who doesn't care about anyone but shifters. If they weren't such idiots, I wouldn't be in this position."

"I wasn't blaming you, baby," Sinclair purred, his voice vibrating against my back. "I know you can't handle the stress. I only care about you, now more than ever."

"I feel so raw," I confessed, wishing I could hug him without disturbing the baby. "I can't decide if I want to keep our pup safe inside me forever or get him out so my weakness is no longer a threat to him."

Sinclair stilled, then turned me around, his hands guiding my body to face his. He cupped my face in his hands. I bit my lip, unable to meet his gaze. I couldn't bear to see his disappointment. "Look at me, little wolf," he instructed firmly, and my gaze jumped up, blurred with tears. "Now listen to me very carefully," he continued, gentle but stern. "You are not weak. You are performing a miracle in the midst of the apocalypse."

I sniffled, and he purred. "You need to give yourself some grace, honey. I know this is easier said than done, but I'm not going to take that kind of talk," Sinclair declared fiercely, his voice filled with emotion. "You are incredible. You are the strongest wolf I have ever known, and this pup is very lucky to have you as a mother. Not to mention, I'm the luckiest man in the world to call you my mate."

"But I can't even keep our baby safe, and he's not even born yet," I countered, feeling myself spiral despite his love and reassurance. "I'm caught in emotions I can't control, and you can't focus on the war because I can't handle it alone, and you're always comforting or worrying about me."

Sinclair's purr hardened, and he released his power, letting it envelop me. "Our baby is going to be fine."

"You don't know that," I argued.

"Maybe not, but you better believe I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure of it," he proclaimed. "And if you think I could live without you, you're out of your mind."

"You made it this far without me," I reminded him petulantly.

"You too," Sinclair responded. "We overcame our struggles independently because we had no other choice. We didn't know what the future held, and so"