LACEY

It took a long time to get an appointment to find out the baby's sex. Doctor Ron had been exceptionally busy lately, so we had to be patient.

I sat on the examination table, swinging my feet while Felix stood beside me. He stood rigidly, as if nervous. I reached over and gently rubbed his arm, trying to calm him.

"There's nothing to be nervous about," I told him. "We'll love it either way." He just nodded. My quiet mate.

Finally, Doctor Ron entered. "Good afternoon," he said pleasantly. He was always so calm and composed; it made the entire process easier. "So, are we ready to see our little one?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please!"

"How about you, Dad? Are you ready to find out what you're having?" he asked Felix. Felix nodded. "Alright then, let's get to it. Lacey, dear, why don't you lie back for me?"

I lay back on the slightly raised table. I rolled up my shirt as Doctor Ron brought over the ultrasound machine. Felix's hand found mine, and he intertwined our fingers. I could feel his nervousness.

"Just a bit of cold gel," Doctor Ron said, squirting the gel onto my belly. I shivered slightly as he rubbed it in with the wand. He moved the wand around, searching for the best angle, quietly working, rolling it over my stomach and pressing buttons on the machine. Felix's grip tightened with each passing moment.

After what felt like ages, he turned back to us with a gentle smile. "Are you guys ready?"

"Yes, we are," I said, looking at my mate. He nodded. We both turned back to Doctor Ron, who turned the machine toward us. The screen showed an image I couldn't decipher. He pressed a button, and a small arrow appeared with the words "IT'S A BOY!" next to it.

I let out an excited scream. "A boy? We're having a boy?"

"Yes, it appears you'll be having a boy," Doctor Ron confirmed. I looked at Felix, whose face lit up with a proud smile. My heart fluttered at his expression; he was happy about having a son. Felix took the rag Doctor Ron offered to wipe the gel off my belly and then gently kissed my stomach.

"I'll print a few photos for you," Doctor Ron said, laughing as he returned to the machine.

"Thank you so much," I said happily. A minute later, he handed us a series of small photos of our baby.

"His kidneys are measuring a little small, but we won't worry for now. We'll just keep an eye on things as he grows and see if it becomes concerning," Doctor Ron said casually.

Felix let out a low growl. "What?" I asked, placing my hand on his arm.

"It could require a simple procedure after birth, but it could also correct itself. We'll keep monitoring it. Nothing to worry about right now, though," he reassured us.

"Okay," I said, though I wasn't entirely convinced. Felix was tense again; our happy mood was gone.

"We'll see you back in two weeks, I think," he said, making a note in my file. "Congratulations on your son." Doctor Ron left. I pulled down my shirt, and Felix helped me off the table.

"He said we don't need to worry right now," I said softly. Felix stared at my stomach. I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me close.

"Hey," I said, bringing his face to mine. "We're having a little boy."

He rubbed his nose against mine. "We are having a boy," he said softly.

LIAM

"It's a plan. Could be a little dangerous, but probably the most effective," Langston said. I had just explained my plans for gathering information on Warwick.

"We need eyes," I said. "We're guessing right now. Everything reported or gleaned from news outlets is just speculation. We could be completely wrong."

"That's true," he said thoughtfully. "What does your mate think?"

"She doesn't think it's a bad idea, just dangerous," I answered.

"Who would you want to send? It should be someone you implicitly trust and someone who can recognize vampires," Langston said.

"That's the tricky part," I said. Langston raised an eyebrow. "I think I should send Maddox."

Langston nodded, silent for a moment. Finally, he said, "You think he's ready for the seriousness of this assignment?"

"I do," I said. "He's shown a lot of maturity since coming to Blood Eclipse. Especially with my daughter."

"Does that hurt to say?" Langston laughed.

"I'm still not thrilled they're living on their own," I admitted.

"And this isn't a way for you to force your daughter back home temporarily?" Langston asked. "You really think Maddox will be a good candidate?"

"While I'm not opposed to that added benefit, no, that's not my sole reasoning. Maddox is smart and determined. He'll do everything he can to keep Missy safe, and she won't be safe until Warwick is gone."

"I can't say I disagree," Langston said, smiling. "So, tell them separately or together?"

"Missy, what are you doing here, sweetheart?" I asked, surprised to see my daughter enter behind Maddox as he joined me in my office.

"Rule number two," she said, raising an eyebrow. "We just got back from a run when Langston said you wanted to talk to Maddox."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. I'd hoped to speak to Maddox alone.

"Alpha, whatever it is, you can tell me in front of Missy. I don't keep anything from her," Maddox said, giving Missy a loving look. The poor boy was hopelessly in love.

"Missy, why don't you go see your mother for a bit?" I suggested.

She sat down. "No, I'm absolutely not leaving because you don't want me to hear this conversation." She crossed her arms.

"Fiesty pup," Gavin snorted. Maddox looked incredulous but sat beside her.

"Alright, but you're simply a spectator. Maddox and I will be having this conversation," I said.

"Alright," she agreed. I turned to Maddox.

"I know you're well-informed about the evolving situation with Warwick," I began. Maddox nodded. "Langston and I have noticed your recent work ethic. You were a significant help to Austin while I was dealing with Azalea."

"I was happy to help," Maddox said. "I've learned a lot."

"We're having trouble getting solid information on Warwick's whereabouts. We have guesses, but nothing concrete. We can't attack until we know where they are," I explained. Maddox listened intently. "Langston and I agree—we need someone we trust to find Warwick and send us information."

I paused. Maddox's eyebrows furrowed. Missy sat up straighter, but I kept my eyes on Maddox.

"Wait, are you saying you want me to…" Maddox trailed off.

"Yes," I said. "I want you to act as a spy. I want you to follow the intelligence we've gathered and find Warwick."

"No!" Missy exclaimed. "You said you wanted us nowhere near this war, Dad!" I remained focused on Maddox.

"You've earned my trust, not just with my daughter," I said.

"I don't know what to say, sir," Maddox said, surprised.

"I know what you'll say, and it's 'no'!" Missy almost shouted, standing. "Maddox, you're not going after a genocidal vampire bent on revenge against my family!"

"Missy, I allowed you to stay as a spectator," I warned.

"Are you kidding me? This could be a suicide mission!" she said.

"Your mate has made his intentions clear," I said, standing. "Protecting your pack doesn't just mean working out and fighting!" Missy glared at me.

"Missy, wait," Maddox said, putting a hand on her back. They exchanged a silent conversation.

"Alpha, can I take some time to decide?" Maddox finally asked.

"Yes," I said. "But time isn't on our side. We need to know what Warwick is doing. He already knows what we're doing."

"Of course," he said quietly. He nodded respectfully and headed for the door, followed by Missy.

"You idiot," Gavin grumbled.

"Not helping," I retorted.

"She's like Little Mate, but more aggressive," he observed. I sighed. She was like Azalea, but with the temperament of a werewolf.

Langston knocked. "I can see that went well," he chuckled.

"She threatened me," I said, unsure of my handling of the situation. I hadn't expected such a strong reaction.

"She feels strongly. It's refreshing. She's finally taking charge," he said.

"You say that as the visiting Alpha, not her father," I groaned, sitting down.

"Let them talk it out. Maddox will make the right decision, and she'll understand."

MISSY

Of all the things my father could ask my mate to do! How much more hypocritical could he be? He wants us away from the war, but he wants to send my mate on a spy mission? I stormed out of the packhouse and headed home, Maddox close behind.

"Missy, please calm down," he said as I nearly ran down the stairs.

"Calm down? How am I supposed to calm down after that?" I yelled.

"This is why he wanted to talk to me privately. He didn't want you to react this way," he reasoned.

"Because this is absolutely insane!" I argued. Holland whined in my head. We both knew this meant our mate would be in danger and far away for an unknown time. I couldn't go with him; that would put me in danger too.

Tears streamed down my face, and I ran faster. After everything Vlad put me through, I thought my parents would let us live peacefully. I thought Maddox could be a warrior, but I didn't think he'd be interrogating prisoners and chasing my father's enemy.

Losing my parents, growing up as the Alpha's adopted "charity case," being kidnapped, being betrayed—wasn't that enough? Now my father wanted to offer my mate to Warwick on a silver platter.

I've removed the asterisks and replaced the censored words with more appropriate alternatives. The language is cleaner and more consistent throughout. The grammar and punctuation have been corrected for clarity and flow.