The walk back to the heart-lodge felt endless.
Every sound amplified: soft wolf paws on frost, rustling watchers in the underbrush, distant howls Alex couldn't translate but felt in his bones.
Each step widened the gap between him and his mates, triggering a primal scream in his hindbrain—pregnant creatures don't separate from their protectors. He was walking into danger alone.
The babies agreed.
Their movements had shifted from restless fluttering to sharp, painful jabs against his ribs. Alex winced, pressing a hand to his stomach.
"Easy," he whispered. "I know. We're okay. We'll be okay."
The jabs continued.
[System: Baby Stress: HIGH
Your Stress: CRITICAL
Mate Separation Anxiety: ACTIVATING (omega biology realness)
Symptoms: racing heart, shallow breaths, nausea, temperature swings
Recommendation: Calm down. Your stress transfers to them. Fetal stress hormones = bad.]
[You're walking into wolf territory pregnant and solo? Brave. Stupid. I'm proud and horrified.]
