The Pack's Doctor by Cooper

Chapter 180

Kennedy

I wake up warm and comfortable, with Quirin’s sandalwood scent surrounding me. I feel a slight fluttering in my mind and I know that Echo is fighting to come back to me.

‘Heal yourself, Echo. I’ll be here when you get back. I love you,‘ I say in our mind. I know my wolf, she won’t stop fighting But hopefully she can hear me and knowing that I can feel her trying will help her to feel better. I can still feel the pack holding on to her, helping her to find her way back.

The next thing I feel is Quirin’s mind. I smile, loving that it’s still open to me. Right now, it’s quiet with his sleep, although, images of Slater, the pack lands, and me are flashing on repeat.

Those are the things he’s most worried about, Raif says, purring in my mind but loud enough that I can feel the vibration against my body.

‘Don’t wake Quirin, Raif. He needs his sleep,’ I scold him.

‘What I need is for my mate to be healthy. How are you feeling, Little Pup? Sorry, I’m still half asleep. How are you feeling, Little Mate?‘ he asks me in the mind link. Now that his mind is open to me, I can feel that his pet name for me is just that, a pet name. He doesn’t consider me a pup any longer. But I can also feel that he’s not going to call me that any more, especially since…

“Really?” I ask out loud.

His hand slides over my still–flat stomach. “My Little Pup’s pup,” he says, and I feel his lips that are pressed against my should spread into a smile. He kisses my shoulder. “And your stomach isn’t as flat as it used to be. Our pup is growing.”

I put my hand over his and sure enough, my stomach isn’t quite as flat.

“So, how are you feeling? Raif says he’s getting a hint of Echo returning,” he says.

“Yes, she’s fluttering around in there, trying to find her way back to me. I know she will. She’s a strong, wonderful wolf.”

“Just like her human. It still feels like you’re weak. Do you feel weak?” he asks.

but I want a shower. I’ll have Mom

at me. “You’re MY mate. I will take care of

have a lot of work to do, and…”

am your mate. I will take care of you. Your mother can help, but you are my responsibility. Being mine means you’re mine to love, mine to cherish, mine to protect, and mine to take care of. I haven’t been a great mate

always wanted,” I say, rolling over to

closing his

your love feels so good, so

his. “My love for you IS pure. Even if we’re arguing, even if I’m angry with you, I still love you like this,”

our pup and I have a meeting with your father this morning. Oh, and Connor and Henry are leaving, I’m not sure you’re up

I feel after the shower,” I

me up and carries me into the bathroom, setting me down before leaning into the shower to turn on the water, While he does that, he continues to hold on to my waist, making sure I’m steady on my feet. I can’t help but smile at my big strong mate being so

me pull the shirt he put on me last night

the feel of

I sort of figured that you’d treat our pups like you treat me and the rare few people in this world that you love and respect.

he asks softly and I can tell that this, my opinion of

him.

when I was younger, you were firm with me, but you were never harsh,” I slide my hands up and around his neck as I smile up at him. “I think that’s exactly the kind of father you will be. The perfect

mind. I’ve never really liked pups, present company excluded,” he says, making me laugh. “They’re loud and defiant and distracting. But ever since Raif called you mate, I’ve had a deep desire to have a pup with you.”

“Just one?”

me. “How many did you want? You’re not going to be like

if I am?” I

tell you what your father told her last night.

ninety–nine percent of the time,

you may be getting another brother

“Seriously?”

need to mentally prepare for this.”