Getting Serious

Alpha Jasper's POV

Seeing Rain again after all those lonely weeks, was incredible.
We are mates, the mate bond came right in when we looked into each other's eyes. She immediately felt she belonged with me and crawled delightfully into my arms. Just like old times. Jax went crazy with happiness, he too, craved her warmth and arms around us. Rain has always been very physical, which was the biggest loss during our separation.
And then the hesitation when she asked me if I could accept her now that she was pregnant with another. As far as I know, mated she-wolves can only get pregnant by their mate. And I am her mate, a union empowered by the Moon Goddess during our mating ceremony more than three years ago. I could never have imagined that this situation would arise in our relationship. I always thought we were solid and strong. But here we are, the King himself has set his eyes on my mate, knowing she is already mated. For sure, he knew because the matings of all Alphas are reported to the Council and the King, so King Ralph is being deliberate. Rain may have agreed to go with him to the Palace, but the King can only take her as his mate and Queen when she voluntarily rejected me. Without my mark it is easily done if she wants to. King Ralph knows the laws of Were like no other, accusing him of malice is justified.
And the pups.
When she told me she was pregnant, I was dumbfounded at first. I mean, her infertility was the only tricky thing in our relationship. Rain wanted to give birth to my pups but just didn't get pregnant. All went down when the pack interfered and she succumbed to the pressure. And now she stands before me, heavily pregnant. And she thinks the babies are King Ralph's. I couldn't believe my ears, this King is really shameless. Does he really think I will stand to the side for him to steal my mate and pups without consequences? Then he has another thing coming! I waited for this to happen for years, although Rain was more important to me. My pups from her and me, man! I can hardly believe it. She must have gotten pregnant during our two days escapade in my penthouse in Human Town. There was no pressure on her then; we were both relaxed without any expectations, and we only had eyes for one another. No one can doubt that they were conceived out of pure love between their parents. No obligation to produce, only proof of solid love.
When Rain said the twins were from the King, anger raced inside me.
I closed my eyes to relax and consulted Jax right away. Every wolf knows if his pup is growing in his mate. Man, did that wolf scold me! Until now, I can't fully digest how he spoke to me, an Alpha. Jax reproached me for being insecure because I knew all about werewolf reproduction. So it made so much sense that I would become a father in a few weeks. By then, I want everything settled and Rain back in the pack. So it is time for me to act fast. Ten weeks is not much time.
Quickly I leave the fashion house. I want to avoid the Royal warrior and the King-Mother noticing my presence. Jace is waiting in the SUV and I jump on the passenger's seat. "Did everything go according to plan? Did she recognize you?" he asks curiously. I smile happily. "Yes. She felt the sparks. The mate bond is still active," I whisper out of my mind with happiness. "She declares she chose me, so she is not planning to reject me. This is like a second chance, Jace. I should have marked her during our mating ceremony," I state, remorseful. My Beta pokes me by the shoulders.
"But you couldn't have known this would happen, Jasper," he reminds me. "Who could have predicted that the King would steal someone else's mate? Even though Rain willingly went along with him, the King must help save the relationships of his subordinates and not otherwise," he growls, disgruntled. "Jace, Rain is pregnant. Of my pups. We only have ten weeks left to notify the Council of all this and hear the Sages from the pack," I inform him. Jace steps hard on the brakes, the car coming to a stop with a jolt. "What!!! Are you serious!" he exclaims. "Jasper! Why did you let her go back to the Palace? You should have taken her home right away. The pack goes crazy with joy when they hear this. And your family! Moon Goddess, we're getting Alpha pups. Finally!"
The man does not know how to contain his joy.
"Jace, use your head," I sober him up. "If I take Rain now, I risk a war. Magda already said Ralph would do anything to keep her with him, he is capable of anything. We're talking about the King here who has an army of Lycans at his disposal," I remind him. "I cannot endanger Storm Forest knowing that we have lost any war with Lycans in advance. I want to avoid bloodshed".
"Oooh, man! We're going straight to the Elders. Elder Antonius must have any advice on how to handle this," my Beta grins despite the prospects not looking favorable for me. The mere fact that Rain is pregnant is his greatest joy. He gets along very well with his Luna; the two have been best friends since school.
Five minutes later, we enter the Jet that is supposed to take us back to Storm Forest.
Jace is in high spirits, his enthusiasm is so infectious. The man can't stop grinning from ear to ear. We silently endure the flight and more than an hour later, we arrive at the pack. We enter the waiting vehicle and head straight to Elder Nicolas' office. The Elder knows the history of Storm Forest and the Were Laws better than anyone and can advise me on how to proceed with the Council. Although I am assured of my claim to Rain, I know I must be careful in this matter. King Ralph is the strongest and highest authority of the werewolves; he alone would wipe out Storm Forest with the power he possesses. And Rain seems to be his Achilles heel.
The vehicle has barely come to a stop and we jump out.
With big strides we walk to the door and ring the bell.
"Alpha," I hear Elder Antony's voice from the microphone. "There must be something seriously wrong with you leaving your opulent packhouse to grace my humble shell with your presence," he teases....