"So you're still not going to let me see her?

" August pouted after leaving Zoe's room and walking out of the medical wing of the pack house.

Graeme was guiding her out with a hand at the small of her back, which she knew must be purposeful to keep her from straying to find Violet's room.

"She hasn't even had her family in to visit her yet. Let's just allow the healers to care for her right now. I told them to make sure she has whatever she needs,

" he reasoned.

"Do we have that here? If she is healing like a human… does she have pain medication?

" she turned to face him. Had he thought of all of that?

"She has what she needs, Little Red,

" he replied, but when she continued to look skeptical, he added,

"I'll have Sylvia check on her. How does that sound?

"

She brightened a little at that. If Sylvia were going to check on her, August could give her some ideas first about what Violet may need.

"Let's get you home so you can take a nap,

" he said as they were descending the steps toward the front door.

"A nap?

" she laughed.

"Aren't you exhausted? It took forever for you to fall asleep,

" he spoke low for only her to hear.

She sighed. She was exhausted, but she didn't want to admit it. Graeme hummed in recognition. She didn't have to tell him. He could feel it.

"You are going to be much more tired now with the pregnancy, Moon. There's no reason to feel bad about it. And you don't want to wear yourself out.

"

"Fine,

" she groaned.

"Want me to…

"

"No, I do not need you to carry me,

" she laughed, anticipating his question.

"How am I ever going to appear like a dignified Luna if my mate is always carrying me everywhere?

"

"Being carried undermines your dignity?

" he frowned.

"I… yes, doesn't it?

" she giggled. She had no idea how to behave as a Luna, honestly.

"Did your dad carry your mom around?

"

Graeme smiled.

"Yes. They were very playful together. You know, play is an important part of the pack. It is fun, it promotes camaraderie and trust. It doesn't matter your age or position.

"

August let out a shriek as he finished his explanation and swung her up on his shoulder.

"Graeme! Let me down!

" she laughed, her face flaming red in embarrassment as she struggled to land a hit or kick that might deter him from continuing to walk with her like a sack of potatoes he was carrying home.

The commotion drew some appreciative stares from pack members who watched as their Alpha smacked his mate on the backside and walked out the front door.

"I'll put you down if you let me carry you piggy back,

" he paused on the porch, offering her the compromise.

She groaned.

"This hurts my stomach,

" she complained, and he instantly allowed her to slide down against him until she was back on her feet.

"Ha!

" she laughed and sprinted away from him across the front lawn toward the woods leading home.

Graeme chuckled and put his hands on his hips watching her try to escape. She was so slow compared to lycans, but it was cute seeing her try. Her light hair was bouncing around her, falling on the long red ruana that trailed behind her.

"Oh, Finn,

" he heard her say as she came to an abrupt halt.

Graeme descended the steps to greet the young male who was likely returning to check on Violet.

"Luna,

" Finn's mouth hung open.

"It's… wow, so good to see you, Luna. I-I'm, um…

"

The small putter of a growl rumbled in Graeme's chest as he approached them both and saw Finn practically drooling over his mate. Finn snapped his mouth shut, eyes darting between them both.

"Congratulations, sires,

" Finn bowed. When he raised his head again, he couldn't help his straying eyes that sought to admire the glowing Luna in front of him.

August had been unconsciously gravitating to Graeme's side with the weight of Finn's eyes on her. She didn't realize she was doing it until she felt Graeme's signature warmth against her arm and the instantaneous calm that came with it.

"Finn,

" Graeme snapped, his teeth becoming visible as his top lip curled back.

"Yes, Alpha,

" the male tore his eyes away from his Luna's luminescent presence to see the threat flaming bright in Graeme's eyes.

"I'm sorry,

" he swallowed and dropped his eyes from both of them.

"Where are you headed?

" Graeme asked through clenched teeth.

"I was going to check on Violet,

" he gestured behind them toward the pack house.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now,

" Graeme replied.

"If you want to stand guard outside her door, that's one thing. But I don't want you knocking on her door or going in and bothering her. Unless she specifically asked for you, that is.

"

"No. I just… felt compelled,

" he said.

"Can you do something for me instead?

" Graeme asked.

"Of course,

" Finn nodded, staying conscious of where his gaze was, avoiding making August more uncomfortable than he must have already made her.

"It's important. Do you think you can stay focused?

"

"Yes, Alpha. I will never make that mistake again, I vow it.

"

"Good. I need you to be an extra guard for August tonight.

"

He wanted to give Finn another chance, because he knew how loyal he was. Finn was a good male who was blindsided by the attention of an older, manipulative female. He was young and inexperienced—likely in every sense of the word. Graeme sensed that the mistake Finn had made that day would make him an even more impressive guard.

If Finn could prove himself and keep his staring in check, Graeme had every intention on assigning him as August's personal guard.

"It would be an honor. Where shall I meet you?

" the young male asked, maintaining his avoidant gaze.

"I'll call you when we're on our way so you can meet us at the front. Make sure you're dressed early so that we don't need to wait for you.

"

"Of course. I will just go hang out in the pack house and see if there is anything I can help with until then,

" Finn nodded and waited until they both passed him on their way home before he looked up.

He smiled to himself. He was getting another chance at proving himself to the Alpha and his mate.. There was no way he was going to screw it up.