Alpha Nocurne's Contracted Mate

Ann was woken up by a gentle tapping on the door and as she opened her eyes, the same wave of exhaustion that had swept over her earlier, still seemed to sit above her tauntingly.

“Your highness? Are you awake?” Coral’s voice drifted through the doors.

“No. I feel like we got hit by a f*****g truck.” Maeve grumbled as she yawned and closed her eyes again.

“Yes, come in Coral.” Ann said, ignoring Maeve’s grouchy attitude, and sitting up and smiling gently at Coral’s nervous looking expression as she entered the room with a tray of food.

“Sorry,” she shrugged apologetically, “As much as you clearly hate being mothered, I watched my sister go through a pregnancy with multiples. If it wasn’t for the food that we sneaked her during the pregnancy, she would have spent her entire pregnancy in the hospital.”

Ann chuckled softly as she gestured for Coral to sit and watched helplessly as she pulled the overbed table out and placed the tray on it, before pulling a chair to sit alongside her. “I didn’t know you had a sister, Coral.” Ann said as she reached for the smoothie and eyed it suspiciously.

“Don’t worry, your Grace. I made it myself.” Coral grinned knowingly as Ann’s shoulders sagged in relief.

“It’s like you read my mind.” she smiled ironically as she sipped at the smoothie and sat back a little, “So tell me, your sister?”

“Ah! Yes. Well, I was only young when she was still here. She found her mate and didn’t report it, or the marking …or the pregnancy. Linus was furious when he found out.” Coral explained as she lowered her eyes, but Ann didn’t miss the pain that swam just below the surface.

“You have no idea how much you did for us all when you made him answer for his crimes.” she said with a smile, “We hid her for as long as we could. Just long enough for her mate to gather enough supplies and get her out of this place.”

“So she’s still alive?” Ann asked gently. Coral nodded and smiled softly.

to adores her, and the kids. Sometimes, we get updates on them all and their little family,” she laughed suddenly, “I say family, but honestly, with twelve pups now,

if you need to take time off to go and see her, you can.” Ann smiled as she reached for a croissant. “What?” Coral exclaimed in disbelief as she stared

job. Sure, you’re my personal assistant but you’ll still be getting salaried with paid

her hands across her little bump as she fixed Coral with a

from the rest of us, Coral. You deserve to be treated well, like everyone else. The sooner you accept this, the

in embarrassment and

was… I’m just…it’s h*ard, you

Eva until she found her own confidence and we

like me?!” Coral gasped, “But

She is now,

burst in holding a phone in his hand and a triumphant grin on

announced excitedly, “The restored communications and they found

Ann laughed excitedly as she moved the table out of the way and

I’ll let them know. Thanks Allen. Be safe.” Adam said as he hung up and fixed Ann with a hopeful look, gripping

requiring urgent care…” Adam said as Coral stood

infirmary know. Anything specific they should be ready for?” she asked as she picked her bag up

to power the shield. Lexi managed to free

it, I’ll let them know. Call me if you need anything.” Coral nodded grimly as she left Ann