Nikolai rolled over in the sheets, reaching out to see if Elle still lay next to him. When his strong fingers grazed her soft ones, he pulled her closer, snuggling into her and smelling her hair. Although they had only been together for about three years, Nikolai could still feel the love he had for her raging in his blood.
Some members of the pack had grunted in disapproval when they had gotten married as he hadn't even imprinted his mark on her. At first, Nikolai had believed it would happen as soon as he was sure she was his soul mate. But when months passed and nothing had happened, the reality that she was not his mate began to seep in.
Elle had been heartbroken and thought it best to break off their relationship but Nikolai would hear no such thing. Yes she wasn't his mate, but he really didn't care. He loved her with all he had in him and that was all that mattered.
Unable to stop himself he leaned in and gave her a light kiss on the cheek, rousing her from sleep. After a while of blinking herself awake, Elle opened her eyes. "Hey," she stage whispered. "Thank you for waking me. I haven't slept all night, it was refreshing," She smiled, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Nikolai smirked, giving a small shrug. "It was the least I could do."
Elle nudged him in the ribs, laughing.
"Why couldn't you sleep though?" He asked, concern quickly taking over his countenance.
Elle rolled over, downing some water from the bottle she always kept on her besides table. "Remember I told you I'd been feeling sick for a while."
Nikolai's frown deepened. He remembered that Elle had been complaining of not feeling well for a while now. "We'll have to see the doctor today," he decided, grabbing her and unleashing kisses to every part of her face with the intent of making her laugh.
It worked the magic as Elle squealed, laughing and trying to break free from his grip. "I booked an appointment already, baby." She reminded him.
"Good. Now all we have to do is take a shower and prepare for the day," Nikolai said, a look of innocence playing in his eyes.
Elle narrowed her eyes, looking her husband over suspiciously. "Since when do you let me get out of bed this early?"
Nikolai shrugged.
"We're just taking a shower," Elle deadpanned. "Just a shower."
Nikolai smirked, deliberately fondling her full hips as he placed her on his lap and whispered into her ears. "If you say so, Mrs Slade."
Elle only laughed, snuggling into him as they began to discuss their plans for the day.
***
Elle watched in amusement as Nikolai tugged on her shirt for the millionth time today. "I'm really going to be a father?" His voice was high pitched than usual and seeing just how excited he was warmed Elle's heart. Nikolai usually had on a tough exterior which he put on display for everyone except her, so seeing him openly show this much emotion even in front of the doctor was surreal.