?Chapter 361:

Ryder’s POV

Pregnancy. I had read about it, heard about it, even seen it from afar, but nothing could have prepared me for living through it with Jasmine. Especially not her current obsession with… burnt pancakes.

This morning started like any other in recent days: chaotic and filled with Jasmine’s unpredictable cravings and moods. Kade had just briefed me on patrol schedules when I caught a whiff of something burning. My instincts kicked in, and for a moment I thought the house might actually be on fire.

Rushing to the kitchen, I paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of Jasmine attempting to salvage what could only be described as charred disasters on a te. Seraphina stood nearby, looking equal parts amused and exasperated. I could even hear La’s snarkyment echo through our mindlink.

“What’s going on in here?” I asked, keeping my voice even, though I couldn’t hide my curiosity.

Jasmine whipped around, her arms crossed defensively over her chest. “They’re supposed to be burnt!” she snapped, as if I had just questioned thews of nature.

Oh, I should have seen thising. At this point, nothing should surprise me. But Jasmine always managed to find a way. I blinked, trying to process her deration. “Okay,” I said cautiously, raising my hands in surrender. “Burnt pancakes it is.”

Seraphina smirked. “Your mate’s losing it, Alpha. Might want to keep an eye on her before she starts craving ash and charcoal for dessert.”

I wanted tough, but I valued keeping my face p-free for at least a few more days.

Jasmine shot her a re but stayed silent, clearly debating whether to argue or ignore her. Instead, she turned those big, soulful eyes on me and asked, “Can you make me a fresh stack? I think I overcooked these.”

La burst intoughter, and I had to bite back a grin. Despite everything—her mood swings, her wild cravings, and her fiery temper—I loved every moment of this. Ace was definitely mocking me, but I reminded him she was our mate too.

“Sure,” I said, stepping in and taking the spat from her. “Why don’t you sit down and let me handle it?”

But instead of sitting down, Jasmine did what she had been doing more and moretely. She came over, slipped her hands under my shirt, and pressed her ear against my chest.

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“Jasmine,” I said, startled, but I didn’t move.

“Shh,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “I want to hear your heartbeat.”

I stood there, frozen for a moment, before exhaling slowly. She had no idea how much she disarmed me with gestures like this.fn5cd5 Original content can be found at Find_Novel(./fn5cd5

“You’re unbelievable,” I muttered, though there was no irritation in my voice.

“I just… like it,” she murmured, her voice soft and vulnerable. “It’sforting.”

My chest tightened. I had been Alpha long enough to master control over my emotions, but Jasmine had a way of slipping past every wall, every defense. She didn’t just want my strength—she wanted me.

La’s voice cut through the moment like a knife. “You know what else isforting? Not interrupting the chef while he’s cooking.” It amazed me how clearly I could hear her wolf, and Ace adored her.

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