Silas added, "Just like this, right now." For a brief moment, the smile on Alaric's face wavered. Finishing his words, Silas stopped looking at Alaric and turned toward the room where Corvin and Kieran were preparing food. Alaric truly was a strong candidate as a mate. He was capable, skilled in medicine, and currently unoccupied—able to be by Emma's side every moment if needed. But his constant scheming was a problem. That kind of mindset didn't belong in a peaceful family. Alaric always had a plan, thinking several steps ahead. Every move he made probably had multiple contingencies hidden behind it. In the short term, he could provide real benefits for Emma. With his medical expertise, he could monitor her health at any time during her pregnancy. Yet over time, having someone perpetually calculating and always on edge around Emma could be exhausting, especially for someone as gentle and sensitive as she was. Silas stepped into the kitchen, and the aroma of cooking immediately enveloped him, easing some of the chill that clung to his body. Kieran focused intently on slicing vegetables, each cut precise and sharp. Beside him, Corvin meticulously prepared ingredients, his expression serious. The small room radiated warmth and calm, a slice of ordinary, comforting life. That was the life Emma desired. The life they all needed. "Silas, you're here," Corvin greeted, looking up with a warm smile. It was an honest, unguarded smile, free from hidden intentions. Silas returned the nod, his features softening. "Thanks for the effort. Need a hand?" he asked. "No need. We're almost finished," Kieran replied, calm and steady as always. Silas hummed, noticing the freshly picked greens beside Corvin. Rolling up his sleeves, he began washing them. Corvin watched him quietly before leaning closer and lowering his voice. "Silas, does Alaric like Emma? Does he want to bond with her?" Silas raised an eyebrow, giving him a mildly surprised look. "You noticed that?" Corvin rolled his eyes. "Don't act like I'm clueless. He made it obvious. Even Kieran picked up on it—how could I miss it?" Kieran, still cutting vegetables, fell silent. Silas chuckled but didn't answer. Corvin exhaled. "Fine, fine. I admit I'm not as sharp as you, Lucien, or Edric when it comes to these things. But I need to know—what does Emma feel about Alaric? Will she bond with him?" Hearing this, Kieran set down his knife and glanced at Silas too. Alaric seemed clever, persuasive, and skilled at winning over a female—qualities Kieran knew he couldn't match. He worried he might lose his chance with Emma if this continued."Whether she bonds with Alaric is entirely up to Emy. If you want an answer, you should ask her directly," Silas said. Corvin immediately realized Silas didn't want to elaborate further. He looked at him pleadingly. "Come on, Silas. Just tell us. We promise not to tell Lucien, Marcus, or anyone else. "We wouldn't dare ask Emma ourselves. She's carrying the cubs right now. If I put her on the spot and she doesn't want to answer, it would be unfair." Silas glanced at Corvin. In this home, Corvin's heart was the purest. After a moment, he said, "I can't be sure if Emy will keep Alaric around. You've seen how cunning he can be. But don't worry—you'll still have plenty of chances to be by her side." Relieved, Corvin and Kieran both exhaled. "I trust Emma. She won't push me aside just because of Alaric," Corvin said. The only thing that could pull him away was work—when he was busy, he barely had time to come home.Once the meal was ready, they carried the dishes toward the room. Emma was already asleep. Calum sat beside her bed, his gaze soft as he watched her slumber. His large hand moved lightly over her back, gentle as a feather. "Emma's asleep?" Corvin whispered as he tiptoed closer to peek at her. Edric instructed, "Leave the dishes in the kitchen for now. We'll eat after she wakes." "Alright," Kieran agreed. He and Corvin were about to take the plates back when Emma blinked awake. "Is dinner ready? I can smell it." The scent was irresistible. Hunger struck her all at once. "Emma, you're awake? Did we wake you?" Corvin asked as he set the dishes on a nearby table with Kieran, then hurried to check on her. "Yes. I'm starving," Emma admitted, nodding. "I want to eat." "I'll help you over," Calum offered immediately, rising to his feet. "Take it slow," he added, his voice softening unintentionally as he looked at Emma, her eyes still hazy from sleep. "Don't sit up too fast." Emma rubbed her eyes and glanced at him. Calum leaned down, one arm sliding under her bent knees for support, steady and strong. His other arm wrapped gently around her back, careful as a whisper.