"How are you feeling? Catelyn asked as Harold put down the book he was reading to her.
Catelyn was resting on his shoulder with her arm wrapped around his waist, listening to his soothing voice.
The library was one of their favorite places in the castle.
There were spiral stairs leading to thousands of books. It was also very quiet and peaceful.
They set up an area with throw pillows and blankets to relax and read to each other. Catelyn enjoyed every moment with Harold.
"I am feeling alright. It's a little strange not being able to awaken my wolf. It will take some getting used to." He replied as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"I know. Everything will be alright soon. I am sure of it." She said lifting her head up to look at him.
He gave her a kiss on her forehead and brushed his fingers across her cheek.
"How is our little one doing?" He asked as he rubbed her belly gently.
Catelyn smiled at the bundle growing inside of her.
"I feel a little sick and not very hungry but I try to make sure I eat something a few times a day. The doctor said I am anemic but other than that we are well."
"It will get better, love. Just make sure you keep eating well and rest." He said rubbing her arm and giving her a squeeze.
Harold became quiet for a moment.
"Catelyn, I need you to be completely honest with me." Harold said seriously.
Catelyn became concerned at the sudden look of worry in his eyes.
"I am always honest with you Harold"
"I know, Catelyn." He released a deep sigh.
"If I am to permanently lose my wolf, will you still want to be married to me?" He asked.
Catelyn became very quiet and let him finish.
"I will have to give up my title as Beta. It wouldn't be fair to Sargon if I cannot function as a true Beta. I also will not be able to protect you and Vianna as I have in the past. I am also not sure what will happen to our bond." He spoke as so many if his fears came out at once.
Catelyn shifted her body to straddle Harold. She wrapped her hands around his neck and looked into his eyes endearingly.
Harold sat up pulling her in tightly so there was barely any space between them
"Harold, you have my heart. We bonded before you marked me. I will never let you go. We are in this together, forever." She said as she gently kissed his lips.
Harold slightly smiled against her lips as though her words gave him immediate relief.
"Together, forever." He replied as he grabbed the back of her hair, kissing her deeply.
Catelyn's body heated instantly at his gentle touch.
As Harold lowered his hands beneath Catelyn's back to grab her bottom, they heard Vianna's voice.
"Mom, dad, are you in here?" She shouted as Catelyn quickly moved off of Harold's lap, back to her resting position.
"Hey sweetie." Catelyn said as Vianna walked towards them with Alaric trailing behind.
"Can we go outside to play? We are tired of being inside. Alpha Sargon said it was ok." Vianna begged.
"You can play outside if you take a guard with you. You have to stay in the play yard, no further. Do not try to outsmart the guard either. I am serious." Harold warned.
"Yes dad, I know better now" Vianna said, lowering her eyes to the floor as she sat down beside him.
Harold tilted her chin up for her to look at him.
"Don't lower your head sweetheart. In this life, you live, and you learn. Take every experience as a lesson that will make you better than before. I am always proud of you, princess. I love you." He said, pulling her in for a hug.
"I love you too, dad." Vianna said, hugging him back tightly.
Vianna released her father and walked over to Alaric as they head towards the door.
"We will be in before supper! Alaric shouted as the two children ran out of the library leaving Vianna's parents alone.
"Those two are funny." Harold chuckled.
"Why so?" Catelyn asked.
"You and I were best friends when we were young. We used to play together all the time, get into trouble together and look at us now." He teased, pulling Catelyn on top of him again to finish what they started.
"Well, no one told you to grow up and be the sexiest beast in the kingdom." Catelyn said as she nibbled on his neck.
Harold tried to hold back a moan but was unsuccessful.
"No one told you to be the most beautiful goddess in the world." He replied, not able to control himself against Catelyn's teasing.
Just then, Sargon walked in with Marie on his arm.
"You two look cozy." Sargon teased while Marie looked away as her face became a little flushed.
This time Catelyn didn't rush to move off of Harold as quickly since the children were gone. She took her time getting off his lap and got comfortable with a blanket.
"Harold, you are looking even better than yesterday." Sargon said, pleased with Harold's recovery.
"Yes, I feel stronger today. Whatever Marie did, is definitely working." He replied.
Marie smiled at Harold's words.
"That is fantastic, Harold."
"I came to invite you and Catelyn to have dinner with Marie and I around 6:00 p.m. She leaves in the morning." Sargon informed them.
"Of course. We will meet you at the dining hall." Harold said.
"Perfect. Marie has to go over a few more things regarding your recovery in her absence." Sargon said.
"Ok. We will be there." Harold replied.
"Good. You may continue whatever it is you two were doing." Sargon said with a grin and a wink as he and Marie left the library.