Chapter 25

(Julia’s POV)

If it was possible, Ronan and I became even closer as the days passed. It was like my emotional breakdown in front of him the other night had broken down some kind of barrier between us, and now there was nothing standing in our way.

We were even getting closer physically. Before, I made it a point to avoid physical touch from Ronan. In addition to driving me wild with attraction and arousal, it also made me feel warm and safe and loved. I didn’t want to get used to feeling like that and then have it ripped away when I eventually left.

Now, though, it was like we couldn’t help ourselves. Ronan’s hand often settled on my lower back as we walked, guiding me through doorways and down halls. Our shoulders brushed in the car when we sat in the backseat together.

We had even stopped putting the pillows in our bed as a makeshift wall. Instead, we slid under the covers together and, sometime in the night, I would burrow into his side, or Ronan’s arm would drape over my waist.

I woke up most mornings in Ronan’s arms, or laying on his chest, and it always sent a sparkling shock through me. I tried not to let myself think about how wonderful it would be to wake up like this every morning for the rest of my life.

Ronan’s touches weren’t just giving me romantic daydreams. They were also healing me. All the shakiness I had felt during the pregnancy so far — the weakness, the nausea, the exhaustion — all started to disappear.

I also felt better mentally. My mind was clearer than it had been in weeks, and I no longer felt overwhelmed or anxious. I stopped getting dizzy. Even my wolf was getting stronger. It was like simply being around Ronan was making me better, making me stronger.

I also credited the time I had taken off of work for my newfound mental and physical health. Instead of getting up early, spending hours staring at computers and spreadsheets and hurrying to meetings, then going to bed at midnight before doing it all over again, I spent my days relaxing.

I woke up late, ate full, nutritious meals, spent hours reading books and watching movies, and going to bed early. It was a wonderful vacation, but soon, I started to get antsy. It had been weeks since I had used my brain for anything more strenuous than a crossword puzzle and I started thinking about going back to work.

I was certainly healthy enough now, and in my absence, I could only imagine how chaotic the merger preparations were. I was bored, and somehow, my drab office was now the only place I really wanted to be — even if it did mean seeing Sandy every day.

I asked Alex to send me some of the paperwork regarding the first stages of implementing the merger and began studying up on everything. I was surprised at how enjoyable I found it to get back into work, and even began brainstorming plans on how to begin the merger on the right foot.

Finally, I decided it was time for me to officially go back to work. I was healthy and well-rested, and there was nothing standing in my way — except for the fact that I hadn’t shared this decision with Ronan.

I had planned to tell him at breakfast, but couldn't work up the nerve. I wasn’t brave enough to do it at lunch or dinner, either. It wasn’t until later, when we were both getting ready for bed, that I finally approached the topic.

“So,” I said slowly. “I was talking to Alex yesterday.” Ronan stiffened. “Why would you need to talk to my Gamma? Is something wrong?” I shook my head and said, “No, no, everything is fine. I just…wanted to get some information about the merger before I go back to the office.”

Ronan stared at me, eyes growing cold and hard. My heart started beating faster, but I kept going. “I’m going to go back in, starting next week. I mean, I really shouldn’t have left all the merger details to Alex like that anyway.”

I waited for Ronan to say something, anything, but he just went into the bathroom. I heard the sink running, then heard it turn off. He reemerged, still looking angry, then said, “Julia, I really wish you had spoken to me first before going behind my back with Alex.”

“Behind your back?” I gaped at him. “I didn’t—” Ronan interrupted, “And besides, it’s ridiculous. You’re not going back to work. Not now, and not any time soon. So, stop talking about it and leave Alex to handle the merger on his own.”

“Ronan’s that’s completely—” He held up his hand to silence me. “Julia, I’m not going to hear any more about this. You are not going back to work. I told you before, when you agreed to stay here, you would be doing things my way. I know your job is more important to you than anything,” he smiled sourly. “But I’m thinking about your pup.”

“I am, too!” I shot back. “No, you’re not!” Ronan snapped. “You’re putting yourself before your baby! You want to work more than you want to be a mother, and it will only end up hurting your child in the long run! I told you, you’re not going back to work!”

“That’s not fair!” I couldn’t stop myself from yelling. Ronan was making me furious. “We agreed to this, Ronan! You and I both agreed that I would take some time off to get my health back, and then I would return to oversee the merger.”

“You’re trying to protect me, and I appreciate that,” I continued. “But you’re taking it too far. You’re trying to control me, and I don’t like it. I don’t need you to micromanage every little thing in my life.”

I softened my tone, hoping we could end this fight soon. “I know you’re thinking about your mother. I understand that it really hurt you. But I’m not your mom, and I’m going to survive going back to work before the baby comes.”

“I’m my own person,” I said with a strength I didn’t know I had. “And you can say whatever you want, you can whine and complain and yell, but you’re not going to change my mind, alright?”

By the time I finished speaking, Ronan’s anger had almost completely vanished. The stormy look in his eyes was gone, replaced by something that looked surprisingly like regret. He took a deep breath and let his tense shoulders drop.

Finally, he said, “I apologize, Julia. I shouldn’t have said what I did, even if it was how I felt. I could’ve been a little more…polite.” Ronan smiled slightly. “And you’re right, you are your own person. I’m sorry I made you think I didn’t see you that way.”

“Even if I don’t necessarily agree with it,” Ronan continued. “I will respect and honor whatever it is you wish to do.” He had barely finished speaking before I was crossing the room and throwing myself into his arms.

As I melted into the warmth and strength of his arms, I felt touched by Ronan’s words. The dominating Alpha had allowed me to take the lead and make my own choices. He respected me, both as an employee and a friend, as strange as it sounds.

I gripped Ronan tighter, trying to focus on the feeling of his arms around my waist instead of thinking about how much harder it would be to leave him after the baby was born. How could I say goodbye to Ronan now?