Chapter 84 The Weight of Truth

Chapter 84 The Weight of Truth
Phoenix
“Finley, how’s Phoebe?”
Finally, the person I’d been waiting for showed up—Hayden.
Before Finley could even answer, my feet were already moving toward him. Every bit of anger I’d been holding back since earlier came crashing to the surface.
“I need to talk to you,” I said flatly, my voice cold, my eyes never leaving his.
He looked confused, but I didn’t care. I jerked my head toward the hallway. “Outside.”
The moment we stepped out of Phoebe’s room, I didn’t hesitate. My fist connected with his jaw—once, twice—each hit fueled by rage I could barely contain.
“Phoenix, stop!” Hayden blocked my third punch.
“Oh, now you’re gonna stop me?” I snapped.
He glared back, voice rising. “What the hell is wrong with you, Matthews?”
I shoved him against the wall. “Don’t act clueless! Everyone said they didn’t do it—except you. You’re the only one left. Don’t tell me you didn’t plan this, Hayden. Did you even think about what Phoebe would feel?”
His expression hardened. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Phoebe’s pregnant, Hayden!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “And they all said you’re the only one who could’ve done it. Damn it!”
Silence fell. The air went still. Hayden’s breath caught, his pupils widening in shock.
“What… what did you just say?” he whispered, barely audible.
I watched the confusion in his face twist into something else—fear, then denial. He pushed past me and stormed back into the room. I tried to follow, but Finley blocked my way.
“Let him,” Finley said quietly.
Through the doorway, I saw Hayden kneel beside Phoebe’s bed, staring at her pale face, the IV line trailing from her hand.
“Phoebe…” his voice broke. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I grabbed his collar and yanked him away. “Don’t you dare get near her!”
He shook my hand off. “I need to talk to her!”
“Not now! Haven’t you done enough?”
“No, you’re the one who doesn’t get it, Phoenix!” he shot back. “I did it on purpose—because I wanted her to be accepted. I wanted her to be welcomed by my pack, by my family! I wanted the world to stop calling her a curse just because she has four mates!”
His voice echoed off the sterile walls. For a second, I just froze, not sure if I’d heard him right.
“You… you did it on purpose?”
He met my eyes, jaw tight. “Yes. I love her in my own way. I thought if she carried one of our heirs, they would stop looking at her like she’s something to be ashamed of.”
I clenched my fists, trying not to lose it again. “She’s still in school, Hayden! She’s not ready for this. You think having a pup will fix everything? It won’t—it’ll only make things worse!”
Before either of us could explode again, Zion stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “Enough, both of you.”
Adonis followed him in, his expression serious. “Yelling won’t solve this. We need to think clearly.”
I let out a shaky breath, glancing back at Phoebe lying unconscious. “I just don’t want her to fall apart again, Zion. You know her mental state isn’t stable. She’s barely holding on.”
Hayden looked straight at me. “I’ll take full responsibility. If I have to, I’ll talk to her parents and the packs myself.”
I gave him a bitter laugh. “You think that’ll fix it? If you even think about running away from this, I’ll hunt you down myself.”
His gaze sharpened, the Alpha aura rolling off him. “I’m not running. I swear under the moon, I’ll protect Phoebe and our pup—with my life if I have to.”
Silence filled the room. None of us said a word.
Half an hour later, a faint voice broke through the quiet. “Phoenix…?”
I turned instantly. “Phoebe? Hey, you’re awake?”
She blinked slowly, confusion clouding her eyes. Finley checked her vitals and gave me a small nod.
Hayden took a step forward, but I stopped him with a glare. He froze.
“Phoebe,” I said gently, “there’s something you need to know.”
Hayden finally spoke. “You’re… four weeks pregnant.”
Phoebe went still. No tears, no screams—just silence so thick it hurt to breathe.
I knelt beside her. “Say something, Phoebs.”
Her eyes moved between us, unfocused. Then she took a shaky breath. “I… I don’t know what to do. I’m tired, Phoenix. Please… just let me be alone for a while.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “Alright. We’ll wait outside.”
We all left her room, leaving Phoebe to process it all. Out in the hallway, I looked at the three of them. “We need to plan our next move. I won’t let the world gossip about her. She deserves a real status.”
Adonis crossed his arms. “You’re thinking of getting recognition from each of our packs?”
“Exactly. I’ll start with mine. Then Hayden and I will go to our parents. They need to know.”
Hayden nodded slowly. “I’m ready.”
The next morning, we stood in my parents’ living room. My mom’s hand flew to her chest when she heard the news.
“Phoebe… pregnant?” her voice trembled.
My dad turned to Hayden, eyes sharp. “Was it you?”
Hayden nodded, lowering his gaze. “Yes, sir. It was my fault. I’m deeply sorry for putting Phoebe through this at such a young age.”
Mom looked at me, hoping I’d deny it—but I couldn’t.
Hayden continued, his voice steadier now. “I’ve already left my pack. They refused to accept Phoebe because she has four mates. But I don’t care. I choose her.”
Dad stood up, his tone firm. “Then prove it. Give her a real status. Don’t let that pup be born without a name or a pack.”
Hayden bowed slightly. “I will, sir. I’ll bond with her formally before any council that’s willing to witness it—if Phoebe agrees.”
Mom’s eyes welled up with tears. “Phoenix, please take care of your sister. Make sure she doesn’t go through this alone.”
I clenched my fists. “I will, Mom. I promise.”
When we finally left the house, Hayden walked beside me, silent. For the first time since our fight, I saw fear in his eyes—not for himself, but for what was coming.
“If you ever hurt her again,” I said quietly, “you won’t have a place to hide—not even under the moon.”
He nodded once. “I know. I didn’t do it out of lust, Phoenix. I did it for our future—for her future.”
The sky was bleeding into shades of red and gold as we walked. For a brief moment, I looked up and silently prayed Phoebe would find the strength to carry this weight—
because this wasn’t the end.