Chapter 232 BOMBSHELL REVELATION
Edeline
We had a brief chat, and she mentioned she had something big to share. I crossed my fingers, hoping it wasn’t about Percival—oh great, just what I needed to hear.
But then she dropped a bombshell.
She was pregnant with my brother’s pup.
Seriously, what is up with everyone getting pregnant lately?!
After the call ended, I found myself completely spaced out. My food arrived, and I was so stunned I could barely process what was happening.
Mirabelle, you might want to think twice about this decision.
…
Percival
The fog over the lake looked like a thick, heavy blanket. The cold, damp air settled around me, and the sky remained a relentless gray, with clouds blocking any trace of the sun. It was that time of year again when fall mornings were always eerily quiet, only broken by the gentle rush of water around the lake.
I knew better than to let my presence be known. It was far too dangerous for me to be outside while the wolves were active. There were whispers, and I could almost hear them accusing me of killing my brother without cause. I was labeled the villain. William, my brother, hadn’t yet had his say in the matter, and I was still trying to recover. The fear of what I might do to myself was real.
I slipped out of the house before the first light could break through the gray sky. The sun remained stubbornly hidden. All I wanted was to be outside, to breathe in the fresh air, and to have a moment to think.
For now, the pack healer’s house—Daisy’s house—had become my refuge. I didn’t want to stay at my parents’ house; I couldn’t bear being alone in my own place. Doc and Daisy were doing their best to understand what was wrong with me. Doc had become something of a constant presence, always watching over me, while Daisy tried to offer comfort and understanding.
As I turned away from the shore, I stuffed my hands into my pockets and kept my distance from the pack house. I had no desire to be seen. If anyone tried to provoke me, my wolf would react fiercely. I needed to remain cautious. This past week, my wolf had been more restless, surfacing whenever someone said something that irked me. The creature within was changing, becoming something darker, and I had needed to be sedated a few times because of it. I felt sick, both physically and emotionally.
I kept my eyes fixed on the ground as I made my way back to Daisy’s cabin through the trees. The crunch of dead leaves underfoot was a familiar sound, grounding me in the present as I wrestled with my thoughts.
Edeline was always on my mind. I missed her deeply and hoped she was doing alright. I wished she thought of me, even just a little. Though I could no longer feel her presence as I once did, occasionally a fleeting sensation at the back of my mind suggested she was thinking of me. I wondered if I would ever see her again.
My thoughts then turned inward, reflecting on my own struggles. I felt as though I had lost a part of myself, no longer the strong alpha blood I once thought I was. The loss of my title as the next alpha had wounded me deeply, and my wolf had felt the blow just as acutely. We had always believed ourselves to be something special, but then I discovered I had a brother I never knew about—one who was deemed more worthy of the title than I was.
As I entered Daisy’s cabin through the back door, the comforting aroma of dragon chai tea greeted me. I could hear Daisy and Doc chatting in the living room. I was surprised to see Doc here so early for a checkup. When I reached the den, I found Doc and Daisy at the kitchen table. Doc, short and a bit plump from indulging in sweets, was seated comfortably, though the chair seemed barely adequate for his size.
Daisy, in contrast, had a grandmotherly air about her, with her brown hair streaked with gray, always pulled up in a neat bun. Her slim figure was clad in one of her usual blouses and long skirts, a comforting sight amid the uncertainty that clouded my days.
A thin chain with crystals hung around Daisy’s neck, a peculiar detail that stood out to me. There was something gentle about her, something tender in the way she and Doc interacted. The shy smiles they exchanged spoke of a deep, unspoken affection, and it felt strange to witness such intimacy in the midst of my own turmoil.
They were around the same age, both seasoned by life’s experiences, yet their connection seemed almost youthful in its simplicity.
I stepped into the kitchen, my small frown silently questioning, "What is going on here?" Doc and Daisy were so engrossed in their conversation that they did not notice me approaching. Doc cleared his throat, and their heads turned toward me with a look of surprise.
Doc spoke first, his cheeks turning a slight shade of red. "I came to talk with Daisy," he said, his voice a bit rough and wavering. "We think we know what is wrong with your wolf. We have been researching and consulting with other pack doctors and healers. After much discussion, we have reached a conclusion."
Doc, despite being sixty years old, was still a respected figure in the pack. I glanced at Daisy, who was smiling encouragingly, and her gesture guided me to sit at the table. I took my place on the edge of the seat, anticipation gnawing at me. "So, what is wrong with my wolf?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. "Is it something severe? Could it be dangerous?"
Daisy sighed softly and placed her hand over mine. "Dear," she began gently, "The wolf has taken over because your human side is weak. This has made him twice as strong. He is stronger because you are struggling, but there is a reason for it."