Mother’s Silent Prayer

Heather’s POV

Two months have passed, and for the first time in what feels like forever, life feels calm. There’s a certain serenity in the air that soothes my restless soul. Stretching my arms above my head, I breathe in the crisp morning air before starting my yoga routine. The warm embrace of sunlight filters through the trees, and the soft breeze kisses my skin. Yoga has become my new ritual—a gentler path the doctor recommended after I had to step back from my usual intense training. It’s strange, but this peaceful morning rhythm makes me feel more grounded.

After yoga, I head inside to shower and get ready for the day. Today’s agenda is simple yet important: spending time with the Pack members, checking progress, and ensuring the food we grow will sustain us through the harsh winter. With only five months before the cold season descends upon us, I need to make sure we’re prepared—no excuses. Winter here doesn’t just knock; it storms in, unrelenting and brutal.

“Harris! Good morning,” I call out cheerfully as I pass him on my way.

“Morning, Luna! Heading out somewhere?” he asks, flashing me a polite smile.

“Yes, to the farmers. I need to check on the stock and make sure everything’s in order,” I reply.

“Isn’t winter still five months away?” he questions, raising an eyebrow.

“So? Better to be early than unprepared. Besides, we can store everything with magic. Winters here aren’t exactly kind, as you know,” I respond with a playful smirk.

“You’re certainly a diligent Luna,” he says, shaking his head in admiration.

“Kayden must still be at the training grounds drilling the soldiers?” I ask, though I already know the answer.

Harris chuckles knowingly. “Oh, yes. Those poor souls—sergeant’s got them on one of his intense training sprees. They’ll be limping for days.”

I laugh softly. It’s so typical of Kayden, my mate and the Pack’s Alpha, to push his soldiers to their limits. His training sessions are grueling, but that’s how he ensures their survival. I can’t help but admire him for it, even if I pity the soldiers a little.

“I’ll leave you to it, Luna,” Harris says after a moment. “I need to head home—my wife’s waiting for me. It’s been three days since I’ve been there, and she’s probably furious with me. I’m not sure how to escape her wrath.”

“Hmm, bring her a rose, maybe a gift? Or better yet, plan a picnic or a little getaway,” I suggest with a smile.

“Vacation’s not possible right now,” he replies with a resigned sigh. “There’s an Omega selection happening, and I can’t rest.”

“I’ll talk to Kayden and see if we can speed things up,” I assure him. His face lights up with relief, and he thanks me before heading off.

My feet carry me toward the farmers’ village, but halfway there, I take a detour. I don’t mean to, but my heart betrays me, drawing me toward the training grounds. And there he is. Kayden. My Alpha. My mate.

He’s shirtless, sparring with the soldiers, his muscles flexing with every calculated move. The sunlight dances off his sweat-slicked skin, and his hair clings to his forehead in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. He looks like he’s stepped right out of a movie—a warrior in his element. My hormones, which have already been running wild thanks to this pregnancy, are raging as I watch him. Damn it. I hate how much I want him right now, knowing full well that physical intimacy is off the table until the doctor gives us the green light. Morning sickness and constant fevers have robbed us of those moments, but watching him like this? It’s pure torture.

I force myself to turn away before I get caught gawking. The last thing I need is for Kayden to call me out for being a pervert.

Later, after finishing my duties, nausea strikes again. I barely make it to the bathroom before I’m throwing up my breakfast. Warm, familiar hands hold my hair back, and I feel a gentle pat on my back. It’s Kayden. He’s here. He always knows when I need him.

“Easy, Heather,” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. Once I’m done, he wipes my face with a damp towel, his touch so tender it brings tears to my eyes. A maid brings in hot porridge, and Kayden feeds me himself.

“I hate seeing you like this,” he says softly, his eyes clouded with worry.

“It’s normal during pregnancy,” I whisper back, trying to reassure him.

“I don’t care if it’s normal. I don’t want you in pain. One child is enough—I don’t want to put you through this again,” he says, his voice firm yet laced with emotion.

“Oh, really?” I tease, managing a small smile despite my exhaustion. “I want a big family, Kayden. I don’t mind the pain as long as it’s with you.”

His gaze softens, and he cups my cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing against my skin. “You’re something else, you know that?” he whispers, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead.

“By the way,” he says, his tone turning playful, “why were you at the training grounds earlier? I could feel your eyes burning holes into me.”

“You caught me,” I admit with a gasp, my cheeks heating up. Before I can say more, his lips find the sensitive spot on my neck, making me shiver.

“You’re mine, Heather,” he growls softly, his voice filled with possession. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the jealousy in your eyes when those she-wolves looked at me.” His teasing smile melts my resolve, and when his lips claim mine, I’m lost in him. His kisses are tender yet demanding, leaving me breathless and yearning for more. But then, he pulls back, his expression serious.

“Your health comes first,” he says firmly. I pout, but he doesn’t budge.

The doctor arrives shortly after, and Kayden steps aside as she examines me. Her frown puts both of us on edge.

“What is it, Doc?” Kayden asks, his voice tight with concern. “Is it bad?”

“The baby’s healthy, but there’s something unusual happening,” she explains carefully. “The baby is absorbing your powers, Luna. It’s draining your energy faster than normal. You’ll likely deliver by the seventh month, but we need to run more tests to determine the best course of action. Until then, I’ll prescribe medication to stabilize your health.”

I nod, extending my arm for the blood test, but inside, fear grips me. My hand instinctively rests on my belly as memories of my own mother flood my mind. She always said she regretted not being there for her children, and now I wonder—will I face the same fate? No. I refuse to die. I refuse to leave my child without a mother.

Kayden returns to my side, his expression calm, but I can sense his fear. He pulls me into his arms and whispers, “Everything will be okay, Heather. I won’t let anything happen to you.” His voice is steady, but his grip on me tightens, betraying his emotions.

“Oh, by the way,” he adds, his tone brightening, “I’ve got a surprise planned for you tomorrow. And you’re officially taking the day off from Luna duties.”

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in me, but he doesn’t give anything away. Instead, he kisses me one last time before tucking me into bed. As sleep claims me, I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, everything will be alright.