CHAPTER 276

CHAPTER 276
Chapter 276

Tristan paced about his pack's clinic corridor, his heart slamming against his ribcage and fearful eyes darting towards the closed door every now and then. Only the sound of Mika's cries and screams filled his ears, worsening his sense of dread with each passing second.
Mika had started bleeding and passed out earlier, and Tristan, not knowing, summoned his beta, picked her up, and rushed down to the clinic, where the doctor had been waiting for them. She had been informed by the beta beforehand that as soon as they'd arrive, Mika would be rushed into the operating room.
The doctor came out soon after, worry on her face, and told Tristan Mika had gone into labor earlier than expected. To top it all, she was in a critical condition as she had lost a lot of blood— both mother and child's lives were at stake.
Tristan couldn't bring himself to tell the doctor he was, in fact, responsible for Mika's condition as he pushed her. He merely told her she had fallen by accident and pleaded with her to save his Luna and child's life. He'll never forgive himself if anything were to happen to either of them.
After what felt like forever, the screams finally stopped. Tristan looked up in anticipation, his heartbeat loud in his ears. He remained rooted to a spot as the doctor approached him; the expression on her face made his body go cold.
"D– Doctor?" He stuttered, "Mika? My child?" The doctor opened her mouth to talk, and Tristan braced himself for the worst possible news.
"I'm sorry, Alpha." Tristan's heart fell as she apologized.
"I'm sorry.." She shook her head, "To not have rushed here to give you this great news!" She suddenly exclaimed, "Congratulations, you're now a father!"
Tristan gasped, "F– father?"
The doctor nodded. "What about Mika? How is she?"
"Both mother and child are fine." Her words made him release a breath he didn't realize he held.
"Can I see them?" He hurriedly asked, and with a nod from the doctor, he rushed in.
Mika lay on the bed, hair stuck on her sweaty forehead, and a hand over her baby. She looked exhausted, and as Tristan walked in, her weak eyes met his. She didn't say a word, even as he came to the bedside.
"Mika?"
"Not now, Tristan." Her hands wrapped around her child even tighter. "I almost lost him."
Tristan went quiet. "I'm really sorry, Mika. I—"
"No!" She cried, "I said not now!" Her outburst made the baby start crying, too. Mika tried her best to shush him. "I can never forget how my child and I nearly died, all because of you–because of your love for another woman," She spat bitterly.
"Mika–"
"I've loved just one man all my life, and that's you, but now, I think it's time I let go of this unrequited love."
"What do you mean?" Tristan frowned.
"Once I feel better, I'll take my child and leave for you and Haven. You're bringing her back, aren't you? There's no need for me to be here."
Tristan's eyes went wide. "What are you saying, Mika?" His eyes flew to his child, whose eyes bored into his. His baby boy had green eyes, just like Mika's, and Tristan's heart warmed just by looking at him.
"I'll take my child and leave." Her voice made his head snap back to her.
"No, you can't do this. I won't let y–"
"What right do you have to stop me?"
"This is my child we're talking about!"
"Your child?" Mika's eyes glinted dangerously. "The same child you were about to kill for another woman?"
"Mika!"
"Don't yell here, my child is sleeping."
Tristan ran his hands through his hair. "Fine, I'll lower my voice, but please don't do this. Don't take my child away."
"You took my life away the moment you said you'll bring her back." Tears pooled in Mika's eyes again. "Now, I have only my child to live for," she looked down at her baby. "I'll go away with him, and start a new life somewhere far from here, far from you and Haven—"
"I'll stop!" Tristan suddenly blurted out, and Mika frowned.
"What?"
He sighed and looked at her, sadness and anguish swirled in his eyes. "I'll stop my search for her." Mika shook her head and chuckled.
"As if I would believe that—"
"I swear on my child's life." His eyes shut and opened. " I-I will not try to find her, I'll stop my search, and won't bring her back. Haven will become dead to me," He looked into Mika's slightly shocked eyes.
"Mika's heart swelled, the tears in her eyes streamed down "Are you serious?"
"Yes, Mika," He replied, "From here on, only you and my child would matter to me. That I promise you," His hands reached out to caress his child's cheek. "So you don't have to go anywhere. You and my child will stay right here," His lips pressed into a thin line.
"Oh, Tristan!" Mika flew into his arms and cried, "We won't go anywhere, we'll stay right here." She sobbed. Tristan drew his lower lip between his teeth as he patted her hair gently. His heart tugged painfully at his decision, but if this was what it took to stop Mika, he was left with no other choice. He couldn't let her take his child away. Not now, not ever.
Back at the Blood Moon pack, Haven was finally able to breathe in relief as the last of the guests left. She had supervised a lot of cleaning all day and retired for the night. Lucious was nowhere to be found as usual, so she showered and decided to take a quick nap, but jolted awake when a hand snaked itself around her waist.
She yelled, but the sweet scent of earth after rain evaded her senses, and her eyes met with the ocean blue ones staring down at her.
"You…" She swallowed, the closeness between them affecting her. "What are you doing here?"
Lucious tilted his head. "Am I not allowed to see my lovely mate?"
"You almost gave me a heart attack!" She hit his chest and pushed him away. "Let go!"
"No!" He nuzzled his nose on her neck instead, sending bolts of electricity running down their bodies. Lucious jerked back immediately, his eyes frowning.
"Are you okay?" His worried voice asked, "What was that?"
"What was what?" Haven feigned ignorance.
"That.." He paused, not knowing how to explain. It was normal to feel sparks erupt whenever their skins came in contact, but the surge of electricity he felt from this contact was more intense.
"Your cheeks are flushed," He pointed out, and Haven felt them become even redder. "Are you sick?" He felt her forehead.
"What? No!" Haven quickly said, "Get off me!" Lucious didn't seem convinced, though; his hot breath on her skin only made everything worse.
"You smell different." He noticed the change in her scent. It wasn't bad, but it smelled different, even more yummy? His eyes closed in delight. The next time he opened them, they were filled with desire.
Haven swallowed thickly, of course, Lucious as her mate was bound to be affected. She was nearing her heat period, and any close contact between them could lead to… Haven's eyes went wide, seeing Lucious' lips inch closer to hers. He was going to..
"No!" She screeched, startling Lucious, who didn't even realize what he was about to do. He jolted back, shocked at how he had almost lost his self-control. He had shared his bed with Haven several times, but nothing more than cuddles, pecks, and forehead kisses had happened between them. He restricted himself for so long, but just now, he was about to…
"Lucious!" Haven gasped at the speed he used to jump off the bed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
Lucious cleared his throat. "It's alright"
"Where are you going?" She asked, seeing him turn to leave
"Uhm, well..I remembered I have some work to take care of– actually, I came here to inform you that I received an invitation from the Alpha of the Black Moon pack. Turns out the Luna there has given birth too. We'll be leaving early tomorrow, so get some sleep."
"I'll see you in the morning," He added and locked the door behind him as he stepped out.
Haven sighed and fell back on her bed. "Why's everyone just giving birth?" She tossed to her side and buried herself on her pillow.
Tomorrow was going to be a long day.