Chapter 57 Saved by Nathan?

Rachel's POV

The morning sunlight danced across the calm waters as I sat beside Selena on the ship's upper deck.

She'd become my guardian angel during this journey, constantly ensuring I ate well and sharing fascinating stories from her travels across different werewolf territories.

"You should have seen his face, dear," Selena said, her emerald eyes twinkling with amusement. "This supposedly cold-hearted Alpha, who everyone feared throughout three territories, fainted right there on the floor the moment he saw his newborn cub."

I was so captivated by her story that I'd stopped eating, my fork suspended midway to my mouth.

"Don't stop eating, Rachel," she gently scolded, nodding toward my plate. "The food is good for you and the little one."

I smiled and took another bite of the hearty fish stew, savoring its rich flavor as Selena continued her tale.

"That powerful Alpha thought himself a ruthless ruler, but the moment he witnessed his cub's birth, his wolf nature completely crumbled," she said, gesturing dramatically. "He went from ordering executions that morning to sobbing like a pup by nightfall."

Her words painted such a vivid picture that I couldn't help but laugh.

"So no matter how tough and cold an Alpha appears," Selena concluded with a knowing look, "you never know how they'll react when they first see their cub."

My laughter faded, replaced by a sudden, sharp ache in my chest. I couldn't help imagining Nathan's reaction if he were present for our child's birth.

Would his perpetually tense shoulders relax as he held our baby?

Realizing my thoughts had wandered to dangerous territory, I quickly changed the subject.

"Selena, have you ever been to the Western Continent?" I asked softly, my hand unconsciously moving to caress my slightly rounded belly.

She studied my face carefully before answering. "Only once. Most of it is covered by wastelands, but the coastal pack territories are quite prosperous." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Why? Are you thinking of going there?"

"Yes, at least to visit," I replied, while thinking, Perhaps the farther from Nathan, the better. He'll never forgive me for running away.

"Well, now might not be the best time because of the pack territory wars," Selena explained, stirring her tea. "The Eastern coast is the safest place to be right now. Speaking of which, thanks to the Moon Goddess's blessed weather, we'll reach the Harbor this afternoon."

My heart sank a little. "Oh... Selena, I'm going to miss you." Tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

"Don't be sad, dear. She-wolves with Alpha blood need to be strong," she said, reaching into her pocket. She pulled out a small piece of paper and scribbled something on it. "Here's my sister's address in the Eastern Harbor. Once you're settled, come visit us. I'll be staying there for a while and can help you find a place."

Her kindness overwhelmed me. "Thank you so much," I whispered, fighting back tears. "For everything."

"It's nothing, dear." She patted my hand. "Now, why don't you go back to your cabin and prepare for landing? We'll be docking soon."

I stood up, positioning myself at the ship's railing, and watched as the Eastern Harbor came into view. The bustling port city grew larger with each passing minute, its buildings gleaming in the afternoon sun. My heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

This is it, I thought. My new beginning.

I took a deep breath, feeling both relief at being far from Emerald City and fear of the unknown that awaited me. After gathering my few belongings—mostly items I'd hastily packed from the Moon Goddess Suite—I prepared to disembark.

As the ship docked and passengers began filing off, I finally removed my blonde wig, allowing my copper hair to flow freely in the sea breeze.

For the first time in days, I felt like myself again.

The harbor was alive with activity—humans and werewolves hurrying about their business, merchants calling out their wares, sailors unloading cargo. The scents of salt, fish, and countless strangers filled my sensitive nose.

My primary concern was finding safe lodging for the night. With one hand protectively resting on my stomach, I began making my way through the crowd, noting how everyone seemed eager to finish their day's work and return home.

I need to find somewhere safe, I reminded myself. My kid comes first.

The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets as I wandered further from the docks.

Though I'd been walking for nearly an hour, I still hadn't found suitable accommodations that seemed both safe and within my budget.

A soft sobbing caught my attention. Looking down a narrow side street, I spotted a small girl, perhaps seven or eight years old, crouched against a wall with her face buried in her hands.

My maternal instincts immediately kicked in. I approached her carefully, not wanting to frighten her further.

"Are you okay, little one?" I asked, bending down to her level.

She looked up, revealing tear-stained cheeks and wide, frightened eyes. "I... I can't find my mom," she whimpered.

"Don't cry," I said softly. "I'm sure she's nearby somewhere. Can you smell her scent?"

The girl sniffled. "I can't smell her... Can you help me find her?" Her eyes shone with innocent desperation.

"I'm not sure, sweetheart. This is my first time at this harbor too," I admitted. "Maybe one of the werewolves working at the docks could help you find her."

Her eyes widened with fear. "Those men at the docks are scary. Please don't make me go with them. Could you please take me to find my mom yourself?" Her voice was pleading, tugging at my heartstrings.

"Of course I can," I agreed, maternal protectiveness overriding any caution I might have normally exercised.

I offered my hand, which she took with surprising strength. We walked together for several minutes, turning down increasingly narrow streets.

Suddenly, she let go of my hand and darted around a corner.

"Wait!" I called, hurrying after her.

When I turned the corner, I found myself in a deserted alley. The little girl had vanished.

Something's wrong, my mind warned.

As I turned to leave, my path was blocked by three large male werewolves. Their scents were unfamiliar and threatening.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The largest one sneered, his eyes traveling over my body and lingering on my slightly swollen belly. "A lost little she-wolf, and pregnant too? Aren't we lucky, boys?"

I backed away slowly, panic rising in my throat. "Please don't come any closer. I don't have anything you want. Just let me go."

"Oh, but you do have something we want," another said, stepping forward. "That nice little pouch of money I saw you carrying earlier, for starters."

With trembling hands, I reached for my money pouch. "Take it. Take it all," I said, tossing it toward them. "Just let me leave."

The leader caught it effortlessly and peered inside, whistling at the cash and jewelry I'd taken from David. Then his eyes fixed on something else—the moonstone pendant hanging from my neck.

"That's a pretty necklace," he said, stepping closer. "Hand it over."

My fingers instinctively closed around the pendant. "Please," I begged. "Not this. Take everything else, but not this."

His eyes narrowed. "Did you hear that, boys? The little mother doesn't want to share."

Before I could react, a vicious backhand sent me crashing against the wall. Pain exploded through my side as I crumpled to the ground.

My baby! Instinctively, I curled into a ball, protecting my abdomen with both arms.

"Please," I sobbed. "I'm pregnant."

"Should have thought about that before you decided to be difficult," he growled, reaching down to grab my pendant.

I closed my eyes, waiting for more pain to come.

Instead, I heard a terrifying growl that made the air itself vibrate. A powerful scent suddenly flooded the alley, as fierce and cold as a winter storm.

My eyes flew open in disbelief.

The attackers froze in place, their expressions shifting from confidence to terror as a wave of Alpha command washed over them.

Then I saw him—tall and imposing, his eyes blazing with fury, his entire body radiating deadly intent.

Nathan!!!

His name fell from my lips as darkness began to claim me, a strange mixture of fear and relief washing over me as consciousness slipped away.

The last thing I saw was Nathan's face, twisted with rage yet somehow beautiful to my fading sight, before everything went black.