Chapter 106 Chapter 106

Chapter 106 Chapter 106
"Four days," he replied, reaching for a glass of water and helping me sit up to drink. "Shorter than we expected, but more intense."

I glanced around the room, noting the evidence of our marathon heat, discarded clothing, empty water pitchers, and the distinct scent of four wolves and their mate permeating everything. Fin was asleep in another chair, his analytical mind finally surrendered to exhaustion. Brent and Liam were nowhere to be seen.

"They're getting fresh supplies," Kane explained, following my gaze. "Food, clean bedding. The heat has broken, but you'll need recovery time."

I nodded, sipping the water gratefully. My body ached pleasantly, marked with love bites and gentle bruises that would heal quickly with my werewolf metabolism. Despite the physical exhaustion, I felt more at peace than I had in weeks, perhaps ever. Diamond's satisfaction hummed through me like a contented purr.

"How are you feeling?" Kane asked, setting the empty glass aside and moving to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Like I've been run over by a freight train," I admitted with a weak laugh. "But in the best possible way."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "You were... magnificent. All of you, Diamond included."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks that had nothing to do with my recently broken heat. "I don't remember much of it clearly. Just... sensations. Feelings."

"That's normal for a first true heat," he assured me. "The memories will come back in fragments over the next few days."

The door opened quietly, and Brent and Liam entered carrying trays of food and fresh linens. Both looked as exhausted as Kane, but their eyes lit up when they saw me sitting up and lucid.

"There she is," Brent said warmly, setting his tray on the bedside table. "How's our Luna feeling?"

"Hungry," I realised suddenly, my stomach growling loudly as the scent of food reached me. "Starving, actually."

Liam chuckled, helping me prop pillows behind my back. "That's a good sign. Your body needs to replenish after everything it's been through."

As they fussed over me, Brent was preparing a plate of protein-rich foods while Liam checked my temperature and hydration, and I noticed Fin stirring in his chair. His green eyes blinked open, immediately focusing on me with sharp awareness despite his obvious fatigue.

"You're coherent," he observed, straightening in his seat. "Excellent. I was beginning to worry the heat would extend into a sixth day."

"Four days were quite enough, thank you," I replied dryly, accepting the plate Brent offered. The first bite of rare steak was almost orgasmic, my body desperately craving the nutrients.

We sat in comfortable silence as I ate, my mates watching me with a mixture of relief and lingering protective concern. Through our bond, I could feel their wolves settling now that the intensity of my heat had passed, though I also sensed a new undercurrent of anticipation that I couldn't quite identify.

"What aren't you telling me?" I asked between bites, catching the glance that passed between Kane and Fin.

Kane hesitated, then spoke carefully. "The pack healer stopped by yesterday while you were... occupied. She wanted to check on you, but obviously couldn't examine you properly given the circumstances."

"And?" I prompted, setting down my fork as unease crept through me.

"She sensed something," Liam said gently, taking my hand. "A change in your scent, in your energy. She couldn't be certain without a proper examination, but..."

My heart stuttered in my chest as understanding dawned. "You think I might be... are we expecting?"

The question hung in the air between us, heavy with possibility. Diamond stirred within me, her awareness turning inward in a way that felt new and significant.

Brent moved closer, his amber eyes soft with emotion. "It's possible. Your heat was intense, and with four mates..." He trailed off, the implications clear.

I pressed my hand to my stomach, trying to sense what my mates and the healer apparently could. Was there something there? A tiny spark of new life? Diamond seemed to think so; her presence had wrapped protectively around something deep within me, something I hadn't noticed until now.

"We won't know for certain for a few more days," Fin said practically, though I could hear the hope beneath his calm tone. "Werewolf pregnancies progress faster than human ones, but it's still too early to confirm."

"How do you feel about it?" Kane asked quietly, his dark eyes searching my face. "If it's true?"

I considered the question carefully, sorting through the tangle of emotions it provoked. Fear, certainly, I'd only just turned eighteen, still learning who I was and what I was capable of. But also joy, fierce and unexpected. The thought of carrying my mates' child, of continuing both the Maxwell and Blackthorne bloodlines...

"Terrified," I admitted honestly. "But also... hopeful? Is that strange?"

"Not at all," Liam assured me, squeezing my hand. "We feel the same way."

Brent's hand joined mine on my stomach, his touch reverent. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

I nodded, blinking back unexpected tears. "Together," I agreed.

The tender moment was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Kane rose immediately, his protective instincts on high alert despite the safety of our location.

"It's the Priestess," he reported after checking. "She says it's important."

I nodded permission, quickly pulling a robe around myself as Kane opened the door. The ancient woman entered with an expression that was both grave and strangely excited.

"Luna Blackthorne-Maxwell," she greeted me formally. "I apologise for the intrusion during your recovery, but there are matters that require your attention."

"What's happened?" I asked, concerned by her urgency.

"Much, while you were... indisposed," she replied carefully. "The aftermath of your cleansing ritual has sent shockwaves through the werewolf world. Alpha Maxwell has been fielding calls from pack leaders across the continent."

I exchanged glances with my mates, unease replacing the warmth of our earlier moment. "What kind of calls?"

"Some seeking alliance," the Priestess explained. "Others are demanding explanations. A few threatening retaliation for what they view as an attack on Northern Alliance sovereignty."

"Sovereignty?" Brent scoffed. "They were a terrorist organisation, not a legitimate pack."

"To some, there is little difference," the Priestess said grimly. "The Northern Alliance had allies, packs who benefited from their operations or who shared their ideology. They are... displeased by recent events."

I pushed myself to sit straighter, ignoring my body's protests. "How displeased? Are we in danger?"

"Not immediately," she assured me. "Your display of power has made me most cautious about direct confrontation. But there are rumblings of a council being convened, a gathering of Alpha leaders to discuss the 'Blackthorne situation.'"

"The Blackthorne situation," I repeated flatly. "They mean me. And Lucious."

The Priestess nodded. "Your combined power frightens them, Luna. What you did to those Northern Alliance warriors—freeing their wolves, breaking years of conditioning in moments, it's unprecedented. Many fear what you might do if turned against them."

"I would never—" I began hotly, but Kane's hand on my shoulder stopped me.