Chapter 82 Chapter 82
_Leah’s POV_
I did not sleep that night.
Even when my body lay still beside Kayden’s, my mind refused to rest. His arm was wrapped around my waist. He felt heavy and warm. His breathing was slow and deep; the steady rhythm of someone who trusted the world to stay calm until morning.
I envied him.
I stared at the ceiling, replaying everything again and again. Natasha’s voice. Her pause before answering. The smell in her room. The way her hands had trembled before turning still.
Athena’s presence curled tighter around my thoughts.
She is lying, Athena said quietly.
“I know,” I whispered back. “But I need proof.”
You already sense it, Athena replied. Your heart knows.
“But Kayden doesn’t,” I murmured. “And if I accuse her without proof, I’ll hurt him.”
Athena was silent for a moment.
Truth often hurts before it heals.
I swallowed hard.
I turned carefully in Kayden’s arms and studied his face in the dim light. He looked peaceful, strong and safe. He had trusted Natasha without question. She was his cousin...his blood....his family.
If I was wrong, I would be tearing that trust apart for nothing.
But if I was right…
A cold shiver ran through me.
I closed my eyes and finally drifted into a light and restless sleep.
Morning came with a dull ache behind my eyes.
I woke before Kayden. I slipped out of bed quietly and dressed. I needed air. I needed to think.
The pack house was quiet. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows. I walked slowly through the halls. My steps were echoing faintly.
Athena spoke again. You must act carefully.
“I will,” I said. “But I won’t ignore this.”
I paused near the stairs.
“What if I’m wrong?” I whispered. “What if she’s truly scared and I’m seeing things that aren’t there?”
Athena’s voice was firm. Fear has many faces. But lies have a smell.
I thought of the alcohol again.
Pregnant women didn’t drink.
Not like that.
The decision settled heavy in my chest.
“I’ll call a doctor,” I said. “It will be a simple check-up and nothing more.”
Yes, Athena replied. Let the truth reveal itself.
Kayden found me in the sitting room later that morning. He looked surprised to see me awake so early.
“You’re up early,” he said while sitting beside me.
“I didn’t sleep much,” I admitted.
He frowned slightly. “Bad dreams?”
“Not exactly,” I said softly. “Kayden… can we talk?”
He turned fully toward me. “Of course.”
I took a breath. “I want to call a doctor for Natasha.”
His brows lifted. “A doctor?”
“Yes,” I said carefully. “Just a routine check-up. To make sure everything is alright.”
He hesitated. “She said she was fine.”
“I know,” I said gently. “But stress can affect pregnancy. And she’s been through a lot.”
He studied my face. “Is that the only reason?”
Athena stirred.
Tell him the truth...but gently.
“I’m worried,” I said. “That’s all.”
Kayden was silent for a moment.
Then he nodded. “Alright. If it puts your mind at ease.”
Relief washed through me. “Thank you.”
He smiled faintly. “You care too much sometimes.”
I smiled back weakly. “Someone has to.”
The doctor arrived that afternoon.
Natasha hadn’t known beforehand. I made sure of that.
When she entered the sitting room and saw the doctor, she froze.
Only for a second.
But I saw it.
Her eyes widened slightly. Her breath hitched. Then she smiled.
“Is everything alright?” she asked.
Kayden stood up. “Leah thought it would be good to have a routine check.”
Natasha laughed lightly. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“I know,” I said calmly. “But it won’t take long.”
Her smile wavered....just a little.
She is afraid, Athena whispered.
The doctor introduced himself and gestured toward the examination room.
“Shall we?” he asked.
Natasha nodded stiffly. “Of course.”
I followed. Kayden stayed close.
The doctor asked simple questions. How far along. If there was any pain or any nausea.
Natasha answered smoothly...too smoothly.
When the doctor asked for blood work, Natasha stiffened.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” she said.
The doctor blinked. “It’s routine.”
“I already had a blood test done before I came here,” Natasha said quickly.
“When?” I asked.
“A few days ago,” she replied.
“Where?” Kayden asked.
“At a private clinic,” she said. “I have the report.”
She reached into her bag and pulled out folded papers.
My heart sank and raced at the same time.
Kayden took the report and skimmed it. Then handed it to me.
The words swam before my eyes.
Positive pregnancy test.
There were normal levels in the lab report.
Everything looked… perfect.
Athena growled inside me. Paper lies easily.
“This could be fake,” Athena said.
My hands tightened around the paper.
“I want another test,” I said.
The room went still.
Natasha stared at me. “Why?”
“Because I’m not convinced,” I said.
Kayden turned sharply toward me. “Leah.”
I met his gaze. “Something isn’t right.”
Natasha’s eyes filled with tears. “Are you accusing me of lying?”
I said nothing.
Athena urged, Speak.
“Yes,” I said quietly. “I am.”
Kayden stood up. “That’s enough.”
“No,” I said, my voice trembling. “It’s not.”
Natasha shook her head. “I trusted you.”
Kayden’s jaw tightened. “Why are you saying these things about her? What has she ever done to you?”
The words hit me like a blow.
The room felt too small....too tight.
Athena’s voice echoed softly. Stand firm.
I lifted my chin. “I’m trying to protect this pack.”
Kayden’s eyes darkened. “By accusing my cousin of faking a pregnancy?”
“Yes,” I said, tears burning my eyes. “If that’s what it takes.”
Silence crashed down between us.
Natasha sobbed quietly.
Kayden turned away from me.
“Get some rest,” he said to Natasha gently.
He didn’t look at me again.
The doctor cleared his throat awkwardly.
The tension in the room was thick and suffocating.