Chapter 19 — Katina

My world is awash in darkness as I sleep, wrapped in the comforting embrace of my dreams, even as a part of me is breaking at the loss I feel in Marco’s absence tonight. But then, a loud blaring of alarms pierce through my slumber, and I wake with a start. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I try to shake off the last bits of sleep that still addle my mind.

I know what this means, of course. We’ve had the same alarms set up back in Silver Moon pack, that I know this pack is under attack.

I can hear the howls in the distance, the sound of snarling and growling echoing through the woods, as I become acclimated to being awake.

I don’t wait to be told what to do; years of training kicking into place as I spring into action, quickly getting dressed for battle. I don't know how much time has passed since the alarms sounded, but it feels like mere seconds before I'm running towards the sounds of the ensuing battle. I can hear the screams and cries of members of this pack as I draw near, my mind already racing through the sequences that have been drilled into me since I started training at eleven.

My senses are heightened, as I join the fray. My wolf instincts take over, and I can feel my body shifting, preparing for the attack.

I move quickly, adrenaline coursing through my veins, as I search for any injured or endangered pack members. I know that any mistake could cost us dearly, and so I'm mindful of every move I make.

The sound of snarling and growling fills my ears as I come face to face with the rogue wolves. They’re vicious and merciless, their teeth bared as they launch themselves towards us.

I’m in the thick of it now, fighting alongside my pack members to take down the rogues. My claws are out, and my eyes are narrowed as I focus on taking down any rogue that dares to come near our pack.

Amidst the chaos, I spot a pack member’s child, cowering behind a tree. Without thinking, I dart towards the child, scooping her up with my paws, ensuring that I don’t nick her my claws as I shield her from harm, like she is mine to protect.

Another rogue attempts to attack us, but I’m quick to react, delivering a swift blow to its head. The rogue falls to the ground, unmoving.

I find a safe spot and hide the child before I turn and return back into the fight, dodging and exchanging blows in the process.

Time seems to stand still as we battle the rogues, but soon enough, the sound of retreating paws fills our ears. The battle ends swiftly as the rogues are repelled, and our pack is safe once again.

We take a moment to catch our breath, surveying the damage that’s been wrought. There are injuries, but nothing too serious.

I don’t see Marco amidst the chaos, but I feel that he is safe and unharmed.

The pack members turn to me, their eyes filled with awe and respect. In saving another pack member’s child, I’ve proven myself to be a worthy leader, a Luna who’s willing to put herself on the line for her pack. Amidst the praise, I know that there’s still much work to be done. We’ll need to rebuild and fortify our defenses, knowing that the rogues will undoubtedly come back.

I stand among the pack, looking out at the faces of those I now call not just pack mates, but family.

As I watch the pack’s joyous revelry, I feel a sudden jolt in my stomach. It’s a sharp pain, one that I haven’t felt before, and it makes me clasp my stomach tightly. I take deep breaths, trying to infuse a sense of calm inside me but as I feel another sharp prick in my stomach, I know that something is definitely wrong. I can feel it in my bones. I lean against a tree, trying to steady my breathing, but it’s of no use. I can feel myself collapsing to the ground, the pain in my stomach becoming unbearable.

“Katina? What’s wrong?” I hear Marco’s voice in my head for the first time since I met him, his tone one of concern and urgency.

I almost sob with relief at hearing him that I don’t question how he is able to communicate with me through the mind link.

“The baby,” I manage to whisper, the pain overwhelming my senses. “Something’s wrong.”

My body feels like it’s on fire, my muscles screaming in agony as I collapse onto the ground. The fight with the rogue wolves has taken a tremendous toll not just on me, but on my unborn pup. As I lie there, barely conscious, I hear the voices of the pack members above me. There’s a sense of urgency in their speech, and I can feel them lifting me up and carrying me towards the pack healer’s house.

Each step they take feels like excruciating torture, and I find myself barely able to catch my breath as I’m carried into the healer’s house. The healer takes one look at me and hurries me into a private room, swarming around me with her staff as she assesses my condition.

I lay there, too weak to move, as they tend to me, trying to soothe the pain that rips through my body. My mind races with worry for my unborn pup, and I pray that he is not hurt.

I can’t imagine what will happen to me if I lose him, not after everything I’ve done to keep him safe.

The healer's staff, experts in their field, work their magic using herbal remedies, and their sheer force of will to restore my strength.

Although it feels like I have been in the room for hours, they manage to work effectively, quickly curbing the pain and injecting some much-needed energy into my body.

As I gradually recover, I hear people whispering outside the room. Their tone is hushed, but I can hear their faint tones and from all indications, they are talking about me and my pregnancy.

A knot of dread works its way through my gut, as I wonder how Marco and I are going to spin the news of my pregnancy.

Being new to the pack, I know that some are still suspicious and wary of me, despite the fact that I’ve proven myself capable today.

Questions about my allegiances begin to fester in my mind. Will the pack ever accept me as one of their own? Will they ever be able to trust me the same way they trust each other?

I ignore the doubt and focus on my baby, my love for it, and the joy of raising it with the man I am beginning to consider as family.

Although the questions from the pack members continue to weigh heavy on my mind, I know that the love I have for my unborn pup is unwavering, and I take comfort in that.

Finally, the healer’s staff deems me healthy enough to be discharged. I stand up, feeling the difference in my body. Although I am still recovering, I am much stronger now.

As the door to the healer’s house opens, I see Marco’s tortured expression outside, and my heart breaks once again as I think of the questions that will no doubt plague the pack members about my collapse and the news of my pregnancy.

The healer and her staff know I’m only a few weeks out from giving birth to my pup, and I know sooner or later, one of them will talk.

However, in this moment, I am grateful to have his steady presence by my side as he walks into the room and gathers me into his arms, reminding me that we will face whatever the future throws at us together.