Chapter 127 Chapter 116

Chapter 127 Chapter 116
Grace
The room felt like it was closing in on me. The shouts and hurried footsteps of the intel team swirled around the pack house’s war room, the tension in the air thicker than I could bear. My hand rested protectively over my belly as another sharp contraction tore through me. I bit my lip, refusing to let the pain show.
Not now. Not yet.
I braced myself against the edge of the table, my fingers gripping the wood so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The contractions were coming closer together now, each one sharper than the last, but I couldn’t afford to let it distract me. The war outside raged on, and I was the one keeping the squads coordinated, ensuring our pack didn’t fall apart in Ethan and Mer’s absence.
“Gamma,” Mia said, her voice cutting through the haze. “Unit seven has engaged on the eastern ridge. They’re holding the line, but the rogues are advancing. We need reinforcements.”
I nodded, forcing myself to stay calm as I scanned the map. My vision blurred slightly, but I blinked hard, pushing the pain to the back of my mind. “Send unit four to back them up,” I said firmly. “Tell them to hold position and not let the rogues breach the ridge. If they do, the village will be exposed.”
Mia hesitated, her eyes flicking to my stomach before back to my face. “Grace… are you—”
“I’m fine,” I snapped, cutting her off. “Just get it done.”
She nodded and rushed off, leaving me alone for a brief moment. I exhaled shakily, my hand pressing harder against my belly as another contraction hit. The baby would not wait much longer, but I couldn’t afford to focus on that. Not with everything at stake.
I linked Nathaniel, hoping for a quick update. Nate, how’s the front line holding?
There was a pause, followed by his gruff, slightly breathless response. We’re managing. Conor’s unit is taking heavy hits, but they’re holding their ground. The rogues are relentless, Grace. I don’t know how much longer we can keep this pace.
We’re sending reinforcements to the eastern ridge, I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Do what you can, Nathaniel. The pack is counting on you.
Grace… His tone softened, concern lacing his words. You sound, are you alright?
I’m fine, I lied, cutting the link before he could press further. He didn’t need to know. None of them did. Not yet.
The contractions came again, this time stronger, stealing my breath for a moment. I gritted my teeth, steadying myself as I straightened. My instincts screamed at me to lie down, to call for help, but I couldn’t. The pack needed me. My child could wait.
“Gamma!” Josh’s voice broke through my thoughts as he rushed into the room. “We’ve got movement on the southern border. Another wave of rogues and minions.”
“Send unit nine to intercept,” I said immediately, pointing to the southern section of the map. “And tell unit twelve to hold their position. We can’t let them break through.”
Josh nodded, his face tight with worry as he ran off. I could feel the tension mounting in the air, the weight of the battle pressing down on all of us. My body screamed in protest, but I pushed the pain aside, focusing on the task at hand.
The next contraction was unbearable, a wave of agony that stole my breath entirely. I doubled over, clutching my stomach as I bit back a cry. The baby wasn’t waiting. It was coming now, whether or not I was ready.
“Grace!” Mia’s voice was sharp with alarm as she hurried back into the room. “You’re not okay. You need help.”
“I’m fine,” I insisted, but the words sounded weak even to my own ears. My legs trembled, and I had to grip the table to keep myself upright.
“No, you’re not,” Mia said firmly, stepping closer to steady me. “You’re in labor.”
“I know,” I snapped, frustration boiling over. “But I can’t leave now. The pack—”
“The pack will survive,” she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You won’t do anyone any good if you collapse here. You need to rest.”
Another contraction hit, and this time, I couldn’t hold back the pained gasp. My vision blurred, and I felt Mia’s arms around me, guiding me toward a chair.
“Josh!” she called over her shoulder. “Get Bella or anyone from the infirmary. Now!”
“No,” I protested weakly. “Not now…”
Mia crouched in front of me, her hands gripping mine as she met my gaze. “Grace, listen to me. The pack will fight, and they’ll win. But you need to focus on your baby now. Let us handle the battle.”
Tears pricked my eyes as I nodded reluctantly. She was right. I hated admitting it, but she was right. I couldn’t keep pushing myself. My baby needed me now, and no amount of stubbornness could change that.
Josh returned moments later with Bella, who took one look at me and immediately started barking orders. “We need to get her to the infirmary,” she said, her tone brisk but not unkind. “Grace, it’s time.”
Time. The word echoed in my mind as they helped me to my feet. The world outside raged on, the battle far from over, but at that moment, all I could think about was the life waiting to enter the world. My child. Dylan’s child. A piece of him that would live on.
“Be safe,” I whispered, a silent prayer for Nathaniel, Ethan, Mer, and everyone fighting for our survival. Then, with one last glance at the war table, I let them lead me away.