Chapter 96 something is about to change
Idris’s strong arms wrapped around me as he guided me toward the kitchen. His warmth was comforting, but my mind was still racing with Zara’s unexpected revelation. My best friend had met her mate while I was unconscious for three weeks. That was a long time to be asleep, and yet it still felt like I had woken up in a different world.
As we entered the kitchen, Zara was humming to herself, slicing fruit on the counter. She turned and smirked at me. "Took you long enough," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I crossed my arms. "You have some explaining to do."
Zara feigned innocence. "About what?"
"Your mate!" I shot back, taking a seat at the island. "Who is he? How did you meet? Why didn’t you wake me up?"
Idris chuckled beside me and leaned against the counter, clearly entertained. Zara rolled her eyes and leaned closer. "His name is Orion. He’s from the Crimson Shadow Pack. Tall, brooding, and completely obsessed with me." She grinned. "Just the way I like it."
I raised an eyebrow. "Crimson Shadow? They’re our allies, but I thought their Alpha was a ruthless warrior."
Zara waved a hand dismissively. "Orion isn’t the Alpha. He’s the Beta."
"Wait—you're mated to a Beta?" Idris asked, surprised.
"Yes, and?" Zara shot him a look. "Beta or Alpha, he’s mine. And trust me, he’s more than enough to handle me."
I smirked. "Sounds like you're already in love."
Zara huffed, but I could see the soft glow in her eyes. "Shut up and eat your food." She placed a plate in front of me, filled with a variety of fresh fruits, toast, and eggs. "You need to keep up your strength. You heard Dr. Tracy—only two weeks left before those little Alphas are here."
The reality of it hit me again. Two weeks. I rested a hand on my belly. Soon, they’ll be in my arms.
Idris placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "You're going to be an amazing mother, Raelynn."
I smiled, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. "And you’ll be an amazing father."
Zara groaned. "Ugh, you two are too cute. Now hurry up and eat before I regret making you food."
I laughed and picked up my fork. But as I took my first bite, a sudden sharp pain shot through my stomach. I gasped, my hands clutching my belly.
Idris was at my side instantly. "Raelynn?"
Zara’s eyes widened. "Are you okay?"
The pain faded as quickly as it came, but my heart was racing. "I... I think one of them just kicked really hard."
Idris let out a relieved breath, then chuckled. "Looks like they’re already strong like their mother."
I tried to smile, but a small feeling of unease settled in my chest. Something about that pain had felt different.
Zara narrowed her eyes at me. "Raelynn, are you sure everything’s okay?"
I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah... I think so."
But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming. And it was coming fast.
The uneasy feeling lingered long after the pain subsided. Idris stayed close, his hand resting protectively on my lower back as I finished my breakfast. Zara kept stealing glances at me, clearly unconvinced by my reassurance, but I forced a smile.
I didn’t want to worry them.
After breakfast, Idris led me back to our room, his fingers intertwined with mine. The moment we stepped inside, he turned to me, his golden eyes dark with concern.
"Raelynn," he murmured, brushing his thumb against my cheek. "Tell me the truth. Did that pain feel… normal?"
I hesitated. "I don’t know," I admitted. "It was sharp, but it went away quickly. Maybe I’m just overthinking."
Idris’s jaw clenched. "I don’t want to take any chances. You’ve already been through so much." His hand moved to my belly, warm and steady. "I’m calling Dr. Tracy."
"Idris—"
"No arguments, Raelynn." His tone was firm, but his eyes were filled with love. "You and the babies come first."
I sighed but didn’t protest. Deep down, I knew he was right.
A few minutes later, Dr. Tracy arrived, carrying her medical bag. She was a kind woman in her early forties, always calm and composed. She smiled reassuringly as she set up her equipment.
"Alright, Luna," she said gently. "Let’s check on these little warriors of yours."
I lay back on the bed while Idris sat beside me, holding my hand. Dr. Tracy spread the cool gel on my belly and moved the ultrasound wand over my skin.
The screen flickered to life, showing two tiny figures. My heart clenched at the sight of them—our babies, our future.
"They look strong," Dr. Tracy murmured, adjusting the angle. "Both hearts are beating beautifully."
Idris let out a breath of relief. "Thank the Moon Goddess."
"But..." Dr. Tracy frowned slightly, her eyes scanning the screen.
My pulse quickened. "But what?"
She hesitated. "It’s nothing alarming, but your son seems… restless."
"Restless?" Idris asked.
Dr. Tracy nodded. "He’s moving a lot, much more than usual. It could mean he’s getting ready for birth earlier than expected."
"Earlier?" Panic tightened my chest. "But I’m only at thirty-four weeks!"
She gave me a reassuring smile. "It’s not uncommon for Alpha-born pups to arrive a bit early. We’ll monitor you closely, but for now, I need you to rest as much as possible. No stress, no overexertion. Understood?"
I swallowed hard and nodded.
Idris tightened his grip on my hand. "I’ll make sure of it."
Dr. Tracy wiped the gel off my belly and packed up her things. "If you feel any more pain, even mild, call me immediately."
After she left, Idris helped me sit up. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel the tension rolling off him.
"Idris," I said softly. "I’m okay."
His arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly. "I almost lost you once, Raelynn. I can’t go through that again."
I buried my face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. "You won’t lose me. We’re in this together."
He exhaled shakily and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Always."
But even as he held me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to change.
And this time, there would be no turning back.
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